Meet the
Leadership
Team
Meet the Team
Our dedicated and passionate staff are the heart of our community. Guided by a progressive philosophy, they equip students with the academic knowledge, self-awareness, and social skills to thrive in and out of the classroom. Each member brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and a commitment to fostering a supportive and dynamic learning environment. Meet the talented individuals driving our mission forward and ensuring every student reaches their full potential.
BRYAN LEVY-YOUNG, MA
Founder, Dean of Admissions & Student Services
JASON KRELL, MSC, MBA
President, Upper School Principal
BRADLEY GUNTER, OCT, MED
Lower School Principal
SIONED MAIR TAYLOR, BSC, MED, NASENCO, OCT
Upper School Vice-Principal
ERIC VENEMA, OCT
Lower School Vice-Principal
Lauren Commeford, MA
Head of Student Success
BRYAN LEVY-YOUNG, MA
Founder, Dean of Admissions & Student Services
JASON KRELL, MSC, MBA
President, Upper School Principal
BRADLEY GUNTER, OCT, MED
Lower School Principal
SIONED MAIR TAYLOR, BSC, MED, NASENCO, OCT
Upper School Vice-Principal
ERIC VENEMA, OCT
Lower School Vice-Principal
Lauren Commeford, MA
Head of Student Success
BRYAN LEVY-YOUNG, MA
Founder, Dean of Admissions & Student Services
In 2006, Bryan envisioned a school with a commitment to rigorous intellectual development complemented by a focus on the social/emotional needs of developing minds. His own diverse professional experiences as a family therapist, educational consultant and school director, television writer, producer, board member, camp director, and artist have fostered connections and nurtured relationships with talented teachers, specialty programs, and educational and therapeutic professionals to provide the best opportunities and support for children and their families.
JASON KRELL, MSC, MBA
President, Upper School Principal
Jason is a dedicated and driven educational leader who has guided The Study Academy to become one of Toronto’s most celebrated progressive schools, known for its outstanding work with twice-exceptional (2e) learners and having built a sterling reputation in skillfully blending high standards and personalized supports in each classroom. Jason brings a fulsome background as a research scholar, educator, entrepreneur, and executive to his role as Principal, having completed extensive research for the International Olympic Committee and Adidas, worked as a secondary teacher in addition to curriculum consultant and sessional lecturer at the University of Calgary, ran a successful small educational business, and currently sits as President of the Board at Crest Swimming. Jason’s current role at TSA is focussed on Continuous Improvement Planning and building new channels for stakeholder inputs to support decision-making processes that improve educational outcomes. This developmental work is being accomplished in conjunction with TSA’s accreditation with Cognia.
Jason’s active involvement in the field of education is evident through his long-standing membership in the International Mind, Brain, and Education Society. He presented his research on Neurofeedback in the classroom at the 2018 biennial conference. Jason also leads an educationally-focussed research team at TSA, which published a multi-awarded paper in 2019 in the peer-reviewed journal Mind, Brain, and Education and another peer-reviewed publication more recently in the Journal of Attention of Disorders.
BRADLEY GUNTER, OCT, MED
Lower School Principal
Bradley Gunter is an accomplished educator and educational leader with a passion for fostering intellectual growth and character development in students. With a diverse background in science, psychology, music, and martial arts, Bradley brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to the field of education.
Bradley holds a Master of Education degree in Developmental Psychology and Education from the University of Toronto, where he specialized in Developmental Psychology and Education with a particular focus on twice-exceptional learners. His commitment to learning and personal growth is evident through his extensive educational journey, which includes a Bachelor of Education degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and an Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from McMaster University.
Throughout his career, Bradley has held various teaching positions both in Canada and the United Kingdom, where he honed his pedagogical skills and developed a deep understanding of curriculum development and assessment.
Bradley’s passion for continuous learning and educational innovation led him to receive the Teacher’s Study Scholarship at St John’s College, Oxford University, where he researched neuropsychology and its impact on student behaviour and learning.
In addition to his educational pursuits, Bradley is an accomplished musician, a dedicated golfer, and a martial arts practitioner with a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Shorin-Ryu Karate, among other achievements.
With a strong foundation in education, a commitment to student growth, and a diverse skill set, Bradley Gunter is dedicated to shaping the next generation of learners, thinkers, and leaders.
