Meet Our People
Keyi Zhang
Director
University of Dublin - B.A. in Music (major) and Economics (minor)
University of Toronto / OISE – MEd Developmental Psychology and Education
289-234-8886 Ext.3002
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 study and working in Dublin, I moved to Canada and 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!
Kally Chan
Supervising Principal
University of Guelph - B.Commerce in Hospitality Management
Seneca College - Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Mental Health Commission of Canada - Basic Mental Health First Aid Provider
289-234-8886 Ext.3000
It is our privilege to introduce Newstead Academy to our community and to our potential families. We sincerely thank you very much for spending the time to discover about our exciting learning space and fun curriculum.
Prior to entering into the field of early childhood education, I was working and volunteering for World Vision Canada & United Way of York Region, in which I witnessed the powerful influence that educators have on children’s outcome in life regardless of geographic location and life circumstances. This inspired me to serve the children in my local community by studying to become a Registered Early Childhood Educator. For the past 10 years, I have worked in a number of child-related settings gaining knowledge and skills from countless educators who provides tremendous love and learning experiences to children on a daily basis. One of my most valuable experience was being a program facilitator at an EarlyON Child & Family Centre on behalf of York Region, who supported educators by offering in-depth professional development opportunities including but not limited to providing mental health first aid to those in need. In collaboration with the Newstead Academy team, I continue to aim for supporting children’s emotional health by fostering their development of a healthy sense of self and encourage their autonomy in exploring the world around them.
“Success is not final; Failure is not fatal; It is the courage to continue that counts” ~ Winston Churchill
Adelia Drak
Administrator
Ryerson University - B.A. in Child & Youth Care
Humber College - Advanced Diploma in Child & Youth Care
289 234 8886 Ext. 3001
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
Ruonan Jia
Program Coordinator
York University -Honors B.A. in Children’s Studies
University of Toronto- MEd in Developmental Psychology and Education
Hello everyone, my name is Ruonan Jia. Prior to joining Newstead Academy, I have spend 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 degree in Education from University of Toronto. Having the privilege of conducting research in the domains of Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, Socio-emotional Developments and mental health in the classroom allows me to apply the most scientifically advanced education methods in daily teaching contexts. I 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 motor—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!
Crystal Amponsah
Toddler Room Teacher RECE
University of Guelph-Humber - B.A. in Early Childhood Studies
289-234-8886 Ext. 2005
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 masters 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!
Simeng (Betty) Yang
RECE
Preschool Room Teacher
University of Wuhan Institute of Technology – B.A. in Applied English
Centennial College – Diploma in Early Childhood Education
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 mama with a 4 years old daughter who is the most precious gift in my whole life.
It has been 9 years since I am in this career. Prior to joining in Newstead team, I have been blessed with the opportunity to learn and grow within different age groups, alsothe children with special needs, it has been a joyful and a 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, 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 strongly good at curriculums which include circle time, creative art crafts, yoga and music. As a teacher in the classroom, I really appreciate that I have 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
Billianna Cardozo
RECE
Toddler Room Teacher
Seneca College - Diploma in Early Childhood Education
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.
Cynthia Xu
RECE
Toddler Teacher
Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture - B. Engineering
Douglas College - Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management
Seneca College - Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Joining Newstead Academy’s warm family is a great pleasure for me. Working with children is a fascinating and rewarding career and that is why I chose to become a registered early childhood educator after being an engineer for over ten years.
Kind, patient, creative, and enthusiastic are my characteristics. I can speak Mandarin too. While I work with young children, their curiosity, imagination, and creativity always impress and inspire me. Every child is unique and as educators, our role is to scaffold each child to reach his/her best potential. We are guides and co-learners in children’s exploring and learning journey. Welcome to join our warm and supportive family in Newstead Academy!
”Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world.”---Maria Montessori
Stephanie Vanderwouw
Preschool RECE
Seneca College - Diploma in Early Childhood Education
289-234-8886 Ext. 2001
Hi, my name is Stephanie and I am a Early Childhood Educator. I am looking forward to working together with Newstead Academy Child Care and to bring forth my dedication for children and learning. I have worked with many children over the years in daycare facilities along with teaching dance from ages 2 years old and up.
I have a passion and love for dance, yoga, and children. I am enthused to show my caring, calm and mature personality with each child, staff and parent I meet. I enjoy getting to understand each child on not only a personal level but as a whole. I appreciate this opportunity and am excited to learn, grow and meet the families along with staff and children at Newstead Academy.
Wahida Atta
Early Childhood Assistant
Preschool Room Teacher
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 and good coordination skills. 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!
Anna Woo
Early Childhood Assistant
Toddler Room Teacher
North America College - Diploma in Early Childhood Assistant
My name is Anna Woo, a mother of 3 wonderful kids, Coming from South Korea, I originally majored in classical music in vocal, minoring in piano. I love teaching childhen to sing and play the piano, I feel it's what I'm cut out for. I have years of experience in giving piano lessons at my own studio back in Korea, and still continuing to give lessons to children in my neighbourhood at my house on the side.
I also graduated from the Early Childhood Assistant program at North America College, and currently studying Early Childhood Education at Seneca College to become a full-time teacher in the future. Highly influenced by my parents who were both school teachers, and my love for working with children pushed me to take this career path.
While I was working as an early childhood assistant, I've worked with children of all ages, and that experience became an invaluable and a big asset to me. I am sure these assets will make time with the children happier and move enjoyable while I am working.
Hanxue (Coco) Mei
RECE
Toddler Room Teacher
Seneca College - Diploma in Early Childhood Education
My name is Hanxue Mei, Coco is my English name. It is easy to remember. I grew up and graduated in Jilin University in China. I come to Canada for almost seven years. When I move to Canada, I learned Early Childhood Education at Seneca College in 2018. After I graduated I have more than three years of working experience. I have a huge passion for spending time with children. I have experience working with children in infants, toddlers, preschool and school-age children. There is no better feeling than 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.
Hana Yu He
Seneca College - Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Hello, my name is Wen Hua Yu He, also known as Hana and 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 incorporate 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
Yue Zhu
Kindergarten Teacher
Greetings! I am Yue Zhu (Yu•eh Joo), and you are welcomed 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, 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 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 endeavors.
Katy Turnbull
Executive Chef
Chef De Cuisine - Liaison College
289-234-8886 Ext. 3005
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.
Sean Lei Zhang
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.