Staff Directory

From leadership, to academics and operations, UTS is proud to be the home of a talented and diverse team of staff dedicated to student success.

Both inside and outside the classroom, UTS staff embody the spirit of courageous curiosity we strive to instill in every student.

UTS Staff Directory

Leadership

Leanne Foster, Principal

[email protected]

Leanne Foster is the 15th Principal of UTS. Appointed by the UTS Board of Directors, the Principal guides all aspects of UTS and is supported by the Schools’ Senior Leadership Team.

Garth Chalmers, Vice Principal of Senior School

[email protected]

Garth Chalmers is responsible for overseeing Senior School students (Grades 9/M3 through 12/S6) to ensure their successful integration into the school’s academic, co-curricular and social life, as well as the integration and support of new families during their transition into the School. In addition, he is responsible for M3 to S6 parent and student issues related to the UTS Code of Conduct and promoting Positive School Culture, including preventing harassment and assault and support of restorative practices and digital citizenship. Other areas of primary responsibility include oversight of International Partnerships, as well as oversight of the UTS IT Department, Safe Schools protocols, the school calendar and academic timetabling.

Garry Kollins, Vice Principal of Foundation Years & Student Life

[email protected]

Garry Kollins is responsible for Foundation Years students (Grades 7/F1 and 8/F2) to ensure their successful integration into the school’s academic, co-curricular and social life, as well as the integration and support of new families during their transition into the School. In addition, he is responsible for F1/F2 parent and student issues related to the UTS Code of Conduct and promoting Positive School Culture, including the prevention of harassment and assault and support of restorative practices and digital citizenship. Other areas of primary responsibility include oversight of the school’s Student Life, Co-Curricular and Student Support programs.

Jennifer Pitt-Lainsbury, Vice Principal of Academics

[email protected]

Jenny Pitt-Lainsbury oversees UTS’ academic program. She leads curriculum development, setting and maintaining high standards for the quality of the school’s academic programs. She also works in cooperation with all school staff and faculty to promote UTS and develop strategic academic partnerships, and enhance collaborative relationships with all stakeholders and the wider community. Other areas of primary responsibility include leadership of the Academic Team and areas related to teachers’ professional development, academic program review and ensuring Ministry of Education compliance.

Kimberley Tavares, Coordinating Vice Principal, Anti-Racism, Equity, Inclusion, Access & Innovation Programs

[email protected]

Kim Tavares guides our progress as UTS strives to create a greater culture of inclusion. She builds upon recommendations made by Dr. Avis Glaze O Ont in her 2022 report: Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Our Shared Responsibility. Kim’s mandate is to support our evolving educational programming to foster greater equity and inclusion as well as building partnerships to further this work. Her role intersects with and impacts nearly every area of our academic program and operations. She is also leading our commitment to increasing representation at UTS among traditionally underrepresented groups, ensuring that all students feel affirmed and truly welcome at our school. She instills equity as a mindset within all that we do.

Kathy Dimas, Chief Financial Officer

[email protected]

Kathy Dimas provides financial guidance and focused oversight with regard to UTS’ long-term budget and finance strategy, and the direction of financial planning and investment of funds for the UTS Foundation. She oversees the day-to-day functions of the Finance Department and ensures that resources are in place to support an adequate infrastructure to meet UTS’ long-term objectives.

Martha Drake, Executive Director, Advancement

[email protected]

Martha Drake provides strategic leadership for UTS’ philanthropic objectives and focused oversight of a full-service Advancement operation. She leads a team of Advancement professionals and manages integrated fundraising, alumni and parent relations, and stewardship activities She is a principal ambassador in building positive and constructive links with the school’s diverse constituencies to maximize financial support for the school. 

Lily McGregor, Chief People Officer

[email protected]

Lily McGregor is responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resource management functions, labour relations, as well as Health and Safety and Facilities functions. In addition, she oversees all aspects of the school’s communications aimed at promoting the school’s presence and reputation within the community and the public. Partnering with the Principal and other members of the School’s Leadership, she helps shape the culture of the school to promote and encourage a dynamic organizational culture that is grounded in the core principles of human rights, equity, diversity and inclusion

Strategic Leadership Team

Nancy Dawe, Head of Student Support              
[email protected] 416-978-7867

Cresencia Fong, Head of Innovation & Research
[email protected] 416-946-3276

Sean Hayto, Associate Director of Innovation Programs
[email protected] 416-864-8070

Kara Lysne-Paris, Director of Communications
[email protected] 416-303-6976

Julie Martin, Director of Facilities & HR Services
[email protected] 416-946-0225

Jai Pandey, Director of IT
[email protected]416-978-0468

Charline Wan, Head of Admissions & Outreach
[email protected] 416-946-7088

 

Academics

Canadian & World Studies

Mita Bhattacharyya, Careers & Civics, History, - Head Coach, Speech & Debate           
[email protected] 416-868-5242

Jonathan Bitidis, CWS - Admissions Program Coordinator
[email protected] 416-868-5270

