Layal Bou Abdo BSN, MSN
Director of Operations
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
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
Program Administrator
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.
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Anna Zavitz
Senior Instructor
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.
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Aaya Mahdi 
Instructor
Aaya is in her third year at the University of Ottawa in the Translational and Molecular Medicine program. She is a Student Ambassador at the University of Ottawa and enjoys mentoring others. She has a distinct passion for science and teaching. She looks forward to being involved with LMSO!
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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. |
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Ashi Kodituwakku
 InstructorAshi 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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Asta Baršauskas
Instructor
Asta’s passion for empowering youth through education began 20 years ago in an ESL classroom in Taiwan. She has since worked as an educator with the Vancouver School Board, Saint Paul University, the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, and the Institute for Transformative Leadership. Her passion for maximizing human potential stems from her own experience as a mother to a neurodivergent teenager. Fueled by her background in nutrition, psychology, social work and conflict studies, Asta offers an enthusiastic and engaging whole-person approach to embodied life-long learning.
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 Emily Mishkis
Instructor
Emily is a recent graduate of the University of Toronto. She has completed a double major in Population Health Studies and Neuroscience. She loves to learn about anatomy and physiology and is passionate about health equity. This is her second year with LMSO and her favourite course to teach is all topics Doctor School!
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Georgia Halliday
Instructor
Georgia is a fourth-year Biomedical Science student at the University of Ottawa. She enjoys promoting health and awareness to the community and has been known to enjoy a good book when she has the time. This is her first year with LMSO and she’s very happy to be teaching the Little Veterinary class.
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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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Jessica Grondin
Instructor
Jessica has a Bachelor's in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Ottawa. She is passionate about health and wellness, and loves to exercise! This is Jessica's first year with LMSO and she is looking forward to meeting the next generation of future doctors!
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Justin Wong
Instructor
Justin is currently a second-year Health Science student at uOttawa. He has previous experience working as a camp counsellor, piano teacher, high school volleyball coach, and youth basketball coach. Justin's hobbies include music, singing, and basketball. He also loves teaching and is excited to share his passion for science and health with the next generation of children!
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Kate Dervin
Instructor
Kate is a recent Health Sciences graduate from Carleton University who is passionately working towards becoming a physician. She loves any outdoor activity, from winter skiing to summer camping or hikes! This is Kate’s first year working with LMSO and she is eager to continue teaching kids about different topics in science, health, and medicine.
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Maggie Divo
 InstructorMaggie, 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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Sara Bayanati 
Instructor
Sara has completed her Master's of Science in Physical Therapy at Queen's University. She has been with the LMSO team since 2019! Sara's passion for education, health promotion and working with children lead her to join the team. Her favourite class to teach is Wilderness Medicine!
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Maria Beryoza
Instructor
Maria is a 2022 uOttawa graduate, having earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in Translational and Molecular Medicine. Currently living in Montreal, she provides care to pediatric patients as a medical assistant. With over 14 years of ballet experience, Maria constantly works on improving her technique and performance skills. This is her second year with LMSO, and she is eager to continue teaching summer camps and future programs.
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Yomna Ibrahim
Yomna is studying software engineering at Carleton University after studying nursing for the past three years! She is passionate about teaching, cooking, and spending time with family. Her favourite LMSO class to teach is Little Doctor School!
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