MARIJANA
 

Ms. Marijana is the Founder, Director and Educator at The SMLLL Academy. She graduated from the University of Toronto and then completed her Bachelor of Education at Trent University. She believes that the foundational years are most important in building strong literacy and numeracy skills. She is also an Educator in both the Kindergarten and Daycare programs. Ms. Marijana has been teaching since 2013 and strongly believes that teaching is not a profession - it is a passion. To learn more about Ms. Marijana see the Origins page above. 

 

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MELINA

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Ms. Melina is an Educator at The SMLLL Academy, working with both Kindergarten and Daycare children. She holds a BASc, Early Childhood Studies and a diploma for Early Childhood Education from The University of Guelph-Humber. She discovered her passion for working with children when she volunteered in a preschool center while she was in high school, and continued to pursue her passion by working in various settings including, Childcare centers, Kindergarten classrooms, and tutoring. Ms. Melina believes in the importance of play-based learning, as children learn best by interacting with their environment. She is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for every child in her care.

 

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SLADJANA

Ms. Sladjana is an Educator at The SMLLL Academy. She recently completed her Master in Teaching at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto (primarily focusing on primary and junior grades). Her love for teaching began from at an early age when she started working as a Math and English tutor at Kumon. Ms. Ms. Sladjana recently established her own tutoring program 'Marvel Minds' and teaches within SMLLL's extra curricular program.

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​MELODIE

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Melodie is a Kindergarten Teacher and Yoga Assistant at The SMLLL Academy. She has always had a passion for wellness and believes that running a holistic classroom where students’ sense of self and well-being are of top priority, and are keys to better helping kids succeed academically.  Ms. Melodie founded MPowered Wellness where she teaches healing and yoga classes for youth and adults.

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LORENA

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Ms. Lorena is a Kindergarten teacher at The SMLLL Academy. She holds a Masters of Teaching degree from the esteemed OISE teaching program from the University of Toronto. She began her journey into education ten years ago when she discovered her passion for teaching through tutoring. Lorena has experience in teaching and supporting young learners through her many years of experience. Lorena believes in the power of play-based learning to foster not only academic growth but also essential skills like self-regulation, coping strategies, and mindfulness.

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NALINI

 

With over 20 years of coaching experience working with children, youth and adults, Ms. Nalini's expertise enriches the The SMLLL Academy 'Fit Friday' program. Ms. Nalini is a Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach who stresses  the importance of physical and mental health/strength.  Her approach is to blend fun, educational, empowering and creative fitness experiences to inspire a lifelong love for health and well-being to children.

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TANJA

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Ms. Tanja is The SMLLL Academy’s ‘Wellness Wednesday’ Yoga Teacher. She is a Certified Yoga Instructor and advocate of self-love. Her journey of self-discovery led her to complete her Yoga teacher training in Costa Rica where her desire and dream to help and guide others to heal became a reality. Ms. Tanja works with all ages in a variety of places; specializing in traditional yoga, with a focus on self-awareness. She hosts retreats, workshops, classes, private group and individual sessions for kids, teenagers, adults and seniors. Her love for Yoga and its philosophy shines through her teaching. Ms. Tanja incorporates The SMLLL Academy program themes into her sessions with the children. 

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