Staff

Andrea West 
Teacher, Chemistry, Science and Technology

Andrea West is a dedicated and ambitious educator with a profound passion for science. Believing that students thrive when they take ownership of their education, Ms. West tirelessly cultivates an environment that fosters independence. She firmly believes that the best educators build meaningful connections with their students and strives to achieve this in every classroom she teaches.

Ms. West earned her Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and later completed her Teacher Education degree at the University of Western Ontario in 2018. Specializing in STEM education and obtaining an additional qualification in teaching English Language Learners, she has nearly a decade of experience, primarily in Ontario. Over the years, she has refined her skills and developed innovative teaching methods that engage and inspire her students.

Outside the classroom, Ms. West is an avid hockey fan, passionate player, and dedicated coach. Her enthusiasm for the sport is matched by her love for music—she plays the guitar and enjoys creating woodburning art in her spare time. Her curiosity extends beyond the classroom as she travels extensively and can say “thank you” in over ten languages, reflecting her eagerness to learn about different cultures.

Before joining the CCI team, Andrea taught in Bangkok, Thailand, where she earned a reputation for inspiring and connecting with her students, cultivating a love for learning that transcends the classroom.

Cheryl D’Alessandro
Director of Communications

Cheryl is an enthusiastic believer that poor communication is at the root of many human foibles. 

Cheryl joined CCI in 2021. As CCI’s director of communications, it is her mission to keep CCI’s families, students and staff well-informed and connected to each other — and the world.

A journalist for more than two-decades, Cheryl has a keen curiosity, tenacious organizational skills and an enthusiasm for research and travel.

After earning her Bachelor of Communications at Ryerson University in 2002, Cheryl became an accomplished writer, reporter, social media editor and news producer.

During her 13 years at the CBC, Canada’s national public broadcaster, Cheryl covered major national and international events, including traveling to South Korea for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang. During the pandemic, her work keeping Canadians informed won awards and accolades for her and her team.

A mother of two and a proud D’Alessandro by marriage, Cheryl is fiercely devoted to her family. You will often find her pumping iron at the nearest gym in her pursuit as an amateur bodybuilder.

Daniel Masella
Teacher, Social Sciences

Mr. Daniel Masella is a dedicated and passionate educator with a strong background in fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments. His teaching philosophy is grounded in values of humility, and compassion, allowing him to build strong relationships and a sense of community with his students and the school.

Holding Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and Psychology from York University, a Bachelor of Professional Studies from Niagara University, and a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from the University of Toronto, Mr. Masella brings a well-rounded and diverse academic foundation to his teaching practice.

With a fascination for space and complex ideas, he often weaves these themes into his teaching. 

Before entering education, Mr. Masella gained valuable leadership experience in various roles, which enhanced his ability to manage diverse groups and foster collaboration. His experience as a tutor fueled his passion for teaching, leading him to pursue a career in education where he could inspire youth and make a positive impact on their futures.

Mr. Masella regularly demonstrates his enthusiasm and commitment to the school community by actively contributing to school-wide initiatives like food drives and cabaret shows.

Outside the classroom, Mr. Masella enjoys exploring new culinary experiences and embraces weightlifting for its positive impact on health and fitness, values he aims to inspire in his students. You can count on him to talk about new music he has recently discovered!

Donna Sistilli
Teacher, Visual Arts and Photography 

Ms. Sistilli is an esteemed art educator who has returned to Lanciano from Canada to continue her vibrant career in education.

Born in Lanciano, Ms. Sistilli moved with her family to Toronto at the age of six.

After graduating from York University with an Honours degree in Fine Arts, Ms. Sistilli went on to acquire a Bachelor of Education at the University of Toronto. She began her professional teaching career in 1985. 

During her 34 years in education, Ms. Sistilli received several prestigious awards from the Toronto Catholic District School Board for Innovative Exemplary Practice. She is also a practising artist, who is actively engaged in many aspects of Toronto's exciting arts community. 

