Arrowsmith Staff Set the Stage for a Positive and Healthy School Experience

Barbara Arrowsmith-Young

Founder & Director

An innovator and author in the field of neuroeducation, Barbara Arrowsmith-Young’s work utilizing the principles of neuroplasticity, which grew out of her own journey to transform her own brain, is used worldwide to enhance cognitive functioning. Her vision is to put the Brain in the Education Equation.

Her work begun in 1978 is recognized as one of the first examples of the practical application of neuroplasticity to address learning difficulties. Its application has expanded to address those dealing with traumatic brain injury, addiction, cognitive decline with aging and those who want to enhance performance.

Her journey and work is documented in her bestselling book, The Woman Who Changed Her Brain and in her TEDx Talk.  

“It is through cognitive transformation that we help unlock each individual’s gifts allowing them to Dare to Dream.”  Barbara Arrowsmith-Young

Shelley Woon, MEd, OCT

Head of School

Shelley brings to Arrowsmith School a wealth of knowledge and experience gained through 30 years of collaborating with students, families, staff and community partners at the school, system, and provincial level. She holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and Supervisory Officer and Principal qualifications, along with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and Specialists in Special Education and Reading.  

Shelley exemplifies inspirational and professional leadership and is committed to creating and facilitating conditions that support and promote collaboration, well-being, and active learning for students, staff, and families.   If a problem arises, Shelley is known for her approachability and “whatever it takes,” solution-focused attitude towards achieving positive outcomes.  She recognizes and values the brain-learning connection and is eager to engage students in unlocking their potential through the Arrowsmith Program. In both her personal and professional time, Shelley’s creative nature shines through. Note: her glass gingerbread houses are not edible. 

Shelley is thrilled to be an integral part of the dynamic and innovative Arrowsmith School community.

 “I am optimistic the day will come when opportunities that drive neuroplastic change are key components of the daily offerings within every school.”  Until then, I hope you will join us in one of our in-person or online classrooms at Arrowsmith School.” Shelley Woon

Jason Kinsey

Admissions Officer

After receiving his B. Ed. in 2000 from Nipissing University, Jason gained experience in both Northern Ontario and Atlanta, Georgia before joining Arrowsmith School. Jason’s life trajectory was permanently changed after becoming aware of Barbara Arrowsmith-Young’s revolutionary means of addressing learning difficulties.  

Since 2008, Jason has been fortunate to work with students and their families to help open doors that otherwise may have remained closed. Whether it has been in the classroom as a cognitive teacher, as a principal, or in Admissions, he has learned that being able to speak with families that are just discovering Arrowsmith for the first time is an absolute pleasure.  

Jason shares, “To be able to answer questions and let students and families know that, yes, we can help, is just about one of the best feelings in helping to carry Barbara Arrowsmith-Young’s work forward.”  

Jason is thankful that his own children have benefited from attending Arrowsmith – the Brain Change School.

Andrew Sommerhalder

Financial Manager

Andrew is a graduate from University of Toronto and Seneca College, where he completed his CPA, CGA designation. With over 20 years of combined management and accounting experience, Andrew is a highly skilled accountant with a proven track record of helping businesses.

As Financial Manager for Arrowsmith, Andrew works to ensure that Arrowsmith is operating effectively and efficiently. He has a deep understanding as to how his contribution impacts on the overall Arrowsmith strategy, and actively encourages others to work in partnership to achieve Arrowsmith goals.

Joining in July 2021 he has found the team culture to be both collaborative and supportive. Working with a team that delivers real life-changing impact on Arrowsmith students has been a welcoming and positive environment to join.

When not managing Arrowsmith financial functions, he enjoys spending time with his wife, cooking and relaxing.

Janice Jordan

Psychometrist

Janice graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts degree followed by a postgraduate degree in Psychometry from the Institute of Child Study. Her primary focus has been psycho-educational assessments and counselling. She is a member of OAMHP (Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals).

Janice joined Arrowsmith School in 2003 and since that time, she has worked in collaboration with an exceptional team to support each student according to their individual needs. Janice supports staff and families in understanding the specific strengths and needs of students as a means of determining the best personalized program to promote student success.

When you engage with Janice during the Arrowsmith Assessment process, you will recognize that she is a warm and empathetic professional. She is intent on ensuring that all participants feel at ease and are comfortable throughout the assessment process. Over the years, Janice has had the pleasure of observing the growth and success of many students and looks forward to helping you on your transformation journey at Arrowsmith.

