Cecilia Aponte de Hanna

Chair

Cecilia Aponte-de-Hanna, M.A, OCELT, ICTEAL, OCT continues to be a very active member of TESL Ontario. As an Executive Board member since 2020 (member-at-large, treasurer, Vice-Chair, and currently Chair for 2024-2025), Cecilia has demonstrated her deep commitment to meeting the needs of the membership.

In addition, her experience as Communications Officer of TESL Toronto (2014-2017), blogger for the organization (2014 – present), teaching background in both the private and public sector, L2 assessment, and teacher trainer certification further enhance her skill in language education.

Cecilia has also presented at various conferences, including TESL Ontario (2012), York University Linguistics and Literature Department Graduate Forum (2012), College Association of Language and Literacy (CALL 2012), TOSCON (2014, 2017), TESL Ontario’s Best Practices Webinar (2017), and T4T (2014, 2019). She has also published in College Quarterly and written for Seneca and Centennial Colleges’ literary magazines. At Centennial College, where Cecilia currently teaches and coordinates first-year English communications, she has been involved in the development of hybrid and online English courses and in integrating intercultural pedagogy in the curriculum. In 2019, she represented the college as co-host and co-coordinator for the province wide, 3-day, College Association of Language and Literacy (CALL) annual conference and currently represents her department in the College Council.

All in all, Cecilia is fully committed to achieving the vision of TESL Ontario, focusing on the many opportunities for empowerment and the professional growth of its members.

Diane Mensch

Vice-Chair

Diane Mensch (B.A./B.Ed./M.Ed.) has a long history of English teaching in diverse settings, and administration of EAP and other programs. For 17 years, she taught abroad in schools in Chad, Namibia, Tunisia, and South Africa, including ESL teaching to diverse populations of both children and adults. Her teaching in Canada has included public and private schools, colleges and university. Since 2010, Diane’s focus has been on adult education in ESL, ELT, and EAP programs, starting with LINC and moving into EAP teaching at St. Lawrence College, Queen’s University, and the Royal Military College. Since 2016, Diane’s work has been at Queen’s University’s School of English. This has included work as Academic Manager, overseeing the programs and instructional staff, developing the curriculum, re-writing and updating policies, and working with the administrative team to ensure a thriving array of programs and courses, but also ongoing work as a teacher, which is her passion.

Diane served on the TESL Kingston Chapter executive for five years, and was particularly active on the Program Committee, working to organize useful and vibrant workshops and to facilitate positive collaborations among the TESL Kingston members.

As a TESL Ontario Board Member, and its current Vice-Chair, Diane’s commitment to excellence, professionalism, and collaboration are the groundwork for everything she takes on. Working on behalf of our TESL Ontario members, and those that we serve, Diane’s focus will always be on finding solutions and supporting positive advancement for all concerned.

Ban Al-Saffar

Treasurer

Ban holds a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA TESOL) from Trinity Western University-BC. She has two TESL certificates and has been teaching ESL/EAP/LINC classes in Canada since 2010. She also has international experience in teaching English to speakers of other languages in different countries. She has worked for different language institutions such as The University of Winnipeg, Red River College, Waterloo Catholic District Schools (St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education Centres), and McMaster University, and is currently an EAP professor at Conestoga College. She is a Theory and Methodology certified instructor and continues to provide practicum placements for TESL student-teachers.

She started volunteering for TESL Ontario in 2016 and was the TESL WW Affiliate Chapter Representative for two years, then served as the TESL WW President for four years. She has been continuously dedicated to the success of the TESL Community by facilitating in-person and online PD/AGM events for local members.

She is passionate about empowering the ESL and TESL communities in Ontario as she believes in the value of these communities. She embodies the mission and vision of TESL Ontario by going above and beyond to support involved professionals and industry partners such as community centers and English language institutions. In 2021, Ban received a certificate of appreciation from the Government of Canada for her participation and hard work with the YMCA Mentorship Program to support and guide internationally trained professionals in the K-W area.

Danielle Freitas

Member-at-large

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.

Matthew McGravey

Member-at-large

Matthew has been active in the ELT community for 15 years. He has taught in a wide range of both private and public contexts in this area including private language instruction, English for Academic Purposes (EAP), LINC/ESL, as well as Writing/Language Specialist work. Matthew has completed his Master of Education at Ontario Tech University, the institution in which he currently serves the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) as a Writing and ESL Specialist.

Matthew also has a strong research background, and he has authored several publications including High School Students’ Perspectives on Their Online Learning Experiences: A Systematic Literature Review, published earlier in 2025 in the Journal of Computer Assisted Learning (JCAL) with his supervisor and mentor, Dr. Jia Li. Matthew is currently in the process of completing further publications and research related to his interests of Indigenous education and Artificial Intelligence.

Matthew has held various roles on boards and committees. In his university position, Matthew plans events and university activities in close collaboration with several internal and external partners across the institution. In addition, Matthew proudly served as a member of TESL Durham from 2015 until 2021, including as Affiliate Chapter President for several years.

Matthew is looking forward to joining the TESL Ontario Board. Working closely with TESL Ontario was an amazing experience as Chapter President, and Matthew wants to start the new chapter of TESL experience by serving members on the TESL Ontario Board.

Mary Rizzi

Member-at-large

Mary is a dedicated and passionate advocate for EAL/ESL education. Serving on the TESL Ontario board for the past three years, Mary has played instrumental roles as both Board Chair and Board Secretary, demonstrating proven leadership and organizational skills. As a board member, Mary is committed to advancing the quality and accessibility of ESL education in our province.

Beyond her provincial commitments, Mary has been actively engaged with the regional EAL/ESL community of Waterloo-Wellington, further enhancing her understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by ESL professionals. For five years, Mary has dutifully represented the association as the WW Affiliate Representative, fostering connection and collaboration among local and province-wide educators and institutions. Serving on both boards has provided Mary numerous opportunities to portray her positivity and bring her team-oriented outlook to all facets of the job.

Mary is truly an advocate for ESL education. Blending 18 years of hands-on teaching experience in LINC, EAP, Business and General English instruction with a rich multicultural background and speaking several languages, Mary brings a unique perspective to the board. She recognizes that language education reaches beyond the classroom and is deeply intertwined with cultural identity. Her commitment to the field extends beyond board meetings, as she continues to inspire students and colleagues with her innovative teaching methodologies and unwavering dedication.