Faculty and Staff

Eva Diab

Principal

With the Newton’s Grove Community since 2022

Mrs. Diab’s educational and professional career has afforded her the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of educators, fortifying her goal of increasing student achievement and well-being.  With a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy, and her PhD pursuance currently in progress within the same realm, Mrs. Diab builds strong relationships with students and within the school community. She is passionate about implementing innovative methods of curriculum delivery as well as synergistic relationships with faculty. 

Mrs. Diab’s commitment to ensuring that our students receive an unparalleled level of education while also nurturing their social and emotional well-being perfectly aligns with the Newton’s Grove vision.

Rebekah Santiago

Junior School Vice Principal

Mrs. Santiago’s educational career has provided her with valuable insights into the varied needs of students, parents, and educators. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Reading and Literacy Education with over a decade of teaching experience in both public and private schools in Canada and in the US. Throughout her experiences, she has contributed to spearheading school-wide initiatives, implementing data-driven instructional practices, and offering support and mentorship to her fellow colleagues, which made her the ideal candidate for Junior School Vice Principal. 

As Vice Principal of the Junior School, Mrs. Santiago strives to promote innovative teaching practices to create enriching and inspiring educational experiences; inspire students to build on their strengths, work through challenges, and strive for excellence; and foster authentic, lasting relationships within our community.

Marny Burke

Middle School Vice Principal

With the Newton’s Grove School community since 2003

Mrs. Burke oversees the growth, development and success of every student in our Primary and Junior divisions. Through her many years of innovative teaching at both the Primary and Junior levels, Mrs. Burke knows first-hand what makes for inspirational learning. She understands how important it is to engage younger students and encourage their curiosity about the world around them. By coupling the latest technology and pedagogy with tried and true practices, our students develop the skills and the growth mindset necessary for future success. Mrs. Burke, working alongside an outstanding team of teachers, ensures that each child feels safe, supported, challenged and eager to learn.

Pratiksha Mehra

Senior School Vice Principal

With the Newton’s Grove Community since 2005

Mrs. Mehra is a key member of our Leadership Team. She is responsible for ensuring that our high school students have the skills, knowledge, and work habits essential for success at university. Working closely with Student Success, Mrs. Mehra oversees student programs throughout these critical years. As a leading teacher in our science department, she delivers a challenging program which provides hands-on learning and opportunities to rigorously apply scientific methodologies. Throughout the whole division, Mrs. Mehra supports and directs our teachers to go beyond the Ontario curriculum. Our commitment to STEAM is reflected in the quality and commitment of school leaders like Mrs. Mehra and the programs she helps deliver.

Nick Zero

Director: Athletics Program

With the Newton’s Grove School community since 1991

Nick Zero is our Athletic Director. He continues to lead the expansion of our Physical Education and Athletic Programs for all students getting the most from our Athletic Centre and Paul Coffey Park. Mr. Zero’s vision for the future is to offer elite levels of coaching while ensuring sports remain part of the fabric of our school for students of all ages and abilities.

John Alonso

Director: Music Program

With the Newton’s Grove School community since 1990

Mr. Alonso runs our signature music program, characterized by outstanding performances in a number of school bands. He is very excited about our new music room, one in which superior acoustics allows students to develop a more complex and nuanced sound. Our students have opportunities to develop the qualities that are the legacy of a superior program: self-discipline, leadership, and a life-long love of music. Mr. Alonso sees our students reaching for new heights as he continues to challenge them by exposing them to the power and joy of music.

Gabrielle Bush

Director

With the Newton’s Grove School community since 1991

Building a culture of excellence is the role of the school’s Director, Gabrielle Bush. For over 30 years, Mrs. Bush has been dedicated to the growth and development of Newton’s Grove. As a veteran teacher, guidance counselor, department head and principal, she has invested her career in helping students achieve success. Now, as Director, Mrs. Bush guides a team of exceptional school leaders. The team shares Mrs. Bush’s belief that for students to thrive, they must be fully engaged. That is why Mrs. Bush ensures that students at all levels are challenged to grow in a nurturing environment, one which encourages creativity and independent thinking while instilling the skills necessary for success.

