Our Team
Mr. Michael Anaka
Science
bio
Mr. Anaka currently teaches Science 9, Science 10, Chemistry 11, and Anatomy and Physiology 12. He received both a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biological Sciences and a Bachelor of Education from Simon Fraser University. In addition to having taught secondary science at Sir Winston Churchill and Vancouver Technical schools in Vancouver, Mr. Anaka has years of experience as a university teaching assistant for introductory biology courses and second and third year genetics courses. His science background includes working in natural habitat restoration in Surrey parks, and performing research experiments with mosquitoes in a behavioural ecology laboratory. Mr. Anaka believes strongly in experiential education through hands-on activities and labs; he is excited to work with the students and staff at Shalhevet and share his experience and enthusiasm for science. |
Rabbi Yechiel Baitelman
Parsha, Chassidus
bio
Rabbi Yechiel Baitelman is the Rabbi and Director of Chabad Richmond. Rabbi Baitelman has a passion for teaching Torah and for building community. |
Mrs. Malky Bitton
Bekius, Chumash
bio
A native Vancouverite, Mrs. Malky Bitton graduated with honours from the Lubavitch Girls High School of Chicago, and went on to receive a diploma in education from Beth Chana Seminary in Safed, Israel, and a B.A. in Judaic studies from Talpiot College in Toronto. Following her graduation, Mrs. Bitton's highly developed teaching skills and passion for teaching were in high demand and she spent a rewarding three years teaching high school students in both Toronto and New York. She now serves as co-director of Chabad of Downtown Vancouver as well as co-dean of the Jewish Academy. Along with event planning and teaching her popular classes for ladies, Mrs. Bitton is a busy mom to six adorable children! |
Ms. Maya McGrath
Language Arts
bio
Miss McGrath was born and raised in East Vancouver and is currently a student majoring in English at Simon Fraser University. Over the last three years, she has worked as a tutor teaching students of all ages and backgrounds English Language Arts and ESL. She is dedicated to creating an open and creative space for her students to explore various texts and perspectives. She has a passion for English literature, poetry, and Shakespeare. During her free time, Miss McGrath enjoys cooking, playing badminton, and exploring British Columbia’s natural scenery. She looks forward to working with the bright students at Shalhevet! |
Rabbi Mendi Feigelstock
Halacha
bio
Rabbi Mendy Feigelstock grew up in Vancouver and after receiving his Rabbinical Ordination in New York he returned to Vancouver to help grow the Jewish community. Rabbi Mendy is currently the Executive Director for the Orthodox Rabbinical Council of BC (BCK / Kosher Check). He is a founding member of the Bayit Synagogue in Richmond where he currently lives with his wife Matti and 7 children. |
Rabbi Shalom Meltzer
Navi
bio
Rabbi Meltzer received his s’micha from the Rabbinical Seminary of America while concurrently earning a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting from Touro College and passing the CPA exam. Rabbi Meltzer’s dynamic teaching skills were honed by his 5 years as an advisor for the Bronx Chapter of NCSY, and he is known for the care and concern he shows for each and everyone of his students. In 2000, Rabbi Meltzer was appointed coordinator of Torah U’mesora’s Hemshech Program in Queens, NY. Rabbi Meltzer teaches Navi with Shalhevet, but also works closely with the Texas Torah Institute. |
Rabbi Shlomo Gabay
Pirkei Avos
bio
Rabbi Shlomo Gabay was born and raised in London, UK. Following high school, he studied for several years in Yeshivot in Gateshead, UK, and Jerusalem, Israel. After getting married in London, he subsequently moved to Israel to study for Semicha (rabbinic ordination) under the tutelage of former Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu z”l and was awarded his Semicha in 2013 by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. Simultaneous with his Semicha ordination, Rabbi Gabay graduated from the Ner Le'elef International Institute in Jerusalem, a three-year post-rabbinic training programme for global outreach-educators. Rabbi Gabay went on to serve as a teacher and educator as well as a member of the prestigious Kollel in the vibrant Jewish community of Gibraltar, where he founded and directed the popular Shovavim programme, a unique one-on-one learning course for adults, featuring international speakers. In the spring of 2018, Rabbi Gabay moved to Vancouver to take up the position of spiritual leader at Congregation Beth Hamidrash, the only Sephardic congregation west of Toronto, together with his wife Rachel and 3 daughters, Miri, Shira & Chaya. In 2019 he was inducted into office by Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. Rabbi Gabay shares his passion for studying Torah and authentic Jewish education in time-honoured Sephardic tradition with the entire community from young to old. He is also a member of the Beth Din of the Orthodox Rabbinical Council of Vancouver. |
