Faculty and Staff (M-Z)
HEATHER MAXTED (French) comes to Greenwood from Trinity College School where she was a French teacher, advisor, and assistant in the boarding residences. She has also taught French and science for the Bluewater District School Board and has volunteered in the French Immersion program at John Diefenbaker Secondary School (Hanover). An experienced camp counselor, Heather has spent her summers as a supervisor at the Royal City Soccer Camp (Kitchener) and Camp Tanamakoon. She has a B.A. from Wilfred Laurier University, a B.Ed. from Nipissing University and has completed her FSL specialist.
JORDAN McCARTHY (Information Systems Manager) joined Greenwood in 2003 to manage Greenwood’s Student Information Systems. He came to Greenwood from the Wellington Catholic District School Board, where he was head Administrator of a web-based Student Information System (PowerSchool). Over the past three years at Greenwood, Jordan has managed the school’s evolving data needs, including the development and launch of a new Student Information System. Jordan is seldom seen around campus without Otis, his yellow lab.
LEANNE MLADEN (Arts Instructional Leader) has been the head of the Arts program at Greenwood College School for four years. Prior to that, she led the Visual Arts Program at Trafalgar Castle School and the Middle School visual arts program at Ridley College. Leanne has initiated and organized inter-school art exhibits and has directed and choreographed many plays and musical productions throughout her career. Leanne is a performing and visual artist herself and her found object sculptures have been exhibited in numerous galleries in the GTA. She paints murals in the west end during the summer as a volunteer initiative to help beautify this area of Toronto and plans to continue putting her mark on the city. She is also a student of the Second City and is a regular comedy performer. Leanne holds a Bachelor of Arts from University of Waterloo and a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University as well as her Specialist Certification in Visual Arts from Queens.
DAVID MORITSUGU (Director, Stewardship; Admissions Officer; Teacher) has a B.A. (Hons) in Anthropology from McGill University, where he won numerous scholarships and played varsity ice hockey. After earning an L.L.B from the University of Toronto Law School, David practiced corporate-commercial law for fifteen years with Fasken Martineau DuMoulin in Toronto. In addition, David practiced law in Tokyo for two years and speaks Japanese. David is a certified hockey coach through the National Coaching Certification program of the Canadian Hockey Association. He is also a member of the independent review committee of the i-Shares Funds.
SAMANTHA MOSER (Math and Science) comes to us from the Canadian International School of Hong Kong, where she was teaching math and science for the past three years. She also participated in a technology pilot study involving interactive whiteboards and a one-to-one laptop program. Prior to living in Hong Kong, Samantha taught math and science in Northern Saskatchewan, where she coordinated a whole-school positive values program and initiated an outdoor education experience week for at-risk students. Samantha earned her Bachelor of Science, Engineering at the University of Guelph, her Bachelor of Education at Lakehead University and is currently completing her Masters of Education at York University. Her love of teaching stems from many years working as an outdoor educator, guiding canoeing and sea-kayaking trips in Ontario, Quebec and Labrador.
GARTH NICHOLS (Canadian and World Studies Instructional Leader) holds a Bachelor of Education from OISE, University of Toronto and BA (Hons.) from Queen’s University where he attended the University of Edinburgh on exchange. In addition, he graduated from the Klingenstein Institute, Teacher’s College at Columbia University, completed his Masters of Education at OISE/UT in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning and completed his Principal’s Qualifications. He also has a certificate of teaching qualification from the Advancement Placement (AP) Board of the United States. Garth taught law, civics and politics at Trinity College School for four years, coached the junior women’s and senior men’s basketball teams, was head rowing coach and assistant housemaster. Garth has extensive rowing experience winning two silver medals in the Canadian Secondary School Rowing Association. He also won two silver medals in the British University Rowing Regatta and a gold in the Scottish University Championships. He holds a level three coaching certificate in rowing and a level two coaching certificate in basketball. Garth comes to Greenwood from Brentwood College School in B.C. where he was an assistant housemaster, rowing coach for the junior team, new faculty coordinator and academic advisor for Grade 10 boys. Garth has done volunteer work at Camp Oochigeas and has taught handicapped children to row.
