Meet our board

The board is composed of up to 12 members, and meets in Adelaide for a full-day meeting twice per school term, attends Association events and participates on subcommittees. Representatives from the board also participate in departmental meetings and other stakeholder forums to meet our strategic directions. All members of the board highly value representing members and are elected for a two-year term.

 

Ibi Kanellos
PRESIDENT

Ibi Kanellos has been dedicated to the education sector since 2000, with experience in both primary and secondary schools. Currently the Business Leader at Morialta Secondary College, Ibi has been an active member of SASBA since 2006 and has held a board position since 2009. In recognition of her contributions, she was honoured with life membership in 2015. Ibi has a Graduate Certificate in Education Business Leadership. As President, Ibi is deeply committed to supporting School Support Officers and giving them a voice across the state.

Julie Collings-Wells
VICE PRESIDENT | MEMBERSHIP SUBCOMMITTEE

Julie has worked with the Department for Education since 2003 and became a member of SASBA in 2009, joining the board in 2017. From 2017 to 2020, she served on the Events subcommittee, contributing to the organisation of key events such as Members’ Day, Annual Conference and Seminar Day.

Julie held the office bearer role of Treasurer from 2020 to 2025, during which she convened the Finance & Membership subcommittee and contributed to the introduction of the online membership platform. Throughout her tenure, she implemented new financial processes and reporting initiatives designed to improve transparency and operational efficiencies in both membership and financial matters. At the most recent AGM in 2025, Julie was elected Vice President.

Julie has successfully completed a Diploma of Leadership & Management, Cert IV in Financial Services, and a Graduate Certificate of School Business Leadership through Deakin University (2020-2021).

As a board member, Julie has been actively involved in numerous working parties, and has attended conferences locally, interstate, and in New Zealand. 

Marisa Camilos
SECRETARY | EVENTS SUBCOMMITTEE

Marisa is an accomplished Business Leader at Charles Campbell College, bringing extensive expertise in financial management and education sector operations. Holding a Diploma in Financial Markets, Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Accounting), and Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), Marisa has demonstrated a commitment to professional excellence throughout her career.

Since joining the Department for Education in 2011, Marisa has contributed significantly to the effective administration and financial stewardship of education institutions. Prior to this, she built a solid foundation as a Credit Manager, developing a keen understanding of financial processes and risk management.

A respected member of the South Australian School Business Association (SASBA), Marisa serves on the Board, actively contributes as Secretary, and is an engaged member of the Events Subcommittee. Through these leadership roles, she supports the advancement and professional development of the school business staff across South Australia.

Vera Pozniak
TREASURER | MEMBERSHIP SUBCOMMITTEE

Vera is an experienced Business Manager with leadership expertise across education, ICT, finance, and the publishing industry. She joined the Department for Education in 2017, bringing with her a strong operational background and a passion for driving continuous improvement in school environments.

Recently appointed as Treasurer of the SASBA Board, Vera is contributing to the association’s financial oversight while supporting initiatives that enhance the recognition and professional development of school support staff across South Australia. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (2025) and collaborates closely with school leadership to optimise resources, improve facilities, and deliver better outcomes for students.

Vera is a committed advocate for public education, SA government values, and the vital role of support staff. She is especially passionate about staff recognition, believing it is essential for building a motivated, valued, and high-performing workforce.

Robert Sanchez
CONVENOR - COMMUNICATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE

Robert joined the Department for Education in 2019 and is currently the Finance Manager at Adelaide Botanic High School. He has served on the SASBA board since 2020.
Prior to his work in education, Robert spent over 15 years in corporate banking with the Commonwealth Bank. He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Policy and Management from the University of Adelaide (2016) and a Graduate Diploma in Project Management from the University of South Australia (2020).


Robert is keen to support and advance the work of the association and believes its members play a pivotal role in delivering the Department’s strategic plan.

Dianna Honner
CONVENOR - EVENTS SUBCOMMITTEE

With over 20 years' experience as a Business Manager, Dianna is dedicated to improving processes and developing staff capacity both within her site and other sites across the state. As a strong advocate for country schools and their communities, she brings an in-depth understanding of their unique complexities and challenges. Serving as a board member since 2021, Dianna provides valuable insights from the perspective of regional schools.

Currently, Dianna holds the role of Convenor of the Events subcommittee. She is passionate about sourcing relevant and appropriate professional learning opportunities for all members.

Tracey Aberle
COMMUNICATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE

Tracey joined the board in 2016 and has extensive business and leadership experience in both primary and secondary settings. She is an advocate for members and believes in learning, sharing, coaching, member voice and agency. She is committed to state-wide reform and innovation, and believes in empowering members through professional learning, and recognition of their knowledge, skills, experience and passion for what they do.

Tracey has a Graduate Certificate in Education Business Leadership and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA), and is currently working in the Office of the Chief Operating Officer, supporting school business reforms across the state. 

Tracey is a life member and former President of the Association.

 

Verlaine Dannenberg
EVENTS SUBCOMMITTEE

Verlaine brings more than 30 years’ experience across primary, secondary and area schools, with extensive expertise in financial management, facilities, project management, and leadership.

She has been a member of SASBA since 1998 and joined the board in 2021. From 2007 to 2008, she made a significant contribution to the Eyre Peninsula District through the District Finance Office, where she provided leadership and training to staff, fostering the development of best practice in financial management and administration across schools.

Verlaine enjoys meeting new members at events and values the opportunity to share the knowledge and skills gained through both her experiences and her connections with SASBA members and colleagues across schools.

Chris Plummer
MEMBERSHIP SUBCOMMITTEE

Chris joined the board in 2016. In her role as Vice President for Secondary Schools, Chris is part of the executive team that meets once per term with department leaders to discuss issues that relate to SASBA's members. From time to time, Chris has been one of SASBA's delegates that meets with department leaders to discuss specific policy issues that directly impact the membership.

 

Judi Warrick
EVENTS SUBCOMMITTEE

Judi Warrick has worked in country primary and secondary schools since 2003, and has experience in a large metropolitan secondary school and a R-12 school.  Judi is the Business Manager at Loxton High School. Judi holds a Graduate Certificate in Education Business Leadership from Deakin University.

Judi brings a rural perspective to the SASBA board, enhancing the collective efforts to support and advance the interests of members with a focus on continuous improvement, team building and high-quality professional development.

CAREN ISEMONGER
CONVENOR - MEMBERSHIP SUBCOMMITTEE

Caren is deeply committed to continuous personal and professional development, consistently seeking new learning opportunities and constructive feedback to sharpen her skills. Her dedication to growth keeps her at the forefront of business management, equipped to adapt and innovate within dynamic school and corporate environments.

With a strategic mindset and extensive experience, Caren strives to inspire excellence, drive sustainable business solutions, and make a meaningful contribution to organisational success. She believes that every student deserves acces to the best facilities and learning environment - empowering them to reach their full potential.

 

Become a Member

Are you passionate about advocating change in South Australia’s public schools?

Join now and be connected with a community of like-minded individuals collaborating to share knowledge and facilitate growth and innovation in our schools.

 

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