Meet Our People

Director 

University of Toronto / OISE – MEd Developmental Psychology and Education

keyizhang@newsteadacademy.ca

It is my sincere pleasure to be a part of the Newstead Team. Working alongside experienced teachers and support staff who are all committed to providing a thriving educational environment for our children is a distinct honour. After spending ten years studying and working in Dublin, I moved to Canada and I am excited to expand my career at Newstead. Together with a team of amazing and creative teachers, I am committed to providing your family with a loving and developmentally sound foundation for a lifetime of learning. At Newstead, we know that play is a child's most important work, and we strive to create and maintain an environment where your child can grow and thrive while exploring the world around them. 

Thank you for sharing your precious children with us!

Office Manager  

Ryerson University - B.A. in Child & Youth Care

Humber College - Advanced Diploma in Child & Youth Care

adeliadrak@newsteadacademy.ca

Prior to joining the team at Newstead Academy, I spent several years working alongside children in an early childhood Montessori classroom. I have also worked with older children and adolescents in settings such as after-school programs and residential treatment centres. Through these varied experiences, I have come to learn that the first few years of a child’s life are a critical basis for their future development.

My passion lies in building supportive, responsive relationships with children. I firmly believe that this is the foundation for learning and that children are capable of amazing things if given the right opportunities and a safe environment in which to explore. I am excited to be part of the team at Newstead Academy as we work to create such an environment every day.

“The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”

—Dr. Maria Montessori

Program Coordinator

York University -Honors B.A. in Children’s Studies

University of Toronto/OISE -MED in Educational Psychology 

ruonanjia@newsteadacademy.ca

Hello everyone, my name is Ruonan Jia. Before joining Newstead Academy, I spent 6 years learning within the field of education across all age groups. I received a Bachelor's Degree in Children’s studies from York University, and my Master's Degree in Education from The University of Toronto. Having the privilege of conducting research in the domains of Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, Socio-emotional Development and mental health in the classroom allows me to apply the most scientifically advanced education methods in daily teaching contexts. I have also obtained the certificates of advanced teaching skills for classroom management and applied behaviour analysis issued by the Institute of Child Education & Psychology three years ago. I have a true passion for working with our young learners and love having the opportunity to guide and teach little minds. Helping each child progress in all areas of their development—academic, social, language, and physical—is a challenge that I am honoured to accept daily. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment. I look forward to working together with you as partners in your child’s growth and development!

Program Lead Teacher

RECE 

Fanshawe College – Diploma in Early Childhood Education

jessicasanders@newsteadacademy.ca

 I am so excited to be a part of the team at Newstead Academy! After spending the last ten years as a nanny, I am excited for the change of pace that this opportunity offers. I have always been passionate about child care and I love watching little ones learn and grow. The early years are so exciting because every day children learn something new and I feel so honoured to not only witness their growth but to also play a part in their development. I believe that children have unlimited amounts of potential and in the right environment with gentle guidance, children will develop all the tools they need to succeed! Some of my greatest strengths are my patience and my empathy, so I look forward to being a safe, calm place for your child to spend their days. As a hobby, I spend time crocheting animals that become lifelong friends to children all across Canada. I also love to sing and dance so you can expect your child to come home humming a new song or with a silly new dance move.   

“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” – Mr. Rogers

Administrator

York University - B.A in Political Science

tatyanapak@newsteadacademy.ca 

Hello! My name is Tatyana. I am excited to be a part of the team at Newstead Academy! I came to Canada from Kyrgyzstan at a young age, and speak English and Russian. I have worked in office administration for the past few years, and am excited for the opportunity to grow at Newstead Academy. Our children are the future, and I believe it is important to provide them with all the tools necessary for them to succeed in all aspects of their lives. I am excited to see your children thrive and reach all of their milestones! In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and exploring nature with my fur baby!

