Faculty Roster
PAULA SHNEER
Director Fashion Marketing & Merchandising Fashion Design
Paula began her career in education as the co-ordinator of the Fashion Marketing & Merchandising program at the International Academy of Design & Technology in 1997 while still remaining an active partner in a fashion agency. With over 25 years in the Fashion Industry, she brings to her position extensive experience in fashion merchandising, retailing and wholesale. While a partner in Abrams & Shneer Paula worked with a number of designers, manufacturers and retailers developing lines and private label programs across Canada and into the U.S.
In 2005 Paula opened Mix Consulting working with new fashion entrepreneurs to help develop their marketing, merchandising and sales strategies. Paula has also worked very closely with The Toronto Fashion Incubator conducting sales clinics, seminars, workshops and webcasts. Paula has been a key note speaker for the Educational Program for CSCEx 2006, a member of the Business Advisory Board for the Yukon Territory and is currently a BDC consultant. Paula is also on the executive of Fashion Group International currently co-chairing their educational committee.
Doris Montanera
An award-winning freelance writer and editor with more than a decade of experience. Along with a stint as the editor of Stylemagazine, her work has appeared in top publications such as The Globe and Mail, National Post, Chatelaine, Elle Canada, Best Health, Flare, Glow, Style at Home, and others.
TONIA MONCUR
Tonia Moncur has celebrated over twenty-five years as an educator of design and creativity in both fashion and interior design disciplines and has had the opportunity to develop several interdisciplinary courses. Her experience in style and design are varied from Retail Merchandising and Design, Fashion and Product Styling, Fashion Show Production, Interior Decorating, Exhibit design and Event Planning. Tonia has recently joined Peclers Paris, a trend forecasting company from Paris. This new career direction allows her future insights into an ever changing Industry.
ROBERT OGILVIE
Born in Toronto and raised in Montreal, Rob headed west and spent several years in Calgary before returning to make Toronto home. He has distinguished himself in the industry in buying, sales management, marketing, and training roles with several major retailers before beginning his teaching career. Robert continued to develop and instruct courses for both private sector and public post-secondary institutions specializing in the marketing and computer area until becoming full-time faculty at the International Academy of Design and Technology in 2001. Rob was honoured to receive the Faculty Excellence Award from the Academy in 2000 for ‘outstanding long-term consistency in achieving high-quality work in the classroom, administratively, and with co-workers’ and was one of four faculty members selected by students and colleagues to represent the Toronto Campus of the Academy as Educator of the Year in 2004 and again in 2007. Rob holds a Diploma in Social Science (Psychology) from John Abbott College (1976), Montreal, and a Diploma in Business Administration (Human Resources) from Mount Royal College (1981), Calgary.
A lifelong learner, he continued to attend courses and seminars completing a Teaching Effectiveness Certificate at Humber College (2000) and his B. Ed. (Adult Education) from Brock University (2003). M. Ed. From Brock University April 2009. A keen interest in theatre has seen him both on stage and behind the scenes in a number of productions and has proven to be an asset in the classroom. Rob and his partner Tim share their east Toronto home with a dog and two cats. He enjoys traveling, relaxing at the cottage, and the occasional game of squash. Rob continues to be actively involved in the industry and community in a variety of roles.
SUSAN ANDERSON
A graduate of the Institute of Design in Caracas, Susan did freelance work in textile design, worked as an assistant art director and as an editorial photographer’s assistant on location in Venezuela. She has worked in the industry as a carpet designer catering to a market niche in ‘one of a kind’ pieces as well as commercial applications. Her work has been published on covers of National trade magazines and has won an award in “Focus I Design” at the One of a Kind Canadian Craft Show.
NORMA OUELLETTE
Norma has been teaching post secondary courses in Business Communication, Salesmanship, Marketing and Retail Management since 2001. Norma has an honors BA from the University of BC and an MBA from Simon Fraser University. Prior to teaching, she held positions in both the merchandising and planning functions of The Bay. In her role as a Merchandise Planning Manager and Supply Chain Manager, Norma contributed significantly to the growth of the Supply Chain function through both her systems knowledge and training expertise. She was instrumental in developing many of the procedures, formats and course outlines in use in the Buying Office.
