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Educational Services
Lead Educator and Coach
Maryteresa Nocera
Maryteresa has been an educator for 30 years teaching in both Montreal and Toronto. She was instrumental in the implementation and roll out of Full Day Kindergarten at TCDSB in her role as the Early Years Lead for seven years. Most recently Maryteresa was a member of a unique Interdisciplinary Special Services Team. In her role she supported educators, children and families with transitions, culturally responsive and equitable programming for all students and supported the creation/implementation of Individual Education Plans. Maryteresa is also a Hanen Language Certified Trainer for ABC and Beyond and Learning Language and Loving It.​
Pebble & Pond is powered by an extraordinary group of collaborators! We are a small but mighty team of dedicated educators and speech language pathologists.
Virna Villahermosa
Sessional Instructor Tyndale University/ Coach Parent Pulse
Hello! My name is Virna Villahermosa. I’m a retired teacher with the Toronto Catholic District School Board. I have 31 years of teaching experience, with a focus on Special Education at the elementary level, in my roles as a classroom teacher, Autism Support Teacher and Assessment and Programming Teacher. I currently teach a course in the Bachelor of Education Program at Tyndale University, and am involved with developing the Autism training for parent coaches at Parent Pulse. Along with my partner of over 3 decades, I am the proud parent of 2 grown men and a sweet brown dog. I’m a dedicated foodie, movie goer and reader of anything in print.
Sarah Perry
M.A, B.A (Hons) Ph.D Student Department of History
McMaster University
Sarah Perry is currently a Ph.D student at
Mc Master University in Hamilton, Ontario. She is an environmental and indigenous historian.
Mercedes Alvarez
Early Years Resource Teacher
Mercedes Alvarez is an Early Years Resource Teacher with the Toronto Catholic District School Board and has over 20 years of experience in kindergarten. She is passionate about play-based learning and supporting educators in creating joyful, meaningful classroom experiences for young children.
Lorena Qualizza
Speech and Language Pathologist
Lorena Qualizza, M.H.Sc, Reg. CASLPO, is a Speech Language Pathologist with extensive experience supporting students with oral and written communication needs in educational settings and private practice. ​ In school board settings, she has co-taught with educators to provide language and literacy-based interventions in the Kindergarten and Primary Classes, co-developed phonological awareness intervention programs, and collaborated in professional development opportunities. As a private clinician, Lorena has offered a range of speech, language, decoding, and summer camp services. Lorena, who is Hanen and Orton Gillingham trained, is passionate about empowering students, parents and educators with the tools required to support overall learning.
Megan Wiigs
Speech and Language Pathologist
Megan Wiigs, B.Sc., M.H.Sc, Reg. CASLPO, has been a speech-language pathologist since 1999. She has provided a wide range of services to children, families and educators through roles with the Toronto Catholic District School Board, Preschool Speech and Language programs in Toronto and Niagara, and The Hanen Centre. Megan is very interested in early literacy (reading and writing) and in exploring different ways to communicate (e.g., using pictures, gestures, signs and technology). She is passionate about helping children become better communicators. She also loves to help families and educators learn how to support their children and students.