Ms. Sistilli’s energetic creativity, talent and passion for the arts have led her to numerous artistic endeavours, including Nuit Blanche, Toronto’s Moose in the City installation project, Bell Box Mural project, and Portraits of Resilience at the Art Gallery of Ontario. 

Ms. Sistilli is also a creative photographer and has made several contributions to PhotoED magazine. 

She has received numerous awards of excellence in the many juried shows in which she regularly participates.

During her leisure time, Ms. Sistilli cherishes quality time with her adult children, family and friends. Additionally, she finds immense pleasure in savouring the delightful meals crafted by her husband.

A lifelong learner, Ms. Sistilli actively seeks out new experiences, discovering unfamiliar places and engaging in various activities that not only enrich her life, but also provide her with a profound sense of fulfilment, relaxation and joy.

Mr. Giancarlo Mazzanti 
University Admissions Advisor

Mr. Giancarlo Mazzanti brings a wealth of experience to CCI, having most recently served as Director of Student Services and Registrar at St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto. During his tenure at U of T, Mr. Mazzanti made significant contributions in admissions, academic advising, recruitment, and scholarships. He managed a comprehensive Student Services portfolio encompassing Accessibility Services, Learning Strategies, and Career Advising. Additionally, he served as a Computer Science Supplementary Application Evaluator and Admission Appeal Assessor for the Faculty of Arts and Science. His career at U of T followed decades of leadership in Toronto’s independent school sector as a Guidance Director.

Mr. Mazzanti’s passion for international education began during his studies at U of T, where he earned a degree in Political Science and Modern Languages. His academic journey included enriching experiences at the Università per Stranieri di Siena and the Université de Nice. This passion inspired him to establish and serve as the inaugural Principal of the International Summer Academy at St. Michael’s College School. He has instilled his appreciation for global learning in his four sons, who have studied in both national and international settings.

An active contributor to the educational community, Mr. Mazzanti has served on numerous committees and delivered presentations on topics such as U.S. and U.K. university admissions. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of the National Catholic Colleges Association and has shared his expertise at the National Association for College Admissions Counseling Conference, the largest educational conference globally.

When not in the office, Mr. Mazzanti can be found on long-distance bicycle rides or on the golf course. His love of hockey led to a 25-year coaching career during which several of his players went on to play professional hockey. He also finds joy in sailing, the culinary arts, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Mr. Mazzanti firmly believes in the transformational power of international education which he considers an essential conduit for greater personal formation and international understanding and collaboration. 

Giuseppina Porfilio
Teacher – Italian language
 
Giuseppina Porfilio is a highly qualified language teacher who is skilled at instructing all levels and across a variety of programs. 
 
Guided by the principle expressed in the quote attributed to Aristotle: “Teaching is the highest form of understanding,” Ms. Porfilio believes a strong connection between teacher and student gives great results and achievements.
 
Ms. Porfilio prides herself on her communicative approach, and plans her lessons according to her students’ needs and interests.
 
Ms. Porfilio’s passion for languages and Italian literature and culture led her to earn a number of different qualifications. In 2015, she obtained the Italian DITALS from Università per Stranieri di Siena – a qualification recognized worldwide for teaching Italian as foreign language.
 
Ms. Porfilio also holds the Italian Certificate in Language Teaching to Adults (CLTA) from International House London where she had the opportunity to teach Italian at different levels and developed the ability to work in a multicultural context. In 2020, she gained a Master in Teaching Italian Language and Literature, provided by the Università Stranieri di Siena and Università e Perugia, where the program focused on learning the main theories of SLA and teaching methods for both face-to-face and online lessons.
 
An enthusiastic, creative and positive person, Ms. Porfilio is known for her flexible yet organized and proactive approach to projects. She loves reading, dancing and travelling – especially when discovering new hidden gems in Italy. She also enjoys the company of her family and friends.

Jessie Smith
Guidance Officer

As CCI's Guidance Officer, Jessie Smith is enthusiastic about leading students through their university applications and helping them achieve their current and future academic goals. 

