Each of our teachers invests personally in their students' success, applying their own considerable skills along with progressive teaching methods.
For Greenwood’s teachers, delivering the right mix of challenge and support starts with getting to know their students not only as learners, but as people.
Passionate, committed, knowledgeable, energetic and engaging, our teachers and staff have lived, taught and travelled widely around the world, and they bring their diverse backgrounds and life experiences to enrich life at Greenwood. Our student-focused approach ensures that students and teachers create the foundation for a strong rapport from the first day of school, and that these relationships are supported and strengthened over time.
Each of our teachers invests personally in their students' success, applying their own considerable skills along with progressive teaching methods. We also recognize that teachers are learners, too, which is why Greenwood takes a job-embedded approach to professional development. The Greenwood Centre for Teaching and Learning provides our teachers with opportunities to gain skill in the specialized methodologies - such as authentic and ongoing assessment and new learning technologies - that are central to our mission.
All of our teachers are certified by the Ontario College of Teachers.
"Every Greenwood teacher took the time to help me grow and learn, and ensured that I was prepared for university and the workplace."
Maddy Dinsdale ('13)
Our teachers also pull their experiences from around the world into classroom. Greenwood teachers have taught in countries including Costa Rica, China, the Dominican Republic, France, Italy, South Korea and the United Kingdom.
Browse our Staff Directory by department or last name to get to know Greenwood's staff.
Catherine first began her career in theatre and film before making the switch to education later. She worked as a Certified Solution Focused Practitioner (CSFP) in the United Kingdom before returning to Toronto. For 12 years, she worked as a Middle School Counsellor, New Student Integration Coordinator and Community Service Lead at the University of Toronto Schools. Her passion for students’ well-being and helping them discover their own awesomeness will shine in her role as Greenwood’s Director, Grade 7 and 8 as well as being a Grade 7 Adviser and teaching Grade 8 Drama. In terms of Greenwood's co-curricular programming, Catherine will also coach the Junior Ultimate team and help to support the Drama program. To unwind, Catherine loves playing golf, spending time with her family and embarking on a creative and collaborative venture.
Matthew is a graduate from Western University with a BA (Honours) in Kinesiology. He also has his B.Ed from Nipissing University. For three years, Matthew taught at the Canadian International School in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. During his time there, he taught HPE, Biology, and Mathematics at the intermediate and senior level. He has a passion for coaching with specialties in the areas of Basketball and Volleyball. His coaching career is highlighted by his teams winning back-to-back city championships for U20 girls basketball in Ho Chi Minh City in 2017 and 2018.
With a Master’s degree in Child and Youth Care from Toronto Metropolitan University, Charissa brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as the Director of Belonging, Inclusion, Pluralism, and Outreach. Her career has been dedicated to supporting young people outside the classroom and navigating life as a teenager. She has a strong background in recreational programming and youth mentorship, having previously worked at The Bishop Strachan School where she supported boarding students grade 8 through 12.
Charisa has spent her career in both the private and non-profit sector working with a variety of communities and lived experiences. She managed a robust volunteer program at Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Communities Services, working with Toronto’s newcomer population. She brings that same excitement and passion for community engagement to the Service Learning Program at Greenwood.
Outside of her professional life, Charissa is deeply passionate about the arts. She loves exploring various crafts and is always eager to discuss creative projects. Feel free to chat with her about all things artsy!
Liz joined the Greenwood community in 2016 after being a resident don at Branksome Hall followed by teaching science and outdoor education in Vancouver, BC. She attended the University of Toronto and obtained her Bachelor of Physical and Health Education (High Honours). Liz is passionate about physical activity and values her time on the field coaching girls soccer and ultimate frisbee. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and trying new recipes.
Kristi is excited to join Greenwood as an Apprentice Teacher for Learning Strategies! Kristi graduated Summa Cum Laude from New York University with a BA in English Literature & Bibliotherapy, where she supported schools and non-profit organizations to integrate socio-emotional learning. Kristi completed her Master of Teaching at the University of Toronto, where she researched teacher positionality and multilingual strategies. Kristi has previously worked at Branksome Hall, where she was the Program Area Lead for the STEM Camps. She looks forward to coaching sports and getting involved in the arts at Greenwood. Outside of school, Kristi is an avid reader, chess player and traveler.
We acknowledge with gratitude the Ancestral lands upon which our main campus is situated. These lands are the Ancestral territories of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Anishinabek and the Wendake. The shared responsibility of this land is honoured in the Dish with One Spoon Treaty and we strive to care for the land, the waters, and all creatures in the spirit of peace. We are responsible for respecting and supporting the enduring presence of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. When away from this campus we vow to be respectful to the land by protecting and honouring it. We will create relationships with the people and the land we may visit by understanding the territories we enter and the nations who inhabit them.