Her facility for quickly understanding new systems and her considerable teaching skills make her an excellent instructor. In addition to merchandising courses, Norma also teaches computer courses, including basic and intermediate Excel. In 1998 her abilities as a trainer were recognized formally with her appointment as Training Specialist in addition to her other responsibilities. Choosing teaching as a full time profession in 2000, she has developed several courses for the Academy, including a Market Research Course, and Business Arts, which is designed to help graduating students prepare for entry into the business world. It includes modules on Resume preparation, interview skills, business correspondence and career management. In 2002 and 2005 Norma was chosen Instructor of the Year by her students at the Academy of Design and Technology.
TESS VAN GROLL
Tess van Groll has studied and worked in Europe, the United States and Canada in the textile industry. She is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) in New York City where she completed their textile technology program. She also holds a Masters degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Tess is currently working on her Masters of Education degree from Brock University, St. Catharines, Ont. Tess has worked for such well-known companies as Club Monaco, Brunschwig & Fils as well as Marcus Bros. Textiles. At present she is a textile consultant and spokesperson for Whirlpool Canada.
Karen Aboud
Karen A. Aboud, the principal of K.A.A. Business Solutions, is a senior executive with plus 25 years experience in the Retail industry. Her expertise in planning, analytics and training will help businesses optimize. Her business acumen and renown as a subject matter expert earns her respect throughout the industry.
Karen’s work history includes Hudson’s Bay Company, The Bay, Ryerson University and the International Academy of Design. Her client list covers all of the retail industry from cosmetics and jewellery to apparel. Her current clients include Jones Apparel Group Canada, Garbo Group, Bestseller, Esprit Canada Wholesale Inc, Chateau D’Argent, Diamonair and Quicksilver Roxy.
Karen loves to teach and is an inspiring trainer and coach. She has authored many training programs within the retail industry, coaching all levels of management. Karen has been teaching for 10 years at the college level where she has developed new courses and also mentors numerous students.
JANET EVANS
Graduated from Ryerson Merchandising and Design. Has had 30 years of Retail Buying experience with Holt Renfrew, Eaton’s, and The Bay, buying Ladies RTW and Accessories. Her career has been spent developing Private Label Programs, as well as buying Branded and Designer Lines. She now has a consulting company and continues to assort programs for Major Retailers in Canada
JULIE ENFIELD
Julie is a freelance journalist with an extensive background in Fashion and Public Relations. She has worked in Europe editing and writing for the fashion industry, copywriting for advertising in Italy. As well as coordinating communications for Alfred Sung here in Toronto. Julie also has taught at Ryerson University. She currently writes for the Globe & Mail, Flare and a number of other publications.
Suzanne Pollock
Suzanne Pollock has 23 years of retail expertise, she has seen and done it all. Since retiring from the retail scene, Suzanne has become an independent consultant, guiding growing companies through the organizational and growth process. During her tenure, she became a recognized and respected leader in the Toronto Fashion Industry. Suzanne began her career as a salesperson. With hard work and dedication, she rose rapidly in the business.
Suzanne holds a BA from the University of Western Ontario. She also graduated Summa Cum Laude with an AA from the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
Roger Gingerich
Roger Gingerich, of The Gingerich Group, began his career in sportswear in the mid 80’s where he serviced NHL and CFL teams through his sports repair shop in Edmonton, Alberta, where his skills in the sewing and patternmaking trade were put to use. Over the last 20 years, Roger has held senior management positions with some of the top apparel companies in Canada and writes a fashion column for a national marketing magazine.
Caroline Yoon
Caroline Yoon is a Product Developer and Associate Instructor at the Academy of Design, Toronto. She has been leading private label creation over the past 6 years for prominent retailers including The Bay, Zellers, HBC Olympics, and Joe Fresh. In addition to her roles in Product Development, she has also completed her MBA in Brand Management at the Rotman School of Management, U of T. As a former graduate of the Academy, she hopes to help shape and inspire students as they move forward in their new careers in design and management.
Rossie Kadiyska
Rossie Kadiyska has been with the Academy since 2003. She has M.Sc. in Physics, MBA (Marketing&Finance) and Master in International Economic Law. She has brought to the school industry experience in project management&finance, marketing management, strategy consulting and business negotiation. Her diverse educational background and experience enables her to teach across various IAOD departments”.