RECE

Seneca College-Early Childhood Education

Preschool Room Teacher 

preschool4@newsteadacademy.ca 

Hello, I am Ms. Courtney, and I am proud to be a part of the Newstead Academy family as a preschool teacher! I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator, mother to two little ones, and I have been working in childcare for 10 years with children from infancy to senior kindergarten. I received my ECE diploma from Seneca College with honours in 2014 and I am currently completing my Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Guelph with focus in Psychology and Child and Family studies. in my spare time, I love going on adventures with my family, spending time in nature, camping, gardening, and baking. 
I have the greatest passion for creating inclusive learning opportunities that inspire children to use their imagination and creativity with confidence.  I strongly believe that playing and learning go hand in hand, and I strive to provide children with an environment that is positive, safe and nurturing while also being full of opportunities to learn and enhance their individual developmental skills and goals. 
Children's early experiences and relationships are very important to their future learning, behaviour and health and it brings me so much joy and fulfillment to be a part of their journey, and to watch them as they learn, play and explore the world around them. 

"You cannot make people learn. You can only provide the right conditions for learning to happen" - Vince Gowmon

RECE

Preschool Room Teacher

University of Wuhan Institute of Technology – B.A. in Applied English

Centennial College – Diploma in Early Childhood Education

preschool2@newsteadacademy.ca

I grew up in China and moved to Canada 10 years ago, I was an English teacher working with young children when I was in China. I am a proud mother with a 4 year old daughter who is the most precious gift in my whole life. I have been in the childcare field for 9 years. Prior to joining the Newstead team, I have been blessed with the opportunity to learn and grow within different age groups, and working with children with special needs. It has been a joyful and rewarding experience to work with them alongside with their families. Being a professional Registered Early Childhood Educator, I strongly believe that each child is unique and special in their own way. Providing an environment where children are being loved, cared, and respected is my vision. I'm always fascinated by children’s sense of wonder, their ability to soak in knowledge and the way each of their personalities plays a part in the dynamic of the group. I am good at planning and implementing activities, including circle time, creative art crafts, yoga and music. As a teacher in the classroom, I appreciate the opportunity to explore the world with these little ones.

-“Free the child’s potential, and you will transform him into the world.” –Maria Montessori

RECE

Toddler Room Teacher 

Centennial College-Diploma in Early Childhood Education

toddler3@newsteadacademy.ca

Hi! I'm Christine and I'm excited to join Toddler 3 classroom! I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator and I have a huge passion for working in child care. I obtained my Early Childhood Education Diploma from Centennial College and gained experience with all age groups from infant to school age. Growing up I loved playing with baby dolls and always took the role of a teacher during pretend play with my friends and cousins. When my niece was born, I was inspired to pursue Early Childhood Education and it sparked my dreams of being an educator when I was a child. I believe that children thrive in a calm and playful environment and I enjoy planning learning opportunities that spark inquiry and creativity. I love seeing the joy the children get when they find a new interest in the classroom. Since diagnosed with alopecia areata, an auto-immune condition that causes hair loss, I spend time ensuring that the learning environment is inclusive and represents all children from different backgrounds. My love for teaching grows every time I interact with a child and I continue to create life-long connections with the family and children I meet. I’m excited to be part of this amazing team and I can’t wait to see what’s in store during my time at Newstead Academy. 

“Behind every Child who Believes in Themselves is a Teacher who Believed in Them First” - Unknown 

RECE

Preschool Room Teacher

George Brown College-Diploma in Early Childhood Education 

preschool3@newsteadacademy.ca

Hello everyone, My name is Cristina and I am an RECE in Preschool 3. I was born and raised in Venezuela and moved to Canada in 2014. I am fluent in both English and Spanish. Just a year before moving though, I had the opportunity to work as an assistant in a preschool room. This experience changed my life and I completely fell in love with early childhood development, discovering a passion I had no idea I had in me. Once I moved to Canada, I was lucky enough to attend George Brown College, obtaining my diploma in Early Childhood Education in 2018. Since then, I have had the pleasure of working with all kinds of families and children from 18 months to 4 years of age. I love my job of teaching and having the chance to support families in their children’s journey. If you have any questions, please stop by Preschool 3 where I will be happy to help you in any way I can. Thank you!

