Aberdeen Hall Kelowna Okanagan Private Preparatory School

Our Community

Faculty and Staff

HEAD OF SCHOOL – CHRISTOPHER H. GRIEVE

Christopher Grieve has devoted his entire career to education and has worked as a teacher, Principal and Headmaster in a selection of renowned independent schools. Christopher has taught at Upper Canada College and Crescent School, served as Principal of Northmount School, and joined Fieldstone as the school´s first Headmaster in 2002. Fieldstone is a co–educational JK – Grade 12 private school that takes pride in its strong academic and arts programs. As a teacher, Christopher has experience at the elementary and senior levels and has taught Science, Mathematics, English, Physical Education and Career Studies.

Contact: christopher.grieve@aberdeenhall.com

Christopher has degrees in Psychology and Physical and Health Education from Queen´s University and a Bachelor of Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. In addition, Christopher has completed a diploma in Independent School Leadership from the Canadian Association of Independent Schools (CAIS).

While growing up in Toronto, Christopher attended private and public schools and competed in elite athletics. Christopher is married to Lindsay and has two daughters, Natalie and Alexandra.

Madeline Bencher - Preschool Teacher

Ms. Bencher is a graduate from The College of New Caledonia, Early Childhood Education Program in Prince George, B.C. With 23 years experience in the daycare and preschool settings, she finds great joy in group environments, planning educational field trips and singing age appropriate songs and movement games. She encourages independence and promotes a healthy learning environment. Ms Bencher brings a gentle, caring approach and attitude to teaching young children.

Contact: madelaine.bencher@aberdeenhall.com

Reagan Church - Grade 4

Ms. Church received her bachelor of Education from the University of Victoria. Her specialization is in History and English. Regan began her career in the Schuswap region of BC. Her experience in teaching ranges from grades 4,5 and 6.  Reagan enjoys coaching school team sports and assists with the Yearbook committee. She encourages a team-like approach to learning in her classroom; an environment of students assisting each other to achieve their goals. In her spare time Ms Church likes to play a variety of sports,cook and bake, and travel with her family.

Contact: reagan.church@aberdeenhall.com

Maxine Hawes – Pre-School Consultant

Mrs. Hawes is a graduate of the Okanagan University College E.C.E. She began her career 18 years ago teaching in the first Montessori Preschool in Kelowna, B.C. Mrs. Hawes has operated her own Preschools, and has developed a reputation in the community for offering an excellent early education. She has developed the preschool program with learning centers that offer students instruction in prepared classrooms that encourage children to explore learning in a systematic way. Maxine visits the school regularly to oversee the entire pre-school programme.

Lauren Pighin - Grade 1

Mrs. Pighin holds a professional teaching certificate and Bachelor of General Studies degree from Simon Fraser University. While attending SFU, she received several scholarships including the SFU Alumni Scholarship, and the SFU Open Undergraduate Scholarship. Mrs. Pighin is a Grade One specialist; however, she enjoys working with elementary children of all ages. In addition to her classroom assignment, she has been involved in coaching volleyball, basketball, track and field and primary games. Mrs. Pighin also organizes events such as the Terry Fox Run, Jump Rope for Heart, and various theme days. In her spare time Mrs Pighin likes to walk along the beach, read or visit with friends.

Contact: lauren.pighin@aberdeenhall.com

Susanne Raye – Director of Admissions & Development

Mrs Raye received a Bachelor of Arts Honours, major in Anthropology and a minor in Tribal Art, from the University of East Anglia, UK. She spent the first eight years of her career in Human Resources and International Banking. Mrs Raye decided to work in education later in life and has a post-graduate certificate in Secondary Education specializing in Humanities, a diploma in Teaching Support for Special Educational Needs, and a diploma in Early Childhood Education. She worked at Blenheim High School in Epsom, Surrey, UK for 4 years before emigrating to Canada. Her role as Director of Development and Community Relations offers her the chance to use all the skills gained during her career. She loves teaching geography and history and through the subjects, helping the children to become global citizens. Mrs Raye is a very keen field hockey player and is training to qualify as a level two coach. She also enjoys horse riding and walking her dogs with her husband and three children.

