Senior Leadership Team

Leanne Foster joined UTS as the 15th principal in August 2023. Dr. Foster is guiding the implementation of the UTS strategic plan, advancing key priorities including continued academic excellence, innovative teaching and learning, a well-supported student experience and a vibrant school community. Her leadership is focused on fostering a deep sense of belonging for all students, staff, and families, with an understanding that inclusive practices are integral to achieving the school’s long-term goals.

Prior to UTS, she served for eight years as the head of school at Trafalgar Castle School, where she transformed the academics program while enhancing equity and inclusion. Previously, Dr. Foster held senior administrative roles at Branksome Hall and St. Clement’s School. She began her career in the Toronto District School Board, where she gained extensive experience as an educational consultant.

Dr. Foster holds a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Toronto and a master of education from OISE focusing on sociology and equity studies and has served as a director of the Board of Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS).

Always an optimist, she is a proponent of joy, fun and laughter in education and in life.

Dr. Kimberley Tavares plays a pivotal role in actualizing the school’s strategic vision through advancing anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion efforts in the school community. Joining UTS in 2022 as coordinating vice principal, her responsibilities expanded in 2024 to encompass  broad academic and organizational leadership within the school.

Kimberley’s career is distinguished by her unwavering commitment to creating inclusive educational environments by dismantling systemic barriers. Prior to her current role, she served with the Ontario Ministry of Education's Equity Secretariat, where she collaborated with the assistant deputy minister to enhance equity  in schools across the province. Her contributions were recognized with Amethyst Awards for excellence in the Ontario Public Service in 2020 and 2021.

Previously, she held leadership positions at the York Region School Board, where she oversaw initiatives to enhance equity in literacy and math achievement. Her leadership also extends to academia, where she teaches preservice and in-service teachers as well as at the graduate level in faculties of education across the province.

A determined advocate for change, Kimberley supports the drive towards academic excellence by leading our school’s efforts to increase representation of traditionally underrepresented groups while fostering a school culture where all students feel successful, affirmed and valued.

Tigist Amdemichael works to strengthen and innovate the UTS academic program, upholding high standards while realizing our vision of an equitable and inclusive school. Before joining UTS in 2024, she taught at York University’s Faculty of Education, developing and delivering courses for teachers in training about science, equity, curriculum and learning inquiry. Previously, she demonstrated expertise, passion and leadership as a Toronto District School Board educator for over 20 years. Her work supported innovative practices across the system as a science instructional leader, the program team leader of science, math and business at the City Adult Learning Centre, and a K-12 learning coach at both the Leadership, Learning and School Improvement department and the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement. Tigist also contributed extensively to education in areas such as publishing, curriculum writing and instructional development in Canada and abroad. A powerful advocate for anti-racist, anti-oppressive education, Tigist brings extensive experience creating professional learning opportunities for teachers.

Nancy Dawe supports students in finding their voices, and discovering and developing confidence in their identities, goals, dreams and values. As dean of students, she works to create safe spaces for students and families, and engages in conversations to develop solutions that make our school a better place for everyone. Since 2021, her oversight has been integral to UTS Student Services, which includes guidance and counselling, student wellness and mentorship. She developed the Gender Support Plan to strengthen our commitment to respecting, supporting and accommodating gender-diverse students. Nancy started at UTS as a Music teacher in 2014, and went on to lead the implementation of the AP Capstone program in 2017, as well as teaching Career Studies, Civics, AP Seminar and AP Research. Prior to UTS, she was a music teacher educator at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) for six years, and obtained her PhD in music education from the University of Toronto, after earning her master of education in teacher development from OISE. She has also taught music from kindergarten to grade 12 in Alberta, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Nancy serves as staff advisor for the UTS Student Wellness Team and director of the UTS Choir.

