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.
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 engineering degrees from the University of Waterloo and additional training in adult education and teaching English as a second language, she bring a unique blend of technical expertise and educational insight to the classroom at BRAA. Drawing on her experience as a mechanical engineer and educator.
Dr. Lena 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
Graduated from the University of Windsor’s CMF program, he achieved his bachelor’s in media and film alongside a teaching degree. Will is passionate about new forms of media communication and develops marketing materials for school events and outreach.
