Maryvale Academy

Our People who make it all happen!

Faculty

Michael Dopp, Principal

Michael Dopp comes to us from Kitchener, Ontario. He studied at Wilfrid Laurier University where he graduated with degrees in Business Administration (B.B.A.) and Philosophy (B.A.). Ottawa then became his home as he spent four years as a seminarian with the Companions of the Cross. Michael then completed a Bachelor of Theology (S.T.B) and Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Toronto. Upon completion of these degrees he moved to Detroit where he studied as a lay student at Sacred Heart Major Seminary under the likes of Ralph Martin and Dr. Janet Smith. In April 2009 he was awarded a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) with a focus on the new evangelization. This Church-granted degree allows Michael to teach at a Catholic seminary.

Michael was married in December 2008 to Linda Smith, and together they have founded and run Mission of the Redeemer Ministries which is dedicated to forming lay Catholics such that they can play an active part in the new evangelization. Michael has been involved in various mission projects throughout the world and has successfully led a number of Catholic initiatives. In addition, Michael is a regularly contributing writer to Catholic Insight magazine.

Michael brings with him a passion for the Catholic faith and an understanding of the importance of Catholic education. He looks forward to working together with the entire Maryvale community in hearing the voice of God and following His direction for the school.

Maura O'Reilly, Teacher, Curriculum Lead

Maura is a graduate of St. Pius X high school in Ottawa. She earned a Bachelors of Arts (Concentration, English) from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Education (Primary/Junior Division) from Nipissing University in North Bay in 2001. Prior to teaching full-time at Maryvale Academy, Maura had been an occasional teacher with the Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board since 2001. During this time, she has participated in many professional workshops to remain current in her field of expertise.

Maura has been teaching at Maryvale Academy since its inception in 2005.

Michael (Mike) Thompson, Teacher

Michael has a Bachelors of Science (Honours Kinanthropology) from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Education (Primary/Junior Division, Intermediate Qualifications, Special Education Qualification) from Nipissing University (1993). In addition, Michael has formal religious instruction, and has earned a Certificate in Philosophy (College Dominicain, 2000). Michael has also taught for the Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board for several years, and has had experience teaching in multi-grade classrooms. Michael has had extensive involvement and training in coaching soccer and basketball.

Michael has been teaching at Maryvale Academy since its inception in 2005.

Chelsea Templin, Teacher

Chelsea grew up in Newmarket, Ontario and moved to Ottawa in 2003 to pursue her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Ottawa. After graduating in 2007, she completed a Bachelor of Education from the same university.

Chelsea has a background in the arts, with an emphasis on visual and dramatic arts. As a member and instructor with The Canadian Children's Theatre Company, Chelsea had the opportunity to perform internationally. Prior to working at Maryvale Academy, Chelsea was a weekly volunteer and tutor in the Ottawa Catholic School Board.

Chelsea believes that faith and education are intimately connected and relishes the opportunity to be part of a community that shares this belief.

Brian O'Neill, Teacher

Brian O'Neill was born in Granby Québec and raised in Deux-Montagnes Québec. He completed a Health Sciences degree at Dawson College and studied Physical Education and Biology at McGill University. Feeling called to speak to young people about Christ, Brian bicycled from Montreal to Calgary in 2001, stopping at Catholic schools and youth groups to share the Gospel message though the sharing of his testimony. Brian then moved to Ottawa where he completed a Certificate of Theology at St. Paul's University, after which he entered the seminary with the Companions of the Cross. During his seven years of formation with the Companions Brian completed degrees in Philosophy (B.A.PH) and Theology (B.TH) at the Dominican College and he served for a year on the Companions mission team and was sent twice with Renewal Ministries teams to Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda.

Brian is an enthusiast not only of the Gospel and cycling, but also of rock climbing, white water canoeing, backpacking, and social dance, having instructional experience in these areas as well.

Uwe Lieflander, Sacred Music Director

The Sacred Music Society (SMS), founders of the World Youth Day 2002 Choir is a world renowned performing arts and educational institution serving a variety of individuals. With the musical heritage of traditional Sacred Music, the Sacred Music Society has an artistic repertoire ranging from Gregorian Chant through classical music to contemporary compositions, and specially commissioned works by gifted composers.

Maryvale Academy is an active member of the Sacred Music Society. SMS visits the Academy each week to provide the weekly mass with Sacred Music and to instruct Maryvale's Sacred Music Choir. If any family member, from elementary grade level to parent's or grandparents, are interested in being part of SMS, please contact Maryvale or SMS directly using the web link above.

Current Board of Directors

Jim Meuse

Jim Meuse is a layman who dedicates his life to his family and the Church. In addition to being Chairman of the Board of both Maryvale Academy and Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) , Jim is member of the Board of Directors of Mary Mother of the Poor as well as the Ottawa Archdiocesan Council. Jim also plays an important role with the Knights of Columbus and has a keen interest in various Youth Ministries.