Nasreen Khan seeks opportunities every day for positive change. As the UTS head of anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion, and outreach, she strives to create a more inclusive and equitable school community where every student can thrive. Since joining UTS in 2019, she has also taught in the Visual Arts, Canadian and World Studies, and Guidance departments, and held the part-time role of equity coordinator. While co-lead for the UTS Equity Committee, comprised of staff and students, Nasreen helped develop anti-racism and equity policies, procedures and initiatives to improve our school. Previously, at the Ontario Arts Council, she worked for 12 years as the Arts Education Officer, supporting province-wide funding programs and developing partnerships with Ontario school boards. She also served as equity committee co-chair, developing an equity implementation plan through community consultation to guide the review and re-imagining of programs, practices and policies for the benefit of all Ontarians.

UTS is home to a vibrant co-curricular life, championed by vice principal Garry Kollins. His friendly energy and enthusiasm make our school a fun and exciting place to be. A vice principal at UTS since 2021, he led our Foundation programs for two years and has overseen Student Life at our school since 2017. An exceptional volleyball coach, Garry leads the Senior Girls Volleyball Team at UTS. Previously, Garry taught Health and Physical Education  for 10 years at UTS, and was a special education teacher with the Toronto District School Board. As vice principal of student life, he runs an exciting range of annual events and activities, including overseeing the UTS House system, the Athletics Program, the Student Council, UTS co-curriculars and the Experiential Educational Program, as well as forging local and service partnerships that enrich the UTS education.

Royan Lee welcomes and supports our grade 7 to 9 (F1 to M3) students through their pivotal middle school years, guiding them as they rise to the challenge of UTS. Starting at UTS in 2024, Royan brings an exceptional background in student success and a deep understanding of the middle school learner's unique developmental strengths and needs. As a student achievement officer at the Ministry of Education, he helped develop strategic plans that furthered systemic improvement across Ontario in equity and mathematics. Over the last 10 years, Royan’s efforts as a system leader enhanced the school experience for students at York Region District School Board and province-wide, with innovative programming, enhanced digital literacy and the creation of culturally relevant and responsive curriculum. A board director of the Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (OPHEA), he works to evolve health and physical education across the province. At UTS, he is dedicated to building a supportive, attentive and inclusive culture that ensures the thriving and belonging of UTS students and families within our community. At home, he can often be found skateboarding and rock climbing with his children.

Dr. Kim MacKinnon oversees a vibrant program of education research conducted through the Eureka! Research Institute at UTS, one of the few research institutes based at a school in Canada. A champion of the Institute’s mandate for co-designed research in education, she supports UTS staff and students to become active co-leaders and participants in the research process, often in partnership with University of Toronto researchers. Kim also serves as a vital conduit between UTS and one of our school’s major U of T partners, the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), where she is an assistant professor in the teaching stream, and director of the cohort of master of teaching students placed at UTS.

Her research interests centre around how technology, including online and mobile learning, can be employed in the classroom to engage students more fully in the learning experience. She earned her PhD in curriculum studies and teacher development at OISE and her master’s degree at OISE in computer applications. Kim is the author of a number of peer-reviewed journal articles and a respected conference presenter in the field of computer-supported collaborative learning.

Jenny Pitt-Lainsbury is a seasoned academic administrator who oversees all facets of academic operations at UTS, including academic staffing, risk management, scheduling, safety and more. For three years, she led the academic programs at UTS as vice principal of academics and dean of academics, and previously served as head of student support. A champion of Science Olympiads both at UTS and beyond, Jenny built up the Olympiad program at our school with great international success. She supported students in launching the Girls in Tech Conference, a UTS student-led conference that has brought thousands of girls together to learn about technology since its inception in 2018. Originally a chemistry teacher, she has more than 20 years experience in the independent schools sector and previously served as a principal at U of T’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) for their summer Science Additional Qualification program. Jenny has also served on the governing council of the Ontario College of Teachers as a member of the investigation committee, and as the chair of the Standards of Practice Unit.

Duncan Buttenshaw plays a critical role in advancing our strategic initiatives and supporting our mission with robust financial stewardship. Joining UTS in October 2024, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise. Most recently, he served as director of finance at the University of St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto. During his tenure, he successfully led the university’s financial turnaround throughout and following the challenges of COVID-19, adopted new business processes and technologies, and optimized the management of the university’s endowment funds. His work has given him extensive experience collaborating with boards, board committees, foundations and auditors.

