Meet the Board

October 2014 - June 2018

Carmen is a graduate of the University of Calgary with a B.Ed. specializing in Learning Disabilities. Carmen has experienced multiple overseas postings, including Luanda, Angola where Carmen was the founding Principal of the Luanda International. When living in Cairo, Egypt, Carmen was an educational consultant to international schools, a conference presenter for USAID teacher training projects, and chaired the board of a non-profit organization that helped humanitarian projects create healthy governance and financial structures. Following a transfer to Aberdeen, Scotland Carmen was elected to two terms on the Governing Board of the International School of Aberdeen, where she was the Chair of the Communications.

Carmen was born in Edmonton, Alberta and was a high school boarding student at Concordia University College where she graduated.

Carmen’s daughter was a boarding student at SMS, Class of 2017.

Why SMS?  “Because our daughter chose it for herself. We toured numerous boarding schools, and she selected St. Margaret’s for its empowering all-girls philosophy, S.T.E.M. focus, and welcoming atmosphere. As a parent and educator I want to whole heartedly support that decision and contribute in any way I can to the SMS community.”

October 2011-June 2018

Deanna is a business consultant specializing in project management, international marketing and business planning and she is also owner of a local manufacturing business.

Over the course of her professional career, she has been director of the Business Immigration Program and Asia Pacific Trade for the BC government. She brings a wealth of experience in promoting British Columbia as a commerce and study destination and is especially skilled in managing and advancing unique business opportunities.

Deanna was born in Hong Kong, studied in the US and Switzerland. She has a bachelor degree in Business Management from Loyola University in Los Angeles and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Southern California.

Why SMS?  “I firmly believe in the distinct advantages of an all girl’s school and I support efforts to educate the next generation of successful women and serving as a member of the Board of Governors is my way of contributing to society in a meaningful manner.”

November 2016 - June 2020

Rosemary is Vice President and General Manager for Lockheed Martin operations in Canada with primary projects under the Rotary and Mission Systems business segment – predominately in the area of Naval Systems. Rosemary leads a diverse team of over 650 employees at locations coast to coast who are performing on complex engineering and manufacturing projects both domestically and abroad.

Rosemary is a graduate from the University of Washington with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Her career journey included roles in mechanical design, environmental and human factors engineering leading to business development, strategic planning and program management. Rosemary has worked in various locations in the US, UK and Canada, and she and her husband Dennis are active volunteers where they leverage Dennis’s talent for music at various charity events.

Why SMS? “From the first day that I was introduced to SMS – walking the halls and talking with the students – through all of my subsequent interactions with the students, faculty and parents, I was impressed with the culture embedded in the fabric of the school, which inspires, motivates and fosters girls to be inquisitive/problem solvers as well as the environment that promotes respect for each other’s thoughts. I’m excited to be a part of their journey and look forward to watching them grow as well as contribute to my personal growth as they impart new perspectives onto me!”

November 2016 - June 2020

Melissa has 15 years of corporate experience working with The Executive Council, Province of British Columbia. Her leadership roles include governance for the Board Resourcing and Development Office (establishing guidelines and board director searches for over 300 public agencies), and responsibility of human resource management for the Office of the Premier and Ministerial Offices. She also worked extensively in corporate headquarters, B.C. Government Communications and Public Engagement.

Melissa has provided over a decade of volunteer leadership as Campaign Director for several Provincial Elections. She was born in Victoria, B.C. and adopted into a family that was passionate about community engagement. Melissa attended Norfolk House School, The American School in Switzerland and St. Michael's University. Melissa's daughter Angelina (class of 2022) attends St. Margaret's School.

Why SMS? "I believe St. Margaret's School provides innovative education that fosters discovery and opportunities for girls to find their own voice, which will ultimately enrich global society."  

October 2016 - June 2019

Rebecca Grant is an Associate Professor of Information Technology in the University of Victoria’s Peter B. Gustavson School of Business, where she teaches e-business and management information systems. She has also taught at McGill University, the University of Cincinnati and the University of California at Irvine.

She has been an active volunteer with the United Way since 2004, including serving twice as the Greater Victoria United Way Campaign in 2008 and 2014. She is a Governor of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and past member of the Board of Tourism Victoria. Rebecca has served as director and past Board Chair for the University Club, as a member of the Telus Community Board, and a trainer for Junior Achievement of B.C. She has been a judge for the Douglas Magazine “10 to Watch” competition since 2006.

