Staff Directory
All staff members are focused on student achievement and well-being. They place a high value on making connections with students and getting to know them. Teachers are cognizant of the ideals of the International Baccalaureate - inquiry, critical thinking, authentic assessment and interdisciplinary connections.
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SENIOR ADMINISTRATION
Head of School: James McConnell (2000 - )
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 (Simon Fraser University). 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.
Director of the Junior School: Gordon MacIntyre (2005 - )
Mr. MacIntyre enters his fifth year as Director of Junior School. Prior to Stratford Hall, he spent 10 years at Meadowridge School as teacher, department head and Director of Athletics. Mr. MacIntyre has earned four degrees from UBC: Bachelor of Physical Education, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and Master of Education (Educationl Administration and Leadership). Mr. MacIntyre has completed the CAIS Leadership Institute diploma and is responsible for Junior School operations, K-7.
Director of the Senior School: Kate Sutton Jones (2008 - )
Ms. Sutton Jones has a Bachelor of Education degree (McGill) and a Master of Education degree (UBC). She has also completed the CAIS Leadership Institute modules. Her career began in the UK, continued in Togo (Africa), and prior to Stratford Hall, spent 6 years as Science Department Head at York House School. She was an IB science teacher in Togo, and has retained an international focus in her work. She is fluent in French.
Director of Finance and Operations: Dave Dirks (2007 - )
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 (Simon Fraser University) and takes ongoing CMA training.
PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAM TEACHERS
Our Primary Years teaching staff is highly qualified, and trained in the IB PYP (training levels are 1, 2 and 3). The Stratford Hall staff is the most highly trained and experienced IB staff in British Columbia and are listed below in grade order.
Kindergarten: Sarah Scott (2004 - )
Ms. Scott is no stranger to independent schools, having graduated from Shawnigan Lake School. She studied at the University of Victoria and then the University of British Columbia, where she earned her Bachelor of Education degree. In 2008 she earned her Master of Education degree (UBC). Ms. Scott has taken Level 3 IB-PYP training in Social Studies & Science and Early Childhood Education, and is a certified IB Teacher Trainer and Site Consultant.
Kindergarten: Nicole Obadia (2006 -)
Ms. Obadia has a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Education degree, both from UBC. Prior to joining Stratford Hall, she taught kindergarten at Kansai International School in Osaka, Japan. KIS was an IB PYP candidate school during Ms. Obadia’s time there. She has had Level 1 and Level 3 IB-PYP training in Social Studies & Science and Early Childhood Education.
Grade 1: Candice Birch (2008 - )
Ms. Birch is a graduate of UBC, with a Bachelor or 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 and Level 2 IB-PYP training in Collaborative Planning.
Grade 1: David Ritchie (2006 - )
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.
Grade 2: Casey Turnpenny (2006 -)
Ms. Turnpenny is another member of the FAME cohort in the Faculty of Education at UBC. She graduated with her Bachelor of Education in 2006, following a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Victoria. Ms. Turnpenny attended the IB Americas Regional Conference in 2008, and has Level 2 IB-PYP training in Assessment and Level 3 IB-PYP training in The Role of Science & Social Studies.
Grade 2: Jennifer Yeung (2007 - )
Ms. Yeung is a graduate of Crofton House and taught at West Point Grey Academy from 2001 to 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.
Grade 3: Susan Riordan (2006 - )
Mrs. Riordan has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trent University and a Bachelor of Education from UBC. She attended Shawnigan Lake School on Vancouver Island and worked as a faculty associate at Collingwood School prior to coming to Stratford Hall. Mrs. Riordan has Level 2 IB-PYP training in Assessment and Level 3 IB-PYP training in The Role of Science & Social Studies.
Grade 3: Laura Moriarty (2004 - )
Ms. Moriarty is a graduate of UBC, with Bachelor of Science (Animal Biology) 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.
Grade 4: Alexis Malinowski (2008 - )
Ms. Malinowski has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Waterloo and a Bachelor of Education from UBC (FAME cohort). Prior to working at Stratford Hall, she worked at Crofton House School. Ms. Malinowski has completed Level 1 IB-PYP training and Level 2 training in Collaborative Planning.
Grade 4: Katie Carr (2009 - )
With a BA from University of the Fraser Valley and BEd from Simon Fraser University, Ms. Carr comes to Stratford Hall from Meadowridge School, an accredited IB World School, where she taught grade 3. Ms. Carr is also a certified scuba diver. She has completed Level 2 IB-PYP training in Collaborative Planning.
