As a former French teacher at institutions like the Lycée Français and Alliance Française in Toronto, Antoine joined GIST in 2024. With several years spent in Canada, he brings both French and European cultural influences, alongside a deep appreciation for Canadian culture.

Aaron is from Speyer in Rheinland-Pfalz and recently completed his training as a state-certified Childhood Educator after also qualifying as a Social Assistant. He is excited to begin his teaching career at GIST.

Susanne is a secondary school teacher with a degree in Germanic Philology and History. She taught for many years at a Gymnasium in Mainz and at Johannes Gutenberg University before moving to Canada. With additional training as a learning coach, she returns to GIST to teach German in the secondary grades.

Yvonne comes from Langenhagen near Hannover and brings 12 years of elementary school teaching experience, most recently as vice principal. She enjoys developing new teaching ideas and organizing school life. In her free time, she loves outdoor activities and traveling with her three daughters.

Monica is a passionate Visual Art educator with over eight years of experience in IB PYP and inclusive art education. She joined GIST in 2025, bringing a dynamic approach to creative learning that emphasizes storytelling, cultural expression, and fearless experimentation. Her classroom is a vibrant space where young artists are encouraged to explore techniques, take creative risks, and bring their imaginations to life.

Sebastian is from Oranienburg near Berlin and has a background in Software Engineering. He teaches Math and Computer Science and is passionate about Design Thinking and exploring new perspectives. Outside of school, he enjoys many different sports.

Larissa holds a bachelor's degree in art therapy and a master's degree in education. She has been working for 8 years in various educational settings, including high schools, colleges, and private education for young adults with autism.

Bennet is a math and biology teacher for the secondary level and is part of the staff at GIST as Head of Math starting in 2024. When he's not at school, he likes to spend his time with friends and a good coffee, playing sports or traveling.

Rouven became principal at GIST in 2023, having previously spent eight years as deputy principal at a German school in Japan. Most recently, he taught science and mathematics at a large high school near Düsseldorf with over 1200 students. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children.

Farwa studied German and English (B.Ed) at the Johannes-Gutenberg Universität in Mainz. In her free time, she enjoys reading, discovering new places, taking pictures, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Yaima is a registered Childhood Educator fluent in Spanish and Italian. She is passionate about creating nurturing and engaging learning environments for young children. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, pottery, and art.

Tima holds a Master of Education in Reading and Literacy and has taught in IB schools worldwide for the past 15 years. She joins GIST as an English teacher and IB/OSSD coordinator and also works with Harvard’s Project Zero. She enjoys theatre, hiking, and writing poetry.

Antonia grew up in the tri-border region of Germany, France, and Switzerland and studied Romance Languages/French and History in Heidelberg, Lille, and Freiburg. With 20 years of teaching experience across all age groups, she brings her expertise in languages and cross-cultural exchange to GIST. She enjoys cycling, yoga, and learning new languages.

Thomas studied Arts, Nonprofit and Public Management. Prior to his current position he was a producer for a classical music festival in Austria and a consultant for LGBTIQ+ issues in the public sector. Thomas is passionate about music, public spaces and zines.

Annalena joined GIST in 2021. As a high school teacher and head of secondary education, she teaches geography to all grades. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, discovering new travel destinations, and spending time with family and friends.

Caroline has a background in the performing arts and a great passion for education. After five years in Cologne, where she also worked at an elementary school, she has returned to her hometown of Toronto and joined us in 2024. In her freetime, Caroline enjoys going to live concerts, cooking and vintage shopping.

Manuela taught at a bilingual school in Hamburg and joined us in 2024 as Head of Science. In her spare time, she loves to play soccer, stroll through the stores in the city or eat all kinds of cakes with friends.

Scher has a degree from the Mothercraft Society College and over 20 years of experience with children of all ages. In addition, she has a qualification as child therapist with a focus on autism. In her free time, she likes to go the theatre, enjoys baking and spending time with her family.

Claudia has joined us in 2016 and holds the position of Head of Elementary and Homeroom Teacher Grade 2. She teaches German, Maths and Science in the primary grades. She studied at the University of Lüneburg and enjoys reading, dancing & exploring nature with her children.

Miriam took over the position of German Coordinator at the GIST in 2021. She has been teaching German as a second language (DaZ) & as a foreign language (DaF) at elementary schools throughout her career.

Carina is trained as a Childhood Educator after a voluntary year in a daycare center and has gained experience with children aged 1 to 10. She values trust, individual guidance, and learning through play, creativity, and nature. She is excited to begin her professional career in Canada at GIST.

Elena relocated from Berlin to Etobicoke after completing her studies in biology. In the following years, she dedicated her time to her family, taught German part-time, and studied programming. In 2024, she joined us as Administrative Coordinator.

Julie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Master’s in Teaching from the University of Toronto. At GIST she supports the elementary school in English, Music, and Art. In her free time, she enjoys art shows, playing the flute, and exploring the outdoors.

Nicole Witt studied primary school teaching in Gießen with the subjects Mathematics, English and German at the JLU. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, dancing, cooking, playing basketball, doing creative things and has a great passion for houseplants.

Viktoria studied primary school education in Erfurt with specializations in German, mathematics, general studies, and English. She taught at a bilingual elementary school in Jena and joined GIST in 2025 as a primary teacher. She enjoys travelling, exploring cultures, and spending time with family and friends.