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Three-member panels of the Discipline Committee conduct public hearings into cases of alleged incompetence or professional misconduct. Panels are composed of elected and appointed Council members. The certificate of a member found to be incompetent or guilty of professional misconduct may be revoked, suspended, and/or made subject to terms, conditions or limitations. In findings of professional misconduct, the committee may also reprimand, admonish or counsel the member, impose a fine, and order the member to pay costs.
Summaries of recent disciplinary cases are published on the following pages. Copies of the full decisions are available at oct.ca → Members → Complaints and Discipline → Decisions.
The College publishes professional advisories, available at oct-oeeo.ca/ advisories, which are intended to inform members’ professional judgment and practice. For more information about the Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession, please visit oct-oeeo.ca/ethical.
Member: Margaret Elizabeth Reeds Alexander, OCT
Registration No: 239821
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel directed Margaret Elizabeth Reeds Alexander, a retired teacher of the Greater Essex County District School Board, to receive a reprimand for engaging in inappropriate discipline.
The member, who was certified to teach in May 1976, did not attend the November 19, 2014, hearing, but was represented by legal counsel.
During the 2009–10 school year, Reeds Alexander engaged in inappropriate discipline conduct with her class, which included yelling, pushing and physically escorting students to their seats. She also directed a student to leave the classroom and work in the hallway unsupervised.
The incidents were reported to the Children’s Aid Society and the investigation verified concerns relating to Reeds Alexander’s use of excessive discipline.
She retired from the board effective May 31, 2010.
The Discipline Committee panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct based on the evidence, onus and standard of proof, a statement of uncontested facts, a plea of no contest, a joint submission on penalty, and legal submissions.
Prior to undertaking any teaching positions or any position for which a Certificate of Qualification and Registration is required, Reeds Alexander was directed to appear before the panel to receive a reprimand.
The panel also ordered her to complete a pre-approved course, at her own expense, regarding classroom management and discipline strategies.
Member: Dean Richard Crites
Registration No: 439690
Decision: Revocation
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the Certificate of Qualification and Registration of Grand Erie District School Board teacher Dean Richard Crites for engaging in an inappropriate personal relationship with a female student.
Crites, who was certified to teach in September 2000, did not attend the November 25, 2014, hearing, but was represented by legal counsel.
During the 2010–11 school year, Crites engaged in an inappropriate personal relationship with a female student, which included sending inappropriate text messages, providing gifts to her, and meeting her at his home and at the student’s workplace.
He also engaged in sexual contact with her that included being in a hot tub with her while she was in her bra and underwear, being with her in his bed, giving her a massage, kissing and hugging her.
The Discipline Committee panel found him guilty of professional misconduct based on the evidence, onus and standard of proof, a statement of uncontested facts, a plea of no contest, a joint submission on penalty, and legal submissions.
In its decision, the panel said, “Conduct of a sexual nature involving a student represents the most egregious breach of trust by a person in a position of trust and authority over a student.”
Member: Ian Howard Alvin Handscomb
Registration No: 197572
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended Toronto District School Board teacher Ian Howard Alvin Handscomb and ordered his certificate be suspended with conditions for engaging in unprofessional behaviour with two students that involved inappropriate electronic communications and conversations of a sexual nature.
Handscomb, who was certified to teach in June 1992, attended the public hearing on September 23, 2014, and was represented by legal counsel.
The panel heard that between 2008 and 2010, Handscomb, an openly gay teacher, and a male student engaged in personal conversations and personal communication on Facebook. These included communications about the member’s personal life, sexual orientation, “coming out,” and safety in sexual relationships. The student had informed Handscomb that he was thinking of “coming out.”
Handscomb shared films about sexuality, sexual orientation and “coming out” with the student.
The panel also heard that in 2010 the member engaged in inappropriate electronic communications with a second male student, and failed to report to administrators that this student had sexually propositioned him.
In 2011, the board suspended Handscomb for 20 days and ordered him to undergo training in maintaining professional boundaries, which he did.
Based on the evidence, onus and standard of proof, an agreed statement of facts, a guilty plea, a joint submission on penalty, and the submissions made by legal counsel, the panel found Handscomb guilty of professional misconduct and directed the Registrar to suspend his Certificate of Qualification and Registration for 20 days.
Furthermore, he was ordered to appear before the panel following the hearing to receive a reprimand, and required to successfully complete, at his own expense, a pre-approved course of instruction covering professional boundaries and boundary violations within four months.
In its written decision, the panel said, “the use of electronic media (e.g., social media, texting, multi-media) is now firmly entrenched and has revealed many dangers for members of the profession, regardless of the intent.”
Member: Ashley Marie Kernohan
Registration No: 580149
Decision: Revocation
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the Certificate of Qualification and Registration of Ashley Marie Kernohan, a former teacher, for engaging in an inappropriate personal relationship with a depressed male student.
