Antonella Valeo has been working with ESL learners and teachers for over 25 years and is currently an Associate Professor at York University where she teaches graduate courses in applied linguistics, TESOL, and ESL to undergraduate students.   As a researcher her interests are embedded within the ESL classroom and include a focus on classroom interaction and language teacher development. Over the years, her work with TESL Ontario has both inspired and reflected these interests. She joined TESL Toronto as membership secretary and later served as President, Conference Chair and Affiliate Representative. Her work with TESL Ontario was diverse and included involvement in the early development of TESL training institutional accreditation and serving as local Co-chair when TESL Ontario hosted the TESOL Convention in 2015. As an emerging researcher, TESL Ontario welcomed her contributions as Research Committee Chair and called on her to work with the team that developed the framework for Post TESL Certificate Training. Throughout her time in the field, whether as instructor, curriculum developer, language teacher trainer, administrator or researcher, her engagement with TESL Ontario has served as an anchor and reminded her of the community that continues to inspire her today.