James McConnell (2000): Head of School
Dr. McConnell has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and teacher training in science from the University of Calgary, a Master of Arts in Education Administration from San Diego State University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (SFU). He taught at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (Alberta) and Crofton House School prior to joining Stratford Hall. At both schools he was also the Director of the Senior School and Deputy Head of School. He has IB training in PYP, MYP, and DP programs.

 

Dave Dirks (2007): Director of Finance and Operations
Mr. Dirks is a Certified Management Accountant with extensive experience in business, mostly with TCG International in Burnaby, a leading North America automotive glass products company. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in commerce, from Simon Fraser University, and takes ongoing CMA training.

Sarah Scott (2004): Director of Community Development
Ms. Scott is no stranger to independent schools, having graduated from Shawnigan Lake School. She studied at the University of Victoria and then the UBC, where she earned her Bachelor of Education degree. In 2008 she earned her Master of Education degree in the area of early childhood literacy (UBC). Ms. Scott has taken Level 3 IB-PYP training in Social Studies & Science,  Early Childhood Education and assessment, and is a certified IB workshop leader, site visitor, and consultant.

 

Brad Smith (2011): Director of the Senior School

Mr. Smith has been the IB Diploma Coordinator and, more recently, the Vice Principal of the Senior School at Pacific Academy in Surrey. Prior to joining PA in 1998 he taught for nine years at Handsworth in the North Vancouver school district. He holds a BEd degree from UBC and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from SFU. He also holds a diploma in guidance counseling from UBC.

 

Paul Cohee (2012): Director of the Junior School 

Mr. Cohee joined Stratford Hall in 2012 and is very familiar with independent schools in British Columbia. He worked at St. George's School for five years, as a Senior Administrator, and at Mulgrave for seven as a head of department and athletics director. Having also taught overseas for many years, in both Japan and South Africa, Mr. Cohee brings a wealth of educational experience to Stratford Hall. He holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University and a Bachelor’s degree from UBC. He also holds diplomas in Curriculum and Instructional Studies from UBC, Independent School Leadership from CAIS, and Teaching English as a Foreign Language from London, UK.

Heather Griffin (2012): PYP Coordinator and Grade 5 Teacher
Heather Griffin is an experienced PYP teacher. She taught PYP at Stratford Hall from 2002-2004 and then moved to New York City to teach at The Dwight School, where she was also the PYP Coordinator. Ms. Griffin completed her bachelor of education at the University of Alberta and completed her Masters of Education at SFU in 2005. Her masters studies were in educational pedagogy with a focus on inquiry based teaching and learning. Ms. Griffin is an avid traveller and has lived abroad in Japan and London.

 

Catherine Daniel (2007): MYP Coordinator and Science Teacher
Ms. Daniel graduated from the United World College of the American West with an IB Diploma. She speaks French and Greek and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from McGill, a Master of Science degree from Laurentian University and a Bachelor of Education degree from UBC. Before Stratford Hall, she taught at Island Pacific School on Bowen Island. Ms. Daniel has IB Level 2 MYP training and is an MYP site visitor, workshop leader and consultant.

 

Chris McGuigan (2005):  IB Diploma Coordinator, History and English Teacher
Mr. McGuigan grew up in independent schools, and understands their special cultures. He has a Bachelor of Arts (History and English) degree and teacher training from the University of Victoria. He has taught in Korea and in Japan, has IB Level 2 training in DP English and Level 1 training in DP History, Level 2 training in MYP Humanities and Level 3 training in Coordinatorship and Theory of Knowledge.
 

Emma Hawkes (2010): Learning Specialist, Visual Arts
Ms. Hawkes graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Glass Design from the Staffordshire University, Stoke-On-Kent, UK, and has a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (art specialization) from Birmingham City University, UK. She has taught art at the Plantsbrook School (Birmingham, UK), Arthur Terry School (Birmingham) and was a lecturer at the Sutton Coldfield College of Further Education, in West Midlands, UK. Ms. Hawkes has Level 2 (Visual Arts) IB training.

 

Kirsten Morozov (2002): Learning Specialist, Research and Resources 
Mrs. Morozov has Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (FAME cohort) degrees from UBC. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Teacher-Librarianship from the University of Alberta. She has taught at Stratford Hall in the PYP, MYP, and DP and has IB PYP and MYP Level 2 training as well as MYP Level 2 training for Librarians.

 

In addition to her role as IEP Learning Specialist, Mrs. Louie has now taken on the role of Admission Coordinator in our Community Development division. She began teaching internationally as an ESL instructor in Korea. Following that experience, she joined Mulgrave School, where she taught for nine years. She is a graduate of Collingwood School in West Vancouver and has both a BA and BEd from UBC. She has Level 1 and Level 2 IB PYP training, so she is well versed in the overall IB philosophy.