Ms. Smith believes that the best part of her job is getting to know our students and accompanying them to achieve their full potential.

Ms. Smith is a native of Ontario, but has been living and working in Italy in the education and training field since 2013. She has experience teaching students of all ages and nationalities in private schools, multinational companies like Fater S.p.A (Procter & Gamble joint venture), De Cecco pasta company, and Italian public schools.

She first obtained her Honours BA in Communication Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, and then went on to complete a postgraduate degree in Human Resources Management from Humber College. 

Ms. Smith first joined CCI as a support teacher in 2017, working closely with students who needed extra assistance with the course load and organization. This role was particularly well-suited for her because she is also an alumnus of CCI, having attended the school during the 2004-2005 academic year. 

Outside of CCI, Ms. Smith is an avid walker and enjoys cycling along the Adriatic coast.  She also loves exploring parts of Abruzzo that are off the beaten path and trying out different regional cuisine with her family. 

Jussef Massimiliano Aimola
Boys’ Residence Don

Jussef Massimiliano Aimola, affectionately known as Giuseppe, is a caring boys’ resident don whose passion for physical fitness and positive outlook are an inspiration to our students.

A dedicated kinesiologist and aspiring physical education teacher, he studied at Gabriele D'Annunzio University at San Raffaele in Rome and completed his Erasmus in Nice. 

With a passion for basketball and a love for exploring new cultures, Giuseppe is fluent in four languages. He has experience coaching teams of all ages, from young children to seniors, and has worked as an educator in private schools. 

He has also taught anatomy and biology online to private students. Committed to empathy and support, he volunteers for individuals with multiple sclerosis, inspired by a close relative’s journey with the condition.

Kerry Vanderwal
Teacher, English

Mrs. Vanderwal brings over 20 years of experience in both private and public schools across Ontario, having served as an English teacher, Special Education Department Head, and District Student Success Coordinator.

A graduate of the University of Ottawa with a degree in Political Science and English Literature, Mrs. Vanderwal has always been drawn to the power of well-crafted communication. Her passion for government and writing led her to intern in the Press Office at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C., an experience that not only deepened her love for travel but also solidified her belief in the transformative power of education for young people. After earning her degree in Education from the University of New Brunswick, she has dedicated her career to inspiring students to discover their passions and refine their skills.

Often described by her students as caring and compassionate, Mrs. Vanderwal is deeply committed to amplifying student voices in the classroom and embracing a holistic approach to learning. She is excited to join the faculty at Canadian College Italy, where she looks forward to continuing her lifelong learning journey and exploring new experiences alongside her students.

Outside the classroom, Mrs. Vanderwal is the proud mother of two wonderful children. In her free time, she enjoys shopping, traveling, cooking for her family, and taking long walks.

Korado Daja
Food and Beverage Coordinator

Korado Daja is a dedicated and passionate food and beverage coordinator with a rich background in hospitality. He studied hotel management in Villa Santa Maria and has since gained international experience in Spain and Germany. After running his own bar and restaurant in Lanciano, he expanded his horizons by working in Madrid, where he not only honed his culinary and service skills but also learned the language. A brief stint in Germany further enriched his professional journey.

Upon returning to Italy, Korado joined the team at Canadian College Italy, where he found his true passion: working closely with his mother, Chef Speranza Harizi, nourishing and caring for CCI students. He takes great pride in being a constant presence in the Allegria, and caring for our staff and students as if they were family. Korado’s enthusiasm, dynamic energy, and genuine commitment to his work make him an important part of our school community.

Larry Henry
Teacher, Business and Law
 
Mr. Henry is a veteran teacher who embraces experiential learning and practical applications to subject theory and concepts. He finds his students often bring just as much to the classroom as he does — if not more.
 
Mr. Henry uses his vast experience and connections in the business and legal communities to enlighten his students on the skills, and ethical & moral considerations important to those fields.  
 
