Congratulations to the 2025 Award Recipients.
Dr. Randa Khattar
Instructor Appreciation Award
Dr. Randa Khattar brings a gentle strength to our program. She is kind, soft-spoken, and leads with love—not just for the profession, but for every student she encounters. Her care extends far beyond the classroom. Whether it’s before or after class, Randa makes time for students, offering support, encouragement, and a listening ear.
Students have described her energy as “grandmother energy”—that warm, grounding presence in your life who loves you unconditionally, who has your back, and who always seems to know just what to say. The kind of presence that makes you feel safe, seen, and inspired.
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Her lectures have been compared to TED Talks—not only informative, but moving. Thought-provoking. The kind of classes that make students want to do more, learn more, and be more.
Dr. Caroline Fabbruzzo
Instructor Appreciation Award
Dr. Carol Fabruzzo is someone who leads with patience, professionalism, and a genuine belief in her students’ potential. One student shared, “She gives such thoughtful feedback—it helps me be better than I was.” Another said, “Carol makes me feel like she believes I’m capable—and that makes me start to believe in myself, too.”
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Carol demonstrates excellence not just in what she teaches, but in how she teaches. From the way she thoughtfully engages with individual discussion posts, to the professionals she invites into the classroom, Carol creates a learning environment that encourages critical thinking, reflection, and real-world growth. Her approach empowers students to reach beyond what they thought was possible—for themselves and for their future practice.
Katie Begley
Instructor Appreciation Award
Katie Begley has been an integral part of the Early Childhood Studies program. She hasn’t just witnessed its growth—she’s helped shape it. From the moment our students walk through our doors to the moment they walk across the graduation stage, Katie is there. Cheering them on. Guiding them. Reminding them that they are capable, valued, and never alone on their journey.
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Her students describe her as compassionate, understanding, and deeply human. She leads with empathy, teaches with integrity, and does everything with heart. Whether she’s delivering a powerful lesson in the classroom or offering a quiet moment of encouragement in the hallway, Katie brings care and intention to everything she does.
Taya Gray
Student Leadership Award
Taya Gray is a 4th-year student who has been involved with the program in meaningful ways since her very first year. She’s served as the ECS Academic Program Representative, worked in the Resource Centre, supported major student initiatives, and more importantly, she’s been a consistent, steady, and caring leader for her peers.
Taya doesn’t see herself as a leader. In fact, if you asked her, she’d likely say she’s “just doing her part.” But those around her see something special.
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One nominator wrote, “She’s the quiet, warm presence in the room who is always willing to help, to listen, or to problem-solve. Taya doesn’t just show up when she’s on shift—she’s here, week after week, volunteering her time, building relationships, and helping others feel seen and supported.”'
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Another said, “Taya has shown me what student leadership really looks like—compassionate, action-driven, and deeply rooted in community.”
Whether she’s guiding a student through their placement questions, organizing ECS events, or educating others with patience and grace, Taya leads with heart. And that kind of leadership leaves a lasting impact—not only on this program, but on every future child, family, and community she will serve.
Shober Moon
Professional Appreciation Award
Shober Moon is the Teacher Lead at Silver Creek Pre-School, a specialized, inclusion-based centre that has been a leader in early education for over 50 years. Silver Creek is known for its commitment to high-quality early childhood education and therapy for children with diverse developmental needs—and at the heart of that work is Shober.
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Shober’s excellence is most evident in her dedication to mentorship. Under her leadership, placement students entering Silver Creek are welcomed with care, clarity, and confidence. She goes above and beyond to onboard students thoroughly—introducing them not just to the centre’s philosophy and expectations, but to what it means to work in a truly inclusive environment. From day one, she helps students feel empowered to engage meaningfully and compassionately with every child they encounter.
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As one nominator said, “Her dedication, patience, and ongoing support set a high standard for mentorship—one that shapes confident, competent professionals, and strengthens the future of inclusive early learning.”
CE Academy
Excellence In Mentorship Award
CE Academy is an independent, non-profit private school committed to providing high-quality, individualized education to children with disabilities. Their approach integrates the Ontario Curriculum with the powerful principles of Conductive Education—a holistic, intensive method designed to help children develop greater independence and reach their fullest potential.
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CE Academy’s impact goes far beyond curriculum and methodology. What makes them an extraordinary practicum site is how they welcome our students into their space—with trust, intention, and care.
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Students placed at CE Academy describe their experience as one-of-a-kind. They feel seen. They feel heard. They feel empowered to take risks, explore new ways of thinking, and reflect deeply on their role in this field. CE Academy doesn’t just mentor students—they shape them. They challenge them to think critically, lead with empathy, and believe in their ability to make meaningful change.
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One of the most beautiful things about CE Academy is how they hold space for both vulnerability and growth. They allow students to try, to fail, to learn, and to try again. And through it all, they offer guidance, encouragement, and mentorship that leaves a lasting impact.
