Tetyana Vdovina

VP Academic

My career at ICEAP started in 2014 when I was employed as an EAP Instructor. I was later promoted to Academic Lead and then to Vice President Academic.

My teaching career began over 20 years ago. I have taught at SuOn International Academy, Sheridan College, and York University. I hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in English, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy degree specializing in Theory and Methods of Teaching English. Additionally, I am a TESL Ontario accredited Trainer in Theory & Methodology, and a researcher registered with TESL Ontario Registry of Experts in Research. My latest accomplishment is obtaining a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from The Derek Bok Centre for Teaching and Learning at Harvard University.

My extensive experience in teaching English to students from diverse backgrounds has resulted in over 30 publications focusing on teaching ESL, particularly in the areas of reading English literary texts and developing students’ communicative and sociocultural competences. I am a registered copyright holder with Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada for my theoretical and practical recommendations on teaching ESL students literary text comprehension. Additionally, I frequently present at various conferences, including TESL Toronto, TESL Ontario, Ryerson University, and Languages Canada.

I thoroughly enjoy working at ICEAP as it prioritizes the quality of teaching above all else.

Elizabeth Trew

Instructor

I am a TESL Ontario certified teacher. I began my teaching career after a varied career in business, the not-for-profit sector and government. My work experience includes communications consulting for small businesses, serving as the communications director of a community support services agency for seniors and working for two provincial politicians in constituency relations, communications and outreach. I have a BA in Psychology from Carleton University, an MBA in Marketing from McMaster University and a Public Relations Certificate from Ryerson University.

Sahar Ghiassi

Instructor

With over 19 years of teaching experience in ESL, EAP, EFL, IELTS, FFL, and FSL, along with OCELT and ICTEAL certifications, I am a highly accomplished language educator. In addition to English and French, I am fluent in Persian and Spanish. This multilingual proficiency allows me to effectively communicate and connect with students from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

I hold a Master’s degree in English Language Teaching, and my two Bachelor’s degrees in English and French. I have extensive experience in teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP), particularly English for Academic Purposes (EAP). This specialization equips me with the skills to support students in developing the language and academic skills necessary for success in higher education settings.

Cathy Semenzin

Instructor

I am originally from Toronto, Canada, and have been teaching English as a second language since 1997.  I first started at a small language school in Treviso, Italy, where I lived for nearly 20 years and taught for 17.  Along with enjoying Italian culture, it was also an opportunity to develop my teaching skills in a variety of environments and diverse situations.  In 2014, I returned to Canada to live and settled in London, Ontario where I achieved the TESOL Certificate. Since then, I have worked for ICEAP teaching English as a second language to international students.

Dahlia Eid

Instructor

I have extensive teaching experience, with over 18 years of teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to students of all ages and backgrounds in universities and schools across the world. I’m a qualified teacher with a diverse academic background, where I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (with a minor in Computer Science), a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, and a Master’s degree in Education. I’m also a CELTA certified Teacher in the province of Ontario as well as a certified IELTS teacher. Since joining ICEAP in 2019, I have thoroughly enjoyed helping students improve their English Language and Academic skills by teaching various levels ranging from lower level ESL students (level 1) to more advanced EAP students (Level 6), as well as Pre- Masters Bridge courses(Computer Science Bridge and General Pre-Masters Bridge).

Steven Pollitt

Instructor

I am a graduate of the Physical and Health Education program at the University of Toronto. I am also a graduate of Sheridan College, where I earned a diploma in Media Studies. Although both credentials have served me well in the job market and beyond, it is teaching English that, for most of the past 20 years, has been my chief professional interest. My ESL teaching experience includes jobs in Czech Republic, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea. It also includes several years of work in Toronto schools. I have taught all age groups, and of every level of difficulty. And after all of these hours in the classroom, I remain driven and impassioned about teaching students interested in learning the English language.

Azi Pordel

Instructor

Majoring in Linguistics with 10 years of teaching ESL overseas, I have obtained my second master’s degree from Western University in TESOL. I am a TESL Ontario Certified Teacher Trainer and had the privilege of teaching EAP at ICEAP London and ESL at the Catholic School Board. Presenting at TESL Ontario Conference in 2019, I have recently become a guest blogger at TESL Ontario Blog.

Shahrzadi Izadpanah

Instructor

As a motivated and an enthusiastic teacher, I am really interested in working with students from various backgrounds. I have had more than 10 years of teaching experience in different fields such as conversation courses, IELTS and TOEFL courses, and business English. Not only has teaching broadened my horizons, but it has also taught me new subjects. I hold a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in English Language and Literature. My love for literature has driven me to study for my second Master’s degree in Comparative Literature. For the time being, I have been doing my Ph.D. in Comparative Literature at Western University, where I have been working as a teacher assistant. I can say teaching is not just my job, it is my passion.

Irena Curran

Instructor

I am a professional EFL, ESL and EAP teacher passionate about self-education and integrated technology into the studying process. My strong expertise was reached by teaching students of different ages and diverse cultural backgrounds worldwide. I am highly motivated to help our students achieve their educational goals in Canada by providing intensive lessons and creating a culturally sensitive and supportive learning environment in multicultural groups.

Holding Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English and Japanese Language Teaching, multilingual capability, and more than 20 years of teaching experience has resulted in 2 copyrights and a patent devoted to teaching methods, particularly English as a second language. After obtaining a TESL certificate, I joined the ICEAP team, where I have been happily witnessing students’ success in developing all academic language skills required at Canadian universities and colleges. Along with my colleagues, I am proud to lead our ICEAP students to their goals, from newcomers with zero English to alums of Canadian education settings.

Natalie Nykonenko

Instructor

I am an ESL Instructor with over 15 years of teaching English as a Second Language, English for Academic Purposes and Business English and training future English teachers. My experience includes working with students of different ages and cultural backgrounds and I am committed to supporting students’ language performance and communication skills.

I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in English, as well as a PhD Degree in Theory and Methods of Teaching English. In addition, I have authored over 30 research papers on English as a Second Language teaching and developed a European Language Portfolio for Economists.

My belief is that efficient studying is possible only when creating a positive learning environment in the group.