Matt Cochrane
MBA, B.A. Economics
Economics, Geography & Business Teacher
Matt holds an MBA in Finance from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Western University. He brings more than a decade of postsecondary teaching experience, having taught courses in economics, finance, international finance, corporate valuation, financial markets, financial and managerial accounting, sustainability, entrepreneurship and business at several Ontario colleges and universities.
Before and alongside his teaching career, Matt worked in banking, wealth management, financial advising, and investment services. He has completed Level 1 of the prestigious CFA program. This combination of academic and industry experience shapes his approach in the classroom, where he emphasizes connecting theory to real-world decisions and current economic and business issues.
At BRAA, Matt encourages students to think critically, ask good questions, evaluate evidence, and understand the trade-offs behind the choices made by individuals, businesses, and governments. His goal is to help students develop practical analytical skills they can carry into university, their careers, and everyday decision-making.
Mark Terpstra
B.A.Econ, B.A.Com, M.A.Econ
Economics Teacher
Mark graduated from McMaster University with a Combined Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in both Communications and Economics. He then pursued a Masters degree in Economics, specializing in Policy. He is passionate about economics, teaching, reading, music, and sports. Currently, he is the Grade 12 Economics teacher at BRAA, and when he is not doing this, he is an Educational Research Assistant and Course Developer for the Department of Economics at McMaster University.
As a teacher at BRAA, he prioritizes bringing out the best in his students, ensuring that they are prepared for university, college, or the workforce with the skills they need to succeed. As a firm believer that you should never go a day without learning something new, Mark uses this mindset when developing lessons that will help students realize the applicability of their education in the real world.
Dr. Lina Li
D.M.A. M.M.
Music and Vocals Teacher
Lina Li (D.M.A. Boston University, M.M. Western University) is a passionate music educator, performer, and choral conductor who has taught and inspired students in various cities in North America for over 15 years. At BRAA she teaches students a variety of musical skills and techniques from instrumentals to vocals
Drew Rebek
TESOL/ESL
English and ESL Teacher
Drew Rebek is the Head of English and ESL at BRAA. A Brock graduate with TESOL/ESL certification, he brings years of experience teaching students of all ages in China and South Korea, including advanced learners at the UNESCO–sponsored Sejong Global High School. He leads after‑school music classes in guitar, bass, and drums.
William De La Cruz Leslie
B.Ed., BA., CMF
Media Arts and Technology Teacher
William graduated from the University of Windsor’s CMF program; he achieved his bachelor’s in media and film alongside a teaching degree. William is passionate about new forms of media communication and develops marketing materials for school events and outreach.
As a teacher at BRAA, William strives each day to create an engaging classroom environment that encourages students to develop their interpersonal and artistic skills. In class, students are often discussing relevant topics that connect classroom learning to events in happening in the world. Will encourages curiosity and communication in his students to prepare them with the skills necessary to succeed.
Tom Feng
B.Sc
Math Teacher
Tom holds a specialist degree in Physics with minors in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Toronto, along with teacher training at Nipissing University specializing in Physics and Mathematics. At BRAA, his students are both supported and challenged to grow in curiosity and confidence, discovering science as part of a bigger story—a perspective enriched by his wide-ranging reading, stretching from mathematics and history to philosophy.
Yongling Fu
B.Sc, M.Sc, B.ed, OCT
Science Teacher
Mr. Fu graduated from Nanjing Normal University (China) and taught university physics there in the early 80’s. Upon receiving a full scholarship from the university of Guelph, he continued his studies in physics (MSc.) and later went to the University of Guelph, he continued his studies in physics (MSc.) and later the University of Toronto and obtained a degree BEd in education. Mr. Fu started teaching math/physics in Ontario public schools in 1992. He also taught in some private schools, including Appleby College in Oakville. After his retirement, he continued teaching part time with BRAA and other private schools in Ontario.
Alexandra Siobhan Lepine
B.A. (Hons), M.A., Ph.D
Visual Arts and Philosophy Teacher
Dr. Alexandra Lepine earned her Doctorate in Philosophy from the Centre for the Study of Theory and Criticism at Western University. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Ottawa and a Master’s degree in Cultural Studies and Critical Theory from McMaster University.