Meg Penafiel (2000): Learning Specialist, Research and Resources
Ms. Penafiel was one of the original six teachers at Stratford Hall, and was responsible for the implementation of Spanish. She left to travel and pursue other opportunities, to return in 2003. However, she left again to become a mother, returning last year to teach some Spanish in the Senior School. She shares the role of Learning Specialist this year with Ms. Smith.

Elizabeth Smith (2006): Learning Specialist, Research and Resources
Ms. Smith was with the Vancouver School Board for 25 years before moving to Crofton House School, where she was teacher-librarian for eight years. Ms. Smith has a MEd in Language Education: Teacher-Librarianship, a Dip. Ed. Teacher: Teacher-Librarianship, and a BEd (General studies). She has also acquired Level 2 IB-PYP training in Collaborative Planning as well as MYP Level 2 training.

Ana Ver (2011): Learning Specialist, Science
Ms. Ver has her BA from Mount Holyoke College with a major in biogeochemistry (all degrees from MHC are BAs). She has her MA in Child Study and Education from the University of Toronto, and has done graduate studies at the School of Oceanography at the University of Washington, having received a fellowship in the Program for Climate Change. She has been a faculty associate at Collingwood School and for three years was a Science Facilitator at Science World in Vancouver.

David Wees (2009): Learning Specialist, Mathematics and Information Technology
Mr. Wees comes to Stratford Hall via teaching positions at Ruamrudee International School (Thailand), Southbank International School (England) and The School for Legal Studies (New York, USA). He has IB MYP and DP training and a Bachelor of Science (UBC) with a BEd in Secondary Math (UBC), as well as a Master of Educational Technology from UBC. He has IB MYP and DP training in mathematics, has been an assistant examiner, and has authored an IB math textbook.

Greta Bartsch (2002): Grade 6 English, Humanities, and CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) Coordinator of Student Life
Ms. Bartsch has been teaching since 1998, following her graduation from UBC with Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees. She is now pursuing a Master of Educational Leadership degree from SFU. She has her Grade Ten piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music and has Orff training. Ms. Bartsch has had IB Level 1 MYP and Level 3 (Language Policy) training. This year she will be part of the Junior School leadership team.

Candice Birch (2008): Kindergarten
Ms. Birch is a graduate of UBC, with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education (FAME cohort). Prior to working at Stratford Hall, she was a faculty associate at Mulgrave School, where she assisted in their IB PYP. Ms. Birch has completed Level 1 IB-PYP training as well as Level 2 (Collaborative Planning) and Level 3 (Reading and Writing).

Kika Carranza-Salazar (2006): PYP Spanish
Sra. Carranza-Salazar was born and raised in Peru, where she earned her Bachelor of Education degree at Women’s University in Lima. After immigrating to Canada, she obtained her Early Childhood Educator’s certificate. She has completed her Master’s Degree in Teaching Spanish as an International Language from Rovira i Virgili University in Tarragona, Spain. Sra. Carranza has completed Level 2 IB-PYP training in Collaborative Planning and Level 3 training in Modern Languages.

Lindsay Causey (2010): Grade 1
Ms. Causey holds a Bachelor of Education degree from UBC. Her practicum experience has been in the North Vancouver school district. In addition, she is a longtime volunteer at Ronald McDonald House, in Vancouver.

Rebecca Contant (2009): PYP PE and Athletics
Ms. Contant holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Victoria. She was a part-time PE teacher last year and now is working with us full-time. She has completed her Master of Educational Technology degree from UBC.

Boyd Grealy (2005): PYP and MYP Music
Mr. Grealy was a percussion teacher at the Ailanthus Centre before working at Stratford Hall. He has a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Victoria and initiated the taiko program at Ailanthus. He was also the artistic director and performer with Uzume Taiko. Mr. Grealy teaches in both the Senior and Junior Schools and has Level 2 IB-PYP training in Inquiry as well as MYP Level 2 training (Creative Arts).

Tricia Grzybowski (2010): Kindergarten
Ms. Grzybowski has a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Saskatchewan. She taught briefly in Calgary, and then joined the faculty at Meadowridge, teaching there for five years and learning about IB PYP. She has a strong music background, and has Level 1 and Level 3 IB training.

 

Sarah Hart (2012): Grade 3

Ms. Hart graduated from the University of Victoria with a degree in History and English and began her teaching career in Seoul, South Korea. After returning to Canada she completed her Bachelor of Education at the University of British Columbia. Passionate about the outdoors, Ms. Hart enjoys snowboarding, hiking, team sports and walks along the seawall.
 

