Faculty & Staff

Doctora Marina B.

PHD

Dr. Blumin founded Discovery Academy in 2006. Her main objective was to help students succeed during post-secondary education and become well-rounded individuals. Throughout her life she worked in 3 different Universities in 3 different countries (Canada, Israel, and Russia). The last 2 Universities she conducted research at, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and University of Toronto, are some of the most prominent in the world. Throughout her laboratory research, she has been leading PhD students in the field of Nanotechnology at University of Toronto for the past 15 years. A deep passion for science and mathematics has lead her to develop a new gifted education program designed for regular Preschool and Elementary students in which necessary skills are developed to succeed in our ever-changing technological and economic world. Last but not least, her philanthropic approach to life has lead her to open a Charity organization in 2016 that will be aimed at educating children with mental and physical disabilities.

Alejandro Z.

El Sr. Alexander Zubkov tiene una Maestría en Matemáticas (Universidad Estatal de Moscú) y completó con éxito los cursos de Desarrollo Web y Desarrollo de Python en la Universidad de Michigan. El Sr. Zubkov trabaja en Discovery Academy desde 2016 enseñando matemáticas, física e informática. El viejo proverbio chino dice: “Los maestros pueden abrir la puerta, pero debes entrar tú mismo”. Aquí en Discovery Academy, nos encargaremos de la puerta, pero siempre debes tener en cuenta la segunda parte de este proverbio.

Katya O.

I have been an English teacher for more than 10 years. I began to teach at the college level and discovered many skills and talents to make English come alive. Then I moved into teaching the Elementary school level. With children, for me, teaching the English language is just more than learning how to write, grammar, and vocabulary. It is all about being able to express your thoughts, emotions, and ideas with your environment and many different ways. Being able to teach English has been one of the best experiences I have ever had.

I have also been a Social Studies teacher for a few years. I have taught kids the ability to not only memorize information, but to critically analyze, prediction, the ability to research and report, etc.

My education career has been quite extensive and has helped me earn the skills to teach at an excellence. I have gained a child psychology diploma at college, majoring in Sociology and History at the University of Western Ontario, Teaching English as a Second Language certificate at Seneca College, and currently achieving Autism Behavioural Studies Masters at the University of Western Ontario.

Julia P.

As an educator I seek to support a child’s natural development and needs through various integrated Montessori approaches, methodologies, and educational philosophy.  My goal is also to combine my passion for teaching and languages through various methods to engage learners as well as to foster strong program development in French.

Irina S.

Ms. Shiryaeva has completed her BA at a Linguistic University in Pyatigorsk in 1998. She has obtained a PhD degree in Psychology from the same university in 2005. With 15 years of experience as University professor and lecturer, she was researching the field of psychology. Ms. Shiryaeva is a specialized child and family psychologist. She helps and assists teachers with children’s behaviour and gives recommendations to parents when necessary.

Oksana D.

Sr. Len

Len is super excited to begin his second-year teaching at Discovery Academy.  Len is a graduate of Ryerson University with majors and minors in Theatre Performance and Classical & Contemporary English Literature respectively.  Len has been teaching in private schools for just over 7 years and has a very unique approach to teaching.

Len is both head of Drama and English at Discovery in which he incorporates a very challenging yet rewarding brand of education, one which revolves around responsibility and accountability for one’s actions, a deeper understanding of real-world expectations as well as preparing young adults for their next academic challenge. Len loves to play sports, listen/play music and read books, wear hats and most of all, mentorship.  Len doesn’t like phones in classrooms, laziness and excuses.

Señorita Kayla

Upon receiving my master’s degree from the University of Toronto, I sought out a profession where I knew I would make a positive impact.

Today, the connotation of teaching has transformed into something greater than the literal meaning.
It’s about establishing a classroom in which students are at their best in attitude and character. My goal is to inspire, educate, and motivate using the skills I have obtained throughout my academic career and professional experiences.