Meet Your Nominees for the 2026-2027 St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic School Council
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| Name | Bio | |
| Maria Sarracini | This will be my 4th year serving on council, and it has been such a rewarding part of my family’s journey. I have one son attending SMK at the moment, so being involved in our school community has always been important to me. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of helping out with the fundraising committee and being the parish rep. I also enjoy helping and running Hot Lunch at Holy Spirit CES. My love for volunteering extends to Our Lady of Grace Parish. I help with the ministries at the parish as well. Volunteering has always been about giving back, building relationships and being part of a community. I’ve met so many wonderful people along the way, and I will always be grateful to the memories and friendships I’ve made. I love spending time with my girls, you will often find us enjoying a book, baking or curled up on the couch watching sappy Hallmark movies. | |
| Mark Walhout | Thank You for considering my application for SMK council. I am excited about the opportunity to give back to the school community and to support the principal, faculty and fellow council members in helping SMK continue to provide an outstanding educational and faith based experience for its students. By way of background, I am a financial advisor and small business owner based in Aurora. Prior to entering the financial services industry. I held sales and leadership positions with both medium sized and large tech. companies across Canada. These roles provided me experience in communication, collaboration strategic, planning and team leadership. I am committed to serving my community through volunteer involvement. From 2022, I volunteered as a baseball coach with the Richmond Hill Phoenix Baseball Club, helping young adults develop their skill, teamwork and confidence. I am also a member of the Queens York Regimental council, supporting Aurora’s local Canadian Armed Forces reserve regiment and its connection to the community. I hold an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration from the Wilfrid Laurier University. I would be honoured to contribute my professional experience, volunteer background and commitment to community service as a member of the SMK school council. | |
| Ella Korotkin | My name is Ella and I am a law clerk specializing in real estate law. I was proud to serve on the Catholic Parent Council last year (as a non voting member), and I am excited for the opportunity to continue working alongside other parents, staff and the school to help make a difference. | |
| Edina Heder | I am a dentist in the community. I have participated in my children’s parent council in the elementary school as well, and have been part of St. Max Catholic school council the past two years. | |
| Paul Oyewole | A former member of Parent Council | |
| Melissa Mackovski | I look forward to the opportunity to serve St Max CHS on the Catholic School Council. I have been a member of school council each year my children having served as Chair at Corpus Christi CES and currently as Chair at St Augustine CHS. I have a background in law having worked as a litigator for a number of years. I enjoy travelling, gardening and volunteering at the school. | |
| Natasha Venditti | I am a French teacher with the YCDSB. My interests include travelling, yoga and spending time outdoors. I also enjoy time with my family and cooking | |
| Terri Ferreira-Cioffi | I am a mother of three boys, Antonio, and Alessio who attend St Max in grade 10 and Adriano who attends OLG in grade 7. I have served on the OLG CES CSC for the last 11 years as a voting member, secretary and for the last 6 years as Vice Chair. In addition, this past year I served as a voting member for St Max CSC. As a stay at home mother and licensed foster care provider, I have the privilege of caring for children from infancy through 18 years old with York Region Children’s Aid Society. When I’m not busy cheering on my boys from the sidelines at rugby, soccer, hockey or swimming, you will find me chasing our two labrador retrievers. I enjoy travelling, reading, going to the theatre and exploring various dance disciplines. | |
| Shelagh Carlini | I am a parent of a grade 10 student at St Max. I served on CSC last year and enjoyed volunteering for council supported events. I am actor and director based here in York Region. I love the dynamics, support and enthusiasm found of CSC. It would be an honour to be a part of the council for a second year. | |
| Jessica Sposato | Planner at Porter Airlines. Italian family of 6 (4 children). Love sports, people, anything social. Volunteer at FFM Catholic School. Love meeting new people and making a change. | |
| Lisa Billingsley | I am a creative strategist at the Town of Aurora with extensive experience in design branding and art. I am married with three children, one at St Max two younger. I love photography, interior design, music and art. Interested in being a part of the school and offering my help. I am also a voting member at my other children’s school | |
| Rosella Mongelli | I have been a part of the SMK community for 6 years now. I have 2 amazing daughters, one in grade 10 and another who is an SMK graduate. I have had the pleasure of serving on this council for the past 6 years and at the elementary level for over 10 years. Having held many different roles in parent council has allowed me to form relationships with admin teams, staff and fellow parents. This has helped me to contribute to SMK positively toward a shared vision that benefits our school. I have contributed to successful parent-led school initiatives to raise funds for SMK and would be honoured to be a part of the 2026-27 Parent Council once again. I would love the opportunity to hold the role of Chair or Co-Chair if chosen. | |
| Maryam Golabgir | I own a small marketing agency for the past 12 years. I’m very invested in my child’s academic future and would like to help as much as I can. I’m perfectly fine with volunteering opportunities and helping out with the board. | |
| Nicole Galloro | I am the parent of Anthony (grade 10 in the special education program). I am a chiropractor and college professor teaching biology and chemistry. I have been a part of the SMK parent council last year and I assisted with the Open House and other events. I am also part of the parent council at Light of Christ CES for my other child. I have a special interest in representing special needs on council. I enjoy reading, cooking and walks outdoors. The staff, parents and SMK community at large have been great and I’m looking forward to another school year ahead. | |