In addition to teaching, Mr. Henry has been an avid basketball coach for 40 years, working at all levels. He has been blessed with having coached a number of skilled players who have gone on to enjoy successful college and university careers both in Canada and the U.S. — one having played in the WNBA. 
 
Mr. Henry is also your person if you’re looking to be regaled with Boston Celtics and Larry Bird stories. He is also a very proud father of two amazing children who are studying and soon embarking in careers as a Dental Hygienist and an Electrician.
 

Luigia Di Bucchianico 
Girls’ Residence Don

Luigia is a tireless dreamer, a food lover and a true people person. 

As a Residence Don, Luigia is committed to supporting students in their academic success, while also encouraging the personal responsibility, safety and healthy living habits that are required for residence life and beyond. 

Being a Don also means she can apply her passion for meeting new people and learning about their lives and backgrounds. 

After earning her bachelor’s degree in economics, and becoming an accountant in Lanciano, Luigia was bitten by the travel bug and moved to Canada with a few bags and big dreams. Her foray into education began as a supply teacher for the Toronto Catholic District School Board while working as a floor manager at a busy Toronto restaurant. Always in touch with her passion for food, Luigia also earned her diploma in food technology, safety and quality.

Like many people, the pandemic forced Luiga to rethink her priorities, and she returned to Lanciano in 2020 to be close to her family.

In addition to her commitment to CCI, Luigia is also an entrepreneur in her family's B&B. She is always seeking new travel adventures in search of exciting cultural immersions, new food flavors and practicing her English skills.

In her spare time, Luigia is an avid reader and book collector who dreams of one day having a library like the one in Beauty and the Beast. She also enjoys binge watching TV series on Netflix and films. 

Manuel Ferrante
Boys' Residence Don

Manuel, or Manu as most of our students call him, has a firm conviction that residence life is at the core of a successful boarding school experience. That is why his main focus is to always help our boys feel as if they are part of a big family — supported and listened to.

After high school, Manuel followed his desire to help people by volunteering for the Yellow Cross of Lanciano, earning a first aid certificate and the access and operation of defibrillators. Manuel has also worked with the Blue Cross, assisting people with disabilities to access their medical appointments.

After spending 6 months in Toronto to improve his English and to experience a different culture, Manuel came back to Italy and joined CCI in late 2018.

Manuel is interested in sports and music, playing amateur volleyball and strumming the bass guitar. He highly values CCI’s multicultural environment, and finds it a unique and enriching experience.

Manuela Raso
Teacher and Program Coordinator

Ms. Manuela Raso is a passionate educator committed to fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment. Born and raised in Canada, Ms. Raso holds an undergraduate degree from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Bachelor of Education from York University, with qualifications spanning primary, junior, intermediate, and senior divisions. Ms. Raso has worked with students of all ages and believes in understanding the foundational aspects of education to best support students at every stage of their academic journey.

Throughout her career, she has focused on creating classrooms where all students feel valued, empowered, and motivated to succeed. Ms. Raso is deeply committed to building a strong, collaborative classroom community, as she believes it enhances both academic achievement and personal growth. Her teaching philosophy centers on nurturing not only academic skills but also the social and emotional development of her students.

Having lived and studied in Cento, Ferrara, during her adolescence, Ms. Raso is also fluent in Italian and has a deep understanding of the transformative power of cultural immersion. Her international background shapes her educational approach, emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness in broadening students’ perspectives.

Ms. Raso is dedicated to providing a positive, supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to take risks, build confidence, and reach their full potential.

Outside of teaching, she enjoys exploring new places with her dog Prince, practicing Pilates, and learning to cook authentic Italian dishes. These personal interests help her maintain balance and creativity, which she brings into her classroom each day.

Mariana Rotondaro
Communications Officer

Mariana holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and has two decades of corporate experience. Her diverse background spans multinational companies, advertising agencies, e-commerce, radio, and NGOs, providing her with a deep understanding of the market. This experience has honed her adaptability, making it one of her key strengths. 

