Biographies of Our Catholic School Council Candidates:
Alex Christopoulos – joined Icon Digital Productions Inc. in March 2008. In 2009 he played a key role in the acquisition of Gridcast Media Inc and in 2017 acquisitions of both Toronto Trade Printers and Asterisk Media.
Alex has over 18 years of working experience in Finance and Accounting, with 12 years’ experience in an executive position. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and Accounting from the Schulich School of Business at York University and is a Certified Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).
As Chief Financial Officer of the Icon Group of Companies, his mandates include but are not limited to, upholding strong financial management and accountability while providing timely, accurate, and reliable financial expertise. He is also responsible for legal services, investments, expansion, procurement, facility, IT and risk management, corporate services and logistics. As a member of the executive management team, Alex is also accountable for the company’s day-to-day operations, corporate policy development and maintaining positive relationships with lending institutions and external auditors.
Alex forges strong bonds through trust and rapport. His approachable demeanor allows him to connect with people, partners, staff, vendors and clients.
Alex has been the treasurer on the board of Directors for the Toronto Waldorf School for 5 years before moving his kids to Saint Mark’s. He is active in the community in giving back as a support for Geneva Centre (Centre for Children on the Autism Spectrum) and running an event every year raising over 40K per year. Also a volunteer soccer coach to his 3 Children in Stouffville.
His motivation and his persistent “get things done” attitude continue to propel Icon‘s momentum forward; while his welcoming leadership style guides and inspires his staff to walk with him on the path of success. He takes personal interest in developing and harnessing people’s strengths to perform above and beyond their own expectations. With an enthusiastic and genuine philosophy on life, Alex radiates a sincere passion for business values and is a crucial member of the company.
Personally, Alex and his partner Andrea, have three adorable sons, George, Dean and Lucas. His favorite sports include soccer and golf.
Karen Emmerson– Karen has been a member of the St. Mark Catholic School Council for the past two years. She is an active volunteer at the school helping with activities such as the Terry Fox run, school lunch program, Shrove Tuesday, field trips, etc. In addition, she is currently a lunchtime supervisor within the school. Karen’s career has included consulting employers on worker’s compensation and a large retail health and safety advisor. Karen is eager to join the 2021/2022 St. Mark CSC once again and hopes that you will take the time to re-elect her!
Diana Letra- My name is Diana Letra and I am a parent of an SK student at St. Mark’s. This is our first year at St. Mark’s as we recently moved to Stouffville from Toronto. I participated in my daughter’s Catholic Parent Council as a non-voting member last year during her JK year. I am currently on maternity leave which allows me the opportunity and flexibility to participate.
I am a secondary teacher with the Toronto Catholic District School Board and have participated on many initiatives in my own school. I have experience in grant writing for special projects and funding that I have completed.
As a parent with a child in the Catholic system as well as an employee as a teacher in Catholic board, I feel as if I have two different perspectives that could enrich the school council.
I am a strong believer in community building and supporting all community members. I hope to join the Catholic School Council to assist the community in any way possible.
Looking forward to meeting everyone!
Lori McGrath – NA
My name is Breeda Ronco. I am a mother of three young children, two of whom are students at Saint Mark. My son, Michael, is in grade two and my daughter, Everleigh, is in Senior Kindergarten. My youngest, Adelynn, is one and a half years old.
My husband, Daniel, is a Saint Mark alumnus. He attended the school from 1989-1999. We feel very fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful school and parish community.
I am a teacher in the Toronto Catholic District School Board. I have had the privilege of teaching math and physics to high school students since 2011. I have always enjoyed being an integral part of a school community. Outside of the classroom, it brings me joy to be a teacher facilitator in student leadership and to offer yoga as an extra curricular activity. Inside the classroom, I strive to provide a fun and safe learning environment for my students. It is so rewarding to help children reach their full potential, both academically and interpersonally.
I am interested in volunteering my time and becoming a part of the Saint Mark Catholic School Counsel so that I can give back to the school community that my family will be an active part of for many years to come. I would be honoured to be a member of the parent counsel and wish to help out in any way that I can. I would love the opportunity to share my time and contribute to making this a wonderful year for our children and the school community.
Kindly,
Breeda Ronco
Karen Sortino – NA
Monica Topping- I am seeking re-election on the School Council. I am a mother of three children and a nurse. We moved to Stouffville last year and had the privilege to serve on Council for our first year at the school. We love St.Mark’s elementary school. The school community feels like a big family. I would like to continue to assist the Council in any way that supports the families, staff and students of St. Mark’s.
Tonia Verruno– I am new to St.Mark’s this year. I have been a council board member for 8 years at my daughter’s other school. I have held many different positions along the way. I would like to continue to support the staff & students in any way I can.
Brittany Young- My name is Brittany Young and I am a working mother of two wonderful children, with one already attending St. Mark and another who will be joining in 2023. It is important to me to be a strong example for both of my children, including as a hardworking professional, but also an engaged and involved mother, which is why I am eager to join the CSC again this year, particularly as we begin to approach a post-COVID world and the Council can begin to support the school community more deeply once again.
In our spare time, our family loves to hike, kayak, camp and make lots and lots of glitter art! I love to garden and love creating safe, exciting places where my children can grow and be enriched by family- and community-oriented experiences.