As we enter the 2024–2025 academic year we welcome 14 new members of staff to the SJS community! Find out a little more about them below.
Madlen Anderson, Senior School English and Individuals & Societies Teacher
Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Ms. Anderson previously taught for the Vancouver School Board and is excited to join the SJS community. Passionate about people and intercultural connections, she holds a BA in History and French from the University of Alberta and a BEd from UBC. In her free time she enjoys getting outside and exploring, especially by bike.
Andrea Finn, Junior School Learning Support Assistant
Ms. Finn is from Dublin, Ireland. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Care and Education and has previously worked as a Montessori teacher, private tutor and on moving to Vancouver began as a TOC in the JK at SJS. She has also worked at Talmud Torah and joins us from York House School. In her free time Ms. Finn enjoys baking, cooking, spending time with family and friends, getting to know new people and this is her year of trying out new things!
Michael Gelmon, Senior School Counsellor
Mr. Gelmon was born in Victoria, BC, and grew up in Vancouver. After attending SFU and completing his Masters’ at Adler, he has been a practicing Counsellor at post-secondary and with the Ministry of Children and Family Development. He is very much looking forward to working with, and getting to know, the SJS community. When not at school, Mr. Gelmon enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling and is learning to play the guitar.
Sophia Hunter, Senior School Digital Facilitator and Teacher Librarian
Ms. Hunter was born in London, England, but has lived in Vancouver most of her life. She has degrees from SFU and UBC but also completed some language programs in Quebec City. Before starting at SJS, she worked at Crofton House School for 17 years. During that time, she taught French, Grade 2 and library. Reading and research are her passions. When not working, you can find her with a book, out in nature or thinking about her next meal.
Cecilia Lau, Junior School Learning Support Teacher
Originally from BC, Ms. Lau began her teaching career specializing in Primary French Immersion and has since lived and worked in Toronto, Paris and Hong Kong. This international experience has exposed Ms. Lau to diverse perspectives on education and learning, and has reinforced the importance of inclusion and supporting all students to reach their full potential. During her free time, Ms. Lau enjoys exploring the great outdoors with her two daughters and husband, as well as traveling and trying new restaurants and cuisines.
Lyndsey Longeri, Junior School Associate Teacher
Ms. Longeri holds a degree in Psychology with a focus on childhood development and joins us from Ontario. Before relocating to Vancouver, she taught internationally at various elementary levels, further broadening her perspective on education while working in the UK. Outside of the classroom Lyndsey enjoys hiking, traveling, yoga and discovering new local coffee shops. She is eager to bring her energy, enthusiasm and dedication to education to make a meaningful impact on SJS students and community.
Becky Maxwell, Junior School French Specialist and Learning Support Teacher
Ms. Maxwell was born and raised in the west of Ireland. There, she earned a BA International in French & Geography and a Professional Master of Education. Ms. Maxwell taught in Ireland for several years before embarking on a new journey in Vancouver. When not working, she enjoys all that Vancouver has to offer. Hiking, skiing and camping are just a few of her favourites!
Walid Omar, Lab Technician
Mr. Omar has an Associate of Science degree with a concentration in biological sciences from the Kwantlen Polytechnic University and a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in molecular genetics from the University of the Fraser Valley.
After finishing his Bachelor’s he was hired by UBC, where he began working as a research technician before becoming a Lab Manager there. Mr. Omar has a great passion for science and is curious about the natural world and human impact on our physical environment.
Ben Rawles, Visual Content Creator
Ben is originally from England having moved to Canada 20 years ago. He has a degree in Psychology from Wales and Design qualifications from BCIT. He started working in TV in London, producing technology, sports and games shows. After gravitating towards editing, he discovered the joy of storytelling and moved into design and has worked at Nature’s Path and BestBuy as a Senior Designer and Lead Photographer. Ben loves to attend Whitecaps games, hangout and sketch with his son and play football and tennis.
Christopher Seyler, Junior School Physical Education Teacher
Mr. Seyler is originally from Ottawa, Ontario, but has called Vancouver home for the past 10 years. He studied at the University of Ottawa as well as Vancouver Island University and has been teaching for the past nine years at Fraser Academy, supporting learners with reading and writing difficulties. In his free time he enjoys walks with his family and their 180lbs Great Dane, Zeus, as well as coaching rugby.
Rachel Shedletzky, Junior School Learning Support Assistant
Ms. Shedletzky moved to BC from Ontario in 2021. Previously, she was a teacher on call at SJS, and is thrilled to join the SJS team full-time and is eagerly looking forward to the upcoming school year. Outside of work, Ms. Shedletzky enjoys attending yoga and meditation classes, practicing creative writing, and spending time outdoors, appreciating the natural beauty of BC.
Adam Walker, Senior School Theatre Teacher
Mr. Walker trained in Dance, Drama and Music at the University of Birmingham. After a couple of years in the industry, he retrained in Drama Education and gained a PGCE from the University of Warwick. He worked in London as a teacher for three years before moving to Hong Kong and becoming a Head of Arts whilst teaching MYP and DP Theatre. He remained there for 13 years becoming an MYP workshop leader, DP examiner and ISTA artist. In 2023 he completed further study at Trinity College Dublin on their master’s education course and he is delighted to be joining SJS.
Rebecca Williams, Grade 5B Teacher
Ms. Williams was born in Toronto and grew up in Chicago. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from National Louis University and then spent 10 years teaching at international schools in Vietnam, Guatemala, Colombia and Brazil. While overseas, she received her master’s degree from Framingham State University. Rebecca is coming to us from Southpointe Academy, where she has worked since returning to Canada three years ago. In her free time, Ms. Williams enjoys being out in nature with her dog, whether it be hiking, paddle boarding or camping. She also enjoys yoga, rock climbing, gardening and reading.