After many years in the corporate sector, she started seeking projects that were personally meaningful. Recognizing her experience, enthusiasm, and desire to make a real impact, she began by creating and conducting creativity workshops for entrepreneurs and children. She also worked as an Educational Assistant in Australia, where she spent two years, and volunteered with NGOs focusing on education, art, and children’s rights. 

Mariana is passionate about encouraging others to spark their curiosity and develop their own creative perspectives, believing that even small actions can lead to significant change.

She loves colors, the sea, and traveling. Nature boosts her energy, especially taking off her shoes and lying down on the grass. She loves creativity in all its forms; if you talk to her, she will probably end up recommending something for you to watch, read, or listen to.

She relishes trying new flavours wherever she goes. However, she wouldn’t trade the classic tastes of Argentina, her home, for anything.

Martina De Benedictis
Psychologist and Girls’ Residence Relief Don

Martina is a clinical psychologist registered with the Order of Psychologists of the Abruzzo Region (No. 3984), with experience in the field of mental health. Her approach is based on empathy and sensitivity, which she considers fundamental in building a trusting relationship with her clients. 

From a young age, she has always had a natural inclination towards listening and understanding others. The desire to help people overcome their difficulties has become a vocation that accompanies Martina every day. Children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly have all benefited from her caring expertise throughout her extensive professional career. Notably, she served as a psychologist in a kindergarten, where she independently managed the classroom.

Martina has gained valuable experience supporting children with learning disabilities (DSA), making a positive impact on their academic progress. She has assisted many students in developing personalized study methods, identifying both their strengths and areas for improvement. In addition, Martina has provided emotional and psychological support, helping individuals manage stress, anxiety, personal distress, and relationship challenges.

Martina has a reputation as a curious, cheerful person, always open to conversation. Her main priority is the well-being of those around her. In her work, she likes to create a calm and non-judgmental environment where students can feel free to express themselves.  
In her free time, she enjoys reading books on psychology or fiction, which allow her to constantly grow both professionally and personally. She also loves to travel, meet new cultures and people, stay updated and learn.

Michael Vanderwal
Physical Education & Student Life Coordinator

Mr. Vanderwal hails from Belleville, Ontario, and brings over 20 years of teaching experience across both public and private schools in the province. His diverse background includes teaching at every grade level, from kindergarten to college, making him a versatile and seasoned educator.

As a health and physical education specialist, Mr. Vanderwal has served as the lead HPE teacher at his previous school for the past decade, where he’s been instrumental in shaping the curriculum and inspiring students to embrace active, healthy lifestyles.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Vanderwal is deeply committed to community engagement, believing that strong relationships and active service are key to building a thriving community. He has been the driving force behind organizing major school events like the Terry Fox Run and Jump Rope for Heart fundraisers, which have made a lasting impact on his school and its students. His dedication to physical education extends to his role as a director for Gymnastics Ontario,

An avid sports enthusiast, Mr. Vanderwal has a particular passion for hockey, lacrosse, and rock climbing, and is a strong advocate for the physical and mental benefits of sport and physical activity. When he’s not busy with his professional commitments, you’ll find him relaxing by his pool or traveling with his family, making the most of his time outside of work.

Natalia Lukinskaia 
Executive Assistant to the Director

As the Executive Assistant, Ms. Lukinskaia plays a supportive role to the Director of CCI while managing a wide range of administrative responsibilities. Her role involves working closely with international educational agencies, handling inquiries, overseeing application processes, and coordinating visa procedures with precision.

With a background in linguistics from Russia, speaking three languages and having experience working with global companies, Ms. Lukinskaia uses her communication skills to facilitate families from all over the world to learn all about our programs and facilities, as well as assisting along their application process. 

Ms. Lukinskaia believes that showing firm support in organizational matters to our international students and their families is the key to the smooth functioning of our school’s operations. 