Smita Karam (2010): Grade 5
Ms. Karam graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from SFU, and remained there to do her education professional development program. She has worked at two previous IB PYP schools, Meadowridge and Mulgrave, as well as West Point Grey Academy. She has IB Level 1 and Level 3 training, most recently in reading and writing through inquiry. This year she will be part of the Junior School leadership team.

Dan Lin (2011): Grade 7 Science, Math and OEE
Mr. Lin is the maternity leave replacement for Ms. Ryan. He holds degrees in Science and Education from UBC, and has an avid interest in sports and outdoor activities. He is fluent in Mandarin and Taiwanese.

Laura Moriarty (2004): Grade 2 (on maternity leave)
Ms. Moriarty is a graduate of UBC, with Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees. She is also a trained SCUBA diver and holds a grade 10 certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She has received Level 3 IB-PYP training in Social Studies & Science and Assessment. Ms. Moriarty is currently on maternity leave.

Bobby Nishi (2004): PE , PYP Athletics Coordinator
Mr. Nishi is a triple graduate of UBC with degrees in Human Kinetics and Education, as well as a Master of Education Degree. Mr. Nishi has Level 3 IB-PYP training in Assessment and MYP Level 1 training in PE. This year he will be part of the Junior School leadership team.

Nicole Ottahal (2006): Grade 1
Ms. Ottahal has a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Education degree, both from UBC. She has also earned a Master of Education degree in Language and Literacy from UBC. Prior to joining Stratford Hall, she taught Kindergarten at Kansai International School (KIS) in Osaka, Japan. She has had Level 1 and Level 3 IB-PYP training in Social Studies & Science and Early Childhood Education, and Level 3 IB training in reading and writing.

Sarah Phillips (2007): Grade 6 Science, Math, and OEE
Ms. Phillips graduated from Crofton House School and has a BSc and BEd, both from UBC. She has international experience in outdoor education (USA and New Zealand). Ms. Phillips has MYP Level 2 training (Science) and Level 3 in Building Transitions and Level 3 in the IB Learner Profile. She also has Level 3 training in MYP Coordination and last year was the interim coordinator. Ms. Phillips is a member of the IB Academy, and can do authorization visits and teacher training for MYP schools.

David Ritchie (2006): Grade 5
Mr. Ritchie obtained his Bachelor of Science with a major in biology from the University of Victoria and his Bachelor of Education from UBC. He is one of several Stratford Hall teachers who have come through the FAME cohort at UBC. Mr. Ritchie has Level 3 IB-PYP training in Early Childhood Education and Level 3 training in reading and writing.

Sarah Sakaki (2010): Grade 4
Ms. Sakaki has Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Victoria. She has taught in the Victoria public school system, and more recently she taught at Greybrook Academy in Pitt Meadows and Meadowridge School in Maple Ridge, both of which are IB PYP schools. She has Level 1 IB PYP training.

Carmen Stephen-Patel (2002): Grade 7 English, Humanities and French
Ms. Stephen-Patel came to Stratford Hall after teaching in London, England. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Victoria and her teaching certificate from SFU. She studied French at Laval University, in Quebec and has IB Level 2 MYP training. Ms. Stephen-Patel was on maternity leave last year.

Chelsea Todd (2011): Grade 4
Ms. Todd is a familiar face to the PYP students, teachers, and parents: she has worked in after school care and at the PYP reception. Partly because of her work with children at Stratford Hall, she decided to go into education at SFU, finishing her program in the summer of 2011. She has a BA from SFU as well.

Beverly Willms Best (2007): PYP Music
Before working at Stratford Hall, Ms. Best was at Crofton House (1993-2006) where she taught grade 3, and music for grades 1-6. She has a Bachelor of Education degree from UBC, specializing in music, and a Master of Arts in Music Education degree from the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota). Ms. Best has Level 2 IB-PYP training in Inquiry.

Jennifer Yeung (2007): Grade 2
Ms. Yeung is a graduate of Crofton House and taught at West Point Grey Academy from 2001-2004. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from McGill, a Bachelor of Education degree from UBC and a Master of Education degree from the University of Melbourne. She has Level 1 IB-PYP training and Level 3 training in mathematics and language policy.

Philippe Barois (2006): Spanish, Physics
Mr. Barois has taught for 35 years, most recently at Winston Churchill Secondary School in Vancouver as Head of Modern Languages. He has taught IB Diploma French, Spanish and physics (all at Standard and Higher Levels), has been a Teacher Trainer for IB North America (languages and physics), and is an IB examiner. He has a Bachelor of Engineering Degree from Universidad Autonoma de Mexico (Mexico City) and a Master of Arts (mathematics education) from UBC.

