The TLS team

Educational Developer

Dr. Amy Pachai is an Educational Developer on the DeGroote School of Business Teaching and Learning Services team. Since joining DeGroote in 2018, she has worked with instructors, staff, and students to create and execute innovative educational programming across the faculty, including launching Ontario’s first blended learning part-time MBA for working professionals and creating one-of-a-kind experiential learning programming for first-year MBA students. Her goal is to support DeGroote’s faculty and staff in facilitating effective courses and programs, from design through to feedback and continuous improvement. Prior to joining DeGroote, Amy conducted doctoral research exploring ways to reduce mind wandering and improve learning. She has facilitated learning experiences for diverse audiences on topics such as creating effective assessments, maximizing the impact of your LMS, design thinking, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), writing skills, and evidence-based study strategies for students. Amy’s work connects evidence-based practice with the complex realities of teaching and learning to create effective learning experiences that centre the humans involved.

Digital Media Specialist

Jay Dell is a skilled digital media professional specializing in video production, editing, motion graphics, and digital asset development for education and training environments. With a strong understanding of accessibility standards and best practices, he ensures that all content is inclusive and user-friendly for diverse learners. Jay combines creativity with technical expertise to produce high-quality, engaging visuals that enhance learning experiences. Whether developing instructional videos, interactive graphics, or multimedia resources, he is committed to delivering clear, impactful, and accessible solutions tailored to the needs of educators and students alike.

Educational Developer

Nidia Cerna is a seasoned learning experience designer and senior instructional designer with expertise in multimedia project management and program development. From 2019 through 2023, Nidia worked closely with cross-functional teams to design and develop multi-modal learning experiences, including the first experiential academic program (The GR0 Program: Student Experience & Development). This program required organizational digital transformation and propelled experiential programming at DeGroote. Nidia’s strategic vision extends beyond her core responsibilities, contributing to project organization, resource efficiency, and strategic direction of educational initiatives. As one of the founders of McMaster Continuing Education’s development team (2016-2019), she was instrumental in creating standards, processes, and learning models that continue to be the basis of a new generation of engaging and experiential online learning programs at McMaster University. A highly organized and empathetic leader, Nidia fosters inclusive and productive environments where everyone’s voice is valued. She listens actively and engages thoughtfully, using her creative problem-solving skills to co-create learner-centered experiences. Nidia is passionate about empowering individuals and creating innovative academic programming, engaging learning activities, and authentic assessments for both in-person and virtual environments.

Educational Developer

Karam Noel is an instructional designer, workshop facilitator, and researcher specializing in curriculum design, assessment, and pedagogical innovation. With broad teaching and consulting experience across institutions, he has developed expertise in educational development, English language instruction, and student mentorship. His inclusive, learner-centered approach emphasizes meaningful engagement and equity-focused practices. At McMaster’s DeGroote School of Business, Karam has led several curricular initiatives, including the redesign of a large-scale second-year career development course and first-year leadership tutorials reaching over 700 students. He also created customized online training for undergraduate teaching assistants.

Currently completing his PhD at the University of Toronto, Karam’s research explores plurilingual assessment to improve diagnostic feedback on international students’ oral proficiency in professional settings. As lead RA on SSHRC-funded projects, he coordinates research across teams and institutions. His co-authored work appears in journals like Journal of English for Academic Purposes and in volumes on language assessment and plurilingualism. A regular presenter at conferences such as AAAL and ACLA/CAAL, Karam integrates universal design principles into his teaching and research. Certified in instructional skills, career coaching, and mental health support, he is committed to equity, inclusion, and optimal student learning outcomes.

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Manager

Neil Kotch is the Manager of the Teaching and Learning team at the DeGroote School of Business. As a strategic leader with a background in design, media development, LXD, adult education, and online learning. He has a rich history of delivering creative and innovative learning solutions for the public and private sector. Since joining McMaster University, he has worked across several faculties developing content for Humanities, Engineering and the School of Business. He came to DeGroote in 2016 to join faculty to develop and launch the Executive MBA program. He has continued to support innovation and engagement for existing courses and the design of new programs. Neil shares your passion for delivering meaningful experiences for students. Let’s explore what the Teaching and Learning team can do to take your instructional engagement to the next level.

Explore how TLS elevates learning at DeGroote

Collaborating across departments, TLS enhances experiential learning and supports the DeGroote School of Business strategic goals. TLS empowers DeGroote students and staff through innovative, hands-on learning experiences—from MBA GRIT Week and asynchronous career prep to GenAI guidance and TA training.