
Board of Directors
The school is operated by a not-for-profit corporation and registered charity known as the Joan of Arc Academic Society of Ottawa. The Society is governed by a Board of Directors composed of talented, committed volunteers. The Board is made of both parents/guardians and external members, and at least one-third is voted in annually.

Chair

Jason Rabin
I am a native Montrealer who moved to Toronto for many years before settling in Ottawa for work. I have
a wonderful wife, Elinore, who works as a coordinator for a charity matching special needs children with
friends.
I work as a civil litigator and have taught part-time as a law professor at University of Ottawa. I am the
proud father of two children, a ten-month old boy, Aaron, and a seven-year old girl, Lily, who has been a
JOA student since Kindergarten and is presently in Grade 2.
On my off time I love to cook and bake for my family. I am also an avid year-round cycle commuter.
I am supportive of keeping our school’s curriculum focused squarely on strong academics, with an
emphasis on French and STEM. I believe traditional forms of instruction and values are still worthwhile
and can be married successfully with more modern pedagogy.
As a new board member, I know I have a lot to learn about how JOA is governed. But I will do everything
in my power to support the values that have made JOA such a fine school for our girls.

Vice Chair

Russell Gibson

Secretary

Rishika Aggarwal
Rishika holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Ivey Business School at Western University where she studied medical sciences before pursuing business. She is also a proud alumnus of Joan of Arc Academy where she studied for five years and served as Head Girl in her final year.
Outside of work, Rishika has previous volunteer experience with the St. Michael’s Hospital Young Leaders Board, where she supported community fundraising initiatives. She is also a Mentor at Pathways to Education, providing academic and career support to students.
In her free time, Rishika enjoys dance, fitness, movies, and spending time with loved ones.

Treasurer

Andrew Bailes
number of companies in the Ottawa area. He is originally from the UK, but has lived in Canada since
2007. He was CFO for GoFor, the fastest growing company in Ottawa in 2020. He has extensive
experience in IT, Telecoms and other sectors, managing not only Finance, but also Legal, HR and
Operational functions. Andrew has degrees from Cambridge University, Queens, Cornell and is a
qualified CPA. He has been a Joan of Arc parent for five years.

Past Chair

Patricia Chafe


Craig Burkett


Shravan Chopra


Gadson Githae


Dustin Kenall


Jane Labreche


Catherine Munier


Joseph Odhiambo
Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Joseph Odhiambo is a father of three children, and his youngest daughter has just started junior kindergarten at Joan of Arc Academy. Professionally, Joseph has held senior roles in the federal government since 1998. He is currently a Principal Advisor in the Investments, Partnerships, and Innovation Division at Infrastructure Canada, where he manages a team of analysts specializing in Alternative Finance Policy. Joseph has also served in various roles on volunteer boards over the past 26 years, including President and Treasurer, for the following organizations: the Institute of Public Administration of Canada, the Canadian International Council, and Connecting Environmental Professionals. Mr. Odhiambo is a member of the 1993 Saint Francis Xavier University National Championship Basketball Team, which was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2008. He is also a volunteer for the Ottawa Shooting Stars Basketball Programme, where he coaches boys and girls ranging in age from four to ten.


Melanie R.
Melanie's bilingual skills have enabled her to lead diverse teams and manage complex situations with grace. Her commitment to fostering a positive school culture and collaborative engagement, underpin her outlook in all facets of her life. Her career is marked by her ability to provide strategic advice, reinforced with well-researched recommendations that have had tangible outcomes. Her insights and recommendations have played a crucial role in shaping policies and initiatives across the public sector.
A unique blend of experience, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to shared Joan of Arc Academy values, Melanie feels fortunate to be part of the school community.


Alicia Ross
Society Documents
Joan of Arc Academic Society By-laws
Board Documents
Interested in
joining our
team?
We are always seeking strong external candidates with skills in business management, education, marketing, sales, technology, accounting, or human resources. Not-for-profit governance experience is a plus. If you have something to offer, please email info@joanofarcacademy.com