Our Team
Board of Directors
President
Jared Ross is the National Program Support Manager at United for Literacy (formerly known as Frontier College). He has been a member of the MTML board for three years. He has an M.A. in History from York University and an M.Ed. with a specialization in Adult Education from OISE.
Paul Haigh
Vice President
Experienced Metis Educator, Curriculum Developer and Community Worker, Paul believes in 'experiential' learning with over 10 years of experience in policy planning, delivery and development specific to Indigenous educational curriculums, community engagement, housing and job development for marginalized populations. He has experience working with First Nation, Metis and Inuit urban communities, new Canadians and homeless populations with psycho/social/physical, substance abuse, behavioral and emotional challenges.. He offers knowledge of Indigenous history/culture, literature and spirituality acquired through hands-on encounters and study within Indigenous communities.
Treasurer
Syed Shah is a CPA and currently the Director of Finance at Husky Technologies. He is a versatile and high energy finance and business professional who has been successfully reorganizing, streamlining and strengthening operations for over 15 years. Being a persuasive communicator, he readily gains buy-in and consensus amongst key-decision makers to uphold important business goals.
Through various volunteer roles, Syed recognizes the importance of adult literacy and the impact of literacy programs in the adult upgrading process. He is hoping that through the role as a Treasurer in MTML Board he will manage and monitor organizational finances in the most effective manner. Syed is also a volunteer tutor with Studypages, where he tutors students in various finance and accounting courses.
Kirandeep Randhawa
Director
Kirandeep Randhawa is a queer Indian-Canadian settler born and raised in Toronto. She has worked in various community outreach and education-related programs in the city from creating online writing workshops with Frontier College’s Beat the Street program to supporting young people’s transition into post-secondary education at the East Scarborough Boys and Girls Club.
She has been involved in these organizations because she is committed to closing education gaps for marginalized communities. She completed her undergraduate in Political Science at the University of Toronto and her MA in Social Justice & Community Engagement at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Devra Abraham
Director
Devra is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with 15+ years of experience in the profit and non-profit sector. As a Senior Project Manager at KPMG Canada, she currently manages the implementation of large-scale IT infrastructure projects. She has a Hons. BA from University of Toronto and believes strongly in the transformative power of lifelong learning.
Brianna Big Canoe
Director
Starting her career in literacy in January 2022, Brianna is the Coordinator of the Indigenous Literacy Program on Georgina Island First Nation. Brianna has a passion for engaging her community in literacy through an Indigenous perspective. Prior to her career in literacy, Brianna has 5 years of experience in community engagement, acquiring funding for large scale projects, and project management. She has a BAH in International Development Studied from Trent University.
Mary Mohan
Board Member
Mary Mohan is an adult learner at PTP West and is a member of the Bits and Bites Snack bar. Mary was the Co - Chair of the LBS Learners’
Conference and international Literacy Day Committee from 2020- 2022. This year she is an active committee member for the conference. She is a strong advocate for adult literacy, adult learners in the literacy and academic Upgrading programs in Toronto. Mary’s years of experience as a learner in literacy programs has provided her an insight into the gaps, challenges and issues that learners may face in the learning experience. In all these years, she has inspired learners to achieve more and become confident in developing their skills through the literacy programs.
Gabrianna Jolie
Board Member
MTML Staff
Managing Director
Ambreen has 20 years of experience in the education field. Possessing a Masters in English Literature and in Educational Planning and Management, she has maintained successful positions as an English Language Instructor, Manager HR, Communication Executive and Literacy practitioner. Her previous work experience and life-long learning certificates and diplomas bring a wealth of information to develop learning strategies, recruitment procedures and governance. Her dedication and determination in helping individuals grow and develop are highlighted in all her professional achievements. She is also passionate about volunteering and has been an ardent volunteer in many non-profits across GTA. She loves to cook and paint in her free time.
Community Planner
Georgina dos Santos possesses a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Urban Studies. Georgina has over 15 years of experience in the education field. She holds certificates in TESL (Teachers of English as a Second Language), Curriculum Development and Adult Education. She has maintained successful positions as an English teacher, ESL/LINC Instructor, Program Coordinator, and Language Assessor. She has experience and roles in life- skills management, teacher trainer, career and academic advisor. Her dedication and passion in helping individuals grow and develop their own skills are highlighted in her professional and personal achievements. She is a certified Reiki practitioner, a Toronto Writers Collective facilitator, and volunteer in mentorship programs throughout the GTA. Georgina joined MTML June 2019, as the Community Planner Project Manager. Georgina is responsible for the planning, management, coordination, and advocating of Literacy and Basic Skills Programs and professional development of Practitioners in the Toronto and York Region.
Susan Lefebvre
Project Advisor
Susan has been in adult education since 1986, the last ten years as an LBS manager for the Toronto District School Board. Before joining the TDSB program, Susan was an assessor and LBS instructor for the Toronto Catholic District School Board LBS; and previously served on the MTML Board of Directors. Susan is committed to adult education and is passionate about supporting students to succeed.