Administrative Team

DJ Lochead

Meghan Robertson

Carla Tadla

Executive Director

Carla oversees operations, strategic planning, and stakeholder relations for the choir, to further the mission of the Board of Directors: creating “music that is meant to be shared” with students and the community.

Carla is also currently a Managing Partner at Bridge Productions, and was Sr. Vice President, Operations at Reboot Communications Ltd. for 10 years. Prior to that, she was the General Manager of Pacific Sport – Fraser Valley. Carla holds a B.A. from the University of Alberta and an M.A. from the University of British Columbia.

She has served on over a dozen committees and boards with youth and/or social impact, including: heART for Hospice Art Auction, KidSport Victoria, Victoria Minor Hockey Association, Team 2010 – Abbotsford, Tourism Abbotsford, the Provincial Advisory Board for Regional Sport Development, Operation Red Nose Provincial Advisory Board, and the BC Olympic Youth Leadership Academy Board.

Carla is a former competitive gymnast and coach, an avid reader, and insatiable traveler, and currently a very enthusiastic hockey Mom.

Email Carla.

Annika Sauser

Micha Fortin

Concert Choir Manager

Micha has always been passionate about music education, studying voice at the University of Victoria and completing her Bachelor of Music specializing in education. She then went on to earn her teaching certification, completing practicums in both Victoria and Stockholm. She is currently a music teacher with the Victoria public school system.

Micha has taught and performed in many styles, including classical, jazz, folk, and contemporary music, but holds her experiences singing and teaching choir particularly close to her heart. Micha has enjoyed participating in ensembles that have traveled in North America as well as in Europe, both as a performer and as a chaperone.

As an educator, Micha has worked in the public schools from elementary to high school; as an instructor for English Language Learners at a dedicated language school; and as a private
music teacher, offering voice lessons to students of all ages.

In 2019 Micha worked as co-director of the Victoria Music Festival. Her greatest source of pride when she reflects on these projects and trips, is her involvement in the creation of environments where her peers or students are able to make music, take chances, and grow while feeling safe and supported.

DJ Lochead

Recital Choir and Youth Ensemble Manager

DJ Lochead holds multiple degrees from the University of Victoria (BMus ‘18, BEd ‘19) as a result of his studies to become a music teacher. His pursuit of a career in music was the natural result of being raised by a family that had many ties to the performing arts community in his hometown of Chilliwack, BC.

Along with his post-secondary studies, DJ’s passion for music leadership was strengthened by founding and managing the community performance group “X Corps Drumline” back on the mainland during his summers away from UVic.

Despite the degree focus of middle and high school instrumental music, DJ is currently the Elementary Music and Grade 5 Strings teacher at Rogers Elementary, along with being a member of the English as a Learning Language support staff.

Kevin MacMillen

Registrar

Kevin is a banking professional with over 30 years experience in financial services. He has expertise in banking, treasury management, and payments.

He recently retired from his position with BC Provincial Treasury and is now consulting in the banking and payments area. He is also the Treasurer for the Victoria Jazz Society, is the Treasurer for his Strata Council, and volunteers as a referee for his favourite sport – squash.

Catherine Wallace

Music Librarian

Catherine is a proud mother of a VCC chorister and is a Humanities teacher at a local high school.

She attended York University, UVic, and Université Laval, completing degrees in History, Education, and French Language. Working as music librarian and as the recital choir manager for one year to cover a maternity leave, gives her good excuses to “hang around” and contribute to this amazing organization.

Although she had the privilege of growing up in a musical family, and sang with top performing choirs in the Manitoba Music festival for many years, she is envious of the high quality instruction and fun the choristers enjoy, and thrilled her son has had this opportunity for five years.

Catherine is passionate about literacy, social justice, and experiential learning and takes students traveling to places like Quebec City, France, or India whenever possible. She hopes to continue chaperoning VCC choir events as long as her chorister son will let her!

Meghan Robertson

Manager, Administration and Communication

Meghan is a lifelong choir singer whose passion for singing began at age 12 singing The Messiah! Meghan has served as General Manager of Ensemble Laude for the past 8 years where she has helped to develop their unique, elegant and instantly recognizable brand. She is thrilled to be continuing the role of Communications Coordinator with Victoria Children's Choir.

Manager, Prelude Choir

Annika Sauser

Annika Sauser is a motivated individual who has a passion for working with youth and fostering their growth through musical explorations. Throughout her experiences teaching piano and working as an Educational Assistant, she has had the opportunity to work with a variety of exceptional learners. Her teaching approach is described as intuitive and nurturing, with a focus on supporting the needs of each individual through a creative lens. Annika holds a Bachelor of Music with Distinction with a specialty in Music Education from the University of Victoria.