Jennifer Artan, B.A./M.Ed. OCELT, CELTA

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

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.

Mitra Rabiee

My name is Mitra Rabiee, PhD in Applied Linguistics majoring in TEFL/TESL discipline equivalent to “Adult Education” with almost 3 decades of teaching, researching, and administrative experience at the postsecondary level. A highly skilled and dedicated prolific academic with a series of publications and presentations; successfully completed two Applied Research Projects at the university level; provided supervision for Master’s theses; Canada’s Oxford University Press (OUP) content reviewer and editor and serving as a valuable Member-at-Large on the TESL Ontario Board of Directors since 2021 and sitting on the three sub-committees of Strategic planning, Nomination, and Research Advisory. At TESL Ontario, our mission is clear: we aim to support and guide professionals, government bodies, and industry stakeholders involved in English language education. My three years of experience on the board and within the committees have significantly enhanced my communication, collaboration, leadership, and critical thinking & decision-making skills.

I have demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive working environment in multicultural settings evidenced by working in reputable colleges & universities in GTA and volunteering with NYCH & YMCA. Currently, I am teaching various English courses to students of different programs across Seneca Polytechnic College & undergraduate students at Yorkville University.

Christopher Smrke

Christopher Smrke, M.A., OCELT, ICTEAL has been involved in English Language teaching for over 15 years. He has experience as an administrator and has taught in a variety of sectors including LINC, the private sector, the public sector, as well as teacher training. He has created and taught courses ranging from general ESL and test preparation to teaching methodology and pedagogical grammar.
 
As an administrator during the COVID pandemic especially during the reinstatement of in-person classes, Christopher worked with a small team to draft and implement academic policy and practice that ensured the safe operation of the school and its classes. These policy and practice documents were consistently revised and put into practice as government guidelines changed to make certain that all stakeholders were able to continue operating with little disruption.
 
Christopher strongly believes in members supporting members, and because of this, he has presented at multiple conferences including at TESL Ontario (2015, 2017), TESL Ottawa (2016), and TESL Toronto (2015, 2022) along with proposing and running PD sessions at the various schools he has worked at. It is this commitment to the industry that led him to volunteer for the TESL Toronto Executive for 6 years and take on roles as President (2017-2019) and Communication Committee Chair (2019-2021). During that time, he also chaired TOSCON20 and TOSCON21 which were some of their first fully online conferences.
 
Overall, Christopher has a strong belief in collaboration and experience leading teams to help empower and create impactful growth opportunities for all stakeholders.

Tetyana Vdovina

With over 30 years of experience in English language education, I am deeply passionate about supporting both learners and educators. I hold a Ph.D., M.A., B.A., OCT certification, and I am a TESL Ontario accredited Trainer in Theory & Methodology. Lifelong learning is something I truly value—my most recent achievement being a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard University’s Derek Bok Centre for Teaching and Learning.
 
My teaching journey began in Ukraine, where I started as a University Sessional Instructor. After completing my postgraduate studies, I advanced to Assistant Professor and then to Associate Professor. A decade later, I was honored to be appointed the Associate Dean for Innovation and Research. During that time, I worked closely with Oxford University Press, advising the Ministry of Education on implementing the “Family and Friends” textbook in Ukrainian schools. I also had the privilege of teaching graduate courses in Sociolinguistics and Second Language Acquisition as a visiting professor at Polonia University, Poland.
 
In Canada, I started as an EAP instructor and within months was promoted to Lead Instructor, then Vice President Academic at International Centre for EAP (ICEAP). I have also taught at Sheridan College, York University’s YUELLI, and the Newcomer Centre of Peel, where I have always focused on helping students succeed and thrive.
 
Being an active member of TESL Ontario since 2012 has been incredibly fulfilling. I have presented at several conferences and volunteered on the Private Sector Committee. My goal has always been to inspire others, and I am proud that under my leadership at ICEAP, teachers have not only improved their skills but gone on to teach at top colleges and universities across Canada and the US.
 
I know firsthand the challenges and rewards of being in this field—both as an ESL/EAP instructor and as an administrator. I believe this combination makes me an ideal fit for this volunteer role with TESL Ontario. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute even more, share new ideas, and continue making a difference in our profession.