| Michelle Leppington | I would be honored to be a member of SMK CSC again this year, and would like to express my interest to the school community. I am a teacher, healthcare advocate, wife and mother of three FI students. My eldest son is in grade 11 at SMK, and his two younger siblings are in grade 5 and 8. I believe we have a responsibility to make our children’s school experience one they will fondly remember. When families and school staff collaborate, we create and unstoppable team of leaders for our children. Together, we have the power to make everyone feel safe, loved, seen, heard and valued. Serving on an elementary school council for the past 10 years, and two years on the SMK council, has taught me a lot about activities and dedication involved in making schools wonderful places for our children to grow, learn and flourish. I wish to share my skills as a parent and teacher to enhance student experience I have volunteered on numerous fundraising committees, helped to organize special events and participated in community-building enrichment opportunities I also work as a Patient Partner at UofT, and am an alumni of their Patient and Family Advisor Committee. My husband and I volunteer with our sons basketball and soccer teams. In my free time I enjoy reading, music, travelling, horseback riding (with my daughter), yoga and exploring personal development. | |
| Katherine Vafaei | Occupation: Accounting and Executive Operations Manager. I am a mom of two children in grade 9 and 5 and I have been actively involved with my daughters school for the past 8 years and for the past 4 years serving as Parent Council Chair. I organize school events, lead fundraising initiatives, I love to create fun and engaging opportunities for the students and families. | |
| Lilliana Remigio | As a parent of 4 children who have or who are attending St. Max (2 are currently seniors and 2 have graduated) and as a member serving on Parent Council and the fundraising committee where I can see we are making a tangible impact. As an active member of the Fundraising Committee we made great strides in our fundraising goals and would enjoy collaborating with the committee this year to generate more revenue for the students. As a business consultant I bring a fresh perspective out of the box ideas and extensive experience collaborating with teams to successfully achieve our common goals. I would love nothing more than to be given the privilege to sit on the Parent Council this final year and work with such a fantastic team. | |
| Rosa Ahmadi | Rosa Ahmadi is a parent of a student at St Max CHS and a senior leader in the tech. and consulting industry, with extensive experience in leadership, collaboration, governance and managing complex initiatives. She is passionate about student success, meaningful parent engagement and creating a positive and supportive community. Rosa would welcome the opportunity to contribute her professional experience, collaborative approach and parent perspective to the Catholic School Council and to work constructively with families, educators and school leadership in support of all students. | |
| Emira Keerthika-
Karakisingam |
I’m a mom of three and a PSW with a background in corporate logistics and care giving. I enjoy staying active and spending time with family and supporting my children school and community activities. I’m excited to volunteer on Parent Council and help create a positive and connected school community. | |
| Alex Jahromi | I’m a parent at our school and a Newmarket resident with more than 15 years of experience in the construction industry working as project engineer, estimator, scheduler on ICI sector. I would like to bring my skills to the school council to support our students and families. | |
| Jane Ramos | I have participated as the secretary for the last 3 school years. I would love the opportunity to continue with the council this year as a voting member. I will not be able to hold the role of secretary for the 2026/27 school year due to other work obligations. I will be able to attend all meetings and some fundraising events | |
| Stephanie Romano | I enjoy being involved in my daughters’ school community and supporting the students and families. I have been apart of school council in elementary/highschool for many years. I am happy to share my ideas, volunteer my time with parents/staff to enhance the student experience. I would like to help make a positive impact in the school community and support to better the school, students and family | |
| Lyndsay Boyes | Our son Liam is happy to be in grade 9 and I look forward to being involved with his developments and the SMK community for the next four years. I have served as the Parish Rep on the CSC at St Elizabeth Seton for the last 7 years, in connection with a fabulous group of staff, parents, students and parish community. I hope to learn lots and contribute what I can to the SMK council- especially pertaining to financial planning. I enjoy snowboarding and skiing, whenever possible. | |
| MaryJo Nabuurs | Small local business owner. Part of multiple school councils in various positions at both levels (elementary and secondary) over the last 17 years. Interested in helping support students and staff further in my last year with a child in the board. An active advocate for public education and public healthcare, including co-founding non-profit, Ontario school safety where we advocate for and educate on the impactful role clean air plays in the lives of staff and students where they spend the most time at school. Excited to see what St Max accomplishes this year! | |
| Daniel Van Dijk | Hi, I’m Dan Van Dyke, father of Daniel Van Dijk-White. I’ve worked in IT project management for a number of years. I started volunteering at my son’s school when he was in Gr.1 and these opportunities quickly became the highlight of my day. I love interacting with students, staff, admin and parents. Outside of work and family, I enjoy traveling and spending weekends at the cottage or beach house. I look forward to working closely with parents, teachers and staff to make this school year a fantastic experience for every student. | |
| Mabel Acosta | CHRP registered HR professional with a background in people skills, communication and organization. I’ve been a stay -at-home mom by choice for the past few years and served on council at my kids elementary school for the past 8 years. On the side I love decorating parties and making balloon art, usually just for family and friends. Looking forward to continuing to help out wherever I can. | |
| Mary-Anne Hart | I am a mom of 3, my oldest daughter Charlotte started in Grade 9 this year. Professionally I work in Human Resources where I have spent many years supporting people, building strong workplace cultures and helping organizations grow. As we begin the new chapter of high school I’m excited to become involved with parent council, connect with other parents and contribute to our school community. | |
| Karen Haldane | I have been an active member of CSC for the past 12 years, serving as co-chair, secretary and parish rep. As a parent of two children, one currently in grade 11 and the other in university, having recently graduated from SMK. I have a strong interest in supporting students throughout their educational journey. Giving back to the community is important to me. I volunteer with the Welcome Table feeding program, a joint initiative supported by several local churches. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with fellow parents, staff and council members to support our students and enhance their secondary school experience. Whether I am re-elected as a voting member or not, you can count on me at attend meeting, stay engaged and support council initiatives | |