Meet the Board

Julie Akeroyd has been with Andrew Sheret Limited as Corporate Counsel since 2011. Previously, she was a Solicitor with Cook Roberts LLP. Active in her community, Ms. Akeroyd has served as Director of the Capital Mental Health Association as well as Chair and Emerging Leader Coordinator for the Minerva Foundation for British Columbia Women. She holds her Bachelor of Laws from the University of Alberta and her Bachelor of Arts in Pacific and Asian Studies from the University of Victoria. Julie is currently a Board Member for the Professional College - College of Dental Hygienists of British Columbia.

Why SMS? I am passionate about contributing to the advancement of girls and women – and the motto of St. Margaret’s School – Servite in Caritate – Service with Love – aligns perfectly with this value. I am thrilled to lend my support to a community that is committed to nurturing girls and young women to be confident, empowered and certain in their belief that they can do anything.

Nolan Beise is a Director of Business Development at Mitacs. He brings business executives and academic institutions together to facilitate research-based partnerships that drive innovation. As a tutor, academic mentor, teacher, and university affiliate, Nolan has worked to promote student success for over 17 years. From designing teaching lab experiments at the University of Victoria, to co-founding a philosophy discussion group at Trinity College in the University of Toronto, Nolan has an established record of building new learning opportunities. In his current position as a research and business developer, Nolan connects and engages our learning institutions with businesses, governments, and the broader communities around them. Nolan holds a Bachelor of Science degree with distinction from the University of Victoria, and a PhD in biochemistry from the University of Toronto.

Why SMS? Upon my first visit to SMS, I was immediately struck by the confident learners I encountered. These are girls who will be life-long learners, who will make their voices heard, and who will bring the value to the world in their own unique and diverse ways. This is truly the generation for tomorrow and I am proud to be supporting their academic development as a member of the Board of Directors.

October 2014 - June 2020

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 2020

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.”

Cristen DeCarolis Dallas was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. Cristen is a graduate of California State University Long Beach with a BA in English, Creative Writing. She began her career in the Silicon Valley, focusing on facilities, administration and corporate telecommunications. Her work experience includes IPOs, acquisition and market consolidation. Cristen was responsible for the design and implementation of corporate headquarters, customer training centres and regional sales offices: creating and managing department operational and capital project budgets. Cristen and her husband Geoffrey Dallas own and operate Pizzeria Prima Strada (PPS), an award winning company with three pizzerias, production and support offices on Vancouver Island. PPS is the most highly referenced Neapolitan Pizzeria in Canada. Cristen’s daughter attends St. Margaret’s school, currently in Grade 10 (Class of 2020).

Why SMS? The transformative power of an all girls’ education, especially at St. Margaret’s School, cannot be underestimated or overlooked: empowered learning, purposeful leadership and a commitment to community. SMS offers an exceptional educational environment while supporting the unique learning challenges of its students. Our daughter’s enthusiasm and passion for learning is equally matched and supported by the SMS staff and their Learning Support Program.

Olga Gould is a corporate consultant with over 22 years of experience with Deloitte; Investment Banking; Smart Cards Solutions Corporation; and the multinational interbanking production centre. She is the founder of an IT Business Consultant Company that operates in Colombia and Canada. Olga is an elected Director of Finance at the Graduate Student Society at the University of Victoria. Olga holds a MSc. Industrial Engineering and has been participating in an advanced entrepreneurial program through Stanford University. In 2018, Olga will complete another graduate degree in Computer Science at the University of Victoria. Olga is a published author in Columbia. Her book about Entrepreneurship for Children, has been purchased by the Colombian Government and distributed in all the public schools and libraries in the country. Olga’s daughter Gabby attends St. Margaret’s School, currently in Grade 8 (Class of 2022).

Why SMS? After living abroad for six years, my family decided to return to Canada. Finding the right school for our daughter was extremely important to us. Gaby had been fortunate to have exposure to valuable multicultural experiences and innovative teaching methods, and we were searching for continuity in her studies. After carefully researching all the schools in Canada, we concluded that SMS is outstanding, and we moved to Victoria so that Gaby could become an SMS student. We are so pleased with the high standard of education at SMS. I have watched our daughter’s confidence grow, thanks to invaluable guidance from her teachers. I am so grateful to this amazing school, I decided to volunteer to serve the SMS community.

Christian Mattenley is a Private Wealth Advisor and Partner with the Howell, Mattenley Group at Scotia Wealth Management in Victoria. For 20 years, Christian has worked alongside world-class investors, advisors and financial industry executives. His expertise includes applied behavioural finance, investment, and wealth management. Christian has taught finance and investment management at both the undergraduate and graduate level and serves as a Director for the Chartered Financial Analysts Society of Victoria where he currently sits as Programming Chair. Christian holds a Master of Science of Behavioural Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Professional Certificate in Investment Decisions and Behavioural Finance from Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. He is both a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Christian’s daughter is currently in Grade 3 (Class of 2027) and joined the SMS community as a part of the Early Childhood Education program in 2012.

Why SMS? Education is not a product. It is an experience, a pursuit. At its best, it is a function of passionate people, engaged students, and an enriching environment. That is why our family chose SMS.

Anthony is Vice President for Century Group Constructors, a mid-sized construction company. Anthony was born in Sudbury, ON. Studied and worked as an architect in Ontario and Illinois, prior to moving to Victoria and leading a construction team specializing in commercial & institutional buildings across Canada.

Anthony strongly believes in the importance of being an active participant in one's community. Anthony serves as the Past Chair of Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA), representing 400 member companies. Also a Director of the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA), and the Construction Foundation of British Columbia. He is also the past President of the Cordova Bay Association. Anthony has repeatedly witnessed the power of focused, organized goal-setting and determined pursuit of improvement.

Anthony has two daughters attending SMS: Beata (class of 2027) and Ava (class of 2029)

Why SMS? SMS offers dedicated educators focused on nurturing confidence, and a stimulating STEM curriculum delivered on a green, lush campus with contemporary learning spaces.

December 2010 - June 2020

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.”

Bernard Tonks is a physiotherapist with a clinical practice in Victoria restricted to vestibular system disorders and concussion management. He is the owner of the Dizziness and Balance Rehabilitation Clinic and travels extensively providing continuing education seminars to health care professionals in North America and South East Asia. Upon graduation from the University of Toronto, he briefly worked in the public health care system but for the past 25 years, has exclusively been engaged in the private health care sector. He has completed numerous continuing education courses and in 1997 was accepted as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists. In 2001, he successfully completed the certification course in Vestibular Rehabilitation through Emory University. Bernard has two daughters who both attend St. Margaret’s School, currently in Grade 1 (Class 2029) and Grade 4 (Class of 2026).

Why SMS? Bernard and Liz are the very lucky parents of two daughters who have both attended SMS since Junior Kindergarten. From the moment we were introduced to the JK staff and facilities we knew this would be our daughter’s home away from home. The dedication of the entire JK team as well as the strong school-wide commitment to community service, outdoor learning experiences and the emphasis on family were important determinants in our decision to enrol our children.

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.