Meet the Mentors Behind Evergreen
Our team isn’t just teaching kids. They’re modeling the character, courage, and clarity we help students build every day.
More Than Instructors; We’re Guides, Coaches, and Partners
At Evergreen, we carefully select every team member to ensure they embody the values we expect our students to develop: clarity, discipline, character, and leadership. Our staff model what they mentor, and they’re trained to coach children, not control them.
We don’t just hire great resumes, we hire great role models. Whether it’s walking kids through a tough decision, guiding a Socratic discussion, or celebrating a badge earned, our team shows up with intention and heart.
Our Team Values
Integrity First
We lead by example, modeling honesty and humility in every interaction.
Lifelong Growth
We reflect, learn, and challenge ourselves just like our students do.
Radical Clarity
We communicate clearly and coach kids to do the same.
Partnership With Parents
We value open communication and see families as part of the learning team.
Purpose-Driven Work
We don’t just show up, we lead with intention every day.
Meet Our Team
At Evergreen, our team members aren’t just teachers, they’re guides, mentors, and models of the very values we seek to instill. We hire for mission-alignment first: clarity, curiosity, and character are non-negotiable.
Simon Wolfson
Principal & Director
Simon Wolfson is the founder and director of Evergreen Leadership Academy in Vaughan, Ontario. With more than two decades of experience in education, Simon is passionate about creating environments where students are empowered to lead, think critically, and develop real-world skills. His journey in education began in an unconventional way, coaching children in billiards and snooker, before expanding into curriculum development, leadership, and school design.
Simon holds a degree in Environmental Studies and Resource Management, with a strong foundation in environmental policy, ecosystem dynamics, and statistics, as well as certification in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Early in his teaching career, he developed a hands-on geography curriculum for Grades 3 to 8 and taught high school Healthy Active Living (PPL3O), experiences that continue to inform his practical, interdisciplinary approach.
He has served as principal of Evergreen in Vaughan since its early days and remains deeply involved in every aspect of the school, from shaping its unique STEAM program to building meaningful partnerships with families. Although he has supported the growth of Evergreen Academy in Burlington, Vaughan remains his core focus.
Simon is also the founder of the Collaborative Education Alliance, a charitable initiative supporting alternative, student-centered schools across Canada. His long-term vision is to build a network of thriving educational communities that blend academic rigor with leadership, creativity, and purpose.
Olivia Chana
Administrator
Olivia is the School Operations & Family Liaison at Evergreen Leadership Academy and has been a member of the Evergreen family for over four years. With an educational background in both nursing and English, Olivia brings a well-rounded and thoughtful approach to her role. She has worked with children since high school and has always been passionate about creating supportive, growth-centered environments for young learners.
In addition to her administrative work, Olivia greatly enjoys being a bridge within the Evergreen community and values building strong relationships with families and staff. Whether offering information, guidance, or simply a listening ear, Olivia is committed to ensuring that everyone in the Evergreen community feels heard and cared for.
She is passionate about helping children become the best versions of themselves and develop into compassionate, confident leaders. For Olivia, Evergreen is more than just a school. It is a home. Surrounded by a team of dedicated, like-minded educators and families, she is continually inspired by the shared mission to reimagine education and empower the next generation.
Natasha Cannavó
Kindergarten & Primary Mentor
Natasha Cannavó is the Kindergarten and Primary Mentor at Evergreen Leadership Academy. With extensive education and experience in early childhood education, Natasha brings a deep understanding of how foundational the early years are to a child’s development, not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well.
She is passionate about helping her students build strong character and become confident, kind young leaders. In her classroom, Natasha creates a warm and nurturing environment where children feel safe, loved, and free to express themselves. She believes strongly in allowing students to take responsibility for their learning in age-appropriate ways, encouraging independence, curiosity, and a sense of ownership from an early age.
Natasha values the family-like community at Evergreen and finds great joy in working alongside like-minded staff and families who share a commitment to meaningful, child-centered education. Her work is rooted in the belief that the most important lessons in the early years go beyond academics. They are about building identity, confidence, empathy, and the foundation for lifelong learning.
Eva Batova
Elementary Mentor
Eva Batova is a dedicated junior/senior mentor with over 18 years of experience in education. She spent 15 years teaching in an IB school in Italy, where she developed a deep appreciation for inquiry-based learning. For the past three years, she has brought her passion and expertise to Evergreen, where she continues to inspire students to think critically and engage deeply with their learning.
Eva believes in creating meaningful educational experiences that empower students to question, explore, and grow into thoughtful, compassionate individuals. She values the importance of nurturing not just academic development, but also students’ personal well-being.
What Eva loves most about Evergreen is the strong sense of community. She appreciates the warmth and involvement of Evergreen families and feels grateful to be part of a supportive, collaborative environment. She is especially excited about the school’s recent integration of the innovative Apogee approach, which aligns closely with her commitment to student-centered learning.
Ready to see Evergreen in action?
Schedule a personal tour and discover how Evergreen Leadership Academy empowers children to lead with purpose, not just pass tests.
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