Staff Biographies
2010-2011 Venta Staff Profiles
See below for brief biograpahies of Venta's exceptional Teaching and Administrative Staff. The links below will direct to a specific staff member.
Kristin has been the Junior 3 teacher at Venta since March of 2008. She was born in South Africa and moved to Saskatchewan with her family when she was in Grade 5. After three years on the prairies, her family moved to Ontario and have been here ever since. Kristin attended Grenville Christian College in Brockville, Ontario. She moved to Ottawa in 2007 after marrying her husband, Steven, and taught at Counterpoint Academy. Kristin enjoys teaching at Venta. She loves getting to know all the individual children in her class and finding ways to teach them in a fun and creative way. Kristin spends her free time doing pottery, travelling, skiing, volunteering at the Humane Society and spending time with her husband and pets. You can reach Kristin by leaving her a voice mail by dialing 613-839-2175 and entering extension 310 when prompted or e-mail: kanderson@ventaprep.com.
Cory grew up in a small town in southern Ontario called Hagersville. After completing a Bachelor of Sport Management (BSM,05) at Brock University in St. Catharines, he moved to Ottawa to complete a Master’s degree in Communication at the Unviersity of Ottawa (MA, 08). With Cory's experience working in the Recruitment Liaison at Brock University during and after his degree, he took the role of Director of Marketing and Admissions at Sedbergh School in Montebello, Quebec. It was here that he discovered the joy and excitement of working at an independent school. Cory is thrilled to join the Venta team as Director of Marketing and Admissions, and truly enjoys meeting with and helping all prospective parents. You can reach Cory by dialing 613-839-2175 and entering extension 240 when prompted or e-mail: info@ventaprep.com.
Bennett, Kate
A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, Kate earned her Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in History with a minor in Archaeology. Being fond of travel, she pursued further education abroad. She completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Education at Canterbury Christ Church University College, England in 2005. Kate remained in the United Kingdom and assumed roles as both a classroom teacher and subject coordinator. After gaining recognition by the Irish Teaching Council, she worked as a Resource and Learning Support teacher in Galway and assisted in organizing a whole-school reading program in Dublin. When Kate returned to Canada, she worked as an instructor teaching mature students with special educational needs. She also earned an additional qualification in Special Education (Part 1) and is continuing to build upon her knowledge of American Sign Language. Kate enjoys living an active lifestyle and getting involved in her community. She is thrilled to be joining the Venta Preparatory School team and is looking forward to the coming school year. You can reach Kate by e-mail: kbennett@ventaprep.com.
Misha has been teaching at Venta since 2002. He was born and raised in Carp, attended Bell High School and then went on to the University of Ottawa to receive a Bachelor of Science (Human Kinetics) degree. He lives in Stittsville with his wife Nikki and their two children. He later earned his teaching degree from the same school. Misha is the multi-subject Junior 6 teacher, and the Physical Education teacher to the Junior 5 and 6 students. He organized the Active Schools program for Venta and in his "free time" he runs the lunch time basketball and soccer tournaments. Misha also led the Senior trips to Europe over March Break in 2006 and 2007. Misha is an engaging presenter of the subject material and has a wonderful sense of humour. He has the ability to involve his students in the curriculum in a hands on manner. He is very innovative, but at the same time he offers a highly structured and demanding academic programme. Misha is an avid athlete who spends the majority of his free time playing and coaching soccer. You can reach Misha by leaving him a voice mail by dialing 613-839-2175 and entering extension 314 when prompted or e-mail: mcostescu@ventaprep.com.
Julie was born in the North East of England and worked as a clerk in the Civil Service for 6 years upon leaving school. After marrying and having 3 children, she resumed part-time work as an Admin Assistant. She emigrated with her husband and family to Canada in 1999. Her two daughters, Stephanie and Charlotte are now grown up and son Philip is in High School.Having a son with aspergers syndrome has brought her into contact with various Social Skills groups and has taught her how to deal with challenging situations with small children. Julie started back to work in Canada running daycare from home. She then progressed to working with the City of Ottawa Pre-School program and later Kumon. In 2006, Julie gained the opportunity to work with small children at Venta as a teacher’s assistant and has really enjoyed the time since, developing strong bonds with the class pupils from year to year. Her Interests include reading, exercise and travel.You can reach Julie by e-mail: jcurry@ventaprep.com.