Contact: susanne.raye@aberdeenhall.com

Nancy O’Neil – Daycare Supervisor

Mrs O’Neil is a graduate of the Okanagan College, Early Childhood Education Programme and the Human Services Worker Programme. She is very experienced in early childhood education, having worked in childcare for over twenty years. She enjoys working with children, helping them to develop the skills they will need for their future years at school. Mrs O’Neil also has management experience in both Pre-School and Daycare. In her spare time Mrs O’Neil enjoys skiing and snowboarding in the winter, wakeboarding and hiking in the summer.

Alyson O´Connor – Kindergarten and French teacher Kindergarten to Grade 2

Mrs. O´Connor graduated from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec with a Bachelor of Science (Major: Biology, Minor: Biotechnology) and a Master of Science (Genetics). She spent a year as a full–time volunteer Biology teacher in Namibia, Africa before obtaining her Post–Graduate Certificate in Education (Primary) in Edinburgh, Scotland. She has been teaching for the last 6 years in Edinburgh, gaining a wide range of experience from Kindergarten through Grade 4, including teaching French as a second language. Having just recently relocated to Kelowna from Scotland with her husband and young daughter, Mrs. O´Connor is excited to be joining Aberdeen Hall. In her spare time she enjoys camping, a variety of outdoor activities and horseback riding.

Contact: nancy.oneil@aberdeenhall.com

Grant Ozechowski – Director of the Senior School and Teacher of Language Arts

After completing his Undergraduate Degree in English and History at the University of Western Ontario, Mr. Ozechowski earned a Bachelor of Education Degree at the University of Strathclyde, in Glasgow, Scotland. He recently completed his Masters Degree in Education at the University of Calgary. Originally from Ontario, Grant is coming to Kelowna by way of Calgary, where he and his family spent the last ten years. Since entering the teaching profession thirteen years ago, Grant has acquired extensive experience teaching students ranging from Grade 7 to Grade 12. He takes great pride in designing lessons that inspire students to stretch their minds, and challenge them to evolve as learners. Furthermore, he strives to build a classroom environment in which each student feels capable, connected, contributing and cared for. Mr. Ozechowski is extremely excited about his move to Kelowna, and is looking forward to bringing his passion for English, and his love for teaching with him to Aberdeen Hall. Grant enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, and is eager to explore the lakes, ski hills, bike paths and hiking trails of the Okanagan Valley.

Contact: grant.ozechowsky@aberdeenhall.com

Jocelyn Hamm – Music Teacher

Mrs. Hamm carries a rich background of a variety of music experience and training. After achieving her A.R.C.T. in Piano Performance, she completed her BA in Music and Education at Trinity Western University. Prior to moving to the Okanagan, she spent 15 years at the Langley Community Music School, teaching music classes for babies, toddlers and primary ages, as well as Suzuki piano. She has been an instructor for several music workshops and has served as a piano adjudicator. Her passion for teaching and love for children fuel her enthusiasm for our music program.

Contact: jocelyn.hamm@aberdeenhall.com

Cathryn Egan – Grade 3

Mrs. Egan graduated from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Sciences followed by a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Newman College of Higher Education, Birmingham. She taught for the last three years in the UK, gaining a wide range of experience from Grade One to Eleven. Mrs Egan has specialized in physical education but has also taught science, math, language arts, and social studies.  In her spare time she enjoys camping, hiking and bike riding in the summer and skiing in the winter with her husband.

cathryn.egan@aberdeenhall.com

Jasmine Scherz – Grade 2

Mrs. Scherz received her Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. She has known from a young age that she would become a teacher. Her specialization is in Elementary Education, with a focus on the arts and physical education. Mrs. Scherz began her career in Kelowna and surrounding areas. Her teaching experience spans Kindergarten to Grade 12. Mrs Scherz is very passionate about teaching and encourages cooperative and independent learning in her dynamic classroom. She is an avid reader and works to inspire this same love within her students. In her spare time Mrs Scherz enjoys hiking, camping and playing tennis. She is very excited to be a part of Aberdeen Hall.