Ann Lee
Community Impact Award
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Ann Lee is a Special Education Teacher at Autism In Mind Without Limits Private School, and she brings her passion, purpose, and creativity to everything she does. Ann is known for encouraging her students to reach their full potential and for creating real-world learning experiences that help children build both life skills and independence.
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One standout example of Ann’s commitment to community-based learning took place last semester. Ann supported a class of students who attended a local community centre once a week. There, they not only practiced social and life skills—they also planned and cooked meals. Each week, the students would visit the nearby grocery store, select ingredients, and then prepare the meals themselves at the centre.
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It may sound like a simple routine—but for the students and their families, it was transformational. Parents shared stories of their children replicating the recipes at home and taking pride in their ability to contribute to family life. These weren’t just classroom lessons—they were life lessons, rippling outward into homes and hearts.
Darian Rogers-Sysak
Alumni Bloomer Award
Darian Sysak currently serves as a Family Coordinator at Gilda’s Club Toronto, supporting children and families through some of life’s most challenging moments. But what makes Darian truly exceptional is not just the work she does—it’s how she does it.
She is described as someone who brings warmth, encouragement, and unwavering support to everyone around her. During her graduate studies in Child Life & Pediatric Psychosocial Care, Darian stood out not only for her professional excellence, but for her ability to create community. Her peers speak of her as someone who uplifts others, shares wisdom generously, and fosters collaboration—believing that when we support each other, we ultimately support children and families better.
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One nominator shared, “She has impacted my future aspirations by creating a sense of safety and community amongst our peers. Her passion and advocacy continue to inspire me and others to reflect, grow, and strive for excellence.”
Fania Thompson
Professional Honorary Award
Fania Thompson, an Early Childhood Educator at Silver Creek Preschool, is someone who makes others feel capable, confident, and seen. Her colleagues and students speak of her as one of the most genuine and supportive mentors they’ve ever had—someone who makes even the most unfamiliar or challenging situations feel manageable and meaningful.​
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One nominator shared a powerful story of a family visiting Silver Creek for the first time—nervous and unsure about enrolling their child. Fania immediately recognized their hesitation, welcomed them with warmth, and took the time to walk them through every detail of how their child would be supported. By the end of the visit, the family didn’t just feel reassured—they felt like they belonged. That’s the kind of presence Fania brings into every space she’s in.
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Her impact stretches far beyond the classroom. She’s shaping future educators—building their confidence, expanding their understanding, and igniting their passion for inclusive care. As one student beautifully put it, “Fania has inspired me to become a mentor myself one day. She’s shown me that with the right support and a little perseverance, anything is possible.”
Bianca Delicata
Professional Honorary Award
Bianca serves as the Program Support Coordinator for Early Childhood Studies.
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In our program, we believe that the experience we provide our students matters. If we can create an environment and experiences for students where they feel loved, cared for, heard, and supported, then they are going to create those same experiences and environments for the children and families they work with. We model for them what we want to see in the world.
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Bianca, when you take the time to truly listen to someone, when you offer a safe space, a kind word, a warm smile—you are shaping the kind of professionals our students will become. And what our students have said, over and over, is that you see them. You hold space for them. You remind them of their worth. And because of that, they will go out into the world as more empathetic, more compassionate, and more grounded professionals.
Sashoy Simpson
Advancement Award
Sashoy Simpson is a Special Education Teacher at AIM Without Limits Private School, and she has made a lasting impact on her students, her team, and the field of inclusive education. Sashoy is known not only for her ability to create a positive and engaging learning environment, but also for her strong leadership, mentorship, and commitment to innovation in the classroom.
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She is described as someone who brings energy, intention, and heart to her teaching—motivating students to achieve their goals while also guiding and uplifting those she works with. Her impact doesn’t stop in the classroom.
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Sashoy was instrumental in developing an after-school tutoring program designed to meet the specific academic needs of students with autism. From the early planning stages to full implementation, she led the way—creating a program that enhances student readiness and supports families in a meaningful and lasting way.
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Her supervisor shared, “Sashoy inspires me to continue growing in this field. Her initiative, knowledge, and passion push those around her to reach higher and serve better.”
Kamala Nowrang
Professional Appreciation Award
Kamala Nowrang has been an Early Childhood Educator for over 30 years and is currently a community worker at the JaneFinch Community and Family Centre, as well as an ECE at the JaneFinch EarlyON program. Kam’s work is rooted in advocacy, education, and service—especially for newcomer families navigating life in Canada for the first time.
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As a newcomer herself, Kam understands the barriers that families face. And rather than just acknowledging those challenges, she acts. Whether it’s running food bank services, organizing toy drives, connecting families with vital resources, or guiding parents with compassion and knowledge—Kam shows up. Not just as an educator, but as a true community builder.
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Her philosophy is simple, yet powerful: To support children well, we must also support their families. And through her work, she’s given hundreds of parents the tools and confidence to raise resilient, thriving children.​