Stephen brings to Venta his varied professional experience in journalism, politics and education. He most recently served as teacher of English and Civics at Ottawa’s Ashbury College. Stephen previously worked as a journalist before becoming a political aide and advisor to Members of Parliament and various candidates for public office. He strives to foster students who are both optimists and critical thinkers, believing that kindness, consideration and hard work will bring success academically and beyond. Stephen holds degrees in Journalism, Political Science and Education from the University of Ottawa. You can reach Stephen by leaving him a voice mail by dialing 613-839-2175 and entering extension 232 when prompted or e-mail: sdame@ventaprep.com.
Sarah has been teaching music to Venta students since 2007. She was born and raised in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia where she was introduced to music and piano through her church and grandparents. She attended Acadia University where she majored in music education and minored in history. After graduating in 2005, she moved to Kingston, Ontario where she attended Queen's University to obtain her Bachelor of Education. Sarah began her career in the 2006-2007 school year at Grenville Christian College in Brockville, Ontario teaching music to students from grade seven to grade 12. She was also involved in the extra curricular activities being a co-leader of Alpha House. (the equivalent to Venta's house system.) She moved to Ottawa in the summer of 2007 and began teaching at Venta. Sarah not only enjoys teaching the Venta students in class, but she also teaches some of our students private piano lessons. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys playing piano, reading, spending time with her friends, camping and travelling. You can reach Sar by leaving her a voice mail by dialing 613-839-2175 and entering extension 236 when prompted or e-mail:skennedy@ventaprep.com.
Anita was born and raised in St. John's, Newfoundland. While working in the accounting department of the Municipal Council she met Sean Hopper who was also working for the city during the summer running a Leisure Pals programme for disabled children. Anita continued a long distance relationship with Sean while he completed university in Nova Scotia and then she moved to a job in Ottawa with Lloyds Bank in 1998. She lived at Venta with Doc and Marilyn until she married Sean in 1991. Anita continued working for two more years at the bank which later became the Hong Kong Bank of Canada until she and Sean had Justin and then Angela. After staying home with the children until they started school, she was asked to join the Venta family in the financial department. She is now the Business Manager and also co-owner of 5 Star Summer Camps. Both of her children (who have been part of Venta since they were born) were or are now students of the school. Anita loves her job and can't think of anywhere else she would rather work. You can reach reach by leaving by dialing 613-839-2175 and entering extension 244 when prompted or e-mail: ahopper@ventaprep.com.
Sean Hopper has been teaching at Venta since 1991 and he is currently the Dean of Students and Director of Operations. In addition, he teaches Physical Education for Grades 9 & 10. Sean received his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and recreation management with a minor in psychology at Acadia University. He also ran the recreational programmes for physically disabled children in St. John's, Newfoundland. Throughout his time at Venta he has been involved in developing the school's summer camp programmes (now 5 Star Camps). Sean has his level 1 and 2 coaching certification and has his certification to operate a ropes course situated on the Venta property. He has an extensive background in athletics including football, rugby, baseball, soccer, skiing and snowshoeing. He is also an avid fisherman. Sean lives in Carp with his wife and co-owner of 5 Star Summer Camps, Anita and their two children. Sean has a unique history with Venta in that he was a student of Doc and Marilyn since he was 11 years old. Much of his philosophy and training have been molded and shaped by them. His education and experience have always been focused on children and his lifelong dream is to make a difference in the quality of life for as many children as possible. You can reach Sean by dialing and entering extension 225 when prompted or e-mail: shopper@ventaprep.com.
Marilyn was raised in Ottawa and completed all of her studies there. She attended Carleton University/St. Patrick’s College (B.A. Sociology 1971) and then the University of Ottawa (B.A.Hon. Psychology), 1972 and M.Ed. 1977). From 1972-1979 she was employed at the University of Ottawa, first in the School of Human Kinetics and Leisure Studies as Academic Assistant to the Dean and then at the Child Study Centre. Marilyn met Dr. Sidlauskas ("Doc") at the University when she was a student and at the time of Doc’s retirement from the Child Study Centre in 1979, she was the Out-Client Coordinator of the Centre. She moved to Aurora with ‘Doc’ in 1979 and worked as her Executive Assistant at the ‘Canadian Association for Learning Through Listening’ until 1981 when Venta Preparatory School was opened. From 1981-1993 Marilyn was the Vice-Principal of Venta. She was appointed Principal by the Board of Directors when Dr. Sidlauskas retired from that position in 1993. She has taught various courses through the years at Venta including English, History, French, Guidance and World Religions. Marilyn resides on the Venta school grounds and for the years 2005-06 and 2006-07 she also acted as Housemother in the school’s residence. You can reach Marilyn by dialing 613-839-2175 and entering extension 223 when prompted or e-mail: mmansfield@ventaprep.com.
