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!

Director

Seneca College-Resource Consulting

Sheridan College-Early Childhood Education

angelafuoco@newsteadacademy.ca

Hello! My name is Angela and I have had the pleasure of working in the childcare field for over 12 years now! throughout my many learning experiences in the field, I have grown to love the experience of watching a child grow over the years and reflect on the many changes each individual child goes through. I am a firm believer that the environment in which a child learns is just as important as the educator. By creating an environment that fosters each individual child’s learning and development, we can see the child gain independence and the confidence they need to navigate through their early years. While working in collaboration with the Newstead team, I am excited to develop meaningful and lasting relationships with all children and families at Newstead Academy Child Care.

  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 Developmental Psychology and Education

ruonanjia@newsteadacademy.ca

My name is Ruonan Jia, and I'm an education professional with a passion for helping young learners thrive. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Children’s Studies from York University and a Master's Degree in Education from The University of Toronto, and I've spent over six years conducting research and working with students of all ages. My research has focused on a variety of domains, including Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, Socio-emotional Development, and mental health in the classroom. In addition to my academic qualifications, I've also earned certificates in advanced teaching skills for classroom management and applied behaviour analysis. As a member of Newstead Academy, my goal is to create a positive and engaging learning environment that fosters growth and development in all areas of a child's life. I'm committed to partnering with parents and caregivers to support their child's learning journey, and I'm always looking for new and innovative ways to make learning fun and exciting. So, whether you're a student, parent, or caregiver, I'm excited to work with you to help each child reach their full potential. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns!

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. 

RECE

Preschool Room Teacher

Humber College-Diploma in Early Childhood Education

preschool1@newsteadacademy.ca

My name is Florence and I am a recent graduate of the Early Childhood Education program at Humber College. I came from El Salvador to Canada in my early twenties, I speak English and Spanish. I enjoy working with children and creating an inclusive environment. I love creating programs that will help with the development of children. I strongly believe that building strong relationships with children and families is important for the good development of the child.  I have experience working with children from 6 months to 12 years old. I also have experience working with children with special needs, especially those with Down Syndrome. I would like to expand my education and be able to work in-depth with children with special needs.

ECA

Toddler Room Teacher

Humber College-Diploma in Child and Youth Care

toddler3@newsteadacademy.ca

Hi, my name is Samantha, I was born in Canada but I have Mexican and Ecuadorian roots. I do speak Spanish and it’s something I’m happy I didn’t leave behind! A few things about myself,..I love coffee, my favourite colour is soft pink, and I love listening to music(mostly spanish genres). In 2019 I received my diploma in Child and Youth Care (3-year program) at Humber College. Since very young I knew I wanted my career to involve working with children. I have worked in many different environments such as elementary schools, daycares, high schools, and private schools. As an individual who has worked with youth of all different ages I believe it is important to build a relationship with the children we see everyday. I also believe to bring focus on building a welcoming, loving, safe and trustful environment for everyone. Through my years of working in the field I have gained passion and many unique experiences. I look forward to continue gaining not only knowledge but many memories as well! I’m excited to begin this new journey at Newstead Academy!

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.

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.

Sous Chef

Humber College-Cook and Apprentice

kitchen@newsteadacademy.ca

Hey my name is Diane Zanardo, I’m very excited to be joining the Newstead team! I have worked in professional kitchens for over 12 years in a wide range of cuisines and establishments from hotels to high-volume restaurants. Becoming an auntie to twin boys fostered my desire to learn more about nutrition and building healthy relationships with food, especially in a child’s early years. Im keen to bring my years of experience and knowledge to the Newstead kitchen. 

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

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

Toddler Room Teacher 

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

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

Preschool Room Teacher

Seneca College - Diploma in Early Childhood Education

preschool1@newsteadacademy.ca

My name is Jennifer Osifo. I am from Nigeria and have been blessed to live and learn in three different countries. I completed my diploma in Seneca College and have been an RECE for over three years. I am extremely excited to be a part of the Newstead family. I am thrilled to b working with young minds who inspire me daily to foster their interest and growth with the right environment and support your child can reach heights beyond limits. I find it extremely rewarding to see my students achieve developmental milestones, taking notes on each child's unique gifts and abilities. I have been opportune to work with children with different abilities including ADHD, Autism, and developmental delays. Seeking personalized lesson plans tailored to each student. The general well-being of my students as my priority. I enjoy reading, science activities, soccer and food! I am pleased to meet you and looking forward to building positive long-lasting relationships with 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

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!

ECA

Azad University-English Translation

Hello, my name is Leila.I have a bachelor in English Translation and teaching English. After many years of being a teacher in different ages from 4 to 18, I have found out that kids need our affection and kindness at the first step to feeling secure and happy. I try to transfer my best feelings to them. Spending many years with my son and my daughter help me to understand parents' concerns about their kids. All members of the Newstead family are educated and trustable for your kids to grow up with them. It’s my great pleasure to join Newstead Academy. My favourite hobby is baking cake and listening to music.

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!