Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School Kelowna

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.

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 has brings a gentle, caring approach and attitude to teaching young children.

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., and has recently married and had her first child. Her experience in teaching ranges from grades 4,5 and 6. She was the coordinator of the After School Program at COA in Kelowna. Reagan enjoys coaching school team sports and assists with the Yearbook committee. Reagan encourages a team-like approach to learning in her classroom; an environment of students assisting each other to achieve their goals.

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.

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.

Tim Watson – Band Teacher

Mr Watson, band teacher at Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School, received a Bachelor of Music degree in Performance (Trumpet) from the University of Toronto. Following several years freelancing in Ontario, and two years as Musician-In-Residence with the Sudbury Symphony, Laurentian University and Cambrian College in Sudbury as a performer/teacher/coach, Tim served for 20+ years as an arts administrator for the Vancouver, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Okanagan Symphony Orchestras. In addition to teaching at Aberdeen Hall, Tim is a faculty member of the Kelowna Community Music School, plays with the Kelowna City Band, has performed with the Okanagan Symphony and Okanagan Vocal Arts Festival orchestras, is the Orchestra Personnel Manager and Stage Manager for the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, and is a Board member of the Kelowna City Band and the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan. Tim’s various activities focus on encouraging children, youth and adults to develop their musical talent to the highest possible level, and strengthening performing arts organizations in Kelowna.

Stephanie Wiebe - Kindergarten

Mrs. Wiebe graduated from University of Guelph in 2002 with a B.Sc. in Family and Social Relations, and graduated in 2003 on the Dean’s List, from Medialle College, with a Bachelor of Education. In addition, she has completed her Levels I and II French certification. Mrs. Wiebe has worked at several private schools, gaining experience from Kindergarten through Grade 4. Mrs. Wiebe re-located to Kelowna in summer 2006 with her husband. She has found the transition to Kelowna, and especially to Aberdeen Hall, to be wonderfully exciting. Mrs. Wiebe enjoys the outdoor life and cooking. Mrs. Wiebe is thrilled to be a part of the faculty at Aberdeen Hall.

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

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.

Grant Ozechowski – Teacher of Language Arts, Information Technology & Physical Education

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.

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.

Jessie Kirby – Grade 3

Mrs Kirby holds a Bachelor of Education and a professional teaching certificate from the University of Manitoba and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winnipeg. She has also attained several levels of certification in French from College de St Boniface and has completed courses towards a Post Baccalaureate. Mrs. Kirby has spent the last 26 years teaching Grades 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in the public school system in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Mrs. Kirby has a wealth of experience and has worked extensively in curriculum development. She has studied adaptation strategies for exceptional learners. In addition, Mrs. Kirby has sat on Divisional Report Card Committees and on Behavior Support Steering Committees, and has developed Divisional Mathematic Rubrics. Her interests are music and highland dancing. In her free time she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, gardening and traveling.

Jasmine Gill – Grade 2

Ms. Gill 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. Ms. Gill began her career in Kelowna and surrounding areas. Her teaching experience spans Kindergarten to Grade 12. Ms Gill 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 Ms Gill enjoys hiking, camping and playing tennis. She is very excited to be a part of Aberdeen Hall.

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 4 to 7 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.

Liliana Perez–Lefevre – Spanish Teacher

Mrs. Perez–Lefevre received a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in French and Spanish and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewn. She began her teaching career as a French Immersion teacher in Saskatoon. She helped found two heritage language schools, the Saskatoon Spanish School and later the Escuela Hispanica Spanish School of Kelowna. After moving to Kelowna she took time off to be at home for her four young children. Mrs. Perez–Lefevre is happy to be back in a school environment. Outside of teaching, Mrs. Perez–Lefevre enjoys Flamenco dancing, sewing and volunteering at her children´s many activities.

Aberdeen Hall Kelowna Okanagan Private Preparatory School

Aberdeen Hall School, Kelowna: Our Community