Cecilia Aponte de Hanna

Chair

Cecilia Aponte-de-Hanna, M.A, OCELT, ICTEAL, OCT continues to be a very active member of TESL Ontario. As an Executive Board member since 2020 (member-at-large, treasurer, Vice-Chair, and currently Chair for 2024-2025), Cecilia has demonstrated her deep commitment to meeting the needs of the membership.

In addition, her experience as Communications Officer of TESL Toronto (2014-2017), blogger for the organization (2014 – present), teaching background in both the private and public sector, L2 assessment, and teacher trainer certification further enhance her skill in language education.

Cecilia has also presented at various conferences, including TESL Ontario (2012), York University Linguistics and Literature Department Graduate Forum (2012), College Association of Language and Literacy (CALL 2012), TOSCON (2014, 2017), TESL Ontario’s Best Practices Webinar (2017), and T4T (2014, 2019). She has also published in College Quarterly and written for Seneca and Centennial Colleges’ literary magazines. At Centennial College, where Cecilia currently teaches and coordinates first-year English communications, she has been involved in the development of hybrid and online English courses and in integrating intercultural pedagogy in the curriculum. In 2019, she represented the college as co-host and co-coordinator for the province wide, 3-day, College Association of Language and Literacy (CALL) annual conference and currently represents her department in the College Council.

All in all, Cecilia is fully committed to achieving the vision of TESL Ontario, focusing on the many opportunities for empowerment and the professional growth of its members.

Diane Mensch

Vice-Chair

Diane Mensch (B.A./B.Ed./M.Ed.) has a long history of English teaching in diverse settings, and administration of EAP and other programs. For 17 years, she taught abroad in schools in Chad, Namibia, Tunisia, and South Africa, including ESL teaching to diverse populations of both children and adults. Her teaching in Canada has included public and private schools, colleges and university. For the past 10 years, Diane’s focus has been on adult education in ESL, ELT, and EAP programs, starting with LINC and moving into EAP teaching at St. Lawrence College, Queen’s University, and the Royal Military College. Six years ago, Diane took on a new role as Academic Manager at Queen’s University’s School of English, overseeing the programs and instructional staff, developing the curriculum, re-writing and updating policies, and working with the administrative team to ensure a thriving array of programs and courses.

Diane served on the TESL Kingston Chapter executive for five years, and was particularly active in the Program Committee, working to organize useful and vibrant workshops and to facilitate positive collaborations among the TESL Kingston members.

As a TESL Ontario Board Member, Diane’s commitment to excellence, professionalism, and collaboration are the groundwork for everything she takes on. Working on behalf of our TESL Ontario members, and those that we serve, Diane’s focus will always be on finding solutions and supporting positive advancement for all concerned.

Ban Al-Saffar

Treasurer

Ban holds a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA TESOL) from Trinity Western University-BC. She has two TESL certificates and has been teaching ESL/EAP/LINC classes in Canada since 2010. She also has international experience in teaching English to speakers of other languages in different countries. She has worked for different language institutions such as The University of Winnipeg, Red River College, Waterloo Catholic District Schools (St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education Centres), and McMaster University, and is currently an EAP professor at Conestoga College. She is a Theory and Methodology certified instructor and continues to provide practicum placements for TESL student-teachers.

She started volunteering for TESL Ontario in 2016 and was the TESL WW Affiliate Chapter Representative for two years, then served as the TESL WW President for four years. She has been continuously dedicated to the success of the TESL Community by facilitating in-person and online PD/AGM events for local members.

She is passionate about empowering the ESL and TESL communities in Ontario as she believes in the value of these communities. She embodies the mission and vision of TESL Ontario by going above and beyond to support involved professionals and industry partners such as community centers and English language institutions. In 2021, Ban received a certificate of appreciation from the Government of Canada for her participation and hard work with the YMCA Mentorship Program to support and guide internationally trained professionals in the K-W area.