Erin has been the Junior 2 teacher at Venta since 2001. Upon her graduation from Carleton University, she worked as an intern for the federal government. After that, she moved to Alberta to pursue her Bachelor of Education, which she completed in the Spring of 2001. She began teaching at Venta the following September. Erin enjoys observing the enthusiasm of children as they learn and become more proficient. She is a very warm teacher who establishes a strong personal connection with her students, at the same time encouraging them to be focused and to stretch themselves to work to their potential. Erin grew up in Manotick area and has enjoyed all of the benefits of being raised in a rural setting. When not at school, she is keen on being outdoors, traveling and spending time with family and friends. You can reach Erin by leaving her a voice mail by dialing 613-839-2175 and entering extension 305 when prompted or e-mail: emccambridge@ventaprep.com.
Gillian Mattock has been the Junior School art teacher at Venta Since 2007. Born on the north-east coast of England, Gillian's Mother found her artistic tendancies problematic from the moment she was mobile! If she had crayons and a blank area to draw on, she would. Walls, furniture, inside cupboards, bed-sheets..nothing was safe. She wanted to be an artist all her life. At school, her eyes would light up at the thought of scenery for a play, or a mural about viking invasions. Gillian attended the College of Art and Technology in Newcastle, majoring in Art History and English Literature. She also spent time studying stained glass manufacturing at an establishment in Monkwearmouth, where stained glass for churches and castles had been produced for 600 years. Gillian met her Canadian husband in England and moved to Canada. She took 10 years out from full-time work to raise two children. Not having the power to remain separated from art and people for very long, she started giving private lessons to small groups of teens. She has been doing this for 10 years. When she was was asked to judge the Venta art competition, she has never looked back, and as a part-time teacher at Venta she can follow her dream to be an artist and work with some amazing children. Gillian's daughter graduated from Venta in June 2010. You can reach Gillian by leaving her a voice mail by dialing 613-839-2175and entering extension 312 when prompted or e-mail: gmattock@ventaprep.com.
Aaron, born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, hails from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. After graduating from Cole Harbour high school in 1990, he went to Dalhousie University earning a Bachelor of Recreation in 1995. He is the oldest of 4 children. Aaron first came to Venta in the summer of 1994 when he accepted the position of lifeguard for the summer camp. It is also during this summer that Aaron met his future wife Becky Moore when she thought he was one of the kids and asked him to leave the kitchen! After an incredible experience that summer at the school, Aaron went back to Halifax to finish off his degree. By the upcoming Christmas however, he had received a call from Principal Marilyn Mansfield asking if he would be interested in taking on the new position of “House Father” in the dormitory. By February of the following year, he had moved from Halifax to Venta to take on the full-time position. Following 4 years in the dormitory, and after teaching a grade 3 science class at the school, Aaron became interested in teaching. In the spring of 1997, Aaron applied and was accepted into the Bachelor of Education program at Ottawa University. Since 1998, Aaron has taught grades 4 to 8 at Venta. Outside of teaching, Aaron is heavily involved in sports either as a player or as a coach. Specifically, Aaron is involved in coaching rugby to junior female athletes. Since 1994, he has worked as a head coach, and regional level and has served as the Head Coach for the Ontario Provincial U-17 squad. Since 2004, Aaron has worked with National athletes at the U-19 and Senior level. Currently, he is completing his NCCP level 4 coaching qualifications and hopes to return to coaching soon. Aaron is married to Rebecca Moore who is pursuing her Ph.D. in Child Clinical Psychology. They have three active boys who keep them both on their toes! Their two older sons, Kieran and Aiden attend Venta as students. You can reach Aaron by leaving him a voice mail by dialing 613-839-2175 and entering extension 301 when prompted or e-mail: amcdonald@ventaprep.com.
Jane is a Canadian citizen of British extraction, married, and the mother of teenage sons. Her family immigrated to Canada in 1997. She has been involved with Venta since 2001, when both her children became students. She joined Venta as the Junior tutor in September 2006. She tutors junior students and supervises the Junior 3 study period. Her previous educational work experiences include Nursery, Montessori, and Elementary schools. She has been involved in teaching children to ride in the Pony Club and she has helped in Therapeutic Riding. She was a member of the Mount Pakenham Snow School and actively participated in the Skiing in Schools program. Her hobbies include reading, skiing, gardening, playing violin and learning guitar. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the March Rural Community Association. You can reach Jane by leaving her a voice mail by dialing 613-839-2175 and entering extension 237 when prompted or e-mail: jmacleod@ventaprep.com.
