Meet the Advancement Team
John Allpress, Deputy Head - Email John...
Raised and educated in the South Island of New Zealand, I have degrees in science and commerce from the University of Canterbury. After playing representative rugby for Canterbury and teaching mathematics for three years in Christchurch, the lure of powder skiing brought me to Canada. Since joining the faculty in 1980, I have served as Houseparent of Rogers, Head of the Mathematics Department, coach of the 1st XV rugby team, coach of the colt rowing squad, and Director of Admissions. I was appointed Deputy Head of School in 2000 with particular responsibility for establishing an advancement team to raise funds to finance the Bunch Centre for Performing Arts, the Maeda Health Centre, Allard House, a new Dining Room and Student Services Centre, and a classroom block to replace the ten teaching spaces and four visual arts studios presently located to the north of the Boat House/Founders Plaza. With equal priority I have worked to build Brentwood’s endowment which provides financial assistance for worthy students, and hope to see it reach the $20 million mark before I retire. A passion for the outdoors prevails when I am away from Brentwood; I find time to ski and fly fish with my son, Jack (Class of 2004), and enjoy roaming the foothills of the Rockies on horseback with my wife, Celia, at her family's ranch in the Kananaskis, southwest of Calgary.
Lara McDonald, Advancement Associate - Email Lara...
It is a privilege to work on this magnificent campus, in this enriched environment and as part of this close-knit community. As a Brentwood parent myself, I see first-hand the stimulating learning opportunities Brentwood students enjoy, and the strength of the relationships they form with their teachers, coaches and peers. Seeing young people benefiting from the Brentwood program makes my work so meaningful.
My love of language and literature, fostered during my time at UBC, combined with my business background and interest in people, led me to Brentwood as editor of the Brentonian magazine, as well as co-ordinator of alumni events and advancement. During my thirteen years here, I have greatly enjoyed meeting many of our alumni and families and hearing their stories.
I count myself very fortunate to be helping to expand opportunities and develop this campus for Brentonians.
Stephanie Young, Advancement Associate - Email Stephanie...
As a graduate of York House School in Vancouver, I have a deep appreciation for my school experience, understanding the many opportunities it afforded me to develop the skills, character and commitment to become my “best self”. It is a pleasure to join the Brentwood team and contribute to the close-knit community of dedicated faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and friends of the School.
Following the completion of my Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen’s University, my career in fundraising began in Toronto working for the Princess Margaret Hospital, Canada’s leading cancer research hospital. I enjoyed the challenges and rewards in leading the fundraising operations teams supporting the Weekend to End Breast Cancer and the Ride to Conquer Cancer events. Partnering with thousands of participants and volunteers to achieve their personal fundraising goals was deeply rewarding and I knew I had discovered my passion.
My experience in educational advancement was first developed at Crescent School, an independent boys’ school in Toronto, where I managed both the alumni relations and annual giving programs. While at Crescent, I gained valuable experience in raising both ‘funds and friends’, while also acquiring a deeper understanding of the transformative capacity of education within an independent school setting.
Most recently, I was part of the Richard Ivey School of Business Advancement Team where I focused on leadership gifts, contributing to the $200 million Campaign for Leadership. Working closely with graduates from the business school developed my belief in engaging alumni in a meaningful relationship with their school throughout their lifetime.
I also have a Brentwood connection –Margot (Lang) MacEwen (1990) is my sister and a proud alumna. I am delighted to be part of the Brentwood community and look forward to connecting with alumni, parents and friends of the School.