Ian Taylor Wright

English & Cognitive Teacher

Ian holds an honours B.A. in Chinese studies from the University of Toronto, a TESL certificate from Woodsworth College and a B.Ed from the University of Ottawa. After a scholarship to study in Nanjing concluded, Ian moved to Taiwan to remain within a Chinese language environment, embarking upon his teaching career at a private language school. He later moved to Japan where he taught conversational English for several years in both the public school system and at private language schools. 

Ian began working at Arrowsmith School in January of 2003, shortly after receiving his teaching degree from the University of Ottawa. Given his love for languages and his belief in the Arrowsmith Program, Ian is thrilled to be both an English and Cognitive Teacher.

When not engrossed in a book be it in Chinese, Japanese or English, Ian can often be found outside in a local park experimenting with Newton's law of gravity. Apart from juggling, Ian also enjoys unicycling, balancing on a slackline, spinning around in a Cyr wheel and other such related arts. He has even been known to run after-school clubs related to some of these hobbies. 

In relation to working at Arrowsmith, Ian has commented, "As an English teacher, witnessing students who were previously unable to read suddenly unlock the power of books and experience the joy of learning has certainly been very fulfilling. However, although we often measure students in terms of their academic achievements, it is perhaps their ability to form genuine, healthy relationships with others which is most important. In this regard, watching students transform themselves, and through that, their relationships with others has been even more rewarding. Over the years, it has been incredibly heartwarming to hear from parents and other relatives how a student’s life outside of school has dramatically changed for the better." 

Mike Cerovich

Cognitive Teacher

Mike Cerovich has his Bachelor of Arts Honours with specialty in History (York University), Bachelor of Education (University of Windsor), Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (AECEO), and he was the Supervisor of Maurice Cody Child Care (Toronto). His credentials clearly enabled him to enjoy several decades of teaching experience in Windsor, Toronto, Poland, University of Toronto, and since 2007, Arrowsmith School Toronto.

Mike has been fortunate enough to have a breadth of amazing experiences with friends, family, and professionally. They have all contributed to the cheerful, patient, and optimistic outlook that he brings to life. His creativity and imagination have allowed him to find a way to convert tasks into labours of love.

Mike certainly is passionate about sports, the arts, history, and Wayne & Shuster.

Mike loves working at Arrowsmith School and enjoys being identified by and with the Arrowsmith Program. Once Mike starts talking about the school it is hard to stop him, but that is because his appreciation for it goes on…and on…and on!

Amber Samaroo

Cognitive Teacher

Amber is a Cognitive Teacher, teaching a variety of classes in the Online Campus. Having completed a BSc in Psychology, followed by a MEd in Developmental Psychology and Education at the University of Toronto. Amber has developed a passion for creating inclusive spaces that reduce stigma, build capacity, and promote positive wellness which help make the learning experience a successful one. Amber has experience applying her knowledge through private tutoring sessions, planning large-group Mental Health Events, and providing socialization and educational support to clients at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. 

Working at Arrowsmith has allowed Amber to see the potential of educational growth and development through a psychology lens. Knowing that all learners are unique, addressing students’ learning needs through specific programming, aligned with Amber’s outlook on how education could be, and she thus feels that Arrowsmith is a great school to be a member of. 

In her spare time, Amber enjoys spending time with her friends and family, whether that be baking and cooking delicious meals, playing board or video games, and/or enjoying a day out in the sun at a park or beach!

Pete Smith

Cognitive Teacher

Pete joined Arrowsmith School in Toronto in 2012. His previous experience of working in schools, hospitals, and group homes in several countries has given him a ton of experience to call upon. Pete is a graduate of York University’s Concurrent Education Program and is an avid Historian.

Pete happened upon Arrowsmith School through a temporary Math position and was instantly intrigued by what was going on around him. A year later he was part of the Arrowsmith team, witnessing transformational change firsthand. Pete loves seeing the happy students, and in turn happy parents, as the students unlock their full potential. 

Pete says, “You can never get tired of seeing students who perhaps could not read when they arrived, proudly walking around with a book tucked under their arm. Likewise, seeing students who have struggled socially, forming lasting and healthy friendships is what brings you in every day.” 

As well as seeing the program through the teachers’ eyes, Pete has completed the picture by having his own son benefit from the Arrowsmith Program. “I knew from speaking to parents over the years how positively it impacted on families. I’m so appreciative to have experienced it as a parent.”

Originally, from New Zealand, Pete has called Toronto home since 2001. He lives close to the lake and loves most water sports, music, skateboarding and being with his family.