Contact: jasmine.gill@aberdeenhall.com

Barbara Hofmann – Teacher of Science, Math & Art

Dr. Hofmann graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Education specializing in Science. Upon completing her B. Ed., Dr. Hofmann taught Grades Four to Seven for three years at a Montessori school in Vancouver specializing in hands-on, constructivist learning. Prior to becoming a teacher, Dr. Hofmann completed a Ph. D. in Civil Engineering and worked as an engineering consultant for six years. Dr. Hofmann applies both her experience and her passion for mathematics and science in helping students learn how to solve real life problems and develop critical thinking skills. In her spare time, Dr. Hofmann enjoys the outdoors and participating in triathlons. She believes that “the mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be ignited” – Plutarch.

Contact: barbara.hofmann@aberdeenhall.com

Mr. John-Michael Gareau - Teacher of Physical Education, Math, and Social Studies

Mr. Gareau is a graduate of the University of Victoria specializing in Physical Education. John-Michael has recently come to Aberdeen Hall after teaching at the St. Michaels University School, Victoria BC, as a physical education and coaching specialist. He carries a background of competitive freestyle skiing and professional ski coaching as well as coaching numerous school sports. He is looking forward to expanding the Physical Education department and developing the athletics programme at Aberdeen Hall. John-Michael believes in a student-centered teaching philosophy where all students are given the opportunity to excel. Outside of teaching, John-Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and three children.

Contact: john.gareau@aberdeenhall.com

Stephen Acree - Senior School, Social Studies and Language Arts, Grades 8/9 Homeroom

Mr. Acree holds two Bachelor degrees; the first in Theology from Briercrest Schools, and the second from the University of Saskatchewan in Education. He is fascinated by the world and is an avid reader; hence his passion for teaching Social Studies and Language Arts. Mr. Acree brings a calm, affirming presence to his students which encourages each to excel in his or her own unique way. Whether backpacking, camping, cross-country skiing, or mountain biking, Mr. Acree enjoys spending time in the great outdoors. On his days off, you’ll find him savouring a cup of coffee with his wife, Jacqui.

Contact: stephen.acree@aberdeenhall.com

Kirsty McElroy- Kindergarten teacher and French teacher Grade 3 to 9

Ms. McElroy graduated from the University of British Columbia in Kelowna with degrees in Science,French and Education. She has been certified in the Accelerative Integrated Method (AIM) for Second Language Teachers and is thrilled to share her enthusiasm for this innovative approach to learning French with her students. Ms. McElroy believes in a learning environment that is both well structured and fun, allowing students to reach their full potential. Ms. McElroy is a certified coach with BC Athletics and coaches the Junior Development team for the Kelowna Track and Field Club. She encourages extra-curricular activities, including both sports and clubs, as a part of a complete education. Ms. McElroy has come to Kelowna to pursue her career as an educator after working for six years in radiology at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. She is very excited to be joining the community at Aberdeen Hall.

Contact: kristy.macelroy@aberdeenhall.com

Meghan Dunn- Grade 3

Miss Dunn is a graduate from the University of British Columbia Okanagan, and holds a Bachelor of Education Degree, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree with a Major in Anthropology and a Minor in English. Meghan completed her Education degree in 2008 and was nominated for the Maxwell Cameron Award for teaching excellence in her final practicum. Since she graduated, Meghan has obtained a variety of educational experiences, as she taught an array of primary and intermediate subjects. Meghan also worked as an educational facilitator for a government program called “Sip Smart”, in which she visited 8 local schools and taught a program about sugar sweetened beverages and nutrition. Meghan is originally from Castlegar B.C. and has lived in Kelowna since 2003. She enjoys taking in all of the local attractions, and enjoys bike riding, hiking, and visiting local historical sites and museums in her spare time. Meghan is a strong believer in character building and positive reinforcement in her classroom. She employs a “hands on” approach whenever possible, and encourages and motivates her students on a daily basis. Meghan is extremely happy living in the Okanagan, and is enthusiastic about being a part of the wonderful school community at Aberdeen Hall.