ECA

Preschool Room Teacher

Chengdu University of Technology-Bachelor in Social Media

Fanshawe College- Public Relations

preschool1@newsteadacademy.ca

Hello! My name is Sabrina Li and I am the assistant preschool teacher at Newstead Academy. As a certified and experienced ECA Teacher, I have excellent knowledge and skills to provide guidance, ongoing supervision, and implementing planned activities for children. Teaching is not just my passion, it is my calling. I started working with children in 2019 and have been in the field ever since. I enjoy children and the opportunity to watch them grow and flourish very much. I feel that they allow you to be yourself and to get in touch with your inner child. I feel very proud and lucky to be part of such a great group of teachers. We are a great team with an incredible passion for each individual child. I believe that this center is a wonderful spot for your child to begin their education both academically and emotionally. 

ECA

Preschool Room Teacher

preschool2@newsteadacademy.ca

Hello! My name is Wahida Atta and I have been an ECA for seven years! I was born in Kabul, Afghanistan and came to Canada 20 years ago. I speak Farsi and English. My husband and I have three beautiful daughters. We love to travel and watch movies together.  My passion is planning activities and selecting materials that will help the children learn how to express themselves verbally while promoting creativity. It is important for me to create activities that help the children develop good social skills by working together with each other. I am an excellent problem solver and have great organizational skills. I have a real desire to work with children and the ability to make a connection with them and their families. I am enthusiastic and have the ability and patience to work with all children, including those with special needs.  Above all else, it is important for me to create a secure environment where the kids feel safe and the parents can rest easy knowing that their children are in good hands. I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to be a part of the Newstead Academy family!

RECE

Preschool Room Teacher

Guru Nanak Dev University-B.A. in Human Genetics

Humber College-Fitness and Health Promotion

Seneca College – Diploma in Early Childhood Education

preschool2@newsteadacademy.ca

Hi my name is Manpreet Kaur . I was born in India and moved to Canada in 2016. I have received my Bachelor of Human Genetics from India. I came here as an international student in fitness and health promotion program at Humber college. I completed the Early childhood education program at Seneca College in 2019. I started working at Newstead Academy in August 2022. I found a love for teaching here and it’s become a passion. My favourite part about my job is that every day brings something new, no two days are the same. I love knowing that my job is to help children achieve their full potential and strive for greatness. But, not only do I teach them, they teach me too. I learn so much from each and every kid that I have the pleasure of teaching. 

When I’m not at work you can find me out exploring new places for photoshoots, shopping, and i love to visit new restaurants and try new foods, cooking, going on adventures and spending time with my friends.

RECE

Preschool Room Teacher

Seneca College - Diploma in Early Childhood Education

preschool3@newsteadacademy.ca

Hello, my name is Wen Hua Yu He, also known as Hana. I have completed the Early Childhood Education program at Seneca College. I was born in Chile, but my parents are Chinese, so I can speak Spanish and Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) fluently. I love to see children happy so that’s why I like to work with them. During my placement in a childcare centre, I incorporated learning goals for children's learning every day, such as learning through play, working with text, problem-solving, experimentation, the study of objects in the environment as well as natural phenomena, and exploring new things around them. I know that learning through play is an effective way to improve children's abilities and children are more likely to acquire knowledge if they do it while playing.  

“The goal of Early Childhood Education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn” -Maria Montessori 

RECE

Kindergarten Room Teacher

University of Toronto / OISE – Master in Teaching

OCT - Member of Ontario Certified Teacher 

kindergarten@newsteadacademy.ca

Greetings! I am Yue Zhu (Yu•eh Joo), and you are welcome to call me Ms. ZhuZhu (JooJoo) or Ms. Yue (Yu•eh). It is such an honor and pleasure for me to join Newstead Academy. I graduated from University of Toronto with a degree in Master of Teaching, and I’m an Ontario-certified teacher. I have teaching experience in both China and Canada: I taught students reading, writing, math, science, and social science in English back in China; and taught mostly in the public system in Canada, from kindergarten to primary school. Furthermore, I also teach Mandarin to students from different age groups. I have a great passion in education, and I believe in raising wholesome learners: to me, students' academic success is as important as their mental well-being. With regard to program and lesson design, I tend to orient my plans around not only basic knowledge but also students' interest and the real world. Students’ being able to self-regulate, attain high self-esteem, acquire resilience and a sense of responsibility would also be emphasized in the classroom. Learning and growing is not always fun and easy, however, I hope my students would eventually adopt a growth mindset and have a deep faith in their endeavours.

