Heads of House

List of 12 members.

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  Sarah Andras 

  Head of Wadsworth House, Advisor

  705.652.3324 ext. 370

  Bio

  Sarah is no stranger to The Grove.  An elementary school teacher, Sarah moved to Lakefield in 2003 with her husband and LCS faculty member, Peter. For the last ten years, while running her own home daycare, Sarah has taken on many roles at Lakefield including teaching Grade 12 English and Careers classes and tutoring. Sarah moved onto campus with her family in 2016 when her husband took on the role of Head of Upper Colebrook House.  Having enjoyed the residential house lifestyle, Sarah decided to try it herself. This year along with the new Head of House role, Sarah will be helping to coach the riding program, as well as Advising.

  
  

  Sarah and Peter (Lakefield’s Outdoor Education Program Area Leader) live in Wadsworth House with their two children Sophie (7) and Nate (12). Both children are excited to live on campus with so many opportunities to play outside every day with their campus friends and aspire to one day begin their high school adventures at LCS.

   
• 

  Alaina Connelly 

  Head of Uplands House

  705.652.3324 ext. 371

  Bio

  Alaina joined the Grove in 2008 as an Outdoor Education assistant. From there she was the Associate Faculty in Memorial house for 2 years and a grade 9 Outdoor Ed. teacher. Since, Alaina has been the Head of House of Memorial for 5 years and is currently the Head of House of Uplands house where she lives with her husband Brad, two kids, Hamish and Audrey, and their dog Findley and cat Tripper. Alaina is also the Service Learning Program coordinator and a grade 11 Outdoor Education teacher where she is able to expose her students to the value of giving back to our community and the outdoors. Alaina enjoys being able to work closely with her students in Uplands house where the building of strong relationships and fostering a positive sense of community are the foundation. Alaina loves working with these young women as they build their independence and create their own unique identity.
• 

  Carrie Gilfillan 

  Head of Ondaatje House, Learning Strategist

  705.652.3324 ext. 332

  Bio

  Carrie joined The Grove in 2006 as the Learning Strategist, starting up Lakefield's Learning Support program. Carrie's passion for supporting youth and understanding that learning happens 24/7 drew her to the residential side of the school and in 2011 she became the Head of Wadsworth House. Carrie was able to experience all aspects of residential life running all female houses, all male houses, and  LCS' first coed residence. In September of 2016, Carrie moved across the field to Ondaatje House as it transitioned into a female residence, making it a warm and comforting place for all the girls that live there. Carrie has a passion for student well-being. She recently completed her Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology and plays a key role in LCS' THRIVE program.
  
  Family and community are very important to Carrie and she feels very lucky to be able to share her Lakefield adventure with her family. Carrie's husband Rory is a passionate history teacher at LCS, avid reader, writer and runner. Their son Pen (12) and twins Lucy and Finn (5) love living on campus surrounded by the beautiful natural environment and tons of campus kid friends. Their home is completed by their dog Enzo and cats Harriet and Kobayashi. 
• 

  Kerrie Hansler 

  Head of Moodie House, Social Sciences Teacher, Advisor

  705.652.3324 ext. 356

  Bio

  Kerrie began her role as a Head of House in 2004. She loves residential life and feels it’s a privilege to work in boarding. She has a passion for helping students develop into independent, responsible young women who understand the importance of global citizenship. Kerrie currently teaches Grade 12 Canadian and International Law and Grade 10 Canadian History. Her love for social sciences and human rights combine well with her extensive travel experience and previous work leading service projects. In sharing stories of these experiential learning adventures, Kerrie hopes to inspire her residence and classroom students to become lifelong learners. Kerrie’s interests include photography, baking/cooking, travel and all things caffeinated! Kerrie is joined in Moodie House by her husband Mark, twin sons Nicolas (Nico) and Noah, their cat Winston.
• 

  Garret Hart 

  Head of Cooper House, Outdoor Education Assistant

  705.652.1532

  Bio

  Garret arrived at The Grove in 2002, working as a member of the residential team. His roles have included; Residential Assistant in Ondaatje (2002-2004) and a Head of House in both Grove House (2004-2010) and Cooper House (2010-present). Garret lives with his wife Jessica (Fitchette) Hart '97 and his children Isla and Jameson. Garret is involved in a broad range of activities at LCS, including; Outdoor Education Assistant Teacher, coach for the rugby, snowboard racing and waterfront programs and he manages the school's maple syrup and honey beekeeping programs! In his spare time, you may find him driving the Zamboni on the Bob Armstrong Rink, grooming the nordic ski trails or enjoying a quiet canoe ride on Lake Katchawanooka.
• 

  Andrew Johnston 

  Head of Rashleigh House, Outdoor Education Teacher, Advisor

  705.652.3324 ext. 380

  Bio

  An LCS graduate  of the Class of 1995, Andrew believes in the transformative power of challenging experiences. After benefitting from time spent at various summer camps in Ontario, as well as a year of international travel, Andrew continued to challenge himself academically in the Foundation Year Programme at the University of King's College where he studied the philosophy of the ancient and contemporary western world. His next challenges were provided by his time as an international student studying economics at the University of Adelaide, and by changing his major which allowed him to graduate with a BA (Hons) in history and political studies. Andrew’s educational focus has revolved around outdoor and experiential education, and he currently considers his dual role of outdoor education teacher and Head of Rashleigh House at LCS one that puts him in the running for the honour of "most fulfilling job." Creating opportunities for students to challenge themselves has become his purpose as an educator.
  
