Our Staff
Richard Lorde, OCT - Program Facilitator [MusiMaticians, Spin N Scratch, Cast Creators]
With over a decade of experience shaping young minds and nearly two decades of spinning tracks, Richard Lorde has a unique blend of passion for education and music. For over a decade, Richard has been a passionate educator and youth mentor, working within inner-city schools in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), where he has dedicated himself to shaping young minds and fostering a love of learning. His roles within his 10 year tenure included a Junior Intermediate Classroom teacher, as well as a Centrally Assigned Middle Years Student Success Counsellor/Coach where he was able to implement change at the Board level. He is also a published author who helped to write and produce the teacher's guide to the popular 'Sankofa' series. He spent the early years of his career in Rexdale, before transitioning and spending the rest of his years in the Jane and Finch community, both inner-city neighbourhoods in the West-end of the city of Toronto. With a strong focus on skill-based education, Richard has developed innovative teaching strategies that engage students and make curriculum connections more meaningful and impactful.
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In addition to his role in education, Richard is a seasoned professional DJ with 18 years in the music industry. He has held many roles within the Corporate and Nightlife realms that have allowed him to work with some of the biggest artists in the world, work on some of the biggest stages in the world, and take his talents internationally, boasting quite the resumè. Known for blending diverse genres and creating unique soundscapes, he brings the same level of creativity and dedication to the turntables as he does to the classroom. Through both professions, Richard strives to inspire, entertain, and make a lasting impact on his community by believing in the power of creativity and connection to transform lives.​
Godfrey Obiri - Program Facilitator [Activ8tion]
With over a decade of experience working with children and youth in inner-city communities, Godfrey brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his role as the Physical Literacy Specialist at Madd Skillz Education. His deep commitment to the holistic development of young people is backed by several accreditations in child development, such as; being an active member of the Coaching Association of Canada: Fundamental Movement Skills, High Five: Principles of Healthy Child Development, and coaching a variety of in school and out of school sports teams, making him a trusted leader in promoting physical literacy.​
Godfrey’s approach focuses on using movement and physical activity as powerful tools to support cognitive, social, and emotional growth. By creating engaging, inclusive, and skill-building activities, he ensures that students not only improve their physical health but also develop critical life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence. Godfrey’s dedication to the well-being of children and youth aligns with Madd Skillz Education's mission to integrate skill-based learning across all aspects of development, ensuring students are equipped to thrive.
Kelechi Charles - Program Facilitator [Healthy Hair Healthy Bodies]
Kelechi brings her creativity and expertise to the cosmetology component at Madd Skillz Education. Being a professional hair-stylist and having styled hair for high-profile clients, she has honed her craft to perfection, but her true calling lies in using her skills to uplift and educate young people. Kelechi has worked with children and youth in the inner city, teaching them not only the art of hairstyling but also the profound connection between beauty, mental health, and physical wellness.​
Her approach emphasizes self-expression, self-care, and confidence, helping students understand how personal grooming can positively impact their well-being. Through hands-on learning, Kelechi inspires young people to explore their creativity while also equipping them with practical skills for future opportunities. Her dedication aligns perfectly with Madd Skillz Education’s mission of integrating real-world skills into education, promoting holistic development for all students.
Jilliann Palmer - Operations and Administrative Manager
Jilliann brings over a decade of administrative expertise and more than 5 years of event management experience to her role as the Operations and Administrative Manager at Madd Skillz Education. Her background in overseeing complex operations, organizing events, and managing logistics makes her an invaluable asset to the organization.
In her role, Jilliann ensures the smooth day-to-day running of Madd Skillz Education, handling everything from managing communications and setting up meetings to coordinating various aspects of the organization’s programs. With her keen attention to detail and passion for efficiency, she supports the team in delivering high-quality educational experiences. Jilliann’s organizational skills and management background also allow her to contribute to special projects and events, ensuring they are executed seamlessly.