COLLEEN PETCH (Coordinator of Student Services; on maternity leave) has been a member of the Greenwood faculty for six years. She has a B.A (Hons.) in Arts and a B. Ed. from The University of Western Ontario where she won the Dorothy Emery Memorial Award in Visual Arts Education. She earned her M.Ed. from the University of Toronto with a focus in Curriculum Studies and has her Guidance Specialist qualifications. Colleen taught visual arts and drama for Grades 5 – OAC and was the Head of the Arts Department and taught Advanced Placement courses at St. Clement’s School for nine years. She had the unique experience of teaching senior visual arts courses for three summers at The Renaissance School in Italy and also held a variety of roles with the London Regional Art Gallery and Museum in Public Programming. Colleen is a member of the Board of the Textile Museum of Canada.
DON PLUMB (Science, Chemistry) says the larger part of his teaching career was in the former North York Board of Education, now the TDSB, but he also taught science in Australia in the midst of travel and, most recently, at BSS. He worked as an Education Officer at TVOntario for teacher professional development and The Virtual Classroom. He has taught in education faculties at the University of Toronto and York and has been a frequent presenter on teaching strategies at conferences in Ontario as well as Australia and Great Britain. Don is the co-author of a number of standard science texts in Ontario and British Columbia for Grades 9-12, and has a book published in the US on Structures for Success in Chemistry. His particular passion is the application of cooperative learning and other creative classroom strategies to improve student learning. He is particularly pleased to be part of a school that shares his love of outdoor adventure.
ERIN PORTER (Geography, Math) graduated from the Queen’s University Concurrent Education program with a B.A. in Geography and a B.Ed in Geography and Math. She comes to Greenwood from Trinity College School where was a Grade 7-8 Math teacher, U14 Girls’ Volleyball coach and sports instructor in the Grade 5-8 co-curricular program. Erin was heavily involved in extra-curricular activities at Queen’s as the Executive Director of the Explore Queen’s non-profit summer Geography Camp; Program Director of Arts Adventure Queen’s, a visual and dramatic arts program for students in Grade K-8; Executive Administrator for the Concurrent Education Students’ Association; and worked as a Peer Mentor to undergraduates with learning and/or physical disabilities.
JANICE PUGH (Coordinator of Student Services) received both her B.A. and M. Ed from the University of Toronto. She began her teaching career with the Durham Board as a history and English teacher. After working as Head of Guidance in two schools there, she moved to join the faculty of The Bishop Strachan School in 1991. As a counsellor, Head of Guidance and Coordinator of the University Placement Program at BSS, she helped to develop a comprehensive program that helped students to initiate their postsecondary search early and to expand their choices widely. Students were encouraged to develop decision-making skills that would help them find their individual “good fit.” Although officially retired from BSS in 2008, Jan was back at BSS last year to help with a transition year. On the golf course this fall, she thought this was her first real year of retirement, but when called about the possibility of coming to Greenwood, she found she was more than ready to come back to work.
HEATHER RIGBY (Director of Student Learning) obtained her Bachelor of Science (Honours) and Bachelor of Education at Queen’s University. As a student at Ridley College, Heather earned the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and the T.R. Merritt Matriculation Gold Medal. She was also the recipient of the prestigious Dolan Scholarship at Queen’s. After leaving Queen’s, she taught physics, mathematics and science at the Toronto Montessori Academy in Bolton. She has extensive summer camp leadership experience at Camp Wapomeo. Prior to her current role at Greenwood, Heather was the Mathematics and Business Instructional Leader. She is also very involved in school life, having coordinated the Duke of Edinburgh program and the Grade 9 outdoor education experiences, as well as acted as the faculty advisor for the school yearbook. Heather also brings her considerable dramatic talents to Greenwood as the stage manager for You Can’t Take It With You and the co-director of 7 Stories.
