TESL Niagara's three-fold mission...

Born & raised in Niagara, Zan is a proud member of her TESL community. Zan is a Brock University graduate, as well as a graduate of the TESL program at Niagara College where she also serves as a member of the Curriculum Advisory Committee.  In addition, Zan is thrilled to be a mentor teacher for students in the TESL program who are completing their observing & teaching practicums. 

Her areas of experience include teaching ESL/EAP at both the College & University levels, to both international students as well as newcomers to Canada. Currently, she is teaching full-time at McMaster University in their ESL/Bridging program called MELD as well as part-time at Niagara College in the ELTE program. 

As a passionate communicator, Zan is always searching for meaningful ways to create engaging, significant connections. Her extensive work experiences in different industries have taught her the value of being a dedicated, motivated individual with a high level of integrity. 

In her spare time Zan loves to sing - she is a singer in a 4 piece band as well as in a duo, playing at various venues in Niagara. She is a big Harry Potter fan, 

  As an educator with over 25 years of experience, Laura understands the incredible value of a strong, supportive teaching community. In her role as membership secretary, she engages with our members and connects educators across the Niagara Region. 

Throughout her career, Laura has been privileged to work with diverse groups, teaching students of all ages, from infants to mature adults across both the United States and Canada. Her experience spans special education and inclusive practices, which she holds as essential to fostering an environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. 

Laura is committed to supporting our members with openness and to encouraging dialogue that embraces fresh ideas and broadens perspectives.

Elizabeth has been part of the TESL Niagara Executive since 2022 as the Digital Media and Public Relations Representative. Her role involves designing newsletters, managing social media platforms, maintaining the TESL Niagara website, and communicating with representatives of TESL programs throughout the Niagara Region.

Elizabeth holds 14 years of professional experience in both academic and volunteer settings. Aside from holding a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in French and Italian Studies from Brock University, Elizabeth also completed the Teaching English as a Subsequent/Foreign Language (TESL) Certificate Program at Brock University. 

Elizabeth's experience spans from working with elementary to postsecondary students, international students, and newcomers to Canada. She currently works with Language Research Development Group as a remote ESL Tutor, supporting the bilingual needs of public servants of the federal government.

She also volunteers for TESL Ontario, formerly as the TESL Dialogue Administrative Assistant and now as the TESL Webinar Outreach Assistant. 

In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with friends and family, and volunteering at her church and in the community. She is a library nerd, an avid watcher of mystery shows, a music enthusiast and a former recreational dancer.

Jackie Angi-Dobos brings a wealth of experience to her role as the Affiliate Representative for TESL Niagara. Currently, she teaches LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) to adult learners at the Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre, tutors high school students in English for Academic Purposes (EAP), and serves as a supply instructor for LINC programs at the Halton District School Board. 

Additionally, Jackie contributes her research expertise to a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University. 

Throughout her career, Jackie has held various roles in the field of language education. She has served as an ESL Coordinator at an international high school, a TESL/TEFL teacher trainer at an adult learning centre, and an EAP instructor at both Brock University and Niagara College. Her global experience includes managing a private language school in Alicante, Spain, teaching high school English in Budapest, Hungary, and directing summer programs in Hong Kong. 

Originally from England and raised in Canada, Jackie spent a decade living in Spain and Hungary. She holds a BA in English and a BEd in TESL, qualifications that have grounded her commitment to language education. Jackie is an active presenter at TESL Ontario conferences. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, meeting new people, and exploring new destinations. 

Kay is a dedicated ESL educator with a TESL certification obtained during the pandemic. She pursued this certification to engage in voluntary work and share her love for teaching English to others.

Kay's teaching experience includes working in public schools in Hong Kong and private international schools in Beijing, where she developed a diverse approach to meet the needs of her students.

After retiring from her formal teaching career, she now contributes her skills to TESL Niagara as Treasurer, supporting the organization’s mission to promote community engagement through language learning initiatives.

Outside of teaching, Kay enjoys a variety of hobbies, including ballroom dancing, floral arranging, painting, and exploring different cultures through travel.

Looking ahead, her goals are to continue growing as an educator, continue her involvement and support in TESL Niagara, and find new ways to make learning English accessible and enjoyable for all students.