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Christopher H. Grieve

Head of School

Mr. Grieve has devoted his entire career to education; he has worked as a teacher, Principal and Headmaster in a selection of renowned independent schools. He 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. As a teacher, Mr. Grieve has experience at the elementary and senior levels and has taught Science, Mathematics, English, Physical Education and Career Studies. He holds 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, Mr. Grieve earned a diploma in Independent School Leadership from the Canadian Association of Independent Schools (CAIS).While growing up in Toronto, Mr. Grieve attended private and public schools and competed in elite athletics. He is married to Lindsay and has two daughters, Natalie and Alexandra.

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 completed his Masters Degree in Education at the University of Calgary. Since entering the teaching profession, Mr. Ozechowski has acquired extensive experience teaching students ranging from Grade 7 to Grade 12. He takes pride in designing lessons that inspire students to stretch their minds, and challenges them to evolve as learners. Mr. Ozechowski strives to build a classroom environment in which each student feels capable, connected, contributing and cared for. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three children.

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. Following eight years in human resources and international banking, Mrs. Raye entered the field of education and earned 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 four years before immigrating to Canada. Mrs. Raye’s dual role at Aberdeen Hall as Director of Admissions and teacher of Social Studies provides her the opportunity to exercise the many skills gained during her career. She loves teaching Geography and History and helping children to become global citizens. Mrs. Raye is a keen field hockey player and a Level One Coach. She enjoys horse riding, skiing, tennis and walking her dogs with her husband and three children.

Leitha Cosentino

Director of Advancement

Mrs. Cosentino is responsible for helping Aberdeen Hall to continue to grow through marketing and fundraising.  Mrs. Cosentino holds an Honours BA with a double major in Mass Communications and Sociology from York University.  After graduating from university she worked in advertising in Denver, CO before returning home to Kelowna and working to better the community with United Way.  Mrs. Cosentino is also a Mentor Big Sister and has a passion for education, children and development. You can find Mrs. Cosentino on the ski hill, biking up Knox Mtn, volunteering, or playing on the beach with her husband and two children in her spare time.

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.

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!!

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.

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.

Reagan Church

Grade 4

Ms. Church received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Victoria, specializing in History and English. She began her career in the Shuswap region of BC. Ms. Church’s experience in teaching ranges from Grades 4 to 6. She enjoys coaching school team sports and assists with the Yearbook Committee. Ms. Church encourages a team-like approach to learning in her classroom, creating an environment where students assist one another to achieve their goals. She enjoys playing a variety of sports, cooking and baking, and traveling with her family.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Madeline Nichvalodoff

Preschool Teacher

Mrs. Nichvalodoff is a graduate of The College of New Caledonia, Early Childhood Education Program in Prince George, BC. She has over 20 years experience in the daycare and preschool settings and over ten years teaching the Montessori programme. Mrs. Nichvaladoff 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. Mrs. Nichvalodoff brings a gentle, caring approach and attitude to teaching young children. She is very active outside school, enjoying gardening, swimming, mountain climbing, hiking, dog walking and traveling with her husband and two sons.

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.

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 has a Preschool/Kindergarten Montessori Teaching Diploma. Mrs. O’Neil is very experienced in Early Childhood Education, having worked in childcare for over twenty years, including managing several programmes. She enjoys working with children, helping them to develop the skills they will need for their future years at school. In her spare time, Mrs. O’Neil enjoys skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and wakeboarding and hiking in the summer.

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 1 specialist; however, she enjoys working with elementary children of all ages. In addition
to her classroom assignment, she is 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, she likes to walk along the beach, read and visit
with friends.

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.

Amy Splinter

Grade 3

After receiving an Undergraduate Degree in Honours Psychology at the University of Western Ontario, Mrs. Splinter earned a Bachelor of Education Degree at the University of Strathclyde, in Glasgow, Scotland. She continued her academic studies at Queen’s and Nippisssing Universities in Ontario where she studied Special Education. Since entering the teaching profession, Mrs. Splinter has acquired extensive experience teaching students ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 9 both as a classroom teacher and as a Learning Assistance and Resource Teacher. She celebrates the unique gifts and talents of all learners and strives to meet the needs of all of her students through differentiated learning opportunities. In her spare time, Mrs. Splinter enjoys exploring the Okanagan with her husband and three children.

John Suderman

Violin Instructor

John Suderman has extensive experience as a violin teacher.  John completed his university education in April of 1982 and has taught violin since then.  He spent the first 18 years of his teaching career in Prince George and has lived in Kelowna since then.  Some of his former students now hold title positions in major Canadian orchestras.  John is also a member of the 2nd violin section of the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra.  He has done some touring during his career and has experience as a guest soloist with the Prince George Symphony.  He is looking forward to his time here with Aberdeen Hall.