JENNIFER ROBERTSON (Visual Arts, Fashion Design) has a BSc from McGill University, a BFA from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and a BEd from Bishop’s University. While at university she spent two months in Mexico researching Folk Ceramics and participated in a three-month development project in Guyana, South America. Jennifer was one of the founding faculty members in Greenwood College’s opening year, and taught here for five years before taking a leave of absence to enjoy a teaching post in Valencia, Spain. She is an avid outdoors woman, enjoying hiking, canoeing, downhill skiing, scuba diving and sailing. She also plays on a women’s hockey team and practises yoga.
ELANNA ROBSON (Business Studies) has a B.Comm. (with Distinction) and a B.Ed. from the University of Toronto. From 2002 to 2005, she taught in a multi-grade, special education classroom at Mastery Academy Private School in Mississauga where she coordinated cognitive retraining programs and instructed students with severe learning challenges in mathematics and geography. Her volunteer experience includes coaching basketball at North Toronto Collegiate Institute. Elanna was a member of the University of Toronto varsity basketball team, an Ontario Universities Athletic Association All-Star and was the Ontario Universities Athletic Association Rookie of the year in 1998.
KATHARINE ROGERS (English and Geography) comes to Greenwood from Queen’s University, where she recently completed the 5-year concurrent education program. A graduate of Lakefield College School, Katharine brings a combination of international service work (South Africa, Botswana, St. Vincent and Bequia), enthusiasm for the outdoors as a camp counsellor and lifeguard, and commitment to differentiated learning that make her an ideal member of the Greenwood team. Over the past two years, Katharine has worked in a variety of educational settings, including Trinity College School, Lakefield College School and various schools in Naranjo Canton, Costa Rica.
EMMA SEABORN (Math and Science) is no stranger to life at Greenwood. She was an Educational Intern here in 2007/2008 assisting in math and science classes, running co-curricular activities, coaching senior soccer and swim teams and assisting on outdoor education trips. Emma’s love of the outdoors is evidenced by a range of experiences as a camp counsellor, swim instructor and coach of alpine skiing. Emma received her Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Secondary) at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand.
MARY SHAW (Administrative Assistant to the Vice-Principal, School Life) brings more than 25 years of administrative experience to Greenwood’s main office. Mary has been providing support to senior executives in both the public and private sectors, most recently with the Toronto Community Housing Corporation. At Greenwood, Mary will assist the Vice Principal, School Life in the administration of many different programs, including OSRs, progress reports, exam coordination and attendance.
MATT SHORTER (Information Technology Manager) joined Greenwood at the time of its founding, after overseeing user and domain management for several large investment firms. At Greenwood, Matt is responsible for all IT infrastructure, including networks, hardware, laptops, office equipment and phone systems. Matt’s experience with a wide variety of hardware and software have positioned him well for steering Greenwood through its evolving network administration needs of the last seven years. His easy going nature and exceptional people skills are no doubt at least partially due to 20+ years spent working and managing in the hospitality industry in downtown Toronto.
CLAIRE SLOCOMBE (Humanities) is returning to Greenwood after spending a year here as an Educational Intern in 2004-2005, when she helped out in social science, science and co-curricular activities. Since then, Claire has built on her teaching experience in a variety of ways, including assisting in the Special Education department at North Toronto Collegiate Institute, teaching literacy and health in Bequia, St. Vincent and most recently, teaching Grade 4 at the Bishop Strachan School. Claire is an avid volunteer and has given her time in the Oncology Ward at Sick Kids and at Camp Oochigeas. She has served as a Community Project Facilitator and HIV/AIDS Educator in Kenya, and has also assisted mentally and physically challenged youth at the Hugh Macmillan Centre in Toronto. Claire received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto.