In her free time, Ms. Lukinskaia enjoys exploring new destinations with her husband and spending time with their golden retriever, Lucas. Whether it's a weekend getaway or an international adventure, they love discovering new places and creating lasting memories together.

Nicola Ferrante
Boys’ residence don

Nicola is from Castel Frentano, a small town near Lanciano. During his high school years, he focused on foreign languages, studying English, French, and German. He later earned a bachelor's degree from the Alma Mater University of Bologna in Political and Social Sciences and International Relations. Afterward, he moved to Turin, where he completed a First Level Master’s in Cultural Property Protection in Crisis Response.

Throughout his studies, Nicola gained experience in various fields, including promotion, advertising, and logistics. However, after spending 10 years abroad, he felt a strong desire to reconnect with his roots and return to Castel Frentano. At that time, he teamed up with a friend to organize and manage social, touristic, and historical/educational events, aimed at enhancing the cultural offerings of Castel Frentano.

Nicola's academic journey gave him valuable skills in problem-solving, peacekeeping, and diplomacy. His ability to multitask, developed through his work in international crisis situations, has been just as useful in handling challenges within the Residence, where he has been dedicated to serving CCI’s male students.
Inspired by the everyday challenges of residence life, Nicola thrives in his work as a residence don. He’s particularly inspired by the diversity of students—each with their own personal and cultural backgrounds—and he is skilled at adapting his approach to fit their various needs. Nicola feels happiest helping his students, sharing a coffee with them, and making the residence feel a bit more like home.

Nicola loves hiking and being in contact with nature. He takes care of a small piece of land where he grows some fruit, and he also enjoys all kinds of arts and crafts.

Roberta Piucci
Teacher, Italian, Spanish and French

Ms. Piucci is a highly qualified language teacher with extensive professional experience at an international level. 

Born in Lanciano, Ms. Piucci was just three years old when she told her of her dream to “learn languages and travel the world and be able to understand people." 

Today, her mission is to instill this passion in her students, as she believes, "There is no man more complete than the one who travelled a lot, who changed the shape of his thoughts and his life twenty times" (Alphonse de Lamartine).

Ms. Piucci's magical power to transmit this passion lies in her ability to connect with her students on a personal level, sharing dreams, goals, successes, and failures, as she often reminds them, "I was a student too, before being a teacher."

Having graduated in Oriental Languages and Civilizations in 2014 and in Politics and International Relations of Asia and Africa in 2017, Roberta has worked at the most important Italian institutions abroad, including in Chile, Tunisia, Jordan, and Spain. In 2020, she obtained the CEDILS certification from the University of Venice, a globally recognized qualification for teaching Italian as a foreign language.

Professionally, Ms. Piucci has a reputation as an energetic and determined educator, with a deep love for the communicative approach and group work in the classroom. Outside of work, she is characterized as playful and somewhat romantic, with an endless love for her cat, dancing, and her wonderful one-year-old child.
 

Sarah Taylor
Administrative & Educational Assistant

Mrs. Taylor is an experienced teacher and globe-trotting adventurer, whose passion for learning and embracing new experiences has taken her from Ottawa's classrooms to the skies, across continents, and now to CCI.

With degrees from University of Western Ontario and Ottawa University, Mrs. Taylor worked as a French teacher for over two decades in Ottawa, offering her time to student council and various clubs throughout her career.

After retiring from full time teaching, Mrs. Taylor went on to a second career in aviation, serving as a flight attendant for seven years; a post that allowed her to to visit every Canadian province and almost every territory.

Most recently, Mrs. Taylor and her husband, Mr. Taylor, concluded a successful two year term at a private international school in Ecuador. This experience was not only gratifying, but Mrs. Taylor especially enjoyed learning new customs, sampling new foods and learning a new language: Spanish. She is setting her sights on Italian next.

When not at school, Mrs. Taylor loves to travel and learn new things. 

Having acquired a newfound passion for scuba diving in Ecuador, Mrs. Taylor plans to take her new skills to the sparkling waters of the Adriatic. She also looks forward to sharing her Italian adventures with her four sons when they come to visit from Canada.