Jen Artan

Member-at-large

As a dedicated educator with over a decade of experience in Specialized Language Training (SLT) and LINC, Jen brings a deep understanding of the ESL and LINC fields to her candidacy for the TESL Ontario Board of Directors. She has worked extensively in curriculum development, teacher training, and integrating technology into language education. A key focus of her recent work has been supporting teachers in understanding and integrating generative artificial intelligence (AI) into their classrooms. Jen has developed and delivered numerous professional development workshops for TESL Ontario and beyond, focusing on the use of AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance language learning and create more engaging lessons.

As a TESL Ontario Webinar Manager, she helped produce a long series of webinars, providing professional development opportunities to our membership. She is also a past recipient of TESL Ontario’s “Sparks of Excellence” award and TVDSB’s Bishop Townsend Award for Teaching Excellence.

With board experience as a subject matter expert on the Canadian Language Benchmark Revision Project, she is well-versed in governance and collaborative decision-making processes. In addition, she has been on Executive of TESL London’s affiliate for over seven years. Her background in developing e-resources for Newcomers to Canada and as an Avenue.ca mentor, combined with her role as a professor at Fanshawe and George Brown College, has equipped her with the skills needed to represent the diverse interests of TESL Ontario members, particularly those impacted by government agreements related to LINC/ELT.

Jen values teamwork, active listening, and constructive debate, which are critical to fostering a collaborative board environment. She looks forward to contributing to the Board and supporting the important work TESL Ontario does for educators and learners across the province.

Danielle Freitas

Member-at-large

As an accomplished higher education leader with over 17 years of experience spanning roles such as Associate Dean, Director of Academic Programs, researcher, consultant, and professor, I bring expertise in governance, strategic leadership, and English language education. My academic background, including a PhD, two master’s degrees, and a Post-doctorate in progress, coupled with my professional experience in Canada, Brazil, USA, and UK in the public and private sectors, has provided me with a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities in advancing teaching and learning within multilingual, multicultural environments.

Since 2021, I have actively served on the TESL Ontario Colleges and Universities Committee, helping shape strategies to empower English language educators. My experience as a consultant and chair of external program reviews and advisory committees has strengthened my ability to facilitate open dialogue, listen to diverse viewpoints, and constructively debate to reach informed decisions. In leadership roles, I have successfully managed large teams and led strategic initiatives that enhanced program delivery and improved outcomes for educators and learners. My deep understanding of sector-specific policy and quality assurance supports high standards and compliance, ensuring effective outcomes for educators and learners.

With a collaborative and inclusive style, I leverage strong communication skills to promote transparency and mutual respect, enabling the effective resolution of complex issues through innovation, reflection, and teamwork – an approach aligned with TESL Ontario Board’s strategic responsibilities.

As a passionate TESL Ontario member, I am committed to advancing the Board’s mission by driving innovation, supporting professional development, and ensuring equitable access to quality English language education for all.

Mary Rizzi

Member-at-large

Mary is a dedicated and passionate advocate for EAL/ESL education. Serving on the TESL Ontario board for the past three years, Mary has played instrumental roles as both Board Chair and Board Secretary, demonstrating proven leadership and organizational skills. As a board member, Mary is committed to advancing the quality and accessibility of ESL education in our province.

Beyond her provincial commitments, Mary has been actively engaged with the regional EAL/ESL community of Waterloo-Wellington, further enhancing her understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by ESL professionals. For five years, Mary has dutifully represented the association as the WW Affiliate Representative, fostering connection and collaboration among local and province-wide educators and institutions. Serving on both boards has provided Mary numerous opportunities to portray her positivity and bring her team-oriented outlook to all facets of the job.

Mary is truly an advocate for ESL education. Blending 18 years of hands-on teaching experience in LINC, EAP, Business and General English instruction with a rich multicultural background and speaking several languages, Mary brings a unique perspective to the board. She recognizes that language education reaches beyond the classroom and is deeply intertwined with cultural identity. Her commitment to the field extends beyond board meetings, as she continues to inspire students and colleagues with her innovative teaching methodologies and unwavering dedication.