MEETS

Rachelle Shi Shun

Senior Manager Finance & Administration

Rachelle has joined St. George’s School with a mission to drive positive change and enhance processes within the Finance Department. She firmly believes that finance is central to any organization and views the department as a crucial service center for the School. Rachelle is dedicated to building trust through every interaction by maintaining a consistent and meticulous approach.

After having acquired the experience and wealth of knowledge that come with beginning a career in auditing, Rachelle transitioned to various positions in industry. Before joining St. George’s, she served as a Senior Financial Controller in the Property Development sector.

Rachelle is a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Marketing, from the University of Melbourne.

Outside of work, Rachelle enjoys traveling and spending time with her dog, Pancake.

Aaron Stamboulieh

Senior Manager of Technology

Aaron Stamboulieh has been a proud member of the St. George’s community since 1993, having joined in Grade 7 and graduating as a member of the Class of ’98. Returning the following year part-time to assist in Media Studies classes while continuing studies at Marianopolis College, Concordia University and Delta College, Aaron’s involvement in behind-the-scenes work grew, with the positions of Computer Technician, Systems Administrator, Coordinator of IT and most recently, Senior Manager of Technology.

Overseeing the technological needs of both campuses, Aaron is an Apple Certified Technician and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator, and is inspired every day by the energy and excitement that St. George’s students live and breathe.

Aaron is involved in multiple co-curricular activities, with roles such as Assistant Director of the award-winning Glee Club “G Major”, coordinator of the Montreal round of the international academic competition known as the World Scholar’s Cup, guiding the graduating class to produce an annual short film to commemorate their time at St. George’s, and manager of the scoring table at basketball games. Aaron recently began working for the Canadian Elite Basketball League compiling statistics and working the scoreboards for Montreal Alliance home games, travels to New York several times a year (116 Broadway shows and counting) and is an avid game show fan, having attended dozens of live tapings around North America.

With 31 years of his life spent in these buildings, Aaron truly believes in the St. George’s mission and building authentic individuals.

Kathay Carson

Senior Director of Strategic Enrolment

Kathay Carson, our Senior Director of Strategic Enrolment, has been a cornerstone of the St. George’s community for 28 years. Her career trajectory began in education at St. George’s as a Science and Geography professor, where she enhanced the learning experience for all students, using her understanding of experiential learning to teach meaningfully and authentically. As Director, she is committed to helping families find the best learning environment for their child(ren) through the admission process. She has been pivotal in expanding our International Student Program and cultivating a rich, diverse learning community. In 2012, she earned the CAIS Leadership Diploma.

Kathay enjoys camping with her family and travel. With extensive hands-on experience in coaching, and an interest in holistic health, Kathay is committed to wellness and personal growth.

Marc Balas

Chief Financial and Operating Officer

Marc Balas joined St. George’s in 2015 with a mission to help enhance and expand the school’s programs and operations, ensuring an exceptional teaching and learning environment for the St. George’s community.

With a diverse background that spans both large international corporations and dynamic startups, Marc brings a wealth of strategic insight to his role. His career includes key leadership positions as COO and CFO across a range of industries, including investments, finance, manufacturing, technology, and strategy consulting. Marc’s strategic vision and dedication have significantly contributed to positioning St. George’s for sustained growth and success in a competitive educational landscape.

Marc is a Chartered Financial Analyst and holds an MBA in Finance, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Economics from Concordia University. He has also completed the Fintech Program at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, which has further enriched his expertise in financial technology and innovative solutions.

Marc spent his formative years in Europe, cultivating a lifelong passion for travel. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid cyclist and sports enthusiast.

Rayna Goldman

Director of Advancement

Rayna Goldman is passionate about education, and its potential to foster positive social change. She is an Advancement professional with more than 15 years of experience in fundraising, volunteer engagement, and donor stewardship. Rayna’s past Advancement experiences include Associate Director of Advancement at McGill’s Faculty of Education, Major Gift Officer at the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, and Fundraising Consultant for various local and international organizations.

Rayna holds a BA in History from the University of British Columbia, and a MSc in Non-Profit Management from The New School. Rayna believes in the power of authenticity, and builds relationships from a place of real connection, whether with parents, students, faculty, alumni, or grandparents! Outside of work, Rayna can be found in the garden or amongst the trees.

Kim Segal

Director of Marketing and Communications

With a diverse background in communications, marketing, PR, and creative roles, Kim Segal offers leadership experience across various industries including non-profits, education, and media. Her expertise spans over 15 years in project and people management, creative development, communications, and strategic marketing. Kim joined St. George’s in August 2020, bringing expertise from her previous roles as Senior Marketing Manager at Federation CJA and Communications Director at Solomon Schechter Academy.