RECE

Toddler Room Teacher 

University of Guelph-Humber - B.A. in Early Childhood Studies

289-234-8886 Ext. 2005

toddler2@newsteadacademy.ca

Hi everyone! My name is Miss Crystal and I am the Toddler 2 Teacher! I am so excited to start this new journey here at Newstead Academy. I am a registered early childhood educator, I have a diploma and a bachelors degree within Early Childhood studies at University of Guelph-Humber and hope to receive my master's degree in Child life studies soon! I have had experience working within the school board, and also private school experience. I have had the greatest opportunity to have teaching moments with children that exhibited ADHD, Autism, Behavioural disorders and Cerebral Palsy. I have had the opportunity to teach children from the ages of 17 months up to the age of 11 years old. I believe children thrive in a loving and safe environment that allows endless opportunities for fun, learning and growth. There is nothing as rewarding seeing a child excited to play and learn and seeing them meet their developmental milestones. I cannot wait to meet your sweet children and can’t wait for you to join us! Come along this journey with me at Newstead Academy!  I’m always here for you! If you ever have any questions for me you can always reach me by phone or email with the contact information listed above!

RECE

Toddler Room Teacher

Seneca College - Diploma in Early Childhood Education

preschool4@newsteadacademy.ca

My name is Hanxue Mei, Coco is my English name. I grew up and graduated in Jilin University in China. I come to Canada seven years ago. When I move to Canada, I studied Early Childhood Education at Seneca College in 2018. I have a huge passion for spending time with children. I have experience working with infants, toddlers, preschool and school-age children. There is no better feeling then knowing you have helped to brighten a child’s day and seeing their faces and expressions while they experience and learn new things. I enjoy listening to music, hiking and eating yummy food.

ECA

Preschool Room Teacher

Anderson College-Diploma in Early Childhood Education

preschool3@newsteadacademy.ca

Hello there! My name is Mrs. Maria, and I am certified as an ECA (Early Childhood Assistant) from Anderson College. I have completed my theory portion in school and now I am so excited to put into practice my knowledge here and any place that children are around me.  My experience with children so far is a combination of studies and practice. Since 2016 I have been working with different age groups such as toddlers, preschoolers, JK, SK, Juniors, and School Age. Moreover, I am a Sunday School Teacher currently working in a Church located in Oshawa and in 2018 - 2020 I worked at Network Child Care Services "St. Agatha CES" daycare as a volunteer in Summer and then as an ECA split shift during the school year. It was an unforgettable experience.   My passion is to discover and develop children's whole potential because they are invaluable treasures.  I look forward to working with your children at Newstead Academy Child Care and contributing to their development! 

RECE

Toddler Room Teacher 

St. Lawrence College- Diploma in Early Childhood Education

York University- Special Honour B.A. in Kinesiology 

toddler1@newsteadacademy.ca

Hello everyone! My name is Esther, and I am the teacher in Toddler 1. I am so grateful to be a part of Newstead Academy and excited to start a new journey here. I obtained a diploma in Early Childhood Education from St. Lawrence College. I have provided full-hearted day care services for 7 years since I became a mom. I ran my own home day care and worked as a supply teacher in several centres. As working in different centres including a Montessori based one, I have learned various ways to approach children’s interests and enhance their learning experiences. Prior to my ECE career, I studied Kinesiology in York University and had great experiences in teaching physical activities and sports to children and youth. I used to work in a physiotherapy department at a long term care home providing physiotherapy and exercises to adults and seniors. My kinesiology background helps me create great curriculums that enhance children’s growth and developments. I love learning with children. Children always inspire me and give me positive energy making me feel alive and productive.Working with children, I keep learning and practicing lots of important skills, such as problem-solving skills and fundamental life lessons, e.g. sharing. I will continuously learn with them and nurture their spirit, mind, and body with my faith, heart, knowledges, and experiences. I will do my best to achieve the goal, making children feel happy and loved. I am looking forward to having happy learning times with children, families, and staffs at Newstead Academy. Please feel free to talk to me regarding your children. I would love to help you out and work with you. Thank you. 

