Alumni Portraits
Get to know our OISE alumni and see how they stand out in professions across the globe. Would you like to be featured? Email us at alumni.oise@utoronto.ca and we will help tell your story.
![A Black woman is standing on an accessibility ramp with a big smile on her face](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2024-08/2024-story-jacqui-getfield-2.jpg.webp?itok=TIMRYj_T)
August 12, 2024
‘A bridge between two worlds:’ An OISE alumna's path to enhancing access and understanding in healthcare and education
Jacqui Getfield’s experiences as a Black mother of twins with autism exposed gaps between marginalized communities and experts. Today, this experience has led to her work as an equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion consultant and an adjunct professor.
![suzanne hidi interest motivation curiosity web](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2024-07/hidi-interest1-web.jpg.webp?itok=2S5qK9ff)
August 5, 2024
The application of interest: Suzanne Hidi’s educational research sparks questions of motivation
In this three-story series, we look at the research and impact of Dr. Suzanne Hidi’s academic focus.
![suzanne hidi AERA scribner senior college web](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2024-07/hidi-interest2-web.jpg.webp?itok=q0eDc8jD)
August 5, 2024
Her impact on the field: Suzanne Hidi’s award-winning educational research
In this three-story series, we look at the research and impact of Dr. Suzanne Hidi’s academic focus.
![dr suzanne hidi web](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2024-07/2024-suzanne-hidi-story-1.jpg.webp?itok=r9oQzqE8)
August 5, 2024
Exploring interest in education: Understanding the core of Dr. Suzanne Hidi’s psychological research
In this three-story series, we look at the research and impact of Dr. Suzanne Hidi’s academic focus.
![david dodick fulbright](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2024-06/dodick-web.jpg.webp?itok=L1oX5Atg)
June 24, 2024
On the way to Paraguay: Alumni's Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award kicks off Technology and Pedagogy placement
David Dodick, an alum and former OISE adjunct faculty, has been selected as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar for the 2024-2025 academic year.
![rosemary sadlier honorary degree](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2024-06/sadlier2024-web.jpg.webp?itok=boFSOoGs)
June 3, 2024
‘A more fulsome sense of Canadian history’: OISE alumna Rosemary Sadlier receives U of T honorary degree
Rosemary Sadlier – a U of T alumna, author, historian, educator, and social justice advocate – is to receive a U of T honorary degree this spring.
!["](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-08/2023-news-alum-cindy-sinclair.png.webp?itok=RhZBW1tF)
March 28, 2024
Cindy Sinclair, OISE PhD, has spent decades supporting and empowering International Medical Graduates coming to U of T for postgraduate education, first as administrative staff and now as academic faculty.
![Dr. Caroline Cole Power endowed scholarship](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2024-03/22024-caroline-cole-power.jpg.webp?itok=7bjBzpKB)
March 5, 2024
Helping others find their way: Dr. Caroline Cole Power establishes OISE endowed scholarship
The newly established Dr. Caroline Power Scholarship will support under-represented students at OISE in perpetuity.
![Ashleigh Molloy, Jamie Philip, and Shahidul Islam](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2024-03/430199790_810113127812479_7789293839249997448_n.jpg.webp?itok=KQCjjJCs)
March 4, 2024
OISE alumni giving back: Meet three recipients of the 2023 Arbor Award
OISE alumni Ashleigh Molloy, Jamie Philip, and Shahidul Islam are recipients of the U of T Arbor Award, recognizing exceptional volunteer service.
!["](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2024-03/2024-story-brett-gagne.png.webp?itok=pTFYP3oW)
March 4, 2024
OISE celebrates the retirement of esteemed Professors Clare Brett and Antoinette Gagné
OISE honours distinguished alumni, OISE Professors Clare Brett and Antoinette Gagné on their retirement day. The entire community extends its heartfelt congratulations to our two educators, researchers and leaders for their impactful careers in education.
![christina tjandra the jar that holds the universe](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-11/tjandra-web.jpg.webp?itok=NvPpese-)
November 8, 2023
OISE graduate Christina Tjandra connects with kids, in classrooms and on the page
Doctoral student Christina Tjandra arrives at Fall Convocation with a second OISE degree, new research questions, and a self-published children’s novel.
![Helen Berhane Lance McCready Helen Tewolde Sandy Welsh](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-10/typgala1-web.jpg.webp?itok=zFK8qFfU)
October 30, 2023
Sights and sounds: Alumni and friends gather for the 2023 Transitional Year Programme Gala
On Oct. 4, the Transitional Year Programme (TYP) hosted a celebratory gala to celebrate its over 50 years of successes.
![Stephanie Duff, a Black woman with long black hair and wearing glasses, is sitting and smiling at the camera](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-10/2023-alumni-profile-stephanie-duff-1.jpg.webp?itok=m4fuymgm)
October 18, 2023
From Classrooms to Stories: Alumna reflects on how OISE shaped her career as a teacher and children's book author
Stephanie Duff reflects on pursuing a Master of Education in Developmental Psychology Education while teaching full-time, highlighting the impact on her career.
![nikoletta papadopolous meric gertler rose patten arbor award](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-09/nik-web-1.jpg.webp?itok=fjNYn6Av)
September 11, 2023
The value of volunteering: a conversation with OISE alumni association president Nikoletta Papadopoulos
OISE Alumni Association president Nikoletta Papadopoulos discusses the value of volunteering as an OISE student.
