Irfan Toor, Social Justice and Anti-Oppression Advisor

Irfan Toor (he/him) joined OPC staff in 2021 when the position was created for a Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, coming to the organization from a similar position for the Simcoe County District School Board.

Irfan has been working in education for more than 30 years in communities such as Victoria, Kingston, Toronto and Simcoe County. As a secondary and intermediate educator and school administrator in public, private and alternative settings, he is committed to fostering educational practices that centre students in the learning experience. 

As a system principal, Irfan provided leadership, support and mentorship to school administrators as they progressed on their individual journeys to noticing, unlearning and disrupting systemic practices that reinforced disproportionate outcomes for underserved identities.

 Lee Gayle, Director of Employee and Membership Services

During her more than 15 years with the OPC, Lee has played a key role in developing the organization’s benefits services and the processes used to support Members navigating long-term disability (LTD) and other benefit matters. She has extensive experience assisting Members throughout the LTD process, from understanding their coverage and preparing a claim through to navigating decisions, appeals and return-to-work considerations.

In her current role, Lee provides leadership for the OPC’s membership, benefits and human resources functions and oversees the administration of the OPC Benefits Plan. Her work is grounded in helping Members understand often complex processes and providing practical guidance during what can be challenging periods in their careers. Lee holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and Counselling, which complements her people-centred approach to supporting Members and employees.

 Lindsay Diakiw, Professional Learning Consultant

Lindsey has been an educator and leader in Ontario schools for over 30 years. Lindsey has supported aspiring, new and experienced leaders build their skills as a co-chair of learning networks, as a mentor and coach, and as a centrally assigned principal in Leadership Development and Engagement. She has worked along side students, colleagues, parents, and families to increase engagement in school communities by creating space for student and family voice. Lindsey has recently joined OPC as a Professional Learning Consultant to continue her commitment to supporting education leaders in their growth and development. 

 Dr. Susie Lee-Fernandes, Director of Professional Learning

Susie has served in education for over 25 years in the roles of teacher, principal and superintendent with responsibilities for equity, special education and leadership development. She is a dedicated educator and life-long learner, committed to culturally responsive leadership and authentic collaboration with community partners. In her current role as Director of Professional Learning for the Ontario Principal’s Council, Susie is honoured to support principals and vice-principals in exemplary school leadership at the local, national and international levels.

 Nancy Brady, Protective Services Consultant 

Nancy has been an educator for over 28 years, serving as an educational assistant, secondary teacher, vice-principal and 18 years as a principal at both the elementary and secondary level, with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. She has also been a principal of M.F. McHugh, a section 23 school and the OCDSB Alternate High schools. Her final position with the OCDSB was that of Superintendent of Instruction, supervising a Family of Schools as well as the Continuing Education, Alternate High Schools and Adult programs.

 Colin Fleming, Director of Protective Services

Colin is an educator with 27 years of experience whose career has included teaching and administrative roles in both the elementary and secondary panels. The last four of his nine years as a principal were in a central capacity with the Toronto District School Board as a Safe and Caring Schools Administrator. In August of 2011, he joined the OPC as a Protective Services Team Consultant, providing advice and counselling to our Members about professional and legal issues, and supports them through investigations and hearings. He also presents legal issues workshops for local OPC groups, PQP and SOQP candidates. 

 Dr. Belinda Longe, Protective Services Team Consultant

Dr. Belinda Longe has been an educator for over 30 years. She began her career as a teacher with the former East York Board of Education prior to the amalgamation to the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). Belinda became an elementary school administrator in 2004 and has held the role of Centrally Assigned Principal for School Improvement in the TDSB.  During her tenure as a principal, she was also a PQP instructor for OPC and mentored many current and aspiring leaders across the province. Belinda completed her PhD and has a Master's Degree in Education from OISE/UT. She also has a certificate from Osgoode Hall in Human Rights Law for Education Professionals, a certificate in the Application of Mitigating Factors from Hicks Morley, and certificates in Workplace Investigations and Investigating Race-Based Cases from Rubin and Thomlinson LLP. Prior to joining OPC, as a Protective Services Consultant, Belinda was a Superintendent of Education. She is well known for her responsiveness, her commitment to equity issues, her strong advocacy and her support of staff to mediate conflicts and solve complex problems.

 Nick Lucas, Protective Services Team Consultant

Nick Lucas has been an educator for over 20 years. He started his career as an elementary teacher with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). After becoming an administrator, Nick has been Principal/Head Teacher of four schools, three in Toronto and one in the Shetland Islands (Scotland). In 2022, Nick moved into the People and Culture Department of the TDSB, first as a centrally assigned principal and then as Senior Manager of Elementary Teaching. He now works as a Protective Services Consultant at OPC. Nick has a Master of Education from Acadia University in Nova Scotia, and he is currently completing his Master of Law (LLM) at Osgoode Hall Law School (York University).

 Vicki Shannon, Protective Services Team Consultant

Vicki has thoroughly enjoyed over 30 years of experience as a teacher and administrator both in English and French Immersion with Lakehead District School Board. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Education and Supervisory Officer courses, but her greatest learning came from working closely with students, families, staff, administrators and board support as a school leader.

Vicki has worked with OPC at the local and provincial levels for years, including serving as our President. She also spent 7 years with the International Confederation of Principals and 6 years as the Council of the Ontario College of Teachers principal/vice-principal representative. In 2019, Vicki joined our Protective Services Team, working with Members and districts advocating for school leaders, providing protective advice and professional learning.