Grade 5: Daniel (DJ) Thompson (2007 - ) PYP Coordinator
Mr. Thompson taught at the Canadian International School of Singapore for 4 years prior to joining Stratford Hall. He is also a certified scuba diver. Mr. Thompson’s education includes a BA from the University of Ottawa and a BEd from the University of Windsor. He has several levels of IB training, attended the IB Americas Regional Conference in 2009, and is a certified IB Teacher Trainer and Site Consultant.
Grade 5: Andrea DeTerra (2004 - )
Sra. DeTerra is a graduate of Cornell University, with a BA (distinction) in theatre and English. She also has a BEd from UBC (FAME cohort) and was also a Rotary International scholar with a fellowship to complete postgraduate studies in Spanish Literature at the University of Seville. Sra. DeTerra has Level 2 General, Level 2 PYP training in Internationalism and Level 3 PYP training in The Role of Science & Social Studies. She is also a certified IB Teacher Trainer and Site Consultant.
PYP Spanish: Kika Carranza-Salazar (2006 - )
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. Sra. Carranza has completed Level 2 IB-PYP training in Collaborative Planning and Level 3 IB-PYP training in The Role of Language.
PYP Physical Education and athletics: Bobby Nishi (2004 - )
PYP Athletic Coordinator
Prior to working at Stratford Hall, Mr. Nishi was at Steveston Academy. He is a triple graduate of UBC with degrees in Human Kinetics and Education, as well as a Master of Education. Mr. Nishi has Level 3 IB-PYP training in Assessment and MYP Level 1 training in PE.
Music: Boyd Grealy (2005 - )
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 artistic director and performer with Uzume Taiko. Mr. Grealy teaches in both the Upper and Lower Schools and has Level 2 IB-PYP training in Inquiry as well as MYP Level 2 training.
Music: Beverly Willms Best (2007 - )
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.
Learning Specialist, Research and Resources: Elizabeth Smith (2006 - )
Ms. Smith was with the Vancouver School Board for 25 years before moving to Crofton House School, where she was teacher-librarian for 8 years. Ms. Smith has Level 2 IB-PYP training in Collaborative Planning as well as MYP Level 2 training.
MIDDLE YEARS AND DIPLOMA PROGRAM TEACHERS
The MYP and DP staff are highly qualified in subject areas, and in the IB. Most have had IB training. MYP and DP staff are listed in alphabetical order .
English and IB Diploma Coordinator: Matthew Allen (2006 - )
Dr. Allen began his undergraduate training at UBC and earned a Masters at Queen’s. His PhD (Renaissance literature) is from UBC. Dr. Allen has taught at St. John’s School (Alberta), UBC and St. George’s School (Vancouver). From 2003-2006 he was an IB Head of English at Colegio F. D. Roosevelt in Lima, Peru. He has IB DP Level 1 and 2 training and MYP level 3 training.
Spanish, Physics: Philippe Barois (2006 - )
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.
Grade 6 homeroom teacher and Co-coordinator Student Life: Greta Bartsch (2002 - )
Ms. Bartsch has been teaching since 1998, following her graduation from UBC with Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees. She has her Grade Ten piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music and has Orff training. Prior to teaching at Stratford Hall, Ms. Bartsch taught 2 years at Crofton House. Ms. Bartsch has IB Level 1 MYP training.
Mathematics, CAS Coordinator and Athletics Coordinator: Rick Campanella (2004 - )
Mr. Campanella earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and he worked in business for 4 years. He returned to UBC, earning his Bachelor of Education (secondary mathematics) degree in 2003. Following a position at West Point Grey Academy, Mr. Campanella joined Stratford Hall. He has IB Diploma and MYP mathematics training. Mr. Campanella is also IB DP Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) Coordinator and has IB CAS training.
Science and Middle Years Programme Coordinator: Catherine Daniel (2007- )
Ms. Daniel graduated from the United World College of the American West with an IB Diploma. She speaks French and Greek in addition to holding 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 in several areas.
Music: Boyd Grealy (2005- )
See PYP teacher listing.
Spanish, IB Psychology: Sylvana Herrera (2003 - )
Ms. Herrera joined Stratford Hall as a K–grade 8 Spanish teacher and moved to the Upper School in 2005. She is a graduate of Simon Fraser University, with a Bachelor of Arts, and UBC, with a Bachelor of Education (FAME cohort). She is originally from Peru, and is a Spanish native speaker. She has studied a French instruction program at Laval, has IB DP Spanish, DP Psychology, Level 1, and IB MYP Spanish Level 2 training.