Most recently, Rebecca was honoured to receive the 2013 “Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award” from the Victoria Chapter of the Association of Philanthropy Professionals and the “Community Engagement” Award from the International Advisory Board of the Gustavson School of Business.

Why SMS?  "I majored in computer science at a time when women were a rarity in STEM disciplines, and my experience is that girls still receive too little support and encouragement in those areas. STEM programs offer outstanding educational advantages to young women, regardless of their ultimate interests or career path. I’m pleased to be involved with a school committed to helping its students explore and develop their understanding and skills in the sciences and technology."

November 2016 - June 2020

Michelle Iulianella is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who works with individuals and couples full-time at her private practice in Victoria. She also works as a Mental Health Clinician with Island Health, the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations and is a Community Therapist for the University of Victoria. She studied Education (BEd) at the University of Victoria and has an MBA from the University of Victoria’s Peter B. Gustavson School of Business, specializing in Service Management. Michelle also has an MA in Counselling Psychology from Adler University in Vancouver.

Michelle began her career as an elementary school teacher before leaving the classroom to work with educators throughout Canada for Pearson Canada’s K-12 Education Division and SMART Technologies. She has also served as Director of Marketing and Communications for St. Margaret’s School.

Michelle attended St. Margaret’s from Grade 9 through Grade 12 and was both Malcolm House Captain and Head Girl (1998).

Why SMS? "SMS provided me with incredible opportunities that opened up my world to show me what I was capable of and what was possible for me. SMS was, and continues to be, an inspiring and nurturing place for girls and young women to be themselves and confidently push beyond boundaries. As a SMS Alumna I’m thrilled serve as a member of the Board of Governors and support an incredible school and that remains ever committed to an extraordinary mission and vision."

December 2008-June 2018

Jeremy is the owner of a national restoration auto parts business. In a previous incarnation, he was a consultant specialising in facilitation, public policy, strategic and business planning and change management.

Jeremy has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in History and a Master of Public Administration both earned at the University of Victoria. He never attended SMS, but he has peers (male!) who did.

Jeremy has served on the Board of Governors since 2008 and has been Chair of the Board of Governors since June 2012. The skills and abilities he brings to the Board include facilitation, planning, governance, communications, a sense of humour and an over-developed commitment to volunteerism. He takes the School’s motto “Servite in Caritate” to heart and believes that it isn’t just a message for the students, but a clarion call to all members of the SMS community.

Jeremy has two daughters attending SMS: Lily (Class of 2021) and Julia (Class of 2024).

Why SMS? "We chose SMS for our daughters because we believe that the All Girls educational experience offers the best possible learning environment, tailored to the unique way that girls learn. At SMS they will each have the opportunity to grow into the strong, independent woman that we hope they will become.”

December 2010 - June 2017

David is a lawyer specializing in tax law.  He currently practices with the government of BC and was formerly in private practice in Toronto and Vancouver.  

David was born in Winnipeg and received his law degree from the University of Manitoba in 1992.  David also obtained a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Victoria in 1999.

David brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the board gathered from the north end of Winnipeg to Bay Street.

David has two daughters at SMS – Charlotte (class of 2023) and Gwyneth (class of 2027).

Why SMS – “I believe in the value of an all-girls education and in the nurturing yet demanding environment that SMS provides for its students.  I am happy every day I take my daughters to SMS.”

November 2016 - June 2020

Joan Yates is a Vice President at one of BC’s leading community colleges.  She has held responsibility for college advancement; communications;  marketing and strategic planning as well as student services; counselling; library services; and career learning.  Prior to her strategic work she was Dean of the School of Business, and a faculty member teaching in business and management.  

Community engagement includes holding positions as board and national president of a Canadian professional association, winning two awards in recognition of her contribution to the profession.   Her volunteer work has included work with international issues and their impact on children; issues impacting women and their children including childcare, transition housing; homelessness and sexual violence. Joan enjoys time with her family. 

Why SMS - Joan was brought up in Zambia and attended British based girls’ boarding school during her middle and high school years.  She believes strongly in supporting girls and young women as they transition into opportunities that supports their career and personal dreams.