MEET THE TEACHERS

Maria Pappas embodies the spirit and dedication that make our Greek school truly exceptional. Having grown up here, participated in Greek school and dancing, and later returning as a teacher, she has experienced firsthand the deep connections and impact this community fosters. Her pride in sending her son to the same school reflects her commitment and excitement for the journey ahead.

 

With a Master's degree in Science of Education and 20 years of teaching experience, Maria brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. Her ultimate goal is to build on our rich heritage, creating an environment that not only preserves our traditions but also strengthens the sense of family and belonging within our community. 

 

Maria is eager to embrace this new chapter and work collaboratively with everyone to enhance our already outstanding program. To her, family is the most important thing, and she views the school and community not just as a place of learning, but as a true family where everyone is warmly welcomed.

Victoria is a born Edmontonian raised by her Greek mother Dr. Vasiliki Christodoulou, whom was also a former teacher and principal at an Edmonton Greek heritage language school. From a young age Victoria was exposed to the Greek language and culture through her mother, the Greek community and celebrations, as well as through travel while visiting family in Greece. She has achieved her Ellinomatheia A1 certificate and ECE level 1 certification. Currently Victoria works full time as an Educational Assistant for the pre - K and Kindergarten level at an Edmonton private school. 

 

Victoria has always maintained a love for the language and culture as a whole, and enjoys exploring fun and engaging ways to share this with her children and students while fostering a feeling of community and belonging. 

Liza was born and raised in Greece and has been living in Canada for eight years. She hails from northern Greece, specifically from Drama. Liza is married and has two children, Oresti and Thaleia. She studied in Thessaloniki and earned her certification as an Automation Engineer from the Faculty of Automation at the Alexander Technological Education Institution in Thessaloniki, Greece, between 2005 and 2010. Liza holds the Alberta Child Care Staff Certification Level 1 as an Early Childhood Educator.

 

This year, as she teaches the Kindergarten program, Liza aims to help her students become more comfortable using the Greek language and to teach them as much as possible about Greek culture.

Chiona is bringing with her a wealth of experience and a special perspective on how our school has evolved. She originally taught here from 1987 to 1993 before moving back to Greece, where she continued to teach English as a second language and honed her skills in customer service and sales. 

 

Chiona’s motherly warmth and joyful nature resonate with both her students and younger colleagues. Her tenacity and strength enable her to balance many tasks with ease. In Canada, she has seamlessly reintegrated into education, teaching at our school and an English language preschool. Her determination to rebuild her life and continue contributing to education is truly commendable.

Athina is thrilled to teach Level 3/4 at our Greek heritage language school, where she'll guide pre-teens through their educational journey with enthusiasm and creativity. With a graduate certificate in Physiotherapy Assistant Laboratory from Greece, Athina offers a unique perspective to her teaching approach. Her diverse background includes experience in the restaurant and bar industries, as well as administrative support roles, which has honed her exceptional communication and organizational skills.

 

With her forward-thinking mindset, Athina is eager to deliver exceptional service and create a supportive learning environment. Her innovative approach and dedication are certain to resonate with her students and enhance their educational experience.

With a robust academic background and education in general, Ioanna brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Information Systems from Ionian University and pursued a Master’s degree in Telecommunication Networks from the University of Thessaly. She is currently advancing her expertise as an MSc student at the University of Alberta, specializing in Wireless Networks.

 

Having been with our school for some time, Ioanna's dedication to cultivating a thorough understanding of Greek language and culture is clear. Her meticulous approach to breaking down complex information and her unwavering commitment to her field make her an invaluable asset to our educational community.

Eleni was born and raised in Volos, Greece, where her passion for learning and culture began. She pursued her Bachelor's degree at the University of Patras, and in 2010, moved to Sweden to complete her MSc degree. Her career then took her to Ireland, and a decade ago, she relocated to Edmonton, Canada, to pursue a PhD in Chemical Engineering, which she completed in 2020. Alongside her studies, Eleni served as a Lab Teaching Assistant.

 

Since 2015, Eleni has been dedicated to teaching the Greek language at our Greek heritage language school. For the past four years, she has focused on teaching adult classes, taking pride in sharing and preserving the rich Greek heritage. Her love for Greece and its culture motivates her to pass it on in every way she can.

For the past five years, Katerina, Anto and Athena have been integral members of the Dionysos Dancers, where they honed their skills in traditional and modern Greek dance. Their journey has taken them through a variety of performances, from vibrant heritage festivals and school celebrations to competitive dance events, showcasing their dedication and passion for Greek dance.

 

Now, as they transition into the role of dance instructors, they bring their extensive experience and a heartfelt devotion to preserving and sharing the traditions of Greek dance. Katerina, Anto, and Athena are excited to guide and inspire the next generation of dancers, combining their expertise with a fresh, dynamic approach to teaching.