Teaching Staff

Craig Dunn - School Director

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 presently teaching and coaching at St. Leonard School in Manotick, Ontario. He has also coached for three years in the Gloucester Wolverines Competitive Basketball system, where his Midget Boys finished 5th in the province this past spring. He has coached the Ottawa Catholic School Board Boys' Gr. 7/8 All Star Team for the past two years.

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. Richard was awarded the Director of Education Award in 2007.

Jason Haughian

Jason is an elementary teacher with the Ottawa Catholic School Board. He has a degree in Human Kinetics and his Bachelor of Education. Jason has been with Above the Rim Basketball Program for five years. He is a father of two young children. Jason enjoys all sports including basketball, hockey, golf and baseball.

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.

Joe Diffey

Joe is a teacher and coach at St. Joseph High School in Barrhaven. He has been with Above the Rim since 2005. Joe helps players improve their shooting skills and he enjoys sharing his love for the game.

Having fun while developing as a player are important to his coaching style. Joe can be found working the Ottawa summer day camps as well as the March Break camps.

Brittany Lattanzio

Brittany is a student at Carleton University, pursuing a degree in History and Philosophy. She is hoping to remain in school long enough to earn both a Master's degree, and a Doctorate. Brittany was a member of the OFSAA winning Senior Girls' Basketball team at St. Michael Catholic High School. She also plays hockey, badminton, volleyball, and soccer. When attending the American University in Cairo, she played for the varsity women's soccer team.

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.

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.

Richard Aucoin

Richard is a secondary teacher with the Ottawa Catholic School Board. He has a degree in Political Science and his Master of Education. This is Richard's first year with Above the Rim. He has an extensive basketball career.

He played University basketball for the York Lions and has over 20 years basketball experience as a coach, referee and player. He has also coached this past year in the Gloucester Wolverines Competitive Basketball system, where his Midget Boys finished 5th in the province.

Chris Wakefield

Chris started working with Above the Rim Basketball School in 2002. He has worked numerous Summer and March Break Camps, as well as leading the Orleans evening sessions. Chris is presently teaching and coaching at Convent Glen Catholic School in Orleans, Ontario. He has also coached for six years in the Gloucester Wolverines Competitive Basketball system, where his Midget Boys finished 5th in the province this past spring.

He has also coached the St. Matthew Gr. 7/8 and Gr. 9 Boys' Basketball Teams for the past three years. Chris credits the bulk of his basketball knowledge to his mentor and hero, Richard Peters. Chris was awarded the Director of Education Award in 2007.

Kerra Gardner

Kerra is from Hampton, Ontario. She graduated with a Kinesiology degree from Acadia University.

Kerra is a teacher at Cairine Wilson Secondary School in Orleans where she coaches Junior girls and Senior boys basketball.