Secondary Leadership
"True leadership lies in guiding others to success—in ensuring that everyone is performing at their best, doing the work they are pledged to do and doing it well."
— Bill Owens
Mentors are community and business professionals from across Canada who volunteer their time and energy to invest in the next generation of leaders.
Every mentor uses their expertise to help students develop their classroom curriculum competencies linking school with real world experience.
Mentorship = Leadership Growth!
Mentorship transforms student leaders. Whether it's peer support or guidance from faculty, mentorship helps students:
✅ Build leadership confidence
✅ Feel emotionally supported
✅ Navigate academic challenges
✅ Foster inclusion and belonging
Students who mentor others also grow as leaders themselves!
Mentors work with all of our student teams and help student develop essential skills that combine the compitencies from the classroom with real world experience.
Alexandra Papathanasopoulos
I am an Immunology Scientist at a research laboratory. Science and healthcare have always been my passion and I am very dedicated to the work.
As a mentor, I work closely with the Science and Medicine Pathway within the program and aim to show students the many different careers that exist within the field of science.
Leadership ALUMNI
Marilena Papadopoulos
Marilena is an actress, dancer, SWLSB teacher, and former Disney Cast Member.
Marilena combines her drive for detailed excellence, and outreach with her passion for the arts and expression.
Marilena uses her skills and tools to engage students and elevate learning in the classroom.
Marilena is a mentor for the Arts Pathway.
Leadership ALUMNI
Jessica Williams
I am a Training Specialist at an Academy Award winning special effects company called DNEG Animation.
My job is to help employees and overhead globally with the training they need, whether that is technical, professional and/or personal.
My job lets me teach skills I am already teaching adults, such as public speaking, time management, conflict management, project management, etc.
I also teach the students how important it is to know oneself and that it's okay if they don't, through workshops such as the personality development workshop.
I hope that everything I provide to the students not only helps them in their current struggles but also becomes tools for them later on to come back to when they are having a hard time.
I continue to refine my workshops so that current and future students only get the best from me, and use these workshops as an example of what they are capable of.
I am a mentor for the Art Pathway.
Leadership ALUMNI
Bianca Canzano
Bianca works in human resource and has focused her energy on the law and the building up communities.
Bianca bring her analytical abilities to helps student think deeply about situations and recognize their complexities.
Bianca is mentor for the Business Pathway.
Leadership ALUMNI
Vicky Kaliotzakis
Vicky is a seasoned paralegal with over 30 years of experience, a career she has built by both working with established law firms and cultivating her own clientele. She has a deep passion for helping her community and inspiring youth, a commitment she has demonstrated through her involvement in various elected and volunteer positions on executive groups and committees.
In her work, Vicky focuses on uplifting, engaging, and inspiring those around her.
Vicky is the mentor of the Business Pathway.
SWLSB ALUMNI
Denise Vourtzoumis
Denise is a senior manager with FEDEX Canada and the founder of Pink in the City Canada.
Denise brings her passion for business; enabling a thriving climate for continuous and expanding personal success within her teams to our student leaders.
Denise models service and determination through her efforts to support those suffering from breast cancer.
Denise is a mentor for both the Business and Medicine Pathways.
Shawn Ginn
I specializes in delivering innovative preventative maintenance presentation solutions to dealerships across Washington State, British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.
In the business community I regularly interact with individuals both young and old who do not have the basic leadership and business fundamentals integrated into their professional lives. This tells me it is not naturally developed and needs to be a targeted focus.
My why is because I want to be involved in helping to bridge the gap and help people be prepared sooner.
I am a mentor for the Business Pathway.
Competency Focus:
Personal Development: communication and understanding.
Social Sciences: supports business, ethical reasoning, financial literacy.
*Alberta
John Agionicolaitis
John is a federal public servant specializing in standards development. He has previously served in various roles under the Prime Minister of Canada and several cabinet ministers, where he built extensive expertise in political communications, government relations, and public policy.
Today, he continues to contribute to Canada’s engagement in standards development for the Government of Canada.
In addition to his public service career, John is Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs and co-founder of the ASISTA Foundation, a charity dedicated to training service and therapy dogs for people living with mental health conditions.
His leadership has helped bring facility service dogs into schools within the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board (SWLSB) and expand access to canine-assisted support across Quebec.
John is a mentor for the Business Pathway.
SWLSB ALUMNI
Tamar Kabassakalian
Tamar is a dedicated Social Studies and Leadership teacher at the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board, where she has been inspiring students for over 28 years. A passionate educator, she is recognized for her commitment to student success and her ability to foster excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
She holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Education, which have supported her in developing innovative teaching approaches that engage and empower her students. Beyond academics, she strives to make a lasting difference in the lives of teenagers by nurturing their confidence, leadership, and love of learning.
Outside of her professional role, Tamar's passions are as diverse as they are enriching. She enjoys performing in plays (Yes, on stage!), organizing fundraising events for causes that speak to her heart, exploring the world through photography, and continually seeking new creative avenues to connect with others and fulfill her personal and professional journey.
Tamar is a mentor for the LSA Team.