Scott Taylor 
Teacher, Mathematics

Mr. Taylor is a distinguished mathematics educator hailing from Ottawa, Ontario. His extensive 32-year tenure at Bell High School in Ottawa was crowned by a 21-year leadership as the Department Head of Math, Business, and Computer Science.

Mr. Taylor’s skilled teaching abilities and engaging communication style made him beloved by students and colleagues alike.

In 2021, Mr. Taylor and his wife, Mrs. Taylor, decided to broaden their pedagogical horizons by moving to Ecuador, where he embraced a transformative role as an Instructional Facilitator at Colegio Menor in Samborondón.

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor also had the opportunity to explore South America extensively, immersing themselves in many new experiences, including learning to scuba dive.

Throughout his career,  Mr. Taylor has nurtured a passion for working with young people in their mathematics education, teaching all levels of mathematics, and helping them reach their academic goals.  

He feels fortunate to be able to continue these efforts with his students at Canadian College Italy. 

Speranza Harizi
Head Chef

Speranza Harizi is an experienced and dedicated chef who has been passionate about cooking throughout her life. She first joined Canadian College Italy as head chef from 2004 to 2011, where she developed a strong connection with the school community. 

After a successful venture managing a local family restaurant, she happily returned to CCI, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a renewed commitment to her craft.

Known for her hard work and dedication—and for making everything by hand—Speranza strives to provide the best meals for the students, ensuring that they always enjoy high-quality food.

Her sincerity, determination, and honesty define her approach, making her a trusted and valued member of the CCI family.

Steven Centofanti
Director of Student Affairs

Steven Centofanti, affectionately known as Mr. C, has has been the School Resource Manager at Canadian College Italy since 2005.

Mr. Centofanti was born in Canada but has lived most of his life in Italy and is bilingual in English and Italian. Originally from Sulmona, he now lives in Frisa, a small town outside Lanciano, with his young family.

Mr. Centofanti is a talented individual whose services are indispensable to the life of the school. Not only does Mr. C deal with administrative issues but he also oversees the maintenance of all the school buildings, and the safety and security of our staff and students.

As an award leader for our Duke of Edinburgh's Award program, he connects students to the community for any extra-curricular activities they wish to pursue, including scuba diving, of with he is a master.

He also has a passion for food and has extensive experience in culinary arts, having worked both as a professional baker and a cook. This makes him a particularly valuable member of the Cucina program along with the kitchen staff.

Tamara Tremblay-Bartolomucci
Teacher, Biology and Physics

Ms. Bartolomucci is a native of Northern Ontario where she grew up in the large mining town of Timmins. She is fluently bilingual (French and English) and having married someone of Italian descent, she also has a good command of the Italian language. Ms. Bartolomucci is very passionate about Italian culture and lifestyle and has spent most summers exploring Italy. 

With a love for the outdoors, Ms. Bartolomucci ventured into her post-secondary studies, delving into Forestry before acquiring an undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Physics. Throughout her impressive 25+ year teaching career, she has dedicated herself to both college and high school education.

Ms. Bartolomucci has an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning. Her teaching philosophy centers around hands-on, real-world experiences that resonate with her students. Her most recent school board role as Leader of Experiential Learning illuminated the transformative power of bringing experts into the classroom. She also serves as her District’s SAT Coordinator and School Board DELF coordinator, the internationally recognized diplôme d'études en langue française.

A stalwart advocate for physical fitness, Ms. Bartolomucci has coached or volunteered extensively in her school and her community. Having coached multiple sports, including cross country running, track and field, swimming, volleyball, soccer and ringette, she recognizes the vital role that coaching plays in building self-confidence and social skills among students.

As a result of her passion for school sport, Ms. Bartolomucci is the proud recipient of the OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations) Leadership in School Sport Award for her significant contribution to the educational athletic program.