Richard Cook, Geography - Director of Global Citizenship Programs
[email protected] 416-978-4433

Mike Farley, Geography
[email protected] 416-868-5241

Josh Fullan, Geography
[email protected] 416-868-5246

Paul Harkison, History
[email protected] 416-978-0987

Rebecca Levere, Geography, History, Law
[email protected]416-868-5266

Maureen McCarthy, History - Department Chair
[email protected]416-946-8775

Charlotte Speilman, CWS
[email protected]416-978-3642

Gowsiga Thirunavukkarasu, CWS
[email protected]416-978-0986

Chris Walasek, CWS
[email protected]416-946-1265

Expressive Arts

Gabrielle Kemeny, Drama
[email protected] 416-868-5263

Nasreen Khan, Visual Arts
[email protected] 416-865-5268

Mark Laidman, Music - Director of Music Program
[email protected] 416-978-6802

Jeffrey McLeod, Music
[email protected] 416-868-5250

Robin Michel, Visual Arts
[email protected] 416-868-5244

Lyris Pat, Music
[email protected] 416-946-7991

Charlie Pullen, Visual Arts
[email protected] 416-946-7992

Melissa Shaddick, Drama              
[email protected] 416-868-5267

Sarah Shugarman, Music - Expressive Arts Department Chair
[email protected] 416-978-3434

Janet Williamson, Visual Arts
[email protected] 416-978-0988

Languages

Brigitte Amiot, French              
[email protected] 416-946-0595

Chris Carswell, Latin
[email protected] 416-868-5271

Dan Chen, Mandarin
[email protected] 416-978-0105

Walter Guerra, Spanish
[email protected] 416-868-5274

Claude Guillemot , French
[email protected] 416-978-6605

Anna Jalocha, French
[email protected] 416-868-5247

Jennifer Kelly, French - Department Chair
[email protected] 416-868-5273

Marí­a Niño-Soto, Spanish
[email protected] 416-868-5275

Negar Shayan, French
[email protected] 416-868-5243

Miriam Swatuk, German
[email protected] 416-868-5261

Mark Timmins, Latin
[email protected] 416-946-5767

Nicola Townend, On Leave

Science

Marion Andrew, Science            
[email protected] 416-868-5276

Bryan Balkissoon, Chemistry
[email protected] 416-868-5272

Shawn Brooks, Physics
[email protected] 416-978-6330

Sarah Cescon, Chemistry
[email protected] 416-868-5265

Emily DiNunzio, Science
[email protected]

Mary Hall, Science
[email protected] 416-946-7993

Alan Kraguljac, Biology - AP & Extended Programs Facilitator
[email protected] 416-868-5264

Isabella Liu, Chemistry - Department Chair
[email protected] 416-978-2568

Marí­a Niño-Soto, Biology
[email protected] 416-868-5275

Elizabeth Straszynski, Biology
[email protected] 416-946-7395

Marisca Vanderkamp, Physics
[email protected] 416-868-5262

Student Services

Jameel Baker, Student Success     
All F2 students , Returning M3 students (M-Z), M4 students (Th-Z)     
[email protected] 416-946-8249

Marleen Constantin, Social Worker    
[email protected] 416-864-8069

Julie Klein, Student Success
[email protected] 416-978-8440

Munira Lila, Guidance Counsellor
M4 students (Hui-Mo), M5 students (A-Lim), S6 students (K-Sh)
[email protected] 416-978-8440

Rachel MacEwan, Social Worker    
[email protected] 416-978-0759

Kelly Marcella, Student Success
[email protected]

Stephanie Stavro-Pearce, Social Worker
On Leave
[email protected] 416-978-0759

Andrea Stoeckl, Director of University Counselling
M4 students (A-Hud), S5 students (Lin-Sin), S6 students (A-J)
[email protected] 416-978-3899

Joelle Therriault, Social Worker
[email protected] 416-978-0759

Julia Thompson, Guidance Counsellor
Returning M3 students (A-L), M4 students (Mu-Ta), S5 students (Sle-Z), S6 students (Si-Z)
[email protected] 416-946-7394

Catherine Wachter, Guidance Counsellor
All F1 students and new M3 students
[email protected] 416-946-0223

 

Operations

School Operations

Martin Aiello, Database Administrator              
[email protected]

Hijab Ahmed, Equity and Innovations Projects Officer              
[email protected] 416-864-8094

Natalie Cannistraro, Innovation Lab Program Director
[email protected] 416-864-8071

Madeline DiGiacomo, Senior Student Life Officer
[email protected] 416-864-8095

Bert Horvath, Innovation Lab Technician
[email protected]

Monica Jucha, Library Technician
[email protected] 416-978-6246

Yogita Patel, Senior Officer, Academic Operations
[email protected] 416-946-8776

Freyja Phillips, Anti-Racism, Equity, Inclusion and Outreach Lead Coordinator       
[email protected] 647-799-1527

Neuton Watson, Student Life Officer
[email protected] 416-770-2371