Throughout her academic career, Dr. Lepine has worked as a teaching assistant, sessional instructor, and researcher at the university level. She brings this wealth of experience to her students at BRAA, where she is dedicated to preparing young learners for future academic success.
Dr. Lepine is passionate about teaching art as a means of strengthening literacy and critical thinking, encouraging her students to observe the world, build resilience and cultivate their sense of self.
Max Weingran
M.Ed.
Admissions Coordinator
We are proud to have Max Weingran as our Admissions Coordinator, bringing a wealth of experience in education, student support, and family engagement. Holding a Master’s degree in Education, Max has dedicated his career to helping students and parents navigate important academic transitions with confidence and ease. His background in special education, youth care leadership, and individualized student coaching has equipped him with a deep understanding of diverse learning needs and the importance of creating a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Max is known for his warm, approachable manner and his ability to build strong, trusting relationships with families from the very first conversation. He ensures that every step of the admissions process reflects our school’s values of excellence, community, and personal attention. Whether answering questions, guiding tours, or coordinating next steps, Max is committed to making each family’s introduction to our school a positive and memorable experience.
Jewel Switzer
B.Ed.
Educational Consultant
Jewel brings over 16 years of experience in public education as an elementary school teacher with the Peel District School Board. Throughout her career, she has deeply committed to supporting student growth through inclusive, student-centred instruction. She began her professional journey as an Early Childhood Educator in a daycare setting and as a teaching assistant within the public school system. She has also provided one-on-one in-home tutoring, which has strengthened her ability to support learners of diverse abilities and needs.
Over the past 20 months, she has been the owner and operator of a Kumon centre, where she manages all aspects of the business, including instructional planning, teaching, marketing, and financial operations. Under her leadership, the centre has grown to serve over 120 students, reflecting strong community engagement and effective educational programming. Her combined experience in classroom teaching, individualized instruction, and educational leadership-particularly in working with students with special needs-has equipped her to make a meaningful contribution in an educational leadership or consulting role.
Louie Luo
B.A.
Drum and Music Theory Teacher/Office Administrator
Louie Luo is a graduate of Western University’s Don Wright Faculty of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus in Popular Music Studies. With 18 years of drumming experience, he has developed a strong background in music performance and percussion.
During his time at Western University, Louie performed with the university’s Pop Ensemble and participated in various concerts and live music events. He has also taken part in more than 20 performances and percussion competitions across China, including events in Xiamen, Shanghai, and Beijing. His achievements include placing in national youth percussion competitions and receiving the Yamaha JiuPai China Future Star Special Award in 2014.
As a Drum Teacher and Office Administrator at Burlington Royal Arts Academy, Louie brings together his musical experience and administrative background. He is passionate about sharing his experience with students and helping them develop their musical skills, confidence, and creativity. Louie also teaches music theory and helps students develop a strong foundation in essential musical concepts.
Kathlene Sauvé
B.A.
Drama and Theatre Teacher/Office Administrator
Kathlene is a Carleton University graduate who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and has a strong background in the performing arts and clerical administration. Kathlene is a proud Franco-Ontarian who is fluently bilingual in both French and English.
With years of experience in music and theatre, Kathlene has performed at The RBC Ottawa Bluesfest, was a finalist on the televised francophone talent competition GALALA, and had the honour of singing the national anthem at the 2017 Olympic Curling Trials. She has also earned recognition through numerous singing competitions across Ontario and Quebec.
In addition to her musical achievements, Kathlene has been a part of several musical theatre productions and performed in a school production selected for the 2019 NTS DramaFest Provincial Showcase.
Kathlene is excited to combine her passion for the arts, her bilingualism, and her clerical experience to support the students and community of the Burlington Royal Arts Academy.
Amber Yang
Office Manager
Amber Yang is the Office Manager at Burlington Royal Arts Academy, bringing a wealth of experience in school administration and operations. Known for her strong organizational skills and dedication to supporting both staff and students, Amber ensures that the daily operations of the school run smoothly and efficiently. Her commitment to creating a welcoming and well-coordinated environment helps foster a positive learning experience for all members of the BRAA community.
