The Mentor College/TEAM School administrative team is led by director Mr. Aneil Panchal. The principals in each division provide support and guidance to teachers and students across the divisions of Mentor College & TEAM School.
Aneil Panchal - Director, Mentor College & TEAM School
Mr. Panchal has been a faculty member at Mentor College since 2008 - during which time he has taught Canadian History, English, Learning Strategies, Leadership, and World History. Mr. Panchal is actively involved with Marauder sports as coach of the cricket, hockey, and basketball teams. He has also led groups of students internationally on the Battlefields of Europe tour. He previously served as Assistant Vice-Principal - High School Division, Vice-Principal - High School Division, and Assistant Director, Mentor College & TEAM School. In 2024m he assumed the role of Director. Mr. Panchal holds a M.Ed. (Leadership & Administration) from the University of New Brunswick.
Chuck Macdonald - Executive Director, Mentor College & TEAM School
Chuck Macdonald started at Mentor College as a music teacher in 1988 - when he began his involvement in a number of musical ensembles: Choir director for Primary and Junior choirs, musical director of year end musical, and director of recorder ensembles. Mr. Macdonald has been a teacher, principal, and administrator during his tenure at Mentor College and T.E.A.M. School - having served as Transportation Co-ordinator, Administrative Co-ordinator, Principal TEAM ESL, Vice-Principal Primary Campus, Principal TEAM School/TSS, Assistant Director, and Director of Mentor College & TEAM School. In 2024, he assumed the role of Executive Director. Mr. Macdonald holds a M.Ed. from Nipissing University.
Ken Philbrook - Owner/Co-Founder, Mentor College & TEAM School
As a parent himself, Executive Director & Co-Founder Ken Philbrook knows and understands your concerns about the education of children. He co-founded the school because of his desire to offer an educational environment where consolidation of basic skills allowed students to experience the joys of learning that would lead to greater self-confidence and self-esteem. After a career as an educator with special interest and background in special education, Mr. Philbrook continues to take an active role in maintaining a positive, caring environment, rich in personal attention, where children are encouraged to think and reason for themselves.
Randy Hall - Principal, High School Division (Grades 9-12)
Randy Hall joined Mentor College in September 1989. Mr. Hall taught math, business and science from 1989 until 2000, and continued teaching one senior mathematics course until 2014. Mr. Hall continues to help coach varsity soccer and hockey and has led international trips to various locations throughout the world over the years. Mr. Hall previously held the position of Vice-Principal, High School Division. In 2024, he assumed the role of Principal. He holds a MEd (Administration & Leadership) from Brock University.
Darren McCallen - Vice-Principal, High School Division (Grades 9-12)
Darren McCallen has been a faculty member at Mentor College since 2006. He has taught a range of subjects, such as History, Geography, Grades 11 & 12 Law, and AP Comparative Government and Politics. Mr. McCallen has coached hockey, golf, soccer, and tennis. Darren has chaperoned students to Zambia, Nepal, Honduras, and Iqaluit. Mr. McCallen previously held the role of Assistant Vice-Principal. He became Vice-Principal in 2024. Mr. McCallen holds a MEd in Leadership & Administration from University of Niagara.
Kate Young - Assistant Vice-Principal, High School Division (Grades 9-12)
Ms. Young has been at Mentor College since 2007. She has taught Grades 9 and 10 science and Grade 11 Physics. Ms. Young has also been a guidance counselor. In addition to curricular roles, Ms. Young has supported students as a staff leader with the culture show and Habitat for Humanity and has been a staff chaperone on international trips to Zambia, Ecuador, Galapagos, and Korea. Ms. Young holds a MEd in Curriculum and Pedagogy from Brock University.
Christina Weinkauf - Principal, Intermediate Division (Grades 5-8)
Christina Weinkauf began at Mentor College as a Grade 8 homeroom teacher in September 2005. As a Grade 8 teacher, Ms Weinkauf taught language arts, history, geography, and math along with working with students leading students working with the school newspaper Leaders For Change, and the yoga club. She has also coached our U12 softball team. From 2013 to 2020, Ms. Weinkauf served as vice-principal of the Intermediate Division. Ms. Weinkauf holds a MEd from OISE University of Toronto.
Nicolle Sarna - Vice-Principal, Intermediate Division (Grades 5-8)
Nicolle Sarna started at Mentor College in 2007. She has taught Homeroom Grades 6, 7, and 8 - math, language arts, social studies, history, and geograpohy. Ms. Sarna has also held the position of resource teacher. In addition to acadedmics, Ms. Sarna's extracurricular activities have included the photography club and mock trial club. Ms. Sarna has additional qualifications as a special education specialist and is completing a MEd from York University.
Leeanne Talarico - Principal, Primary Division (JK-Grade 4)
Leeanne Talarico started at Mentor College in 2000 as a Grade 4 teacher. Before becoming vice principal of the Primary Division, Mrs. Talarico also taught Grade 1, directed the school play, organized play day, and coached soccer, skipping, and intramural teams. Mrs. Talarico holds a MEd from Nipissing University.
Ainsley Hnatiw - Vice-Principal, Primary Division (JK-Grade 4)
Ainsley Hnatiw started teaching Grade 1 at Mentor in 2003. In 2006, Ms. Hnatiw pursued her MEd and taught abroad. Returning to Mentor in 2010, Ms. Hnatiw continued as a Grade 1 teacher until moving into the role of Primary Division Resource Teacher. In addition to coaching, Ms. Hnatiw has led various clubs, as well as co-ordinated play day, acted as co-dance choreographer for the school play, and organized Grade 1 Mother’s Day Tea. Ainsley holds a MEd (Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning) from University of Toronto OISE.
Barb Philbrook - Executive Principal, Primary Division (JK-Grade 4)
Barb Philbrook has been with Mentor College since the school’s inception – having fulfilled the roles of Resource Teacher and Primary Co-ordinator – prior to becoming Primary Division Principal. Mrs. Philbrook liaises with current and prospective parents and families and is actively involved in all aspects of life at the Primary Campus. Mrs. Philbrook holds a MEd from University of Toronto.
Chris Starkey - Administrative Principal, Mentor College & TEAM School
Chris Starkey started with the school in the fall of 1990 as a supply teacher and quickly moved into a position as a physical education teacher. As the elementary athletic director for Mentor/TEAM, Mr. Starkey was one of the founders of the PSAA that year and added the HS athletic director's title in 1994. This was the year when he started adding additional administrative roles. As administrative principal of the schools, Mr. Starkey's main role is to work behind-the-scenes on anything that is not directly related to curriculum.
Kendra Thorogood - Controller, Business Principal, Mentor College & TEAM School
Ms. Thorogood started at Mentor College as Controller of Mentor College/TEAM School. As of 2020, she is Controller, Business Principal and oversees all finance, administration, human Resources, and payroll. In addition to her core responsibilities, Kendra assists with the High School Environment Club. Ms. Thorogood is a CPA and holds an MBA from Laurentian University.