At the onset of her career, Kim held several creative positions within the entertainment industry, where her passion for storytelling was honed. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Concordia University, Kim leverages her expertise to develop, express, and manage the ethos and narrative of the School, ensuring brand consistency.

As a proud St. George’s parent, Kim is dedicated to fostering a strong and vibrant community through her work.

Aidan De Jean

Elementary School Principal

Aidan De Jean comes from a family of educators starting with his maternal grandparents, mother, aunts, uncles, and sister. With over 16 years in education, Aidan has served as a Grade 4 and 6 homeroom teacher, coached athletic teams in basketball, hockey, ringuette, and rugby, led overnight student retreats, served on sub-committees of the Board, and is now completing his 7th year as the Elementary School principal at St. George’s School of Montreal. During this time, Aidan’s focus has been on supporting his students and his team to learn and grow to reach their goals. Be it through facilitating student voice by way of the Student Leadership Team, or by developing a new leadership structure to empower teachers, Aidan sees success through the lens of developing agency in those around him. Witnessing students and teachers reach their goals and grow are hallmarks of a good day for Aidan!

When not at work, Aidan can be found with his wife Nancy and their two children taking walks with their dog T-Bone, playing outside, reading, or hanging poolside. In the winter, Aidan will be found at the rink coaching Hockey and Ringuette.

Sarah Neeff

High School Principal

Sarah Neeff has been an educator in the Independent School system for over twenty years. Prior to joining St. George’s School of Montreal, Sarah was the Director of Student Experience at Miss Edgar’s and Miss Cramp’s School where she developed and fostered leadership programs, service opportunities, community engagement and wellness initiatives all geared to provide students the avenues for self-exploration and learning enrichment.

Sarah first started her career as an English and physical education teacher moving into the role of Athletic Director. Her experience in athletics provided skills she has carried with her into her roles in leadership. Sarah graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Education in 2000. She earned the GMAA Coaching Award of Merit, is a Canadian Certified Athletic Administrator, and served on the CAIS Athletic Directors’ Executive.

She received a diploma in independent school leadership from the CAIS Leadership Institute. Sarah is dedicated to helping students harness their strengths and challenges to achieve their potential. She believes in the power of a team and strives to inspire motivation for growth, excitement for learning, and compassion for others.

John Narváez

Head of Teaching and Learning

John Narváez is a passionate educator with over 20 years of teaching and leadership experience in progressive schools in Canada, the United States, and Colombia. He holds a Bachelor of Education in Modern Languages from Universidad del Atlántico, Colombia, and a Master’s degree in Second Language Education from McGill University. Early on in his career, John was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, through which he attended UCLA’s Center X for Graduate Studies in Education as an exchange teacher. John was the head of the French and Spanish department at St. George’s where he has been teaching both languages for 10 years.

John is a consultant for school boards in the Montreal area, where he has worked as a pedagogical coach supporting teams of teachers in the implementation of high-leverage teaching practices. John has also been a guest lecturer, a curriculum design leader, and a content creator for Pearson Education ESL textbooks. He is a lifelong learner and a firm believer in the potential of each child to achieve success. His practice has always been grounded in meaning and purpose as the driving forces behind student growth and engagement.

Michael O’Connor

Head of School

Michael O’Connor began his career as an educator at St. George’s School of Montreal in 2007, working as a Physical Education and Health specialist. He served as Interim Director of School Life, High School from 2014-2015, and Assistant Head, High School from 2015-2021, before becoming Head of School in July 2021. Mike studied at John Abbott College (Social Sciences) and McGill University (B. Ed. and M.A. Education). Additional studies included Off-Site Safety Management, and the CAIS Leadership Institute. He worked as a Facilities Supervisor and Coordinator at McGill University, 2002-2006, and as a Youth Personal Trainer from 2007-2013.

A committed lifelong learner, Mike embodies our school’s Vision, Mission and Values. He has played a key role in many innovative school projects over the course of his tenure, demonstrating a steadfast dedication to the well-being and growth of every student as a unique individual. He is a passionate advocate of progressive education and research-based practices, and is committed to providing engaging, inspiring, and challenging learning experiences.

Mike has a keen interest in leadership and has championed student engagement across both the elementary and high school campuses. He is celebrated for his outstanding collaborative approach to leadership and community-building, always encouraging each student to embrace and advance their unique leadership style. Mike has distinguished himself as a truly inspiring teacher and is widely respected as an administrator, educational leader and teammate.

Along with his wife, Jennifer (also an educator), and their two young boys, Mike enjoys four-season outdoor recreation, a variety of sports, time on the family farm, and wilderness adventures with their dog, Ricky.

“At St. George’s, leadership isn’t a position; it’s about positive influence and supportive action.”
-Michael O’Connor