!["](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-09/2023-news-jennifer-johnson.png.webp?itok=j7u93Pxi)
September 8, 2023
OISE alum Jennifer Johnson's work helps children find their inner compass
Inspired by her 8-year-old, Jennifer co-founded Captains & Poets, a social emotional learning initiative that helps kids develop their best, authentic selves.
![leaders and legends 2023](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-07/ll-web.jpg.webp?itok=6jWLRneA)
August 8, 2023
A celebrated six: Meet the 2023 Leaders & Legends Award winners
Six women have been awarded a 2023 Leaders and Legends award, which celebrates the impact of OISE's alumni and friends.
!["](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-06/2023-news-jean-augustine.png.webp?itok=-If9hHCW)
June 27, 2023
Alum, community champion and trailblazing politician Jean Augustine recalls that her OISE, U of T education gave her possibilities and an expanded horizon.
![OISE alum Vincent De Freitas](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2022-04/apr082022-news-vdefreitas.jpg.webp?itok=Yn4eptI1)
April 12, 2022
'I turn coffee into education': Vince De Freitas on ed tech, mentorship and thinking bigger
Vince's story from OISE to the world of enterprise education and back again – this time as a mentor to grad students.
![OISE alum Gina Valle](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-06/alumni-portrait-gina-valle.jpg.webp?itok=My3I1veM)
March 9, 2022
Alum Gina Valle’s stories cut across cultures, languages to illuminate the human condition
Valle’s professional and creative initiatives highlight the road Canada must take to make education equitable, Indigenous communities whole, and gender more just.
![OISE alum Chrystal Smith](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-06/alumni-portrait-chrystal-smith.jpg.webp?itok=yC6CfYRy)
August 3, 2021
Bon élève! Teacher Chrystal Smith's passion for language leads her to STEM class
Smith realized her community at the Boys and Girls Club needed help in math, she quickly completed an additional qualification to start teaching them.
![OISE alum Jennifer Barbera](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-06/alumni-portrait-jennifer-barbera.jpg.webp?itok=f5Zcxn6w)
August 2, 2021
OISE clinical psychology grad discusses her work with marginalized communities and a new self-help resource
Jennifer Barbera (MA '09, PhD '13) decided to become a psychologist after working in homeless shelters and community organizations.
![OISE alum Robert Roopa](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-06/alumni-portrait-robert-roopa.jpg.webp?itok=roWhsp4E)
February 12, 2021
Mental health practitioner on OISE, the future of the field and treating patients during COVID-19
Meet Robert Roopa, MEd, Psychologist and Psychotherapist, Counselling Services for York Region.
![OISE alum Cindy Gouveia](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-06/alumni-portrait-cindy-gouveia.jpg.webp?itok=26efSAPc)
December 12, 2020
'It's my life's work to help students access education': Cindy Gouveia shares path from farmhand to foundation president
Meet Cindy Gouveia, PhD, President, George Brown College Foundation
![OISE alum Mercedes Cardella](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-06/alumni-portrait-mercedes-cardella.jpg.webp?itok=_Korl878)
November 13, 2020
Rising star reignites passion for the arts at OISE, tells stories of worlds apart
Meet Mercedes Cardella, MEd, actor, writer, founder and CEO of Magic Carpet Productions, and curriculum developer specialist, Toronto Film School.
![OISE alum David F. Boshra](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-06/alumni-portrait-david-boshra.jpg.webp?itok=rXCWrnYY)
September 29, 2020
‘I want to be a teacher of teachers’: David F. Boshra reflects on his Master of Teaching experience
David F. Boshra caught the teaching bug at the best time. Motivated by making a difference, Boshra wanted to build on his education knowledge.
![OISE alum Susan He.](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-06/alumni-portrait-susan-he_0.jpg.webp?itok=6OjiyIR5)
June 10, 2020
'It has changed me': Meet double OISE degree recipient Susan He
He, who finished her second graduate degree at OISE this spring, entered the Institute expecting to become a STEM educator. Instead, she gained that passion and much more.
![OISE alum Marcus Singleton](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-06/alumni-portrait-marcus-singleton.jpeg.webp?itok=ldNTHPtB)
June 1, 2020
Marcus Singleton, an educator, activist and musician, is graduating from OISE’s Master of Education program in social justice education – and heading back to school in fall, to pursue his doctorate.
![Tshweu Moleme](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-06/alumni-portrait-tshweu-moeleme.jpg.webp?itok=HiV2qcw_)
May 13, 2020
'For whom is your learning?' Community activist reflects on academic journey with OISE graduating class, evoking grandmother's words
Tshweu Moleme is a graduate of the Masters of Education program in Adult Education and Community Development at OISE.
![OISE alum Carlos Ruano.](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-06/alumni-portrait-carlos-ruano.jpg.webp?itok=Tt8-3yGe)
April 12, 2020
From the ground up: Alum discusses his path from coffee plantation worker to education policy leader
Meet Carlos Ruano, EdD, Education Expert at the World Food Programme, United Nations Office for Pakistan.
![OISE alum Meghan Ferrari.](/home/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-06/alumni-portrait-meghan-ferrari.jpg.webp?itok=WyyxefPW)
March 1, 2020
Alum shines a light on the resilience of newcomer students through teaching and storytelling
Meet Meghan Ferrari, MEd '13, Department Head of English Language Learning, St. Robert Catholic High School.