Kernohan, who was certified to teach in January 2010, did not attend the November 18, 2014, hearing, and was represented by legal counsel.
During the 2011–12 school year, Kernohan engaged in an inappropriate personal relationship with a student, which included exchanging cellphone numbers, text messaging and talking on the phone during the late hours of the evening.
The relationship progressed when she gave the student letters and cards stating “I love you,” “I love you so much and can’t wait to spend tonight with you,’’ “I am yours forever and always’’ and “I’m sorry I have to tutor and can’t spend the whole night with you …’’
The school investigated the matter and her employment was subsequently terminated.
The Discipline Committee panel found her guilty of professional misconduct based on the evidence, onus and standard of proof, a statement of uncontested facts, a plea of no contest, a joint submission on penalty, and legal submissions.
In its decision, the panel said that Kernohan “was a recent graduate at a faculty of education and therefore made familiar with the standards of the profession.”
Member: Steve Richard Kilby
Registration No: 419665
Decision: Revocation
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the Certificate of Qualification and Registration of Steve Richard Kilby, a former Simcoe County District School Board teacher, in connection with a criminal conviction for sexual interference.
Licensed to teach in July 1998, Kilby did not attend the October 21, 2014, hearing, nor was he represented by legal counsel.
In July 2012, Kilby allowed one of his students to live in his home for one week. He also engaged in a personal and sexual relationship with the student.
In August 2013, he was found guilty of sexual interference. He was sentenced to 54 days incarceration and three years of probation with terms, including a term that prohibits him from working with and/or volunteering in a capacity that involves being in a position of trust or authority toward persons under the age of 18.
Having considered the evidence, onus and standard of proof, and submissions made by College counsel, the Discipline Committee panel found Kilby guilty of professional misconduct. The Discipline Committee further found the member engaged in sexual abuse of a student and directed the Registrar to revoke his Certificate of Qualification and Registration.
The panel found that his “behaviour has brought the profession into disrepute and was in conflict with the duty of a teacher to protect students.”
Member: Kerry Stephen Powers
Registration No: 479346
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Peel District School Board teacher Kerry Stephen Powers and ordered his certificate be suspended with conditions for ignoring his board’s policy about excursions and the ratio of supervision required.
Powers, who was certified to teach in June 2004, was represented by legal counsel and attended the public hearings on June 9 and 10, 2014, and November 25, 26 and 28, 2014.
The panel heard that, in and around February 5 to February 7, 2009, during a school trip for a conference, Powers was the only one responsible for a group of about 34 students who stayed at a hotel. On the first evening, he allowed students free access to his hotel room to prepare their presentations and to iron their clothing.
On the same evening, Powers left the hotel after 11 p.m. and, in doing so, left the students unsupervised by any teacher from the school. Students requiring assistance were unable to locate him. Powers returned to the hotel several hours later. His board conducted an investigation and suspended him for five days without pay, and banned him from attending overnight excursions for the 2009/2010 school year.
Based on the evidence, onus and standard of proof, an agreed statement of facts, a guilty plea, a joint submission on penalty, and the submissions made by legal counsel, the panel found Powers guilty of professional misconduct and directed the Registrar to suspend his Certificate of Qualification and Registration for five days. His certificate was suspended from July 6 to 10, 2009.
Furthermore, Powers was ordered to appear before the panel immediately following the hearing to receive a reprimand, and required to successfully complete, at his own expense, a pre-approved course of instruction covering effective supervision and boundaries.
Member: Theresa Liana Riccardi, OCT
Registration No: 256783
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel directed Theresa Liana Riccardi, a York Catholic District School Board teacher, to receive a reprimand for acting inappropriately and insufficiently without proper regard for student safety.
Riccardi, who was certified to teach in June 1987, attended the hearings with her legal counsel on October 10, 11 and 30, 2013, and October 20, 2014.
During the 2009–10 academic year, the member:
The panel heard evidence that she was unable to manage and control students and to appropriately report numerous incidents to the school administration.
The Discipline Committee panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct based on the evidence, onus and standard of proof, and legal submissions. She was directed to appear before the panel to receive a reprimand. As well, Riccardi was ordered to complete a pre-approved course, at her own expense, regarding classroom management and effective student discipline.
In its written decision, the panel said that “a course on classroom management and effective student discipline was necessary because the member continued to display a lack of insight into her misconduct years after the underlying incidents had occurred.”
Member: Christopher Nicholas Sager
Registration No: 520995
Decision: Revocation
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the Certificate of Qualification and Registration of Christopher Nicholas Sager, a former Durham District School Board teacher, in connection with a criminal conviction for criminal harassment involving a female student.
