Sandra Nagy

Sandra Nagy has dedicated her career to driving innovation and building effective organizational strategy.

With 25 years of experience, Sandra has designed, developed and delivered hundreds of learning opportunities to thousands of employees and educators through her work at Accenture, The Learning Partnership and Pearson Education.

She leads the Education Practice at Future Design School, building strong academic partnerships with school leaders that help to drive their strategic priorities through consulting support, professional development and curriculum resources.

Sandra’s educational background includes a Master’s in Education from Harvard University focused on Technology in Education and a Bachelor of Commerce focused on Organizational Behaviour and Entrepreneurship from McGill University.

Dr. Lydia Cao

Dr. Lydia Cao is an Assistant Professor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto.

She is an interdisciplinary scholar whose research and teaching explore artificial intelligence in education, computer-supported collaborative learning, immersive technologies (XR), and knowledge building. Her work navigates the design and implications of emerging technologies for teaching and learning and advances global conversations on sustainability education.

Dr. Cao received her PhD in Education from the University of Cambridge and has held postdoctoral fellowships at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and OISE.

Maryna Saidova

Maryna is a parent of three children at Lauremont: Sophie in CH1, and Alyssa and Max at the Upper School. Before transitioning into the field of childhood education, she spent more than a decade working internationally with Procter & Gamble.

Maryna is a qualified Early Childhood Educator and continues her practical and academic work at OISE, University of Toronto. She is involved in research on AI literacy and is a member of OISE’s Strategy Group on AI. Her interests focus on AI in teaching, learning and, more broadly, on how we can create digitally healthy, supportive ecosystems in which students, educators and families can thrive.

Dr. Stella Dentakos

Dr. Stella Dentakos is a sought-after speaker in the field of child development. Known for her engaging talks, presentations and workshops, she passionately emphasizes the importance of mental health, empowering individuals and families to thrive.

Dr. Stella’s talent for breaking down complex ideas into easy-to-understand concepts has made her a favourite among diverse audiences, from educators and healthcare professionals to community organizations and corporations. Her insights have also been showcased in media outlets like the Toronto Star, solidifying her standing as a knowledgeable figure in the field.

Jake Ernst

Jake Ernst is the Clinical Director at Straight Up Health, a youth and family mental health clinic located in Midtown Toronto. With over a decade of experience in the helping profession, Jake is a trusted subject-matter expert in the areas of mental, emotional and social health– an acronym we refer to as MESH. In his work as a therapist, Jake helps individuals and families navigate the stress of modern life so they can feel good, think clearly, and make choices that support their wellbeing. Jake has a particular interest in how technology and the changing tech landscape are influencing how we think, feel, behave and achieve a sense of relational security in our ever-changing world.

Straight Up Health is a mental health and wellness company dedicated to providing accessible, personalized and effective care for individuals and families. Through our Discovery Assessment, we help clients find the right support based on their unique goals and needs. Our team brings deep clinical expertise and a real understanding of how people live, work, and connect—so we can support them in the ways that actually make a difference.