Our Teachers

Hoda Atwa

Hoda Atwa is a professor and coordinator in Preparation for Health Sciences. She enjoys creating an engaging and dynamic classroom environment. Hoda has been teaching for nearly 20 years. She has worked as a corporate trainer in Dubai for a number of years and has had the opportunity to conduct workshops in a number of countries including Lebanon, Jordan, Mauritius and Sri Lanka. Hoda has also worked as an elementary school teacher and as a language instructor at the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute at the University of Ottawa. Hoda has a BSc with a specialization in chemistry, a BEd and a Master’s Degree in Education.

Karen Carr

Karen Carr is a professor in the Academic Upgrading program who specializes in teaching Goal Orientation, all levels of math, and computer skills. Karen enjoys meeting students on their first day at the college and working with them as they successfully progress through their courses to achieve their goals. Karen has over 20 years of teaching experience, including biology, physics, chemistry, math, and computer skills. In addition to holding roles such as Day Program Coordinator, Evening Program Coordinator, WSIB Student Success Advisor, she has also worked on several Indigenous projects. Karen has a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of New Brunswick and a Master’s of Science Degree in Chemistry from the University of Waterloo. She is a proud Algonquin College graduate having completed the Teaching Adult Lifelong Learners Certificate. Karen looks forward to meeting and helping new students as they pursue their academic and career goals at Algonquin College.

Shelley Charlong

Shelley Charlong has been a teacher of many subjects, but especially enjoys welcoming each new student to Academic Upgrading through the Goal Orientation program. Shelley has been teaching for nearly 20 years, both overseas in Korea and in Vancouver, before finally settling on life in Ottawa. She takes great pride in seeing students through the entire AU experience, from nerves on the first day of orientation to great achievement when students have accomplished their goals. She truly believes there is no better place to ‘work’, and is inspired daily by her students’ resilience and determination.

Geraldine Dion St-Pierre is a Communication professor. She has taught Communication 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, Computer Skills, Fundamental Math, and she co-created Communication 7. She is involved in curriculum development and loves developing fun activities and modules. She also teaches workshops on writing research papers for the library in addition to working at the Student Learning Centre as a writing coach. Geraldine started teaching in 2007 and has taught in Québec and Japan as well as Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of Québec in Trois-Rivières and a Master’s Degree in English from Carleton University.

Stephanie Hampel is a professor in Academic Upgrading with a wide variety of courses under her belt, including English, Math, Success Strategies, and Goal Orientation. She is currently teaching Communication 3. Stephanie has been working at the college since 2004. In addition to teaching, she has four years of advising experience as an Academic Access Advisor and is passionate about helping students identify their educational and career goal pathways. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Education and a Teacher of English as Second Language Certificate.

Roxanne Hickey is a professor and coordinator in Preparation for Health Sciences. She teaches biology, mathematics and Success Strategies. She has also taught Communications and chemistry. She started teaching at Algonquin College in 2007 and has a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Education. Roxanne loves teaching, and students enjoy her enthusiasm and passion for their success.

Leanna Johnston currently teaches Communication 4 in the Academic Upgrading program. Leanna has a Bachelor of Arts with a specialization in English Literature. She also has a Bachelor of Education. Leanna started teaching in Academic Upgrading in 2008 and is currently a member of the departmental Planning Committee.

Amy is currently teaching math and is the math Coordinator for Academic Upgrading. She has taught a wide variety of courses including biology, chemistry, computer skills and Success Strategies. In addition to teaching, she was the WSIB advisor, evening science coordinator and has developed curriculum and teacher training materials for the College’s International Education Centre. A native of Ottawa, Amy is a graduate of Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and a Bachelor of Education.

Angela McCanny is a math and computer skills teacher as well as the Transition coach in the ACElinks program. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa, she has over 25 years’ experience teaching mathematics to students from elementary to college level. Angela wants students to understand how math connects to their ‘real life’, whether it is cooking, model making, fuel efficiency or carpentry. She encourages students to ask questions as many times as they need for the answer to make sense!

Melanie currently teaches Biology in the Preparation for Health Sciences program. Melanie has been teaching with Academic Upgrading since 2015 and has taught several courses, including Math, Communications, Success Strategies, and Computer Skills. Previously, she has worked as a high school science teacher, a teaching assistant, a field naturalist leader, and a reading specialist. Melanie is an enthusiastic teacher and likes to include real world and cross-disciplinary examples in her classroom. Melanie holds a BSc from the University of Ottawa, a BEd from Southern Cross University, and an MSc from Trent University.

Jenn teaches math and computer skills in Academic Upgrading. She obtained an Engineering degree from Queen’s University and a Motive Power Technician diploma from Algonquin College. After five years as a private math tutor, she’s happy to have found a place in the Academic Access Centre spreading the joy of numbers to her amazing students.