ECA

Toddler Room Teacher

toddler1@newsteadacademy.ca

Hi, my name is Mary Ma. I come from Beijing, China. Working in a childcare setting has been my dream even before coming to Canada in 2008. I love working with children of different age groups, from toddlers to older kids. I am passionate, hardworking, and detail-oriented. I have enjoyed working on a full-time basis in a home-based daycare center for a couple of years, which helped me to gain valuable experience in this career. It is such a pleasure to work in Newstead Academy. I appreciate this opportunity to join the children in their exploration of this wonderful world. I  believe that each child is unique and different, and we should show appreciation of such differences and bring them  the kind of care and education that caters to their unique needs. 

RECE

Toddler Room Teacher

Seneca College - Diploma in Early Childhood Education

preschool3@newsteadacademy.ca

Hello, and welcome to Newstead Academy !  My name is Billianna and I am delighted to be a part of this amazing team as the Toddler 1 teacher.  I have a diploma in Early Childhood Education from Seneca College and have volunteered in before and after school care programs as well as having experience as an Early Childhood Educator in daycare centres. I’ve had amazing one-on-one experiences teaching and caring for children on the spectrum. As a hobby, I spend time as a children’s Brazilian Jiujitsu instructor, guiding them through different movements while strengthening their motor skills and enhancing their self regulation. Using my empathy, patience, and passion for teaching, I intend to promote the values of self regulation of behaviour and emotions to the children through the power of play.

ECA

Toddler Room Teacher

Reinhold Glier Kyiv Municipal Academy -Music Performance and Education

toddler1@newsteadacademy.ca

Hello, My name is Svitlana Rogozovska. I am so exacted to be a part of Newstead Academy. I was born and raised in Ukraine and graduated from Reinhold Glier Kyiv Municipal Academy of Music. My major was Music Performance and Education. My main musical instrument is a harp. After graduation, I worked as a music teacher for 10 years in Ukraine. When I moved to Canada, in 2001, I decided to make early education my life’s work because I believe a child’s education is the most valuable thing in the world. So, I started working in an early learning center in Canada and obtained a diploma in Early Childhood Educator from Stratford Career Institute, Quebec. I have worked with children of all ages (from infant to 8 years old and with) and have broad experience and strong knowledge of the different childcare settings, virtues, practices, and manners that need to be taught as well as in developing educational and entertainment activities for children and creating an environment for strong development of intellectual, social, and sports skills in children My motto - Knowledge is Power, and I recognize that the earlier it begins the better and brighter the future will be for the child. To me, the most amazing thing is to see and hear one of your students applies the skills that I have taught them and see the excitement on their faces. Working with children always amuses me because they have so much potential and a great imagination. I enjoy playing and learning with them. My goal is to provide a safe and inviting learning environment to children so that they feel comfortable expressing themselves.

ECA

Toddler Room Teacher 

Seneca College-Diploma in Early Childhood Education 

toddler3@newsteadacademy.ca 

Hello, my name is Carolyn Mancuso.  I am thrilled to be working at Newstead Academy as an ECE assistant teacher.  In 2019 I graduated from Seneca College’s Early Childhood Education Diploma program and was registered with the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario as lockdowns lifted in September 2022. I have always loved working with children and knew, once my own two boys were grown, that I desired to spend my working life nurturing and lighting the spark of lifelong learning during the early years.On any given day here in our toddler room you may find me singing and making music with your children, reading to and telling stories with them, enjoying dramatic play, and assisting them in exploring their environment.  Providing a calm, safe space for children to develop good habits for life and accompanying them on their learning voyage is my great privilege.

“We spread an abundant and delicate feast in the programs and each small guest assimilates what she can.” – Charlotte Mason

ECA

Toddler Room Teacher

toddler3@newsteadacademy.ca 

Hi, my name is Samantha and I'm so excited to be joining the Toddler 3 Class! I have an ever-growing passion in Early Childhood Education, wanting to both learn and modernize the field. My sister is on the spectrum, so I have always had the advantage of being able to use those experiences with her to help both of my students and co-workers grow. I believe a child's mind is endlessly blooming with potential. I try to incorporate more STEM (Sciences, technology, engineering and math) Learning materials into my students' daily lesson plans accompanied with art and music. This not only helps them to grow in the academic field but gives the child the opportunity to explore and learn what their interests are. I am truly excited to start my journey here are Newstead Academy and embark on an exciting journey with your precious ones. 

