Meet The Team

In search of the ideal education for her three children, Laura went on a journey in search of a school that would be true to Montessori principles, which led her to found Guidepost Academy in 2022. She is passionate about creating an environment which fosters intellectual independence and real-world skill development for middle school students. Laura holds a bachelor's degree from Toronto Metropolitan University and an Adolescent Diploma from the Prepared Montessorian Institute. In her free time, Laura enjoys interior design and is learning to play the guitar.

Hugh is a passionate and thoughtful educator with deep Montessori roots. He has taught since 2008 at levels ranging from the early years through to adulthood, and he believes that at every age, education should be about discovery -- that the meeting of effort and curiosity are what propel both academic understanding and personal growth. Hugh's approach is bolstered by training in facilitation methods, process design and the neuroscience of stress and development. Hugh holds a MACTE-accredited Montessori certification from Montessori Teacher's College, as well as an adolescent Montessori certification from The Prepared Montessorian Institute. When not in the classroom, Hugh enjoys all things basketball, growing bonsai tees in his backyard and adventures -- near, far and imagined -- with his wife and daughter.

Alissa has been an Ontario Certified Teacher since 2004. She holds a Bachelor of Biology, a Master of Science in Education, as well as guidance and career education qualifications. Alissa assisted with the development of the high school program at Country Garden Montessori Academy in Newmarket, Ontario, where she worked for over 10 years as a teacher and vice-principal. She also enjoys fostering the love of learning in her three young children.

Zubeida is an Ontario Certified Teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience. Born and bred in the North West of England, she worked in the little town of Ormskirk before moving to Toronto in 2010. Working with children has always been her passion and helping children to love what they are learning is at the centre of her teaching.

Zubeida is an avid baker who loves to recreate British treats which are hard to come by here and loves to get creative in her spare time, which is minimal when raising a family with three growing boys.

Gina is a University of Toronto graduate in French literature and German studies, who has spent time living and studying in France, Québec and Germany. In recent years Gina has been enjoying raising her daughter with her husband, offering sign language workshops for preverbal babies and their parents, as well as tutoring students in French and English. In her free time, her daughter knows she can always find her mom in her garden or reading a book with a cat in her lap.

Marcus facilitates GPA's physical education program and is also the program director for Bob Acton Sports and Beast Athletics.

Marcus studied in the honours sports program at the University of Waterloo. He is also a professional athlete, currently playing in the National Lacrosse League. Marcus aims to create a space in which leadership and teamwork can be fostered during his sessions with GPA students. He believes that physical activity is vital for proper development - not just physical development, but emotional, cognitive, and social development as well. Most importantly, he makes sure that sport is fun!

Echo Miriam Railton is a Toronto-based interdisciplinary artist who holds an MFA from Florida State University. She has been teaching at the university level since 2010, including at OCADu, specializing in drawing and the human form as well as painting. She enjoys realistic drawings and surreal compositions. Echo loves helping others achieve their drawing goals and guides them using demonstrations, historical & contemporary examples, and scaffolding techniques. She has shown in galleries in Canada, the US, and Europe. Find her work at www.echorailton.com.