Our Founder

KHANDI ALEXANDER, B.A. (Hons.), B.Ed, OCT, PQP
Founder & Director

Khandi Alexander is a passionate and patient educational leader committed to Black Student Excellence, Holistic Learning and Wellness, and Community Development. A Grenadian-Canadian, Khandi proudly embraces her cultural heritage and encourages her students to do the same. A versatile artiste, Khandi is a vocalist-songwriter, musician/DJ, writer-visual artist, coach/athlete, and educator. She began singing at two, playing the piano at four, composing songs and poetry by ten, and DJ-ing on vinyl by eleven. The Arts have profoundly enriched her self-knowledge and cultural awareness, leading her to perform on stages in Canada, Grenada, China, and the Philippines.

Khandi is an Ontario Certified Teacher and Principal with over 25 years of experience in education and community building. Holding a Bachelor of Education in Junior-Intermediate Music-Vocal from Brock University and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Music and Culture with minors in English and Women’s Studies from the University of Toronto, she is qualified to teach Primary to Senior-level students, specializing in Music, English, ESL/ELD, and Special Education. She has completed the Principal’s Qualification Program and has extensive teaching experience in Ontario, Canada, as well as internationally in China. Khandi also served as a high school Vice-Principal in Naujaat, Nunavut, and is currently pursuing a Juris Doctor at Bond University. Guided by her faith, Khandi’s unique teaching journey is complemented by her diverse Additional Qualifications and passion for The Arts, making her a well-rounded leader who advocates for educational reform.

Khandi's experiences in Nunavut and China provided her with valuable intercultural exposure that not all educators are fortunate enough to have. Serving as a Qallunaat (non-Inuit) Vice-Principal in Nunavut, she supported the diverse learning and socio-emotional needs of at-risk, high-risk Inuit students, learning about their traditional lifestyle while adapting to the extreme arctic conditions of a geographically remote community in Canada. In China, Khandi immersed herself in Chinese and Asian cultures, even beginning to learn Mandarin. These experiences have deepened her cultural awareness and provided significant insights into the language acquisition journeys of today's students and English language learners.

While educational institutions promote diversity and inclusivity, Khandi has observed that very little time and space is allotted to establishing a deeper and more genuine understanding of each scholar’s physical, psychological and emotional journey. In her TED Talk, The Dangers of a Single Story, novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie warns of the damage that is caused when we fail to acknowledge one’s personal story. Instead, the often underrepresented or marginalized are blanketed with stereotypes and “default positions”, as a result of a lack of cross-cultural sensitivity. There is a great need for cultural awareness, especially in the 21st-Century classroom. Students require an effective learning environment that is inclusive of their personal experiences and their personal story. Through culturally responsive teaching, Khandi works hard to effectively accommodate her students, and their diverse learning profiles.

Representation is key, and a cultural connection can make the educational journey more relevant to young learners. Khandi discovered the importance of representation in education early on, after observing the exceptional dedication and leadership of her administrators, teachers and coaches of colour. Having experienced challenges in her own academic journey, Khandi understands the detrimental impact of disconnectedness in the classroom and a lack of cultural representation first-hand. As a reflective practitioner, she is dedicated to supporting and empowering Afro-Caribbean scholars facing reading challenges and those struggling to bridge achievement gaps. Khandi inspires her students through Arts and Culture, ensuring no child is left behind.

From Education to Law

Support Khandi Alexander as she embarks on a new chapter. Join her crusade!

Speaking Engagements

Looking for an inspirational speaker for your next educational conference or community building event? Book Khandi Alexander now to help you achieve your desired event outcomes.

 

5+

Awards, Certifications and Scholarships

Khandi is a determined and hard-working individual, who sets the bar high for herself, just as she does for her students.

Khandi’s great works have been recognized by the following:

2022 Community Appreciation Award, MACCA, City of Markham

2019 York Catholic District School Board Distinguished Alumni Award

The Grenada Association Toronto: Academic Scholarship

Toronto Police Service - Community Policing Support Unit: Respect & Integrity Award

The New Conservatory of Music: A Promising Musician Piano Scholarship Award

Imani Academic Mentorship Program Certificate, University of Toronto

High-Five - Principles of Healthy Child Development Certification

 

25+

Years of Professional Teaching and Leadership Experience

Khandi is an educational leader on a mission to transform her inspiring vision for student empowerment into reality.

Khandi has gained valuable leadership experience in the following positions:

Vice-Principal/
Secondary Teacher, Nunavut, Canada

  • English

  • Social Studies

Secondary Teacher, Guangzhou, China

  • English

  • Health & Physical Education

Elementary-Secondary Teacher, Ontario, Canada

  • Vocal-Music

  • English

  • ESL

  • Resource

  • Continuing Education

Scarborough Basketball Association

  • Basketball Convenor/
    Coach

YMCA

  • On-Site Supervisor

  • Creative Arts Instructor

  • Summer Camp Program Developer

City of Markham, Parks and Recreation

  • Camp Supervisor

  • Youth Drop-In Facilitator

  • Sports Program Instructor

  • Fusion Dance Instructor

  • Camp Counsellor

 
 

10+

Additional Qualifications

Committed to Professional Development, Khandi believes that being a lifelong learner is the key to enhancing student achievement.

Khandi has completed the following Additional Qualifications:

Teaching Qualifications

  • Junior and Intermediate Divisions, Music-Vocal

Additional Qualifications

  • Principal’s Qualification Program, Part 2

  • Foundations of Transfor-mational Leadership for Nunavut Education (ED5090)

  • Proactive Instructional Leadership in Nunavut Communities (ED5110)

  • Principal’s Qualification Program, Part 1

  • Teaching English Language Learners, Specialist

  • Special Education, Specialist

  • Teaching English Language Learners, Part 2

  • Special Education, Part 2

  • Student Assessment and Evaluation

  • Music-Instrumental, Part 1

  • Religious Education in Catholic Schools, Part 1

  • English as a Second Language, Part 1

  • Primary Division

  • Special Education, Part 1

  • Senior Division, English

 
 
 

20+

Years of Community Dedication

“Volunteering provides a holistic reward that drives us to inspire our communities on a deeper level.” - Khandi Alexander

Khandi has connected with her community through the following initiatives:

The Royal Readers Reading Club

Consulate General of Grenada, Toronto

Carriacou Association of Ontario

  • Mother’s Day Brunch Performer/Art-ist

Grenada Day Cultural Association Toronto

  • Enter-tainment Committee Member

  • Grenada Day Performer

  • Fish Friday DJ

Spice Youth Toronto Community Initiative

  • Education Committee Member

Imani Academic Mentorship Program, University of Toronto

  • Youth Mentor

Caribbean Hurricane/Flood Relief Initiatives

Community Food/Clothing Donations