Jas Mathura

Business Operations Director

With the Newton’s Grove School community since 2015

Jas Mathura comes to Newton’s Grove with an extensive financial background and many years of experience in private schools and charitable organizations. As a valued member of the leadership team, Mrs. Mathura is responsible for the day-to-day financial management of the school, and she is working closely with the development team to build upon our solid financial foundation in our new campus.

Michelle Hewitt

Arts Coordinator

With the Newton’s Grove School community since 2006

As an accomplished actress herself, Mrs. Hewitt inspires our students through major school productions, improv troupes, and presentations of student written and directed pieces. She sees Drama as a means to explore character, express complex emotions, and help students overcome inhibitions. Our multi-purpose performance space allows us to expand the number and quality of dramatic opportunities for our students.

Ryan Penner

Athletic Coordinator

With the Newton’s Grove School community since 2010

Ryan Penner believes that an active growing mind is best served by an active healthy body. An accomplished athlete himself, Mr. Penner’s passion for fitness is reflected in the diversity of programs he oversees. From designing interactive lessons, to overseeing a dynamic intramural program, to co-ordinating over sixty varsity teams, Mr. Penner seeks to engage students of all ages and athletic ability. His goal is to ensure that every student at Newton’s Grove experiences the rewards and joy of physical activity and that they leave the school embracing healthy active living for life.

Katie Wloka-Patterson

Coordinator of Student Success and Wellness

With the Newton’s Grove School community since 2023

Mrs. Wloka-Patterson brings over ten years of experience in providing exceptional student support to numerous teams, not only within Canada, but internationally. Mrs. Wloka-Patterson’s global perspective is an amazing asset that fosters her love of diversity and an appreciation of its importance, particularly in educational settings. The combination of her real-world experiences and academic qualifications enables Mrs. Wloka-Patterson to create meaningful and dynamic environments for learners throughout their high school careers.

Elizabeth Dekker

Educational Support Coordinator

With over 15 years of teaching in single-gender and co-ed private and independent schools, Mrs. Dekker has held roles as a Homeroom Teacher for Grades 1, 3, 5, and 8, while also teaching various subject-specific classes.  Additionally, she has specialized in Special Education delivery for over 9 years supporting students from Grades K-12. With her extensive experience and qualifications, she is perfectly suited and excited for the role of Educational Support Coordinator at Newton’s Grove School.

As Educational Support Coordinator, Mrs. Dekker has developed a firm methodology for fostering success in collaboration with parents/guardians, students, and NGS staff. She is committed to bringing out the best in each student by working with them to identify their individual learning styles and needs; and developing a customized learning plan to allow them to build new skills and habits that will enable them to be successful.

Emily Petroff

Admissions Coordinator

With the Newton’s Grove Community since 2000

Having been a classroom teacher for over 20 years at Newton’s Grove School, Emily Petroff is well qualified to be our Admissions Coordinator. Mrs. Petroff is outstanding in assisting prospective parents and students to learn about the school’s many strengths. Her honesty and outgoing nature ensures parents are well served in learning how the school works to challenge and support every child in all areas. Mrs. Petroff is always delighted to welcome new families and ensure they are well looked after. She also knows that follow through is essential when working with every new family to make their transition to the school effective and rewarding.  

epetroff@newtonsgroveschool.com

Kim Mellet

Admissions Assistant & Registrar

Kim Mellet is the Admissions Assistant and Registrar at Newton’s Grove School, where she plays a vital role in managing the admissions process with precision and care. Kim brings a wealth of organizational expertise, a keen eye for detail, and a strong commitment to customer service. Her dedication to creating a seamless experience for students and families makes her an invaluable asset to the school community.

kmellet@newtonsgroveschool.com