  Andrew is privileged to be able to share his Lakefield experience with all the members of his family. His wife Kirsten provides broad support for the school community in her position as a guidance counsellor. Daughters Olivia (12) and Stella (8) have grown up in Rashleigh House, and make their father promise that they will never be required to move from their home. The Johnston family is rounded out by the recent addition of Maisy, a Portuguese Water Dog puppy who is most happy when given the task of helping to "clean" crumbs off the common room floor.
• 

  April Looije 

  Head of Grove House, Guidance and Learning, Math Teacher

  705.652.3324 ext. 310

  Bio

  April joined LCS for the 2017/2018 academic year as an associate faculty member and was quickly recognized as a strong and positive role model for our female students, both in and out of the classroom. We look forward to her leadership for the Girls’ in Grove as she takes on the role of Head of House this year. In addition to her residential position, April will also be teaching in Learning Strategies and Math, as well as coaching our 1st Girls’ Hockey and 1st Girls’ Rugby teams. April has a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, and her B.Ed. from the University of Toronto, OISE.
• 

  Jim McGowan 

  Head of Matthews House, English Teacher

  705.652.3324 ext. 347

  Bio

  After six years of involvement with the day student group as Head of Armstrong House, Jim and his family (Kristeen, Madia, Harper and Jud) were excited to make the move onto campus when Jim took on responsibilities for Matthews House in the summer of 2013. In keeping with his own educational philosophy, Jim sees the ongoing development of character and resilience in the student as a key part of the LCS difference. Jim joined the staff of LCS in September 2003 after nine years of teaching in British Columbia and Ontario. Whether it is teaching in the English department at LCS, coaching in the hockey program, or travelling to Mount Everest with the Ondaatje Expedition in 2011, Jim feels fortunate to continue to be a part of the spirit of The Grove through so many varied experiences.
• 

  Darren Moffatt 

  Head of Ryder House, Business Teacher

  705.652.3324 ext. 356

  Bio

  Darren joined LCS for the 2017/2018 academic year as an associate faculty member, assigned to our Co-Ed residence. He was a great support to the Head of House as the team navigated the challenges and rewards of both female and male students living under one roof. We are excited to have Darren take on the role of HoH for the Boys’ of Ryder this year, in addition to teaching our new Business Course, BBB4M. Darren has a B.A. from the University of Durham, England, his M.A. and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Warwick, England.
• 

  Adam Ross 

  Head of Lower Colebrook, Athletics Director, Science Teacher

  705.652.3324 ext. 317

  Bio

  Adam is in his second year as a head of house in Lower Colebrook, one year as a female and one year as a male residence and it is his ninth year in boarding altogether. Adam was a head of house and teacher at Upper Canada College in Toronto prior to coming to LCS. Adam lives with his wife Heather, who was also a head of house in Upper Colebrook, and son Ethan. In addition to residence, Adam is a biology and personal fitness teacher and has coached both the 1st and Jr. Basketball teams as well as Team Fitness.
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  Stephanie Wilcox 

  Head of Memorial House, Student Activities Coordinator, Advisor

  705.652.3324 ext. 314

  Bio

  Stephanie is making the move back to the Program team after having worked with our Communications team for the past eight years, and will be leading the Girls’ in Memorial as their Head of House. No stranger to the world of boarding, Stephanie joined LCS as a boarding student and returned as an Assistant Head of House in 2009. Stephanie has learned from one of the best, her mom Vera, and will no doubt put her own expertise to use as she returns to our on campus community and residential program. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing Major from Ryerson University.
• 

  Sam Wilson 

  Head of Upper Colebrook House, Social Sciences Teacher, Advisor

  705.652.3324 ext. 374

  Bio

  Sam has been with the Grove since 2014 in a variety of roles. He started as an Assistant Head of House in Matthews, taught in the social sciences department for two years and has rejoined the residential team as Head of House for Upper Colebrook. Always looking to push his own boundaries, he believes in challenging students in the classroom and residence to expand their horizons. Joining him on campus is his partner, Bryony, and his dog Louie. They will be welcoming their first child to campus in mid-December. He is involved in Debating, Model UN and Rock Climbing. You'll find him on the trails enjoying the natural beauty of the campus.