Competency Focus:
Languages,
Social Sciences,
Personal Development
Sgt. Alain Perrault
Alain is a reservist in the Canadian Armed Forces and he is a Nuclear Security Officer.
Alain knows how to lead teams, build people up, and address complex problems by taking initiative.
Alain is a mentor for the Survival Pathway.
*New Brunswick
George Papathanasopoulos
George is a senior human resource executive in the business community.
He close to 20 years of volunteer and leadership experience with Scouts Canada.
George brings his passion and dedication to excellence and resourcefulness to developing leaders.
George is a mentor of the Survival Pathway.
Competency Focus: Mathematics: logic and problem solving
Science/Technology: inquiring and experimentation
Personal Development: communication and understanding.
Helen Kalipolidis
Helen is a retired principal with the SWLSB.
Helen brings her unique perspective and abilities to manage teams, schools, navigate challenges and expertise on building effective communities to life with her investment in our student leaders.
Helen is a mentor for the Grade 7 (Sec. 1) student leaders.
Competency Focus: Personal Development
SWLSB ALUMNI
Camille Charbonneau
Website: https://myinnerpace.com/about
Camille Charbonneau is a Mental Performance Consultant (MPC) with a Masters degree in Performance and Sport psychology.
Her mission is to teach high performers the important role that Mental Skills Training (MST) has on performance. Through teaching tools and strategies based on sport psychology research, she helps athletes feel confident and focused when it matters the most.
Camille has worked with musicians, athletes, coaches, children, and business leaders. Her experience as an athlete, educator, and personal trainer, make her a consultant with a wide variety of skills to adapt to your individual needs.
She completed the well-known Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction program which has helped her appreciate meditation, as she believes that it is key in cultivating mindfulness, and essentially in improving overall performance.
Camille is a mentor for the Athletic Pathway.
Competency Focus: . Personal Development – since it really emphasizes physical health, growth, and life balance.
2. Science and Technology – because it ties in well with sports science, performance, and training. (Nutrition, biomechanics)
Kristina Stathas
Kristina is studying Sociology and a forward on the Concordia Stingers women's hockey team.
Kristina is a mentor for the Athletic Pathway.
Competency Focus: . Personal Development – since it really emphasizes physical health, growth, and life balance.
2. Science and Technology – because it ties in well with sports science, performance, and training. (Nutrition, biomechanics)
SWLSB ALUMNI
Mikeala Papathanasopoulos
As a special needs education aide, I support students with diverse learning disabilities, helping them thrive academically and socially. My role has honed my patience, adaptability, and ability to tailor guidance to individual strengths—key skills for mentorship. I want to empower youth by fostering confidence, resilience, and self-worth.
My experience in special education taught me to meet people where they are, celebrate small wins, and remind them their uniqueness is a strength. I hope to inspire mentees to pay it forward, creating cycles of support in their communities.
Having navigated school challenges firsthand, I combine relatability with practical strategies to help students feel seen, heard, and capable.
Mentorship, to me, is about lighting the way for others—just as I wish someone had done for me.
I am a mentor for the Athletic Pathway.
Leadership ALUMNI
Scott Macdonell
2015 Grey Cup Champion, Scott is now a certified agent for players in the CFL and NFL, as well as working in IT.
Scott is a mentor for the Athletic Pathway.
Competency Focus: . Personal Development – since it really emphasizes physical health, growth, and life balance.
2. Science and Technology – because it ties in well with sports science, performance, and training. (Nutrition, biomechanics)
"Mentoring is not about guiding someone to follow your path, but helping them find their own."
— Unknown
Sonia Cote
Sonia is the Honorary distinctions advisor and finance manager in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec.
Sonia was the founding Officer of 100 Laval Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron.
With many years of service to her community, Quebec, and Canada, Sonia is a dedicated leader who has spent her life investing in young people and strengthening communities.
Maggie Toramanian
Maggie Toramanian is a Senior Graphic Designer and Creative Director who has worked with major fashion and lifestyle brands. She turned life’s challenges into fuel to follow her dreams and build a creative career she loves. She is passionate about inspiring young people to believe in themselves, embrace their creativity, and never give up.
Maggie is a mentor for the Arts Pathway.
Anna Canzano
Anna is a business and team leader for Avon Canada.
Anna is an expert at building teams, connective relationships, and creating growth centred environments.
Anna is a mentor for Team and School Captains.
Vanessa Pellicciotta
Vanessa is an entrepreneur in the Greater Montreal area.
Vanessa has develop the skills to turn an idea into profits, build client relationships and manage all of the details that come with the in-person customer service industry.
Vanessa is a mentor for the Business Pathway.
Leadership ALUMNI
Nik Spiropoulos
Nik is currently in CEGEP beginning his post-secondary educational journey.
Nik is a singer and musician who brings his passion for building effective teams to our student leaders.
Nik is a mentor for the Art Pathway.
Leadership ALUMNI
Anastasia Karigiannis
Anastasia is a student in University starting her journey in Humanities.
Anastasia is a mentor for the Science & Medicine Pathway.
Leadership ALUMNI
"Mentorship is the key to unlocking potential and building a legacy that lasts beyond your own leadership."
— Anonymous
Desjardins Caisse de Chomedey
3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry