Hi! I’m Annalissa!

I’m a creative educator, consultant and researcher at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto (OISE/UT). My work broadly explores radical healing in community spaces for fostering transformative learning, well-being and social action.

At the heart of my praxis is the belief that ‘dreaming’ is some of the most important work we can do as individuals and as a collective; and I am inspired by artists, activists, and scholars who have instilled in me a relentless devotion to (re)imagine and (re)create new worlds full of colour and magic.

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“Without new visions, we don’t know what to build, only what to knock down. We not only end up confused, rudderless, and cynical, but we forget that making a revolution is not a series of clever maneuvers and tactics, but a process that can and must transform us”

— Robin D.G. Kelley

Testimonials

Professor Crisostomo was incredibly insightful. Her experience in the field was always richly inserted into her lectures and in class discussions. She truly celebrated the in class discussions when students would synthesize the material and expound on their understandings. She would ensure there was time and space for students to share thoughts and feelings as well. She is an incredible teacher.

Sheridan Student, Community Approaches to Arts-based Research & Advocacy | Fall 2023
Determined to help the students improve and to see our strengths. Proffesor Crisostomo is caring, thought worthiness, trustworthy, diligent (I can go on!). From the very first class there was something different about Professor Crisostomo, something special about her. I will miss her [...]. Prof. Crisostomo is a professional, a treasure, and a gem. [...] My prayers and wishes, go with you Prof C., and I hope all your dreams and aspirations are found and experienced. Oh, yeah! she is a darn good teacher too!

Sheridan Student, Community Approaches to Arts-based Research & Advocacy | Fall 2023
Professor Annalisa is a new experience for me as she demonstrates artistic views of advocating and research and is always willing to listen to where everyone comes from. Amazing professor!

Sheridan Student, Community Approaches to Arts-based Research & Advocacy | Fall 2023
The course and Instruction was phenomenal :) Passionate, relatable, therapeutic and excitement and hope as a result of Annalissa's teaching! Thank you!

Sheridan Student, Community Approaches to Arts-based Research & Advocacy | Fall 2023
Professor Annalissa was really great. We all really wanted to meet Professor Annalissa in In - person Class. She has such a warm personality and passion. She is a true professor who is there for her students. She is ready to talk with her students at any time. She provided prompt and warm responses to our questions. Her attentive feedback drives us to improve. [...] Through this process, we gain new opportunities and achieve greater modifications and learning. It is a relief to know that she is there to help us. That's why her classes are so interesting and we got excited. She is truly a hidden gem in our program. We all cherish her and feel so grateful for her. She was amazing!

Sheridan Student, Social Movement & Social Change | Winter 2024
Professor Annalissa deeply understands social movements, which is evident through their comprehensive lectures and engaging discussions. They connect theoretical frameworks with real - world examples, fostering a dynamic learning environment that encourages critical thinking and active participation, as I am a visual learner. One aspect that stands out is their breakdown of assignments. Professor Annalissa structures assignments to ensure students grasp key concepts. Providing clear instructions and rubrics facilitates student success while maintaining high academic standards. Moreover, Professor Annalissa includes creative assignments, allowing students to explore diverse perspectives and apply theoretical concepts to contemporary social issues. This approach enhances learning and fosters a sense of ownership and autonomy among students. Overall, Professor Annalissa effectively teaches about social movements and skillfully designs assignments that promote deep understanding and critical thinking. Their dedication to student learning and passion for the subject makes them invaluable to the academic community.

Sheridan Student, Social Movement & Social Change | Winter 2024
Annalissa is incredibly accommodating, going above and beyond to support students. Her empathetic and helpful nature creates a welcoming learning environment , making it for students to thrive and succeed.

Sheridan Student, Social Movement & Social Change | Winter 2024
Annalissa was very kind and a great professor as she is emerging into the field of teaching! She set boundaries but was still very kind and compassionate towards students. She related to many of us and made us feel heard.

Sheridan Student, Social Movement & Social Change | Winter 2024
I found this course helpful and has given me a different perspective on research: art. This course has truly transformed my understanding of research. It offers a unique perspective by integrating art into the research process, making it not only informative but also inspiring. I found it incredibly helpful, as it encourages creative thinking and opens up new avenues for exploration.

Student, Community Arts-based Research & Advocacy | Fall 2024
This course was excellent. I have learnt a lot that I did not expect to learn. It was thoroughly explained, and when there were questions, they were answered. There was terminology to back up the readings so that I could understand them more in - depth. The course was set up quickly to follow week to week, with readings that were assigned and needed to be completed. This was my favourite course for learning something new and how it was engaging in lectures and independent learning along with the assignments.

Student, Community Arts-based Research & Advocacy | Fall 2024

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Hi! I’m Annalissa!

“Without new visions, we don’t know what to build, only what to knock down. We not only end up confused, rudderless, and cynical, but we forget that making a revolution is not a series of clever maneuvers and tactics, but a process that can and must transform us”

Professor Annalisa is a new experience for me as she demonstrates artistic views of advocating and research and is always willing to listen to where everyone comes from. Amazing professor!

The course and Instruction was phenomenal :) Passionate, relatable, therapeutic and excitement and hope as a result of Annalissa's teaching! Thank you!

Annalissa is incredibly accommodating, going above and beyond to support students. Her empathetic and helpful nature creates a welcoming learning environment , making it for students to thrive and succeed.

Annalissa was very kind and a great professor as she is emerging into the field of teaching! She set boundaries but was still very kind and compassionate towards students. She related to many of us and made us feel heard.

Escape with me on instagram

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Annalissa Crisostomo