AMANDA SMITH (Math and Science) comes to Greenwood from the International Community School in London, England, where she taught Grade 7-13 Mathematics and Statistics. Real-life applications and projects to promote mathematical thinking through a variety of contexts were Amanda’s specialty. Prior to her stint in London, Amanda taught at a high school in Doncaster, UK, where lessons were of an interactive nature, integrating Smart Boards, computer programs and laptop integration. In 2006 and 2007, Amanda taught a specialized Mathematics curriculum in Christchurch, New Zealand for Grade 9-13 classes. Amanda earned her Bachelor of Science from McMaster University and her Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning at the Christchurch College of Education. Amanda’s interests include coaching, soccer, rugby, competitive swimming and triathlons.
ASHLEY SUTHERLAND (French) joins the Greenwood team this year to teach French. No stranger to the independent school environment, Ashley will be moving to Toronto from St. Catharine’s where she has been living as a Residence Don and coaching rowing at Ridley College since 2007. While living at Ridley, Ashley worked on her Bachelor of Education from Brock University, where she also took part in the Teaching and Technology Educational Showcase last year. Ashley has also been a Research Assistant in a Learning Disability Assessment Lab and holds Part One of her Special Education certification.
KIM TAYLOR (Business Office Clerk) supports the Business Office by assisting with purchasing, school supplies, and student billing. Kim is the “front line” for the School Store, offering students a warm welcome and assisting with their transactions, and managing retail aspects of the store. Kim is originally from Nassau, Bahamas. She spent her final high school years in residence at Branksome Hall in Toronto, then went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree from Bishop’s University. In 1993, Kim took a summer job as a teller at the TD Bank and ended up working there for 10 years, in Private Retail Banking.
REX TAYLOR (Outdoor Education Coordinator, Geography) holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and a Bachelor of Education both from Queen’s University. Rex has been a teacher for more than twenty years, and prior to Greenwood College School taught at Crescent School where he was Head of Geography. He also coordinated the Leadership Development Program and acted as the Coordinator for Volunteer Service. Rex has been active in introducing Geographical Information Systems software into the classroom. He has co-authored a workbook on this topic which is used across Canada and the United States and which won the ESRI Canada Limited award for innovation in geographic information systems. He also holds the position of Instructor of Geography/Continuing Education at Ryerson University. Rex has been active in outdoor activities for more than thirty years in both camp and wilderness environments. His experiences include developing programs to integrate classroom studies with outdoor education experiences, such as seas kayaking, Baffin Island expeditions, and programs involving Outward Bound courses.
JONATHAN TEPPER (Director of Information Technology) is the former Learning Technologies Manager at Bishop Strachan School, and is in his second of overseeing the Information Technology team at Greenwood. He and his team support the academic and administrative needs of the school, as well as integrate learning and assistive technologies within the classroom. Jonathan’s experience as a teacher, administrator and lifelong learner make him the ideal person to renew Greenwood’s vision for Information Technology. He holds two Bachelor degrees (in Science and Education), and is currently working on his Master of Arts in Curriculum Studies and Teacher Development, all at the University of Toronto.
JULIA THOMPSON (Grade 12 AP English, Grade 11 Enriched English) has a B.A. (Hons.) and B.Ed. from Queen’s University. She comes from Branksome Hall where for the past eight years she she taught English from grades 7 – grade 12 and IB English. While at Branksome Julia was staff supervisor for the student literacy circle and staff editor of the middle school newspaper. She taught for two years at the International School of Panama where she was head of English, a member of the Academic Council and staff editor of the school newspaper. Prior to these postings Julia taught at T.A. Blakelock (Oakville) and Whiteoaks Secondary School (Oakville).
SARAH THORNTON (Humanities; on maternity leave) has a B.Ed. from OISE and a B.A.(Hons.) from the University of King’s College in Contemporary Studies and English. Sarah has had experience in camp counseling at Camp Oochigeas and Glen Bernard and has volunteered as a swim coach at the varsity level. She is a strong believer in co-operative and experiential learning.