ECA

Toddler Room Teacher

toddler2@newsteadacademy.ca

My name is Maryam Khaleghi. I came to Canada 5 years ago with my husband and my 9 year old son. I’ve been working with children for four years, I love the way children are and think. My favourite colour is light pink. I like to dance and love fruits. I really enjoy the summer!  I like to have a good time with my friends and coworkers. Always with a smile on my face. I love to travel and learn new things from other cultures. 

RECE

Kindergarten Room Teacher

kindergaten@newsteadacademy.ca 

Hello my name is Shae-Lynn but you can call me Shae. I am so excited to be joining the team here at Newstead Academy. I have worked as an ECE for the past 6 years and I have always loved working with children and watching them explore the world around them. A child’s early years are so exciting to experience with them as they have such a large sense of wonder and willingness to learn. Every conversation with a child offers great opportunity to learn, which is why teaching based on the children’s interest is very important to me. When I’m not at work I can be found enjoying movies with friends and spending time with my family. I also love watching and playing different sports, soccer being my favourite. I look forward to creating a warm and welcoming environment for your children to learn and grow!

RECE

Kindergarten Room Teacher

Seneca College – Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Seneca College – Degree in Child Development
preschool1@newsteadacademy.ca

Hello everyone! My name is Alexandra, Alexa for short. I am very excited to be a part of Newstead Academy! I graduated from Seneca College in both Early Childhood Education and Child Development, and I am also a Registered Early Childhood Educator. I have had a chance to work with all age groups through placements, volunteer work, and as an RECE both here in Canada and in the Philippines, where I was born and raised. To me, each child has their own way of expressing their own selves. Whether it be through art, dance, music, or any type of play. They will never be bored if they’ve got their minds set on their own creativity. Every child is unique in their own different way. As an educator, I plan on creating a safe space for the children to be able to express their passions, and creativity, and to help them be the best they can be. 

CPA, CA, ACA
Finance Executive
leizhang@newsteadacademy.ca

Lei is a member of Chartered Professional Accountants Ontario and is also a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance in Dublin, Ireland. Lei has extensive accounting experience through financial controller and senior management roles for a variety of companies, including the public listed and multinational corporation, across Europe, China, and Canada. Lei specializes in developing and implementing strategic plans and working with complex, diverse organizations. In his free time, Lei likes to cook multi culture cuisine. Bringing finance expertise to Newstead enables the Administration and our teachers to focus on carrying out the center’s vision and he finds that working with such an amazing team is very rewarding.

Executive Chef

Chef De Cuisine - Liaison College

289-234-8886 Ext. 3005

kitchen@newsteadacademy.ca

Hi! My name is Katy Turnbull. Cooking has been my passion for most of my life. I have taken this passion and made it into my life’s work. I studied at Liaison College and during my time there I became a certified Chef de Cuisine. I have a French fine dining background and more recently worked in a Long Term Care setting where I had the task of making creative menus for a large number of guests! 

Having a toddler of my own has brought balance and nutrition into the forefront of my decision making process in the kitchen. I am really excited about the delicious and, most importantly, healthy menus we’ve created here at Newstead Academy. Can’t wait to meet and cook for all of our pupils. 

Maintainance Operator 

kitchen@newsteadacademy.ca

My name is Bing He, I immigrated to Canada a few years ago from China. I have two daughters who live in China, whom I miss everyday. I enjoy working at Newstead Academy, seeing all the children brings me happiness. My goal is to ensure that the centre remains clean and is a welcoming place for children to come everyday. A clean environment is important for children’s safety and growth. I hope to continue working at Newstead!                                                                                                 

Sous Chef

kitchen@newsteadacademy.ca

HOWDY  My name is Andre. I have been cooking for over 20 years in a variety of establishments. I have 3 kids one boy and 2 girls. I love collecting sneakers which can be a bit obsessive. I love my time so far at Newstead and I hope to be here for the foreseeable future.