Jim joined the Board of Directors in November 2006. Jim and Rebecca have three children including a daughter who graduated from Maryvale Academy in the class of 2007.

Ray Doré

Ray Doré has been on the Maryvale board in various capacities since it's inception in 2005 and is currently serving as the Treasurer.

Ray is a member of St. Maurice Parish. Ray and his wife, April, are very active in St. Maurice, heading the parish’s marriage preparation program and the junior liturgy ministry. Ray is a past member of the Pastoral Parish Council and is proud to be a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Ray and April have been blessed with five children and the four that are of school age attend Maryvale Academy.

Peter Sinn
	Peter joined the Board in 2006 and is one of the earlier families who committed to the school. Having attended a Catholic school filled with sacramental nourishment for 13 years, Peter shares the vision of Maryvale Academy in offering a vigorous spiritual and religious education. He has been active at his parish, in the past as a Choir Director and recently in the Family Formation Program and Marriage Preparation classes. Peter works in a local hi-tech company in Ottawa as a Product Architect. He and his wife, Vivian, has been married for 12 years and have recently welcomed their sixth child. Peter and his family attend St. Maurice Parish in Ottawa.

Jacquie Farah
	After graduating from St. Pius X High School in Ottawa, Jacquie went on to complete a concurrent Arts/Education degree at Queen's University in Kingston. Following that she completed a one-year post-graduate programme, receiving a Diploma in Deaf Education. She spent the next 9 years teaching deaf and hard of hearing students in both Toronto and Ottawa. Following this, Jacquie spent a year and a half teaching hearing students. Her experience is with children from Kindergarten through grade eight. Jacquie left the teaching profession in 1995 when she and her husband Joe, welcomed their first child. They now have four children, all of whom are currently enrolled at Maryvale. Jacquie returned briefly to teaching last year when she team taught the grade 5/6 class and was also co-principal of Maryvale.

Mary Lauzon
	Mary Lauzon is the Coordinator of the Lay Associates of the Companions of the Cross. She is responsible for the organization of Conferences, Retreats and Youth rallies. Mary has also served for many years at the Holy Family Centre in prayer ministry. Mary and her husband Terry have been parishioners at St Mary's Parish for over 20 years. The opening of an independent Catholic School has been a desire for both of them. Terry served on the Maryvale Academy board prior to the opening and during the first year.

Betty McGrath
	Betty McGrath obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from Carleton University as well as a Bachelor of Education and Master of Education from the University of Ottawa. She spent 36 years in education, working in various positions, throughout the school divisions, from kindergarten to adults. Most of her career was spent with the Ottawa Roman Catholic Separate School Board. She began as a teacher in the primary division in the French schools, worked throughout the elementary grades as a French as a Second Language (FSL) teacher in the English schools, gained experience in curriculum development and teacher training as a curriculum consultant, assumed administrative responsibilities as coordinator and principal of programs, as well as vice-principal at the secondary level and principal of a Kindergarten to Grade 10 French school in Mission, B.C. She is qualified to teach, in both the English and French schools of Ontario, and holds specialist additional qualifications in Religious Education, FSL, and Co-operative Education, as well as additional qualifications in Primary Education, and Visual Arts, and School Administration (Principal) qualifications. Betty retired in 1997 to spend more time with her husband Joe, their three children and spouses as well as their seven grandchildren. However her passion for education keeps bringing her back to the fold in various capacities. She worked as a supply teacher at the High School level and tutored students in her home. In 2006-2007 she assisted in the implementation of the elementary FSL Core Program and served as teacher facilitator for the Grade 9 FSL Core Program at the High School level at Maryvale Academy. She joins us now as a member of the Board of Directors.

*Past Board Members*
	· Marjorie Walker (2008-2009) · Cyril Dowling (2003-2008) · Terry Lauzon (2003-2006) · John Pacheco (2004-2007) · John O'Brien (2004-2006)

*Board of Advisors*
	· Rev. Fr. Bob Bedard (Founder, Companions of the Cross) · Cyril Dowling (Nortel Networks) · Gerry Turcotte (Director, CHRI 99.1 FM Radio) · Jason Kenney (Member of Parliament) · Dr. Tim Lau (Royal Ottawa Hospital) · Michael O'Brien (Author, Artist) · Steve Winogron (Program Manager, CFRA 580AM Radio)

Key Volunteers

Gerry Larkin, CA, Bookkeeper
	Gerry has graciously offered to put his accounting past to great use as our bookkeeper. Gerry is well known in Ottawa for his tireless works of service to many charities and ministries. Gerry is also a 4th degree Knight of Columbus. We are truly blessed to have him with us.