JENNIFER WALCOTT (Director of Teacher Development) joined Greenwood College in 2005 from Branksome Hall. She holds a Masters of Arts in Teaching (English) from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Western Ontario, and a Diploma in Education from the University of the West Indies. Jennifer has also taught at Jarvis Collegiate and various schools in Jamaica. In addition to teaching, Jennifer has worked as a manager and trainer in the voluntary sector with the United Way and Save the Children, and has undertaken volunteer work in South Africa and Jamaica.
JANELLE WATSON-CAVALLO (Physical Education) has a B.Ed. and Honours Specialist in Health and Physical Education from OISE and a B. P.H.E. from the University of Toronto. She taught Physical Education and Health and Career Studies at The Bishop Strachan School and Grade 11 Mathematics at both the BSS and UCC Summer Academies. While at BSS, she was also the technology resource leader for the PE department. She has coached basketball, volleyball, softball, hockey and rugby, and coached U13 girls to a CIS championship. She also completed Part I of her Guidance training and is currently coordinating the Grade 9 Advisor program at Greenwood. Together with Greenwood faculty member Carla DiFilippo, Janelle presented a unit on nutrition at the 2006 OFSAA Women’s Conference at Queen’s University. Having completed the Part 1 AQ Cooperative Education course, Janelle piloted several experiential education opportunities with senior students at Greenwood in 2006-2007.
JULIE WAY (Science; on maternity leave) obtained her Bachelor of Science (Honours) and Bachelor of Education at Queen’s University. After graduation, she taught physics and science at the International School of Lausanne, Switzerland. While there, she taught grades 11 and 12 International Baccalaureate Physics, IGCSE physics at the Grade 9 and 10 level, and Grade 6 science. She also served as Student Council Staff Advisor. During the past year, she was a volunteer English teacher in Thailand. She was also a member of the varsity figure skating team at Queen’s and maintains an avid interest in other winter sports.
KEVIN WAY (Director, Experiential Education) holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Human Geography from the University of Guelph and a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University. He has also completed his CAIS leadership diploma. One of Greenwood’s founding faculty members, Kevin is a fixture of camp life in Ontario, having spent 15 years on staff at Kilcoo with the last seven as Assistant Director, as well as leading experiential learning programs for school groups at the Bolton Outdoor Centre. In 2003, Kevin was honoured by the Ontario Camping Association with The Ron Johnston Youth Leadership Award for his outstanding commitment to youth camping in Ontario. Kevin is currently on the Board of Directors for the Regent Park Duke of York Children’s Foundation. has his diploma in Independent School Leadership from the CAIS (Canadian Association of Independent School, and has recently begun his Masters of Education at OISE / University of Toronto.
ANNE WELLNHOFER (Leadership, Science) holds an Honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies and Biology from the University of Waterloo and a Graduate Diploma in Education from Bishop’s University. Anne started her instructional career in Canada in 1996 at The Study in Montreal. Prior to joining Greenwood in its founding year, she worked with a small team of teachers to create the Country Day School in rural Costa Rica. In addition to her classroom teaching, Anne developed the experiential education program for the school and directed the high school. Anne was the Director of the Panorama of the Sciences Program at McGill University and has been active in outdoor learning. In 2001, Anne attended the Klingenstein Summer Institute at Columbia University. She has also developed outdoor education programs in British Columbia and Ontario and led 50 day canoe trips in Ontario and Quebec. Anne has helped to develop our Grade 9 Leadership program and coordinates the Grade 9 camp experiences. She supervises the Grade 9 Duke of Edinburgh Bronze program, works with the Free the Children club, and coaches soccer.
HEATHER WRIGHT (English) is a graduate of the University of Toronto (Bachelor of Education) and Queen’s University (Bachelor of Arts, Women’s Studies). Heather graduated from Queen’s with Distinction, was placed on the Dean’s List, and also received the Queen’s University Dean of Women award in recognition of her Honours Thesis. Prior to joining the Greenwood communityin 2008, Heather was a member of the English faculty at Appleby College in Oakville. In addition to her teaching experience Heather has also worked for many years at Camp Oconto, an all-girls camp north of Kingston. Heather is teaching English in the Grade 7-8 program.
