Our Head of Schools was one of the first students at High Park Montessori school when it began in a small Church on Runnymede Rd. She spent her lower elementary years happily climbing all the stairs to the top floor at High Park Gardens Montessori.  She has recently continued her education in a three year independent school leadership program designed following Montessori principles (Whole School Leadership).  She is also a past member of the Board of Governors of the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators; a non-profit organization that supports and accredits Montessori schools in Canada.

Dr Smith is a child clinical and developmental psychologist, a mom to three girls, and a huge book lover.  She loves reminiscing about her farm and dreaming of a future cottage.  

Anne’s own daughters have been Montessori students from toddlerhood. Now, her youngest is completing the Middle School program at the Mildenhall School, and her highschoolers are studying theatre and visual arts at Etobicoke School of the Arts.  She's looking forward to being able to join the Odyssey Canoe trip at the beginning of each Middle School year.

WHERE HAVE YOU LIVED IN THE WORLD?

I was born in Toronto and have lived in Massachusetts, New York City, and Connecticut.



WHAT HAVE YOU STUDIED? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A TEACHER?

I have a Ph.D. in child and family clinical psychology from the University of Massachusetts - Amherst and completed my post-doctoral studies at Yale University School of Medicine.  I also have an M.Ed and an MA in developmental and cognitive psychology from Teachers College Columbia University and a certificate in leadership from Loyola University Maryland.  

WHAT LANGUAGES DO YOU SPEAK?

I speak English and French and am really trying to learn how to speak Spanish.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ARE REALLY GOOD AT?

I am really good at swimming, starting all kinds of new crafts that I never finish, and baking red velvet cakes.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU AREN’T AT SCHOOL?

When I am not at school, I like to read, run, and eat great food.  

WHAT IS SOMETHING NOT EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU?

If you knew me really well, you would know that I am always planning on returning to school. I just can't settle on a field of study. You would also know that I don't have a high school diploma.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MOST FAVOURITE THINGS?

Books, books, books.  I love spending time chatting with the toddler students.  Western Massachusetts.  Thanksgiving dinner. The NYC marathon.