Licensed to teach in May 2007, Sager attended the November 10, 2014, hearing, and was represented by legal counsel.
During the 2009–10 school year, Sager developed a personal relationship that evolved into a sexual relationship with a student.
In May 2010, Sager was charged by Durham Regional Police with three counts of sexual exploitation. That same month, the school board terminated his employment.
In November 2010, he pled guilty to criminal harassment. He received a suspended sentence and was placed on probation for three years. His probation conditions included the following:
In March 2014, the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services confirmed that the probation, which started on November 26, 2010, expired on November 25, 2013, and that Sager is no longer subject to probation conditions.
Having considered the evidence, onus and standard of proof, a statement of uncontested facts, a plea of no contest, a joint submission on penalty, and submissions made by legal counsel, the Discipline Committee panel found Sager guilty of professional misconduct and directed the Registrar to revoke his Certificate of Qualification and Registration.
The panel found that his “conduct was unacceptable, disgraceful, dishonourable, and illustrated an abuse of power.”
Member: Alfred Douglas Stelpstra
Registration No: 251850
Decision: Revocation
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the certificate of Alfred Douglas Stelpstra due to a criminal charge for possession of child pornography.
Licensed to teach in June 1992, Stelpstra did not attend the public hearing on November 13, 2014, nor was he represented by legal counsel. Since about 2000, and except for one week in approximately 2008 when he did supply teaching, Stelpstra has not been involved in the teaching profession.
On March 9, 2010, the Kingston Police executed a search warrant at Stelpstra’s home and found many pictures and videos of child pornography on his computer. He was subsequently charged with one count of possession of child pornography. On or about June 4, 2012, in the Ontario Court of Justice, he was granted a stay of proceedings as a result of a violation of his section 11(b) rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
On July 23, 2010, he signed an Agreement and Undertaking not to teach or seek employment for which a Certificate of Qualification and Registration is required until the College disposes of this complaint.
Having considered the evidence, onus and standard of proof, an agreed statement of facts, a guilty plea, a joint submission on penalty, and submissions of College counsel, the Discipline Committee panel found Stelpstra guilty of professional misconduct and directed the Registrar to revoke his Certificate of Qualification and Registration.
The panel found that Stelpstra “has forfeited the privilege of holding a certificate and should not be permitted to teach in Ontario.”
Member: Not identified
Decision: Counselling, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel counselled a Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board teacher for crossing professional boundaries.
The member, who was certified to teach in October 1991, attended the November 13, 2014, hearing, and was represented by a lawyer.
During the 2007–08 academic year, the member engaged in a relationship and activities with students that included attending a movie, accompanying students on a trip, allowing students to drive her motor vehicle, and going to a coffee shop and local restaurant outside of school hours.
The Discipline Committee panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct based on the evidence, onus and standard of proof, a statement of uncontested facts, a plea of no contest, a joint submission on penalty, and the submissions of legal counsel.
The member was directed to appear before the panel immediately following the hearing to be counselled. As well, the member was ordered to successfully complete a pre-approved course, at her own expense, regarding boundary violations.
In its written decision, the panel said that “counselling is appropriate in this matter and acts as a specific deterrent to the member.”
Information about the disciplinary action appears online at bit.ly/13KbVs9."
Member: Aidan Elizabeth Welland, OCT
Registration No: 431351
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Toronto District School Board teacher Aidan Elizabeth Welland for making false accusations toward a student, a colleague and another professional.
Welland, who was certified to teach in June 2000, attended the public hearing on October 14, 2014, and was represented by legal counsel.
The panel heard that, in December 2011, Welland, using a pseudonym, sent emails to the principal of a school attended by a student who she falsely alleged had bullied her son — even though her son and the student did not attend the same school. She also falsely alleged that the student’s teacher had ignored the bullying and failed to protect her son.
Furthermore, she posted false comments about the student and his parent on a public website, using a pseudonym. Welland, using a different pseudonym, made false allegations about another professional by emailing his principal and alleging that he planned to take several sick days off to take his family on vacation.
Based on the evidence, onus and standard of proof, an agreed statement of facts, a joint submission on penalty, a guilty plea, and submissions of Counsel, the panel found Welland guilty of professional misconduct and ordered her to appear before the panel immediately following the hearing to receive a reprimand.
The panel also required her to successfully complete, at her own expense, pre-approved courses of instruction covering ethics in the workplace and appropriate personal and professional boundaries in the workplace within six months.
The panel agreed that publication of this summary with her name published is necessary because Welland, on multiple occasions, used pseudonyms to protect her own identity, and made false accusations toward a student, a colleague and another professional. The panel said that “the member’s disregard for others’ privacy and reputation forfeits her request that her name not be published.”
Copies of the full decisions are available at oct-oeeo.ca/decisions.