Rick Campanella (2004): Mathematics and CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) Coordinator
Mr. Campanella earned his BA degree in Mathematics and he worked in business for four years. He returned to UBC, earning his Bachelor of Education (secondary mathematics) degree in 2003. He is currently pursuing a Master of Educational Leadership from SFU. He has IB Diploma and MYP mathematics training. Mr. Campanella is also the Diploma Programme's CAS Coordinator and has received IB-based CAS training.

Sylvana Herrera (2003): Spanish
Ms. Herrera joined Stratford Hall as a Kindergarten to grade 8 Spanish teacher and moved to the Senior School in 2005. She is a graduate of SFU, with a Bachelor of Arts, and UBC, with a Bachelor of Education (FAME cohort). She is originally from Peru, and is a native Spanish speaker. She has studied a French instruction program at Laval, and has IB DP Spanish, DP Psychology, Level 1, and IB MYP Spanish Level 2 training. She has recently completed her Master’s degree in Education at UBC, specializing in Modern Language Instruction.

Feda Ghaleb (2011): Math
Ms. Ghaleb has been a student and teaching assistant at UBC since 2005, earning her PhD candidacy in mathematics and her BC teaching certificate. Her first degree was a Master’s degree in Education (mathematics major) at the American University of Beirut in her native Lebanon. Ms. Ghaleb taught mathematics at a K-12 school in Lebanon for two years. She is fluent in English, Arabic, and French.

Boyd Grealy (2005): Music
Mr. Grealy was a percussion teacher at the Ailanthus Centre before working at Stratford Hall. He has a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Victoria and initiated the taiko program at Ailanthus. He was also the artistic director and performer with Uzume Taiko. Mr. Grealy teaches in both the Senior and Junior Schools and has Level 2 IB-PYP training in Inquiry as well as MYP Level 2 training (Creative Arts).

Stefania Iacchelli (2010): Science
Ms. Iacchelli has a Bachelor of Science degree with a specialization in pharmacology from the University of Alberta, and a Bachelor of Education degree from SFU. She has also had formal training in Mandarin from both Tamkang University (Taiwan) and National Taiwan University (she also speaks some Italian and French). As part of the International Teacher Education Module at SFU, she taught at Maple Leaf International School in Dalian, China. She has Level 2 Biology DP training and Level 3 Biology Internal Assessment training.

Courtney McFadyen (2009): English and Theatre
Ms. McFadyen has a Bachelor of Arts from Acadia University and a Bachelor of Education from Memorial. Her Master of Arts (Drama) is from University of Toronto. Her most recent position was in the Victoria school district. She has received Level 2 IB-MYP training in English.

Michael McGuire (2008): OEE and Co-Coordinator of Student Life
Mr. McGuire has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario, a teaching certificate from University of Victoria and a Master’s degree (Education) from UBC. Prior to Stratford Hall, he worked at Archbishop Carney Secondary School (Port Coquitlam). He has qualifications in advanced first aid, ski, canoe, and avalanche safety. He has MYP Level 2 Humanities training and Level 3 training in the IB Learner Profile.

Melahnie Moodie (2007): Spanish (maternity leave)
Ms. Moodie speaks French, Spanish, and Portuguese, and instructs yoga. She obtained her BSc degree in environmental sciences from Royal Roads University and holds a BEd from UBC. Ms. Moodie has been heavily involved in the 4Reel series that has now been aired in over 30 countries and has MYP Level 2 training in Humanities.

Jay Nunns (2005): Theatre
Mr. Nunns was the Artistic Director at the Ailanthus Centre (which was at 3000 Commercial Drive) for its last eight years. He is accomplished in improv, film production, and circus and is the artistic director of Circus West.

Kyle Nystad (2008): PE and Coordinator of Athletics
Mr. Nystad joined Stratford Hall after four years in England (St. Charles Catholic Sixth Form College). He graduated from UBC with degrees in Human Kinetics and Education and has MYP Level 2 training in Physical Education.

Andrea Ryan (2007): Science, Math
Ms. Ryan has a BEng (Mechanical) from UBC. Part of her degree involved an exchange year in Melbourne. Realizing her true passion involved working with children, Ms. Ryan returned to UBC to obtain her Bachelor of Education degree. She has MYP Level 2 (Math) and Level 1 in Technology.

