Our Team
Our squadron is led by a diverse team of both military and civilian experts who work to facilitate a safe, fun and engaging program while prioritizing cadets leading cadets. Mentorship is at the core of what we do, and our team brings a varied set of skills and experiences to the table.
Commanding Officer Capt H. Andrews
Commanding Officer Captain Holly Andrews enrolled as a Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) Officer and was attested in 2018 at 246 Canadian Progress Squadron. Her family holds significant military history amassed through WWII, Korea (1950-3) and Afghanistan (2001). CO Capt Andrews provides safety, supervision, organizational strategy and instruction to the squadron in her capacity as Training Officer, and previously served as our Administration Officer. She works to advance the cadet movement through community development and education. Outside of the cadet program, CO Capt Andrews supports Student Life at the University of Toronto.
Squadron staff
Lt Y. Haddi, Administration Officer
Lieutenant Yarden Haddi is our Administration Officer, and is a Level 1 Officer responsible for intake of new recruits and paperwork. Favourite activities include Marksmanship, Biathlon and Familiarization Flights. Lt Haddi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Photography from Toronto Metropolitan University and is currently working as an advertiser for B2B companies. He enjoys working to achieve his best, both for the Squadron and in his civilian work.
Lt P. Mehta, Training Officer
Lieutenant Purnima Mehta is our Training Officer. She joined as a level 4 Officer in 2018 and has experience in various roles, including Administration Officer, Public Affairs Officer (PAO), and PER O. Lt Mehta enjoys mentoring cadets in their training, leadership, debate and public speaking goals. She also enjoys supporting cadets at Cadet Training Centres (CTC) in the summer months, staffing at Connaught CTC, Cadet Activity Program Sites and Blackdown CTC.
2Lt S. Dares, Ground School and Communications Officer
Second Lieutenant Savannah Dares is our Ground School and Communications Officer, and is a former air cadet from 246 Squadron who was awarded the glider pilot scholarship. Since then, she's pursued education as an Airline Flight Dispatcher and held positions as a flight scheduler at Seneca College. 2Lt Dares has taught seven cadets how to fly in the RCAC glider program. Since 2019, she was in New Brunswick as a charter and MedEvac pilot, and was a First Officer on three different aircrafts, eventually becoming a Captain with one. 2Lt Dares is currently studying for her Airline Transport Pilot License exam and intends to be flying for an airline soon!
2Lt P. MacNeil, Logistics Officer
Second Lieutenant Peter MacNeil is our Logistics Officer. He completed his cadet career in Calgary and has worked in Northwest and Atlantic Region. 2Lt MacNeil enjoys supporting the cadet program through Cadet Training Centres (CTC) in summer months, and has staffed at Connaught CTC, Cold Lake CTC and Penhold CTC in a variety of courses. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Political Science at St. Francis Xavier University and works in the aviation sector.
Squadron Sponsoring Committee
Working in collaboration with squadron staff, the Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SSC) helps to plan local fundraising and training events for squadron cadets. This team of volunteers acts as the local arm of the Air Cadet League of Canada to actively engage the parent, guardian and supporter community. Together, they provide the resources needed for exciting optional training opportunities.
Squadron Sponsoring Chair: Ms. Bridget Sokoluk
Treasurer: Mr. Yaron Haddi
Secretary: Ms. Revital Haddi
Members-At-Large: Mr. Michael Seto
