Bio

Annalisa is an Ontario certified teacher and lifelong learner, having taught over 20 years in both the primary and junior divisions. Annalisa grew up always being encouraged to further her education. She completed a joint honours undergraduate degree from the University of Waterloo, and went on to complete her Bachelor of Education at the University of Western Ontario. Shortly after starting her career in education, Annalisa went on to complete her Masters of Education from the University of Toronto.

Annalisa’s passion for working with students, especially neurodiverse learners, began when she had the opportunity to work as a Special Education teacher. Annalisa supported students with a variety of exceptionalities including students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, various learning disabilities, language impairments and ADHD. Annalisa also has first-hand experience as her own son struggled to learn to read.

These experiences, both professionally and personally, are what inspired her to pursue specialized training in the Orton-Gillingham approach. She completed both the Classroom Educator (OGCE) and the Associate level (A-OGA) training and is working towards certification with the Orton-Gillingham Academy. Annalisa has her Reading and Special Education Specialists with the Ontario College of Teachers, and is a certified Structured Literacy Teacher with the Center for Effective Reading Instruction - a division of the International Dyslexia Association. Additionally, she was contracted as a Literacy Lead teacher to support the implementation of the new Ontario Language curriculum. 

Annalisa currently teaches Grade 1/2 and lives in Caledon with her husband and two boys.