Primary School
Meet the Leadership Team
Melissa Garris, Principal
Phone: 614-413-8600
Robyn Davison, Administrative Assistant
Phone: 614-413-8600
Attendance: 614-413-8100
Melissa Garris will join New Albany Primary School as Principal in the 2026-27 school year. A familiar and respected leader in our district, Mrs. Garris returns to New Albany following three years as Principal of Thomas Elementary School in Dublin City Schools.
Mrs. Garris previously served as Assistant Principal at New Albany Primary School beginning in 2021, where she was an integral member of the building leadership team. As Principal of Thomas Elementary School in Dublin, Mrs. Garris led a dynamic learning community with a focus on academic excellence, positive school culture, and continuous improvement. Her leadership was grounded in a deep commitment to early learning, the development of the whole child, and meaningful partnerships with families and staff.
Mrs. Garris began her career in Columbus City Schools, teaching kindergarten, first, and third grades, before joining Worthington Schools where she served as both a classroom teacher and teacher leader. She also contributed at the state level as a Teacher Leader Liaison with the Ohio Department of Education, helping strengthen connections among educators, students, and families.
Mrs. Garris earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Xavier University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Ohio Dominican University. She lives in Worthington with her husband, Greg, and their two children Maggie and Bo.
Dr. Sara Peterson, Asst. Principal
Phone: 614-413-8600
Dr. Peterson is beginning her 23rd year in education. She began her career in the Groveport Madison Local Schools, where she taught K-5th grade Visual Art for seven years. In 2005, Dr. Peterson came to New Albany Plain Local Schools and served as a 6-8 middle school Visual Art teacher for 10 years. She transitioned to a building leadership role in 2015 where she served as Dean of Students for the elementary and middle schools, and Assistant Principal for the middle school. This year she will serve as an Assistant Principal for the primary school.
Dr. Peterson is a committed instructional leader who is dedicated to building strong relationships with students, staff, and parents. She seeks to increase student achievement and growth for every student, and share her knowledge of content area literacy and integrated curriculum. She is strongly focused on building school culture and developing the social-emotional need of students.
Dr. Peterson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Visual Art and Education from Otterbein University, and a Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Ohio Dominican University. In 2015, she graduated from Concordia University with a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership.
Dr. Peterson is joined in the New Albany Plain Local School District by her husband Todd, who serves as the high school Athletic Trainer. She has two daughters; Emma is a recent graduate of New Albany High School, and will start at Columbus State in the fall. Maggie is currently a junior at the high school.
Matthew Ivoska, Asst. Principal
Phone: 614-413-8600
Matthew Ivoska serves as Assistant Principal at New Albany Primary School, prior to this Mr. Ivoska served as a fourth grade teacher at New Albany Intermediate School. Mr. Ivoska joins Principal Melissa Garris and Assistant Principal Dr. Sara Peterson on the Primary School’s leadership team serving approximately 1,100 students in grades 1, 2, and 3.
Mr. Ivoska served for nine years as a fourth grade English Language Arts teacher in New Albany-Plain Local Schools. During his time in the classroom, he served as a leader for House Fortis, helping to build school culture through positive behavior systems and student engagement. He played a key role in refining grading practices to promote clarity and consistency and worked to integrate computer science and technology into English-Language Arts instruction to enhance student learning. Mr. Ivoska believes that education is the foundation for lifelong success and is committed to supporting both the academic and personal growth of every student.
Mr. Ivoska earned his bachelor's degree in English Literature from The Ohio State University and began his career serving youth and families as an Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention Specialist in Wood County. He later returned to OSU to serve as an Academic Advisor in the College of Engineering. He earned his teaching license through Ashland University and went on to receive a master's degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. He resides in Westerville with his wife, Gabriela, and four children, Tony, Isabela, Sofia, and Vinny.