Duncan is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds both an MBA and a degree in accounting. In his previous role at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Duncan led teams responsible for financial planning, budgeting, reporting and analysis.

A dedicated steward of the UTS brand identity, Kara is a proven communications leader with over a decade of management experience in the independent schools sector. Her role at UTS provides essential strategic communications oversight for the school, including family messaging, the website, publications, advertising and more, while ensuring inclusive, consistent and transparent communication with our community. Prior to UTS, she held communications management roles at Robbins Hebrew Academy and The York School, specializing in marketing, advertising and strategy. For nearly 20 years, Kara has been committed to community service, which includes a decade as chair and vice chair of the High Park Nature Centre. For this work, she received a 10-year Volunteer Service Award from the Province of Ontario. She holds a bachelor of arts honours degree in communications and a master of arts in Japanese studies. Having studied in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K., as well as teaching in Japan, she is deeply passionate about excellence in education and the potential for meaningful impact that comes from a lifelong love of learning.

Julie Martin fosters a collaborative environment where everyone’s role is valued as she ensures all operational aspects of our renewed historic home come together to provide the best possible experience for our students and staff. Her steady leadership and practical approach enhanced efficiency, collaboration and communication within Facilities, Human Resources and other school departments, developing systems and processes that furthered the overall well-being of our school. Joining UTS in 2011 as an administrative professional, she advanced through progressive roles to her current leadership position, earning both her Facility Management and Sustainability Professional credentials. Julie studied film at Sheridan College, and before UTS, she owned a multimedia database programming and design business and worked as a freelance video editor. A true believer in lifelong learning, she learned to skate and play hockey at the age of 40 and oversaw an adult league that grew to more than 400 members.

Our people make UTS an extraordinary place to learn and grow, guided by the leadership of Lily McGregor. As chief people officer, Lily shapes our school’s culture with her dedication to education and talent development. She joined UTS in 2002, a pivotal time when our school was becoming an independent entity affiliated with but no longer administered by the University of Toronto. Leveraging her strong background in tech startups, marketing and communications, Lily played an integral role supporting the formation of the UTS Board of Directors, and the UTS Foundation, and establishing aspects of school operations, including the Human Resources and Facilities departments and the Office of Advancement, as well as the school's website and brand. Her progressive roles at our school included overseeing human resources and labour relations, facilities, communications, and health and safety. In her current role, Lily advocates for strong governance and clear policies and procedures, aiming to integrate best practices in human rights. She also founded Empathy for Peace, a charity which focuses on advancing empathy research and its applications for conflict transformation, peace-building and Truth and Reconciliation.

Jai Pandey oversees all aspects of systems administration, software development and technical support at UTS, finding solutions to serve the evolving needs of our school community. The department provides IT services to students and staff, and builds software to meet the operational needs of our school. Under Jai’s leadership, the IT team developed a new centralized data hub for our school, providing a user-friendly interface to access important student and logistical data all in place. Other major developments include helping build partnerships with U of T and adding software developers to the IT Team to enhance the technological capabilities at our school. Over 21 years at UTS, Jai has held progressive leadership roles in the IT department, seeing UTS through the challenges of online and hybrid learning during the pandemic. and establishing technology services and infrastructure at our new school building. He thrives on the dynamic environment at UTS, where students often drop by to discuss a programming challenge or to share their latest app or invention.

Ensuring equitable access to our school is vital to Charline Wan’s responsibilities as UTS director of admissions. Under her leadership, the UTS admissions process continues to become more inclusive, taking into account not only academic ability but also potential to thrive at UTS. The process is as much about whether a student is right for UTS as whether UTS is right for them. As an alum, Charline brings a deep understanding of the academic and cultural ethos of our school. Increasing awareness of UTS as the destination of choice for high-achieving students within historically underrepresented communities is part of her mandate. Charline joined UTS as a student success teacher in 2019, developing plans to support students with learning differences, before taking on the role of director of admissions in 2022. Charline also worked at UTS while she was still a teacher candidate at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, overseeing our International Summer Programs in 2016 and 2017, with our partner, the No. 2 High School of East China Normal University in Shanghai, China.