Amanda started working at Venta in 2009 as the evening study coordinator, as well as a tutor and supply teacher. She loves working at Venta and is very excited to teach Grade 8 in the 2010-2011 school year. She is a native of the Carp area and currently lives in Kanata with her husband Alex.Amanda attended the University of Ottawa to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in General Arts and a specialization in English. After graduating in 2008, she studied at Nipissing University to obtain her Bachelor of Education (Junior/Intermediate). Her philosophy of teaching is to help each student reach his or her potential, while creating a fun learning environment. Other than teaching, Amanda enjoys curling, reading, and spending time with her husband, family and friends. You can reach Amanda by leaving her a voice mail by dialing 613-839-2175 and entering extension 311 when prompted or e-mail: amckenzie@ventaprep.com.
Emily started teaching the Junior 3 class at Venta in 2005. She did her Honours BA in psychology at McMaster University and attended teacher's college at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. Emily enjoys getting to know each student in her class. She concentrates on their areas of strength, areas for improvement as well as their likes and dislikes. Emily enjoys the Venta community, including the teachers, staff, parents and students. Her free time is mostly occupied with her family, as she has two children under the age of 3.5! She still manages to make time for two hobbies she will never give up: reading and exercising. You can reach Emily by leaving her a voice mail by dialing 613-839-2175 and entering extension 301 when prompted or e-mail: emosher@ventaprep.com.
Shaun Quinn started teaching at Venta in 1990. Over the years he has taught multi-subjects in grades 7 & 8 as well as senior courses in Geography and Civics. However, Shaun was best known for being the Grade 8 teacher for more than 10 years, until he took the position of Director of Studies. Born and raised in Ottawa, Shaun attended Gloucester High School, followed by an undergraduate degree in Geography at the University of Ottawa. He then completed his Masters in Education (Organizational Studies) at the same university. In addition to supervising the academic programme and making sure the curriculum is delivered according to the Ontario Ministry of Education standards, Shaun organizes the annual ski trip to Stoneham, Quebec and he is the Andrew House staff representative. Growing up Shaun was an avid athelete - particularly in hockey and lacrosse. He worked as a hockey instructor at Bob Fawcett's Power Hockey School for 7 years . In 1985 he was the Director of a Lacrosse Camp in Huntsville, Ontario. He played Junior hockey in Navan, Junior lacrosse in Gloucester and Senior lacrosse in Huntsville. Shaun's hobbies include golf, fishing, and spending time with family and friends at the cottage. He has lived on the school property with his wife Tracey, since they were married in 1995.
You can reach Shaun by leaving him a voice mail by dialing 613-839-2175 and entering extension 224 when prompted or e-mail: squinn@ventaprep.com.
Kaija brings considerable artistic and teaching experience to her position as Venta's new Senior
Art Teacher. In this role Kaija is excited to provide a positive, exceptional learning environment
for which students are able to recognize their full innate, creative abilities. She has taught visual
art for the Upper Canada School Board and as an instructor and tutor from her professional
artist studio practice in Almonte. Born in Finland, and schooled in Sweden, she emigrated with
her family to Canada – to Thunder Bay’s Finnish community. Kaija holds a Bachelor of Fine
Arts from the University of Lethbridge, as well as Bachelor of Education from the University
of Ottawa. As an artist her work has been exhibited in Toronto, Montreal, New York, Calgary,
Edmonton, and Japan. In her spare time, Kaija is an avid runner and Nordic skier and with her
family, is actively involved in the Almonte area arts community. You can reach Kaija by leaving
her a voice mail by dialing 613-839-2175 and entering extension 312 when prompted, or e-mail:
kaijasm@ventaprep.com. Kaija’s art studio link is at www.willowcreekstudio.ca
