Meet the Administration

Mrs. Heather Pino-Beattie, Principal (hpino@mtsd.us)  

 

Heather Pino-Beattie, a dedicated educator with 24 years of experience, is the Principal of Montgomery High School and the District-Wide Supervisor for the STARR Program (Shifting Through Awareness, Regulation, and Relationships), a Tier III Mental Health Support initiative. She holds a BA in English/Secondary Education, an MA in School Counseling, and a SAC (Substance Awareness Coordinator) Certification from The College of New Jersey, as well as a Certificate in School Administration from The University of Scranton. Before joining Montgomery High School as a school counselor in 2009, she worked in the Trenton Public School District as a K-12 Literacy Specialist and an English teacher at Trenton Central High School. She has taken on many roles throughout her career, but she found coaching and club advising particularly rewarding. An active member of the NJPSA and many committees, she is passionate about supporting student and staff success and the intersection of mental health and academic achievement. Outside of MHS, she enjoys spending time with her wife, Angela, their sons, Benjamin and Jacob, and their labradoodle, Mostly Good Molly, as well as family and friends. A former rugby and softball player, she continues to bring that same passion and teamwork into her leadership.

Mr. JP McAvaddy, Vice Principal (jmcavaddy@mtsd.us)  

 

Mr. McAvaddy joined the Montgomery High School community in 2021 after spending 10 years as a Social Studies and Literacy teacher in Hillsborough. In addition to teaching, Mr. McAvaddy served as a club advisor, student mentor, and leader of various district-wide and school-based committees, all with a focus on supporting the social-emotional needs, as well as the academic success of all students.  Mr. McAvaddy believes making connections with students and their families is a key component to an effective relationship between home and school.  Mr. McAvaddy earned a B.S. in Finance and an M.B.A. in Marketing from Seton Hall University.  When not at work, Mr. McAvaddy enjoys traveling, sports (especially his Phillies, Sixers, and Eagles), and spending time with his wife, Cheryl, his four children, Patrick, Connor, Kyle, and Katie, and his cats, Fletcher and Bailey.

Mr. John Vitale, Vice Principal (jvitale@mtsd.us)  

 

Mr. Vitale earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he also completed his undergraduate degree in History and Education. While attending college, Mr. Vitale spent a winter break teaching in England and led a study abroad experience in Japan. After his undergraduate studies, Mr. Vitale pursued further education at Rutgers University, earning a degree in Special Education, and later his certification in School Administration through the NJExcel Program. Mr. Vitale began his teaching career at Hillsborough High School as a Special Education and Social Studies teacher, where he has also proudly coached football, advised the Peer Mentoring program, facilitated the Raider Strength and Conditioning program, and participated in many district-wide and school-based committees. Mr. Vitale has dedicated his career to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to explore their interests, challenge themselves, and develop critical thinking skills. He strongly emphasizes the importance of community and believes that collaboration enhances students’ educational experiences. Mr. Vitale's hobbies include writing music, playing guitar, cross-training, and cooking. Most of all, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Brittany, his children, Neave and Caiden, and his dogs, Raleigh and Cody.

Mr. Mike Simborski, Interim Vice Principal (msimborski@mtsd.us)

 

Mr. Simborski brings a wealth of experience to Montgomery High School, having dedicated his professional life to the growth and success of students across Central Jersey. A lifelong resident of Belle Mead, he is deeply familiar with our community and has long admired Montgomery High School's excellence. Throughout his career and as a parent, he has witnessed the positive interactions, academic successes, and strong sense of cohesion that define the MHS culture, and he is eager to contribute to that environment during his tenure here.

Mr. Simborski’s journey in education began in the classroom as an industrial arts teacher. His commitment to student development extended to the athletic department, where he served as a basketball coach before transitioning into leadership as the lead Athletic Director at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North. He eventually returned to his roots in Hillsborough, where he grew up and attended school, to serve as a Vice Principal until his retirement.