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STAFF

Message from the Head

The success of our students is made possible by the high calibre of staff we have at BRAA. Our teachers are either ministry certified educators and artists with a demonstrated background of industry expertise and experience. Together we make up a dedicated, close-knit team committed to student growth and success.

Geoffrey Tiller

DMA, MM, BMUS

Head of School

Geoffrey Tiller is Burlington Royal Arts Academy’s Head of School.

Zoe Kourtis

HBA, TESL

English & English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher

Zoe is the English and English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher at BRAA. She graduated from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Cognitive Science of Language. She then pursued a Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics and Education as well as her Teaching English as Second Language (TESL) Certification from York University. Her passion is teaching both English and ESL at the high school and college/university level.

Zoe also teaches intermediate-level English and ESL sessionally at The University of Toronto, Humber College, and with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. Zoe has several years of tutoring experience with both English and university preparatory courses. As an experienced and passionate educator, Zoe offers each and every student the individualized support they need to succeed both in the classroom and beyond. She strives to create inclusive environments where students feel welcomed and accepted.

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.

Sarah Arulanandam

M.A.Sc., P.Eng

Mathematics & Science Teacher

With a background of education and experience across numerous institutions, Sarah Arulanandam brings a strong background as a Mathematics, Science, and Engineering professional.