Mrs. Mattie Feigelstock
Director of Chesed and Extra-Curricular Activities
bio
Born and raised in Israel, Mrs. Matti Feigelstock studied Special Education in Beth Chana Seminary in Safed, Israel. During her time there, she worked as a dorm counsellor for 11th grade high school girls. It was through this experience that Mrs. Feigelstock developed her passion for therapy. After her marriage to Rabbi Mendy Feigelstock, Matti moved with him to Vancouver where she completed her Business Management certificate, with distinction, from BCIT. While working as the Co-program Director at The Bayit Richmond, Mrs. Feigelstock completed her 'Diploma of Professional Counselling and Certificate of Youth & Family support worker' at Vancouver College of Counselling Training. For the past 5 years Matti devoted her time and skills to establishing "Mamatefet Community Society" - a charity organization for expectant & new mothers - where she is a Co – Executive Director. This past year Matti opened her own private therapy clinic where she enjoys counselling, guiding and helping women and youth to heal. |
Ms. Suzanne Huang
Math, Fine Arts, Career and Personal Planning, Yearbook Advisor, Student Academic Advisor
bio
Ms. Huang teaches all grade levels of Secondary Math, Fine Art and Career and Personal Planning, as well as Biology 12. She is a graduate of the University of British Columbia. Ms. Huang has a strong science and math background with a major in Cell Biology and Genetics, a minor in Biochemistry, and a year’s experience performing genetics research. She is an enthusiastic educator who is passionate about promoting student learning. Ms. Huang has been teaching the wonderful girls at Shalhevet Girls High School since 2009. In addition to her many years of teaching experience, she has previously been a teacher-on-call and resource teacher for West Point Grey Academy. Ms. Huang has also formerly taught Science at Moscrop Secondary where she was involved with helping students prepare for mathematics competitions and science fairs. Additionally, she has delivered science workshops at the TELUS World of Science and has tutored for several years, specializing in Mathematics and Science. Some of Ms. Huang’s additional interests include reading, dancing, camping, snowboarding, photography, painting, ice skating, and eating, but not Social Studies. |
Dr. Tali Keselman
Ivrit
bio
Dr. Keselman is a Hebrew language teacher with a thirty-year history as a dedicated educator. Her teaching philosophy focuses on student success through an innovative, safe and inclusive learning environment. Dr. Keselman’s experiences in education includes tutoring in the classroom, teacher-training and assistant principal. As a teacher in elementary, high school and college, she enabled children to reach their potential through self-motivation and creativity. She has a strong foundation in technology, which she believes is a great tool not only for delivering a lesson, but also for student-centered learning. |
Mr. Ian Mills
Principal, Social Studies, Athletic Director
bio
Mr. Mills holds a degree in Social Studies and Geography from McMaster University, a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia, and is presently in a graduate program at Simon Fraser University. He has lived in Vancouver since 2011, except for a year spent in Australia where he traveled and taught as a substitute teacher. Originally from Southern Ontario, Mr. Mills is passionate about history, learning, and working with high school students. He is committed to creating positive relationships with students and help them meet their potential. Mr. Mills enjoys outdoor activities, including snowboarding, camping, and hiking around his home on the North Shore. He also enjoys cooking and guitar. Mr. Mills enjoys meeting new people and is very excited to be working another year with our high school girls and staff. |
Ms. Rozalyn Hardy
Physical Education
bio
Miss Hardy grew up in Vancouver, and holds an Associate’s Degree in Political Science and a Diploma of Fine Arts, both from Langara College. Miss Hardy has a passion for outdoor physical education, connecting children to both nature and a love of movement. She has instructed skiing for a decade, holding a Level 2 CSIA certification. She also holds a Level 1 CASI, a NZSIA Childrens’ Teaching Level 1, and a CADS Level 1. She has specialized in instructing children with disabilities and high support needs, and has volunteered with VASS. Miss Hardy loves watching people explore their potential and realize their abilities, and gain confidence in their bodies and minds. Miss Hardy looks forward to bringing her love of learning and movement to the Shalhevet girls. |
