Meet the Team – Little Medical School

Layal Bou Abdo BSN, MSN

President

Boasting more than 15 years in healthcare, she embarked as a registered nurse and advanced to Director of Nursing positions, steering hospital projects encompassing operations and commissioning. As the Passionate Owner and Director of Operations at Little Medical School-Ottawa, she fosters young minds, kindling curiosity and learning through enjoyable means. Her dedication to healthcare education fuels her quest for a constructive community influence. Her unwavering commitment to Little Medical School mirrors her aspiration to ignite the ambitions of budding healthcare professionals.

"My daughter inspired me with her curiosity to understand the human body; this has opened our eyes to Little Medical School".

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Wissam Attieh, MSc, PMP

Managing Director

Wissam has more than 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry. As a Biomedical Engineer, he believes experimenting is the best way to learn.

My favourite quote is: "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn". The LMS concept is based on fun experiments, and this is what we wanted to bring to our community.

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Noorin Waldriff

Operations Manager

Noorin, a dedicated mother to an inquisitive 5-year-old, brings a diverse background of working with children in various settings. As a former entrepreneur, her strong business mindset complements her passion for nurturing young minds. She's delivered interactive programs that spark curiosity and creativity, fostering a love for learning. Beyond her professional journey, Noorin values family time, enjoys staying active, and embraces creative pursuits with her son. Her enthusiasm for health education aligns with her commitment to holistic growth. Join Noorin on this exciting learning adventure as we inspire and explore together.

Anna Zavitz

Program Manager

Anna is a Holistic Nutritionist, presently, continuing her studies at the Institute for Holistic Nutrition. She is passionate about health, education, and the outdoors. She has been instructing and running children's programs for 30 years. Anna loves helping all ages explore the LMSO programs from Little Doctor to Wilderness Medicine.

Alexandra O'brien

Instructor

Alexandra, currently in her fourth year at the University of Ottawa, embarked on her academic journey in Biology. Fueled by curiosity and a deep passion for understanding both science and human dynamics, she finds joy in the pursuit of knowledge. Beyond her academic pursuits, Alexandra enjoys immersing herself in the world of music and engaging in the mental challenges presented by puzzles.

Angélique Cléroux

Instructor

Angélique recently earned her degree in Biochemistry from the University of Ottawa and aspires to become a doctor. She has experience tutoring students from elementary to university levels and working in a family medicine clinic. Her hobbies include reading, playing soccer, hiking, and skiing. She is thrilled to combine her passion for medicine and science with her love of teaching.

Ashi Kodituwakku

Instructor

Ashi is a fourth-year Biology student at the University of Ottawa. She is passionate about the life sciences and teaching them to children! This is Ashi’s second year with LMSO and she is so excited to continue teaching her favourite course Little Doctor School!

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Ava Jungjohann

Instructor

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Brielle Ngo

Instructor

Brielle is a third-year Health Sciences student specializing in Integrative Health Biosciences at the University of Ottawa, with aspirations of becoming a dentist. Passionate about travel, music, and reading, she is excited to join the LMSO team and share her strong interest and knowledge of science and medicine.

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Caryn D'Silva

Instructor

Caryn is a third-year Health Sciences student in the Integrative Biosciences program at uOttawa. Her passion for science has always driven her, and she is excited to share this enthusiasm with the next generation. Caryn loves working with kids and has experience leading a youth group as well as volunteering with Little Medical School Ottawa (LMSO). In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in allied healthcare. Outside of her studies, Caryn enjoys experimenting with new recipes, photography, and spending time with her dog, Bruno.

Crystal Hardwick

Instructor

Crystal recently graduated from Carleton University with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Biology. She has extensive experience running programs for Girl Guides of Canada and is passionate about education and outdoor activities, particularly canoeing and kayaking. Crystal is thrilled to begin her first year at LMSO!

Janice Henderson

Instructor

Janice is a full-time elementary teacher, a volunteer medical first responder, and she loves science so much that she has been squeezing in time to work with LMSO since 2019. She’s really excited to be able to help run a few wilderness medicine camps this summer, especially since she is an expert in survival!

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Jason Ma

Instructor

Jason is a second-year Health Science student with aspirations of becoming a paediatrician, passionate about working with children and supporting their growth and development. Enjoys volleyball, music, and volunteering in free time.

Jessie Yang

Instructor

Jessie is a second-year Medical Sciences student at Western University. She has a diverse background as a camp counselor for various City of Ottawa summer programs and has over six years of experience coaching rhythmic gymnastics in both London and Ottawa. Jessie enjoys spending time outdoors, being with her family (and dog), and reading. With a strong passion for mentorship, she is excited to share her love for medicine and science as a new instructor with LMSO!

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Kathryn Jajo-Yacoub

Instructor

Kathryn is a proud Carleton University graduate with a degree in Cognitive Science, specializing in Language and Linguistics. Her lifelong curiosity for science and deep interest in healthcare have driven her passion for education and community outreach.

She’s thrilled to be part of Little Medical School Ottawa, where she brings learning to life through interactive, hands-on activities that aim to inspire the next generation of medical professionals.

When she’s not teaching, Kathryn loves getting creative—whether it’s beading bracelets, playing soccer, or filming short films.

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Maggie Divok

Instructor

Maggie, a second-year Health Sciences student at uOttawa, brings valuable experience as a camp counselor for multiple summers and an assistant coach for high school sports teams. Passionate about camp activities, volleyball, and reading, she is thrilled to share her knowledge of medicine and science. Maggie is eagerly anticipating her first year with LMSO!

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Mia Klassen

Instructor

Mia is in her fourth year of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa and hopes to become a doctor specializing in pediatrics. She is currently conducting a research project on the heart in the uOttawa Faculty of Medicine! Mia loves teaching and working with children and is extremely excited to be working at LMSO!

Sally Adil

Instructor

Sally is a fourth year Biomedical Sciences student at the University of Ottawa. She is passionate about science and enjoys sharing her knowledge with students eager to learn. When not instructing, she enjoys reading. This is her third year with LMSO!

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Zonka Tholen

Instructor

Zonka is a third-year Health Sciences student at University of Ottawa. She has worked with CISV Toronto for many years, to help educate and inspire children through global networking. Zonka is passionate about health, fitness, medicine, and science. She is excited to share her passions and knowledge as an instructor at LMSO!

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