SIONED MAIR TAYLOR, BSC, MED, NASENCO, OCT
Upper School Vice-Principal
Sioned is a dedicated educator with a wide range of experiences within the field of education. Educated and trained in Wales, U.K , Sioned has continued to develop her understanding of progressive education having worked both as an educator and in a support capacity, bringing those experiences and skills to Canada after emigrating in August 2022.
Sioned holds an undergraduate Psychology degree from Bangor University, researching executive functioning abilities, specifically how bilingualism and literacy development support executive functioning skills. Whilst working as a high school teacher, Sioned undertook a Master in Education, specialising in students with additional educational needs and the impacts of socio-economic backgrounds on student outcomes. Following this, and developing further pedagogical knowledge in implementing support strategies for students with learning difficulties, Sioned undertook a postgraduate qualification in Special Education Needs leadership(NASENCo), gaining a distinction in each aspect of the course.
Since graduating, Sioned has held a variety of roles with a specific focus on supporting students with exceptionalities. Her first role was as a Team Leader for the Prince’s Trust, a charity supporting students with significant barriers to learning, working with a range of stakeholders in addition to supporting young people re-entering society following time in youth offending. After training to be a teacher, Sioned worked in a range of schools in the U.K, becoming a literacy specialist and using her pedagogical knowledge to support the most vulnerable students to succeed. During her teaching career, Sioned also trained to become a national Holocaust Educator, supporting and leading accessible trips to Poland as part of the Lessons from Auschwitz national programme.
Following a successful career as a teacher, Sioned moved to work more specifically in supporting students with ASD/ADHD at college level as an inclusive learning advisor, working directly with students and families as well as mentoring staff on specific targeted support. Her success in this role led to her being asked to join the local government SEND team as a key worker in the North West of England, leading and overseeing specialist support provision in over 15 schools ranging from early childhood education to High School, supporting whole school government initiatives relating to inclusive education.
In her spare time, Sioned enjoys axe throwing and is a ranked player in the International Axe Throwing Federation, taking part in league matches once a week. She is also an avid reader, with an aim of one day owning enough books to have a personal library and is a great believer in Kate DiCamillo’s philosophy that “Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or a duty. It should be offered as a gift.”
ERIC VENEMA, OCT
Lower School Vice-Principal
Eric Venema’s educational journey spans diverse settings, reflecting an unwavering commitment to holistic development and compassionate learning. Graduating from Calvin University in Michigan, he pursued elementary education with minors in Language Arts and Physical Education, cultivating a comprehensive teaching approach.
His international expedition began in Seoul, Korea, teaching English to adults, fostering global perspectives. Returning to Michigan, Eric excelled as a Clinical Trainer at Pine Rest Mental Health Services, specialising in de-escalation and counselling for patients with mental health challenges.
Relocating to Hong Kong in 2006, Eric led the American International School’s Senior Kindergarten program, emphasising essential learning skills and teamwork.
Since 2011, he’s been integral to The Study Academy, initially as a language arts and physical education teacher, and later as coach, athletic director, and Vice Principal. Eric champions student wellness and individualised learning while expanding his expertise in guidance counselling and special education.
His leadership extends beyond administration, fostering collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, nurturing a supportive culture among staff.
Outside work, Eric embraces sports, running, and reading, spanning science fiction to non-fiction. He also enjoys sharing music and travel adventures with his family.
Lauren Commeford, MA
Head of Student Success
Lauren Commeford is a visionary educational leader with a proven track record of building and supporting progressive and reflective communities. With a diverse background in education, a commitment to inclusivity, and a focus on neuroplasticity, Lauren has been at the forefront of reshaping educational approaches to meet the unique needs of students.
Since arriving at The Study Academy, Lauren has worked to establish more inclusive, reflective and progressive approaches to meeting student needs and honouring their success. She steadfastly believes in working with the individual and finding success in all neurodiverse environments through the habit-forming work of Executive Function development. Lauren is also the founder and managing director of Ignite Student Services, an Executive Function service for students aged 9-21.
In her career, Lauren has explored many unique and alternative approaches to learning, having earned her International Coaching Federation designation, Waldorf Teacher Training certificate and Special Education Additional Qualifications 1 and 2. In addition, Lauren continues to strengthen her leadership skills through a variety of professional development, particularly completing the certificate from Harvard EdX, Leadership in Learning.
Lauren Commeford’s dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and community-building make her a transformative force in the field of education. Her leadership and expertise are invaluable assets to any educational institution or organization seeking progressive and reflective approaches to learning and student success.