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.

Abby Killeen

Instructor

Abby is a graduate of Dalhousie University’s Bachelor of Medical Sciences program. She aims to pursue a career in medicine, with the goal of addressing shortages in primary care and emergency services. Abby works within a large family health organization and volunteers her time as a tutor and soccer coach. In her free time, she loves to travel, experience live music and cherishes time spent laughing with her sister.

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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Ashley Lessard

Instructor

Ashley recently graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Health Sciences. She is passionate about sharing her love of science and enjoys working with children. Ashley is thrilled to be joining Little Medical School Ottawa and looks forward to inspiring the next generation of young learners!

Emma Valcourt Landry

Instructor

Emma is a third-year Sciences de la Santé student at the University of Ottawa with dreams of becoming a pediatrician for Doctors without Borders. Alongside her role at the LMS, she is a passionate dance teacher, works as a research assistant and volunteers at the Roger Neilson Children's Hospice. In her free time, she loves bouldering, spending time outdoors, listening to her favourite music and backpacking the world.

Evan Hong

Instructor

Evan is an undergraduate at the University of Ottawa, studying Biomedical Sciences. He volunteers with other organizations, sharing his love for STEM topics and works as a swim instructor with the City of Ottawa. In his time off, he enjoys being outdoors. He likes to ski, cycle and go for hikes.

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.

Kate Thom

Instructor

Kate is studying Health Sciences at McMaster University. She has experience working with children as both a camp counsellor and tutor. She is passionate about science and loves encouraging students to ask questions and be creative. Kate also works as a cycling instructor and enjoys hiking, travelling, and playing sports in her spare time. She’s excited to be part of the LMSO team and looks forward to helping students explore and discover science!

Kayla Skaff

Instructor

Kayla is a second-year student at the University of Ottawa pursuing an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences. She loves turning big medical ideas into fun, hands-on learning for kids. With years of experience working with young children, she brings energy, creativity, and lots of encouragement to every class. She is passionate about helping students explore how their bodies work and is excited to spark curiosity and confidence as an instructor with Little Medical School Ottawa.

Lauren Grey

Instructor

Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Western University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor. With a strong background in research and extensive experience teaching children of all ages, she is passionate about making STEM education engaging and accessible. Outside the classroom, Lauren enjoys rock climbing, baking, and spending time with her cat, Pepper.

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!

Nayomi Thambiaiah

Instructor

Nayomi is a third-year Biomedical Sciences student at the University of Ottawa. She has several years of experience in tutoring, where she combines her passion for medicine with her passion for guiding young minds. Nayomi is excited to be starting her second year with LMSO!

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Omar Rashwan

Instructor

Omar Rashwan is a Health Sciences student at the University of Ottawa who is passionate about health, fitness, and community involvement. Outside of academics, he enjoys playing basketball and soccer, staying active in the gym, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle through sports and fitness. He is excited to be a part of the Little Medical School team and looks forward to helping create engaging and positive learning experiences for students.

Rami Sara

Instructor

Rami is a second-year Biomedical Science student with experience working with children through bike camps and educational programs. He is passionate about sharing his love for science and inspiring young learners to explore the world of medicine. Outside of academics, Rami enjoys painting, playing guitar, and volunteering in his community.

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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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Sherine Azzi

Instructor

Sherine is a second-year Health Sciences student at the University of Ottawa with aspirations of becoming a pediatrician. She has experience as a camp counsellor and has volunteered in a hospital setting. Sherine loves working with children and has always had a strong passion for medicine. She is excited to be part of Little Medical School Ottawa and looks forward to inspiring future healthcare leaders.

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Yassmeen Eid

Instructor

Yassmeen is currently finishing her third year as a Biomedical Sciences student at the University of Ottawa. She is a competitive soccer coach and player who has a strong passion for sports and physical activity, including gym training, track and field, and rock climbing. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, playing different instruments, and spending time with her three cats. She is excited to begin her role as an instructor with LMSO and looks forward to inspiring students through hands-on learning.

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