Faculty of Education Alumni Network - Division of Advancement

If you are interested in finding out more about how you can get involved with YUEAN or want to hear more about their upcoming initiatives, please contact Yasmine Mensah, Alumni Engagement Officer at mensahy@yorku.ca.

Meet the 2024-2026 Executive Team

Jason A. Singh

Chair
BEd ’11

Jason A. Singh, a proud York University BEd graduate, co-founded the York University Faculty of Education Alumni Network (YUEAN) in 2023 and now serves as its Chair. Drawing from his roles as a high school principal at Elpis College in Toronto and an elementary school principal at Michikan Lake School in Bearskin Lake, he is the Director of Education at Medix College. In this role, he focuses on faculty development and student success through the creation of equitable learning environments. Jason's passion for education and community building is reflected in his published works and his leadership roles in alumni engagement and mentorship.

Robert Deonarine

Network Leader
BEd ’07

Robert Deonarine studied criminology, political science and philosophy at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Since graduating from UTM in May 2006, Robert continued to pursue his education with a Bachelor of Education through the Faculty of Education in 2007 from York University followed by a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Studies 2008 at TMU (formally Ryerson University). Following his years of formal education Robert continued to work for the Canadian Forces as a Reservists for over 13 years and recently attained the Canadian Decoration (CD) Medal designation from the Governor General of Canada. In 2007, Robert got his first full-time position as an Art and Computer teacher for the Peel District School Board (PDSB). Following a one-year stint in the elementary panel Robert moved on to the secondary panel as an ASD, Special Education teacher, and History teacher. Currently, Robert is a full time Health and Physical Education teacher and former Curriculum Head of the PDSB and an Assistant Administrator for Continuing Education.

Esther Martinez

Network Leader
BEd ’21, BA ’21, MEd ’24

Esther is a recent masters graduate of York University’s Graduate Program in Education: Language, Culture and Teaching. She has also completed a Bachelor of Arts with Honours and a Bachelor of Education. During her time in the graduate program, she was a Graduate Conference Coordinator and the MEd Co-Chair for the York Graduate Students in Education (YGSE). She also participated in the wider York community as a President’s Ambassador and Student Alumni Ambassador. Esther was the recipient of the Cornerstone Leadership in Action Graduating Student Award for two consecutive years, demonstrating her commitment to cultivating a positive environment of support and engagement.