Conatct: meghan.dunn@aberdeenhall.com

Ashley Bryden - Senior School Maths, Grade 7 Homeroom

Ms. Bryden graduated from Thompson Rivers University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics as well as a Bachelor of Education specializing in Math and Science from UBC-Okanagan. She has always had a great passion for math and for helping others to understand and enjoy the subject as much as she does. Ms. Bryden is excited to be a part of Aberdeen Hall where she will work to inspire in her students a positive attitude towards math and learning in general and to help students become curious and critical citizens. Ms. Bryden enjoys all aspects of the outdoors and loves to discover new areas of the Okanagan to explore with her partner, Michael, and dog, Oscar.

Contact: ashley.bryden@aberdeenhall.com

Mary Atherton - Band Teacher

Mrs Atherton started playing trombone at 13 and achieved her Royal College of Music Grade 10 with Honours at a 15.After graduating she went on to study with David Loukes and Nev Roberts(Halle Orchestra) at Salford University and graduated in trombone performance. She started teaching trombone at 15.
Mrs Atherton has performed with many orchestras and bands both here and in the UK. She is a clinician for the Interior Jazz Festival and visits schools around the valley.She teaches in both Kelowna ,Vernon and runs the Lake Country School of Music .Her students have gone on to further their playing at college and she currently has students at McGill University and Capilano College. Many of them are award winners at the BC Interior Jazz Festival on a regular basis .
Mrs Atherton and her husband formed the Lake Country Big Band , a community jazz band which serves lake country and beyond. She enjoys sharing her love and enthusiasm for music with students. Her first love is her trombone but don’t tell her husband!!

Conatct: mary.atherton@aberdeenhall.com

Dana Basiuk - Kindergarten - Science, Social, Art

Miss Basiuk received her Bachelor of Education degree with a focus on Elementary Education in 2007, from the University of Saskatchewan. Miss Basiuk was inspired to become a teacher from having many caring, patient and dedicated teachers and is striving to follow in their footsteps. Miss Basiuk began her career, substituting for Kindergarten to Grade 12, in Alberta and Saskatchewan and moved to Kelowna in the summer of 2008. Since moving to Kelowna, she has been determined to get back into the teaching profession and had been tutoring and volunteering to help maintain this focus. Miss  Basiuk believes it is important to understand the multiple learning styles/needs of all her students. This way she can tailor activities to the students needs, so that the student can learn more effectively and efficiently. Miss Basiuk loves the hot summer and mild winter weather of the Okanagan and enjoys exploring the many hiking and biking trails with her fiancé Jeff. Miss Basiuk is very excited to be a part of the Aberdeen Hall community.

Contact: dana.basiuk@aberdeenhall.com

Alli Meere - Preschool, Daycare and Elementary Teacher

Ms. Meere holds a Bachelor of Education Degree from UBC-Okanagan, as well as an Early Childhood Education License. She also has two college diplomas in Forestry and Environmental Pest Management. Ms. Meere began her career as an Environmental Pest Management Technician in 1992 and her career as a Forestry Technician in 1995. In 2008 after completing her teacher qualifications, Ms. Meere began teaching at a French preschool and also worked as an out of school caregiver. She also worked in a daycare setting for several months at an intergenerational care facility. Ms. Meere believes that school is not only a place for children to acquire academic knowledge, but also a place to develop social and interpersonal skills. She feels that the school is responsible for socializing children in particular skills and values of society because it is typically at this stage of a child’s life that they develop the skills and knowledge necessary to function within their culture and environment. In addition, she believes in a child-centred approach to teaching because children learn and retain information at different stages of their development. Ms Meere is an avid reader of historical novels and enjoys spending time with her four sisters and their families.

Contact: alli.meere@aberdeenhall.com

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