Dr. Sidlauskas ("Doc") was born in Lithuania and completed all of her education there until she had finished her undergraduate studies at the University of Kaunas (M.A. Philosophy 1936). She then went to Milan, Italy as a scholarship student, to begin her Ph.D. programme in Psychology at Catholic University of the Sacred Heart. In June 1939, with just her Ph.D. thesis to complete, she returned to Lithuania and was immediately caught up in the chaos that preceded the beginning of World War II. There were no jobs in her field so by then fluent in Italian, she was hired by the Italian Embassy in Kaunas, which was then the capital of Lithuania. In 1940 Lithuania was occupied by the U.S.S.R. and the round up of Lithuanian intellectuals, which continued almost unabated until the 1970’s, made it very dangerous for her to remain in her homeland. With the help of the Italian ambassador she was able to escape Lithuania in August 1940 and return to Italy. She did not set foot on her native soil again or see any members of her family until 1970. In 1943 she was awarded her Ph.D. in Child Psychology in Milan. She remained in Italy, teaching at the university until 1948 when she emigrated to Canada as a ‘Displaced Person’. She worked in Montreal as a domestic for two years, spent one year as an Honorary Fellow at the University of Minnesota, and in 1951 accepted a full time teaching position at the University of Ottawa, School of Psychology. In 1955 she founded the Child Guidance Centre which later became the Child Study Centre. She remained on the academic staff of the university until her retirement in 1979. She was the Director of the Child Study Centre as well as Professor of Child Psychology teaching M.A. and Ph.D. students, and for a period of time in the 1970’s, she was also Chairman of the Department of Child Psychology. After her retirement from the University of Ottawa in 1979 she was the Clinical Director of the ‘Canadian Association of Learning Through Listening’ in Aurora, Ontario and also Consultant Psychologist to Toronto Montessori Schools and the North York Board of Education. In 1981 Dr. Sidlauskas founded Venta Preparatory School. She was the Principal until 1993. She remains very much involved in the operation of the school as Psychologist and she also sits on the school’s Board of Directors. You can reach Dr. Sidlauskas by dialing (613) 839-2175 and entering extension 229 when prompted.and entering extension 224 when prompted or e-mail:asidlauskas@ventaprep.com.
Mike started teaching grade 9 and 10 Math and Science at Venta in 1996. In addition, he also teaches Leadership in the Outdoors. Mike is a" jack of all trades" as he maintains the Venta computer network, organizes the biennial Science Fair, helps with the Intramural programme, Bike-A-Thon for CHEO, Halloween Dance, and the ski trip. He is also the founder of the Venta Vipers Running Club. Mike is also the Michael House staff representative. Mike is very tuned into his students' needs and thoroughly enjoys teaching at Venta. He is a dynamic presenter and is always focused on each child's progress. Mike has a great sense of humour and is often referred to as a "kid in a suit". One of Mike's students was amazed at a recent ski trip as he watched Mike gracefully snow board down the hill while commenting that he can also just as easily explain black holes. In his spare time Mike enjoys fishing and woodworking. He is an avid snow boarder and skateboarder. He spends many hours training for and participating in long distance running and triathlons. Mike was born and raised in Manotick and he spent most of his summers working at the family business, Spratt Sand and Gravel. Mike received a BSc in Physics and Mathematics at Bishop's University, followed by his teaching certificate. Mike and his wife Una, live in Ottawa with their son Finlay. You can reach Mike by leaving him a voice mail by dialing 613-839-2175 and entering extension 307 when prompted or e-mail: mspratt@ventaprep.com
Jennifer Thorvaldsen has been the teacher of the Junior 1 class at Venta since 2005. Her background in teaching is quite varied, as she did her teacher training at the University of Newcastle in NSW, Australia. Upon graduating, she spent three years teaching at Westboro Academy in Ottawa, then moved to England to be closer to her boyfriend, now husband, Stian. In England, Jennifer taught the Year 1 class at Herringham Primary School where she not only taught, but also assisted the faculty in developing the primary programs for the school. Jennifer loves teaching at Venta. Her creative and dynamic personality allow her to engage the very youngest students as they acquire the skills necessary for a successful academic career. She believes that before becoming successful learners, students must have a fun, structured, and comfortable environment, and she is very pleased to be able to provide this for her class. As well as teaching, Jennifer enjoys participating in other activities at the school. She, along with another member of the staff, took some of the senior students on a trip around Italy during one March break. She is also a co-leader of Arthur House and for what she lacks in athletic skill, she makes up for with enthusiasm and effort. She lives in Barrhaven with her husband Stian and their daughter Emma. You can reach Jen by leaving her a voice mail by dialing 613-839-2175 and entering extension 248 when prompted or e-mail: jthorvaldsen@ventaprep.com.
2013 Old Carp Road Ottawa, Ontario K0A 1L0 info@ventaprep.com T 613.839.2175 x240