Upasna Budhiraja

Cognitive Teacher

Upasna Budhiraja spends most of her time teaching students within the Independent Check-In Model and she is a welcomed addition to the online classrooms during some periods each week. She has a bachelor’s in education and a master’s in human development and childhood studies. Prior to Arrowsmith, she worked as an Elementary Special Educator for six years in an IB School in India. In her role as a Consultant with UNICEF, she worked towards bringing about a positive change in the lives of many underprivileged children and families. 

Upasna is a motivated educator who strives to help each student reach their potential. She is a lifelong learner and enjoys taking short-term courses to widen her horizon. However, her students are her greatest teachers who, with each lesson, teach her something new. 

Barbara Arrowsmith-Young’s work in Neuroplasticity and her journey inspired Upasna. She enjoys working at Arrowsmith because the online learning environment allows her to reach students across the globe. It allows students to create a new reality for themselves and see themselves with a new perspective.

Dan Goodman

Cognitive Teacher

Dan Goodman has a Bachelor of Education (Trent University), Honours Bachelor of Child Development (Seneca College) and a diploma in Early Childhood Education (Humber College). 2020 marks the beginning of his teaching journey as a full-time teacher at Arrowsmith School. Dan was involved with the Cognitive Intensive Program during the past six summers, as a teaching assistant and later as a Cognitive Teacher at Arrowsmith.

Dan loves music and can be counted on to find the right song for the right moment. He’s a huge fan of movies, yearly canoe trips and enjoys good food whenever possible. He brings a sense of calm, patience, and humour to any situation. 

Dan has a firsthand understanding of the challenges students face as he was once a student at Arrowsmith School Toronto. He brings a unique insight and empathy for students’ struggles and knows the potential gains students can make. He is excited about the transformative impact the program can have on their lives.  

Dan is thrilled to be on the Arrowsmith teaching team and is looking forward to his journey of facilitating cognitive change in his students.

Rory Keith

Cognitive Classroom Assistant

Rory is a cognitive classroom assistant who joined the Arrowsmith team in the fall of 2023. She graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University with a Bachelor of Social Work in 2023 and has extensive experience working with children and youth of all ages. She is thrilled to be a part of a team that makes amazing, positive change to the lives of children and youth through empowering them to be the best versions of themselves.  

Outside of the classroom, Rory is a music lover, a movie fanatic, and an avid gamer. She can be found playing all sorts of games in her free time, be it video games, board games, or tabletop roleplaying games.   

Helen Fadakis

Arrowsmith Financial Administrator

Helen first learned of Arrowsmith in the early 90’s when she was desperately looking for a school for her daughter who struggled with learning difficulties. Once she discovered Arrowsmith, she never looked back.

Helen has vast experience with financial administration and overall business operations.  Helen values engaging as a member of a team and is always available to support Arrowsmith staff and the organization to ensure the school and program function smoothly from a business and facilities perspective. When there is a need for support or a task to be done, you can count on Helen.

Helen loves the people, the integrity of the Arrowsmith Program, and the fact that she is making a difference in the lives of others. She thinks highly of Barbara’s work and believes it should be broadcast throughout all areas of the world.  

In her spare time, Helen can be found spending time cooking for family and friends and when not doing that, she can be found reading or enjoying her garden.

Emily McKinley

Manager of Marketing and Communications

Emily leads Arrowsmith’s marketing and communication team in execution, and strategy for both Arrowsmith School and the program licensing side of the business. She is a proud member of the Senior Management team and is eagerly helping to shape and grow Arrowsmith’s present and future. 

Emily joined Arrowsmith in the fall of 2021 with over a decade of marketing experience in both the aerospace maintenance software and security technology industries. She has demonstrated success in producing large-scale corporate events, content production, managing marketing operations and pioneering innovative digital marketing programs. 

Marika Kotani

Occasional Teacher

Marika is a part-time Cognitive Teacher, who has had a long-time connection to Arrowsmith School, allowing her to bring a diverse perspective to her online and in-person teaching.  Initially, Marika had intentions of establishing a career in law enforcement so pursued studies in Police Foundations.  She adjusted her path once she discovered the enjoyment of supporting children and youth in 2016 while working at Arrowsmith School as a Cognitive Classroom Assistant.  Currently, Marika is studying at Toronto Metropolitan University for Disability Studies to further her education and experience.  

Marika is an adventurous and nature loving person who believes in living joyfully, authentically, and wholeheartedly. During her free time, Marika engages in recreational and leisure activities and enjoys quality time with family and friends.  Marika believes in and exudes the power of kindness.