TRADITIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL
IN OTTAWA

Francis P. Ubertelli, B.Ed., D.M.A.

Principal / CEO

Philosophy and Culture, Advanced French

Writer and composer by profession, Professor Ubertelli has taught for over twenty years in Ontario and Europe at the secondary and conservatory levels, and has significant experience teaching music, French, history, and philosophy. His studies and expertise include a Master’s degree in Music (Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, 1996), a Bachelor of Education (Laurentian University, 2009), and a Doctorate in Philosophy of Music (University of Toronto, 2020). A published author, he founded Sainte-Marie School in 2022, partly for his three children. He continues to write and compose alongside managing the school and teaching. For Professor Ubertelli, reason must necessarily be illuminated by faith—a faith informed by history.

directeur@smmd.ca

Sarah S. Pion, TTS

Secretary

A graduate in Social Work Technology from La Cité College, Mrs. Pion worked for several years in security, then as an administrative assistant for a provincial member of parliament until her first child. A stay-at-home mother, she joined the Sainte-Marie School team in 2025 with joy and enthusiasm.

secretaire@smmd.ca

Gary Knight, Ph.D.

Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, Computer Science, Grades 9-12

A physicist by profession, Professor Knight has extensive experience teaching science at both secondary and college levels. He holds advanced degrees in Biophysics (Toronto), Nanostructure Photonics (Ottawa), and completed postdoctoral research (McMaster) in advanced photovoltaic materials. He has lectured at the University of Ottawa and at Seneca and Algonquin Colleges. He also taught high school mathematics for several years. He is a long-time catechist for the Catholic RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation) where he lectures on Catholic apologetics in a scientific context as opposed to deceptive environmental “scientism.” For Professor Knight, faith and reason are intimately linked to the true spirit of discipleship.

gdknight@smmd.ca

Michael Trolly, M.A., M.Div.

Music, English

Mr. Trolly’s native language is piano. He also learned English over the years and is actively working to improve his French. Mr. Trolly studied piano and organ at Redeemer University (Hamilton), then voice and theology at Canadian Mennonite University (Winnipeg). Holding multiple theology degrees from Saint Paul University (Ottawa), he serves as organist at the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and has been teaching with great finesse at École Sainte-Marie since 2024.

mtrolly@smmd.ca

Maximilien Vachon, B.Sc., B.Ed. (cand.)

Latin, Corrections and Guidance, Grades 7-12

Trained as an engineer, Mr. Vachon left his profession to follow the Lord, first at Saint Peter Seminary and then at the Abbey of Lagrasse. Returning to Canada in 2021, he has dedicated himself to teaching Latin, mathematics, and French. He has been teaching at École Sainte-Marie since 2022 while continuing his education studies.

mvachon@smmd.ca

Samy Rekik, B.Sc. pol. (cand.)

History, French

Trained as a political scientist, he studied at McGill University and is now continuing at UQAM. At the age of 20, he converted to the Catholic faith. Following the call to vocation, he began at the Grand Séminaire de Montréal and then at the Fraternità della Santissima Vergine Maria in Bagnoregio for a year. He is now a teacher at École Sainte-Marie and continually enrichs the daily lives of his students and colleagues.

Denise Émond-Visser, B.A., Sc., N.M.

Lead Teacher, Grades 7-8

Mrs. Émond-Visser holds a Bachelor's degree in Applied Sciences (Guelph) and has completed graduate courses in Nutrition and College Teaching (Syracuse). A food services manager in the medical field for 42 years, her love for children led her back to her passion for teaching in 2024 with Sainte-Marie School. Mrs. Émond-Visser also mentors her students at La Cité College in Ottawa in the field of nutrition. She is a member of the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management and serves on the Accreditation Committee for Nutrition Management Programs in Canadian colleges.

demondvisser@smmd.ca

Émilie Tissot

Lead Teacher, Grades 5-6

Ms. Tissot is the eldest of 12 siblings. She grew up caring for the younger ones, which helped her develop great patience and a strong interest in youth development. Passionate about creating a naturally caring and stimulating learning environment, especially in French and mathematics where she excels, Ms. Tissot fully invests herself in her students’ daily lives and welcomes every new challenge with enthusiasm.

etissot@smmd.ca

Fabien Goyette,

Lead Teacher, Grades 3-4

Mr. Goyette was a missionary in the Dominican Republic and then a novice at the Abbey of Fontgombault until 2022, when he returned to Canada to teach at the primary level for a year. His many talents as a teacher and painter captivate the children entrusted to him, reflecting his love for the teaching profession.

fgoyette@smmd.ca

Appolonie Nibona, B.A.

Lead Teacher, Grades 1–2

Mrs. Nibona was Head of Administrative Services at the Institute of Business Management in Burundi, then Director of the Finance Department at the Ministry of East African Community Affairs. She arrived in Canada in 2023 for an administrative assistant position at Le Carrefour School, and enthusiastically joined Sainte-Marie School in 2025.

nibona@smmd.ca

Katherine MacDonald

Resource Teacher and Early Childhood

Mrs. MacDonald is the eldest of eight siblings. She grew up caring for the younger ones, which helped her develop great patience and a strong interest in youth development. Passionate about creating a naturally caring and stimulating learning environment, especially in support and early childhood, Mrs. MacDonald fully invests herself in the daily lives of the students in her care and welcomes every new challenge with enthusiasm.

Liliane Mariza, B.A.

Lead Teacher, Kindergarten

Ms. Mariza has several years of experience at various primary levels within different school boards in Ontario. Holding a bachelor's degree from Glendon College (York University), she also dedicated herself to social work in Ontario and Africa. Her career reflects a deep commitment to education and supporting family communities.

lmariza@smmd.ca