Title: Vice-Principle of Finance and Operations
School: The Mabin School, Toronto, Ontario
Years at the School: 5
Superpower: Super Speed: In just five years at The Mabin School, Rachel Matthews has achieved a remarkable series of firsts for the small school of 150 students and 35 staff. Since 2020, she has helped lead the school’s first capital campaign, steered its first major construction project to completion, and negotiated both a first and second collective agreement following staff unionization. Her nominator, former Principle Nancy Steinhauer, had this to say: “Managing any one of these events would have been enough to merit an award, but Rachel Mathews managed the finances and logistics of all of them with skill, aplomb and extraordinary dedication.”
Committed to Growth: Amidst all this transformation, Matthews still made time to pursue professional development, completing courses in risk management and human resources throughout her tenure.
Driven by Excellence: Matthews navigates the complexities of a busy campus with “grace and creativity.” She brings a learner’s mindset to her work, always seeking ways to enhance the school’s systems and outcomes.
Master of Details: Her attention to detail is exceptional, whether it’s purchasing a new shed, a polished banister or an electric socket placed exactly where it’s needed. At the same time, she remains highly responsive to the needs of the moment.
Heart of the School: “She does the work of several people, all the while positioning her desk so that she can see the children and enjoy the sound of them playing,” wrote Steinhauer There is nothing she won’t do if it means better outcomes for students and our broader community, including flipping pancakes, moving furniture or sneaking gifts to our neighbors.”