Grade 7 Homeroom Teacher, Grade 7+9 English, Socials: Carley Matlashewski (2009- )
Ms. Matlashewski has a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education both from UBC. She has experience as a teacher-on-call at Crofton House and York House School.
Spanish, Theatre: Courtney McFadyen (2009 - )
Ms. McFadyen has a Bachelor of Arts from Acadia University and a Bachelor of Education from Memorial. Her MA (Drama) is from University of Toronto and most recently she taught at a middle school in the Greater Victoria School District.
Humanities: Chris McGuigan (2005 - )
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 and MYP Humanities.
Outdoor and Experiential Education and Co-Coordinator Student Life and Coordinator Global Programs: Michael McGuire (2008 - )
Mr. McGuire has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario, a teaching certificate from the University of Victoria and a Masters degree in Education from UBC. Prior to Stratford Hall, he worked at Archbishop Carney Secondary School (Port Coquitlam). He holds qualifications in advanced first aid, ski, canoe and avalanche safety and has MYP Level 2 Humanities training.
Spanish: Melahnie Moodie (2007- )
Ms. Moodie speaks French, Spanish and Portuguese, and instructs yoga. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in environmental sciences from Royal Roads University and holds a Bachelor of Education degree from UBC. Ms. Moodie has been heavily involved in the 4Reel series that has now been aired in over 166 countries and 35 languages. She has IB MYP Level 2 Language B training.
Learning Specialist, Research and Resources: Kirsten Morozov (2002 - )
Mrs. Morozov has Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (FAME cohort) from UBC. She has taught at Stratford Hall in the PYP and MYP and has IB PYP Level 2 training as well as MYP Level 2 training for Librarians.
Theatre: Jay Nunns (2005 - )
Mr. Nunns was the Artistic Director at the Ailanthus Centre for its last 8 years. He is accomplished in improv, film production and circus and is currently the artistic director of Cirkids. He was a key member of the design team for the building at 3000 Commercial, and assists the school in utilizing its unique features.
Physical Education and Athletics: Kyle Nystad (2008- )
Mr. Nystad joined Stratford Hall after 4 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.
Science, Outdoor and Experiential Education and grade 6 homeroom teacher: Sarah Phillips (2007- )
Ms. Phillips graduated from Crofton House School, and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree and Bachelor of Education degrees, both from UBC. She has extensive experience in outdoor education, having been an instructor at the Boston University Sargent Centre and Wangannui Collegiate School in New Zealand. Ms. Phillips has MYP Level 2 training in Science and Level 3 in Building Transitions.
Science and grade 7 homeroom teacher: Andrea Ryan (2007- )
Ms. Ryan attended UBC where she completed her Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) degree. 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 1 training in Technology and Level 2 in Math.
French, PE, DP ToK: Jenna Skipsey (2009 - )
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 training.
French, Humanities: Carmen Stephen-Patel (2002 - )
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 Simon Fraser University. She studied French at Laval University, in Quebec and has IB Level 2 MYP training.
Math, Science: David Wees (2009 - )
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, US). He has IB MYP and DP training and a Bachelor of Science (UBC) with a BEd in Secondary Math (UBC).
SUPPORT STAFF
Childcare Program Coordinator: Janine Erickson (2008 - )
Ms. Erickson has worked with both individual families and childcare centres. She manages the afterschool care programs in the PYP Building, including the summer camp and the vacation care programs. Other after school care and teacher support workers are employed to assist from local universities and colleges.
Finance Office Assistant: Karen Paulyn (2009 - )
Accounts: Stephanie Hughes (2009 - )
Ms. Hughes ran her own consulting company for 17 years. She is currently studying to become a Certified General Accountant.
Accounts: Robin Korba (2003 - )
Ms. Korba has an extensive financial background, both for her own company and for small and large companies.
Assistant to the Head of School and Admissions Coordinator Olivia Law (2006 - )
Ms. Law has a Bachelor of Arts degree from SFU, with a major in psychology. She works at the MYP and DP Building.
Gap Student: Sam Dawson
Sam is from New Zealand and works at the MYP and DP Building with the OEE program.
Gap Student: Matthew Price
Matthew is from the UK and works at the PYP Building.
Administration + Community Development: Katie Nation (2010 - )
Ms. Nation has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dalhousie University in English and works at the MYP and DP Building.
Administrative Assistant, Lower School: Jane Williams (2000 - )
Ms. Williams joined Stratford Hall in January 2000 and was the first full-time employee. She works at the PYP Building and is the primary contact for parents in the Primary Years Programme.
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