Teaching Staff
School Director - Craig Dunn
After graduating from the Physical Education program at
McGill University in 1994, Craig travelled north where he taught
physical
education and coached basketball to boys and girls of all age levels in
a Cree
community on the James Bay Coast. In 1997, Craig accepted a job as the
Head of Athletics at Turnbull School in Ottawa. During his tenure as a
player, referee and coach Craig established a fun teaching format to
enhance the
development of basketball players of all ages and abilities. He takes
great pride in maintaining a high level of quality and integrity at
Above the
Rim Basketball School which is why the programs offer instruction from
such
great teachers and coaches. Craig's goal is to share his enthusiasm and
love of the game of basketball with his students and strive to make
Above the
Rim Basketball School the best and most wide reaching instructional
basketball
program of its kind!
Richard Peters
Richard started working with Above the Rim Basketball School in 1998.
He has a tremendous knack for communicating with youth. Richard is
teaching and coaching at St. Leonard's School in Manotick, Ontario. He
is a graduate from teacher's college at Potsdam College in New York.
Richard's exuberance and excellent teaching skills make him a popular
member of Above the Rim Basketball School's staff. Richard is an integral part of
all Ottawa summer day camps, March Break Camps and weekly evening
programs.
Lisen Moore
Lisen now works in the atheletic's administrative department at McGill
University. She was the head coach of the McGill University Women's
Team
for ten years. After a lustrous playing tenure as an All-Star point
guard for the
John Abbott Islanders and Concordia University, Lisen pursued a career
as a
basketball coach. A certified Level IV Basketball Coach, Lisen as
enjoyed
success at the helm of John Abbott CEGEP, Quebec Junior Women's Team
and McGill
University. She also refs throughout the Montreal area. Her dynamic
personality, extensive experience and vast
knowledge base make Lisen a great addition to all Above the Rim
Basketball
School summer day camps!
Tom McSwiggan
Tom is a teacher and coach at Mother Teresa High School in Ottawa. He
is a former player at the University of Prince Edward Island. Tom is a
physical presence who can play in the post and handle a ball like a
guard.
Tom is a knowledgeable coach, terrific teacher and valuable resource
for the
kids at all Ottawa summer day camps and March break camps.
Gareth Reid
After graduating from the Physical Education program at McGill
University, Gareth pursued a teaching position in Prince George,
British
Columbia. At the conclusion of three years of teaching and
coaching at O'Grady High School, Gareth returned to his hometown of
Ottawa where he
is currently the principal of Turnbull School. He keeps active in
coaching
at Turnbull and Above the Rim's Ottawa summer day camps and March Break
camps.
Cassandra Carpenter
Elizabeth and Greg Rusch
Greg Rusch graduated from St.Francis Xavier University. While at St.F.X
he played football for five years. Had a try-out with the Ottawa Rough
Riders of the C.F.L. Attended State University of New York at Potsdam
for Teachers College. Greg is currently a grade three teacher at
Guardian Angels of the Ottawa Carleton Catholic School Board. Greg
coaches numerous sports including basketball, handball and Gaelic
Football.
Liz Rusch graduated with a bachelor's degree in Physical and Health
Education from the University of Toronto. After receiving her teaching
degree at Brock
University she accepted her first job teaching in
Nassau,Bahamas. This was a great experience for Liz as she had the
chance to help develop some athletic programs her students. Liz is
presently teaching P.E. at John McCrae S.S. school in Barrhaven and she
keeps active coaching field hockey, ice hockey and touch football.
Eric Lapierre
Eric played basketball at Ecole Secondaire La Citadelle in Cornwall, 2
time SD&G champion, bronze medallist Double A OFSAA (1993). He
graduated from University of Ottawa and played intramurals all through
university. Eric has been coaching and working basketball camps since
high school. He has been working Above the Rim Basketball School since
2002.
Eric is currently employed with Katimavik. Katimavik is
Canada’s leading national youth volunteer service program for
Canadians ages 17 to 21 years old. His role includes group dynamics,
participants’ learning activities, community relations and
some administrative tasks.
Nathalie Drouin
Mark Dalipaj
Mark is a teacher at the elementary level. He graduated from Concordia University where he played baseball for four years. Mark has coached and umpired in the Ottawa area for many years. Currently, he is an assistant coach for the Carleton University baseball team.
Chris Finner
Chris is originally from Almonte, Ontario. He currently lives
outside of Kemptville and teaches at St. Michael
High School. Chris has coached EOSSAA Junior Boys and Junior
Girls championship teams at St. Mike’s. In
university, he was a member of the Queen's Golden Gaels football
club. Chris was awarded Rookie of the Year in 1992 and won
the Vanier Cup Championships that same year.
Deidra Smith