Ms. Bartolomucci has a great love for travel, having coordinated and led multiple European tours for her school as well as her community. She has also imparted this passion in her children. A proud mother of two daughters, one excelling in NCAA Division 1 Cross-Country and Track and Field at Southern Utah University; the other completing her teaching degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales.

In her down time, you can find Ms. Bartolomucci out on her road bike, spending time with family and friends or out exploring nature.

Tim Knapp
Academic Program Coordinator & Teacher

Timothy Knapp became keenly interested in history as a young student because of an inspirational teacher who had a knack for telling stories.

After high school, however, he decided to enter the workforce — a path which led to interesting employment experiences and the development of many useful life skills. 

After a number of years, Mr. Knapp returned to school with the intention of becoming a history teacher.

While at Arizona State University, Mr. Knapp was surprised to find tremendous enjoyment studying mathematics and physics. He liked them so much, he decided to change paths and pursue teaching degrees in those subjects. Mr. Knapp still intends to return to university one day to pursue postgraduate studies in those disciplines. 

During his years as a student, Mr. Knapp held a part-time job at an indoor climbing gym which ignited a passion for technical rock climbing, a hobby which allowed him to enjoy many years of traveling to some of the most remote and beautiful cliffs in North America and Southeast Asia. 

Mr. Knapp started his high school teaching career in Phoenix, Arizona in 2005.

Eventually, his love for travel and adventure called him to accept work at an international school in San Jose and Costa Rica, where he also learned Spanish and practiced surfing.

In 2008, Mr. Knapp accepted a full time faculty position with Canadian College Italy and went on to acquire an Ontario Teaching Certificate to add to his international qualifications. 

Mr. Knapp’s career and home life are centered around his main goal of leaving the earth better than he found it.

At home, this means developing his gardening and DIY skills at his rebuilt farmhouse on the outskirts of Lanciano where he lives with his beautiful wife and two children. There they produce as much food and energy as they can. 

At school, this means sharing his passion for physics and mathematics with students and enriching their studies while on school trips around Italy and Europe. 

Mr. Knapp is particularly inspired by meeting a wonderful new group of students at the start of the year for whom he strives to build a comfortable environment “where they are free to develop into the adults of our future,” he says.

Tiziano Ottaviani
Boys’ Residence Don

As a boys' residence don with a background in creative writing, Tiziano uses his passion for storytelling to foster a creative and supportive environment for the students. 

His extensive experience in fiction, film, novels, and video game scripts allows him to connect with the boys on a deeper level, encouraging them to express themselves and engage in imaginative thinking. Since graduating from the New University of Film and Television in Cinecittà in 2010, he has written several novels and worked on scripts for short films and video games, bringing this creative insight into his work as a residence don.

Since 2017, he has been involved in helping aspiring writers through dedicated advice and services. He dreams of one day creating a strong and welcoming environment for everyone who shared the dream of making writing their reason for living. 

What he loves most about his role as a don at CCI is that he gets to inspire young students to engage in the creative arts and crafts and to mentor and support them in the creative process. He learned English as a child by playing video games and watching films, which might explain why his English teacher wasn’t exactly his biggest fan!

Veruska Di Campli San Vito
Girls’ residence don

Veruska is a positive and empathetic individual with strong interpersonal skills, dedicated to fostering happiness and well-being in those around her. After earning her diploma, she pursued her passion for foreign languages at the University of Pescara, where she began helping children and teenagers with their homework. The rewarding interactions and positive feedback from these young learners made this one of the most enriching experiences in her personal development.

Professionally, she spent several years working in foreign sales, where she engaged with clients from around the globe and participated in international trade fairs, expanding her cultural horizons.

Veruska’s love for vintage cars also led her to join a local club in Lanciano, where she initially served as secretary before becoming a member of the board of directors, organizing events and exhibitions for the club.

Driven by a desire for more meaningful work, Veruska left the office environment to embark on what she considers a truly rewarding experience: providing support and care to students while they are away from home.

Her interests include healthy eating, music, travel, art, and exploring different cultures and traditions.