Caitlin Shepard (2010): English
Ms. Shepard graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) majoring in English and History. She earned her Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Roehampton University, in London, England. Prior to joining Stratford Hall, Ms. Shepard taught for two years at Greenshaw High School in London, England. She has DP level 3 training in English.

Jenna Skipsey (2009): French
An IB DP graduate from Mahindra United World College (India), Ms. Skipsey has a BA and BEd from UBC in addition to IB MYP Level 1 and 3 training. In the summer of 2011 she attended an intensive French program in Quebec City.

Andrew Wheeler (2010): Science and Math
Mr. Wheeler holds an honours BScMed from the University of Western Ontario, and a Bachelor of Education from the Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario. He taught at the American School of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and then at the Fukuoka International School in Japan. There, he taught IB Chemistry, Biology and Environmental Systems. He has IB Level 1 training in Biology, Chemistry and Theory of Knowledge and Level 3 training in Chemistry Internal Assessment.

Greta Bartsch (2002): Grade 6 English, Humanities, and Co-Coordinator of Student Life
Ms. Bartsch has been teaching since 1998, following her graduation from UBC with Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees. She is now pursuing a Master of Educational Leadership degree from SFU. She has her Grade Ten piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music and has Orff training. Ms. Bartsch has had IB Level 1 MYP and Level 3 (Language Policy) training. This year she will be part of the Junior School leadership team.

 

Rick Campanella (2004): Mathematics and CAS Coordinator
Mr. Campanella earned his BA degree in Mathematics and he worked in business for four years. He returned to UBC, earning his Bachelor of Education (secondary mathematics) degree in 2003. He is currently pursuing a Master of Educational Leadership from SFU. He has IB Diploma and MYP mathematics training. Mr. Campanella is also the IB DP Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) Coordinator and has IB CAS training.

 

Sarah Phillips (2007): Grade 6 Science, Math, and OEE
Ms. Phillips graduated from Crofton House School and has a BSc and BEd, both from UBC. She has international experience in outdoor education (USA and New Zealand). Ms. Phillips has MYP Level 2 training (Science) and Level 3 in Building Transitions and Level 3 in the IB Learner Profile. She also has Level 3 training in MYP Coordination and last year was the interim coordinator. Ms. Phillips is a member of the IB Academy, and can do authorization visits and teacher training for MYP schools.

Gillian Louie (2011): Coordinator, Admissions & Learning Specialist, Individual Education Plans

In addition to her role as IEP Learning Specialist, Mrs. Louie has now taken on the role of Admission Coordinator in our Community Development division. She began teaching internationally as an ESL instructor in Korea. Following that experience, she joined Mulgrave School, where she taught for nine years. She is a graduate of Collingwood School in West Vancouver and has both a BA and BEd from UBC. She has Level 1 and Level 2 IB PYP training, so she is well versed in the overall IB philosophy.
 

Jason Rodham (2012): Manager, Advancement

Mr. Rodham joined Stratford Hall in 2012 with a wealth of experience in the area of non-profit fundraising. Prior to joining Stratford Hall, he spent several years as a senior fundraiser with the Candian Museum for Human rights. Prior to this, he worked with world renowned children's entertainer, Raffi, on an ambitious global charity initiative. Mr. Roham also has extensive experience as a professional writer and communications specialist. He has two young children.

 

Janine Erickson (2008): Childcare Program Coordinator
Ms. Erickson has worked with both individual families and childcare centres. She manages the afterschool care programs in the Junior School, including the summer camp and the day camp programs. Other after school care and teacher support workers are employed to assist from local universities and colleges.

Olivia Law (2006): Assistant to the Head of School / Registrar
Ms. Law has a Bachelor of Arts degree from SFU, with a major in psychology. In addition to her work with the Head of School, she deals with Ministry issues and supports the Board of Governors.

Katie Nation (2010): Reception and Community Development Assistant (publications)
Ms. Nation has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dalhousie University in English, and an Editing Certificate from SFU. She is currently studying publishing part-time in the Writing and Publishing program at SFU. She works at the Senior School.

 

Leanne MacKenzie (2012): Accounting Department
Ms. MacKenzie spent 13 years as an Accountant in the Vancouver film inudstry. She studied Business Administration at UBC in Kelowna and is a previous Treasurer of the After School Care Society, as well as a High School Volleyball Coach.

 

Robin Korba (2003): Accounting Department
Ms. Korba has an extensive financial education and work experience. She owned and ran her own business for 20 years, while working for both small and large companies and while raising her two children.

 

Akiriti Kochher (2013): Accounting Department
Ms. Kochher has worked in administration and accounting for the last 7 years. She holds a diploma in Business Administration from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and is currently working towards her Certified Management Accounting designation.