Steven Vinciullo has successfully owned and operated his own transport business for over 25 years. As the husband of a teacher and parent of two students who have recently left Mercedes College, Steven has always demonstrated a passion for girls’ education. His involvement with the College community is remarkable, with his eldest daughter graduating in 2019 and his youngest graduated in 2024.

Steven actively participates in both Primary and Secondary Parents and Friends (P&F) fundraising initiatives and has previously served as part of the leadership team for the Dads of Mercedes (DOMs).

Sr Marie Fitzgerald RSM was educated by the Sisters of Mercy and is honoured to bring her Mercy tradition and values to the Mercedes Advisory Council. Her earlier ministry included education, leadership roles, and extended interests in pastoral care.

Sr Marie has specialised in Clinical Pastoral Chaplaincy, providing spiritual care across public and private hospitals. She currently serves as a Pastoral Associate, ministering within a parish community.

Jessica Patterson, a proud alumna of the Class of 91, grew up in Perth and pursued her law degree at the University of Western Australia. After achieving partnership at a prominent city firm, she established her own specialised legal practice in 2021.

Jessica has been an active member of the Mercedes College community for many years, serving on the College Advisory Council since 2018 and the Mercedes Alumni Association.

Tracy Papenfus brings over 20 years of expertise in auditing and accounting to her role as Treasurer of the Mercedes College Advisory Council. She currently works as a Business Manager at an independent school in Northern Perth. Tracy’s professional background includes studying Financial Information Systems, with a major in Accounting and Auditing.

Originally from South Africa, Tracy emigrated to Australia in 2013 with her husband and two children. While living in South Africa, she specialised in auditing schools, and since her move, she has dedicated 10 years to finance roles within Catholic schools.

Tracy has a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by independent schools and applies her extensive experience to support the College. Her daughter will graduate Mercedes College in 2026, while her son is an Alumni of Trinity College. Tracy serves on the Advisory Council as a way to give back to the school community.

Dr Emil Jonescu is a registered architect and currently the Head of Research & Development at Hames Sharley, where he leads multidisciplinary international research projects. His work focuses on sensory design, health architecture, tactical spaces, and spatial psychology, with a strong emphasis on publishing impactful studies.

Dr Jonescu is also an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at Edith Cowan University (ECU), where he fosters collaborations across academia, government, and industry. His involvement with Mercedes College extends to advising on strategic master planning and infrastructure development. Holding a Master’s degree and a PhD, his research centres on improving safety, health, and well-being in complex organisations. He specialises in innovative building systems and processes designed for research performance and organisational success across academic and commercial sectors.

Timothy James is a qualified Carpenter and Joiner and a registered builder. He is the Director and sole Building Supervisor of Academy Homes, where he has successfully led numerous residential construction and renovation projects across Perth and regional WA. One of Timothy’s projects earned recognition as a runner-up in the HIA Housing Awards, although his focus remains on delivering quality workmanship and ensuring client satisfaction.

Joining the Mercedes Advisory Council in 2024, Timothy hopes to contribute his extensive building knowledge to support the College, particularly as it undertakes significant building works in the coming years.

Dr Gemma Thomson is an accomplished faith‑filled leader whose humble, inclusive, and joyful approach reflects a deep commitment to mission and community.

With a strong foundation in both business and Catholic education, she brings experience across corporate leadership, human resource management and change management, alongside studies in arts, commerce, education, theology, and leadership. Her doctoral research examined how Principals and Faith Leaders understand the transmission of charism in Australian Presentation schools.

Dr Thomson has worked closely with female religious congregations at local, national, and international levels, participated in Mercy and Presentation Leadership Programs, and contributed to Archdiocesan committees in formation, strategy, justice, and synodality. Her connection to the Mercy story is deeply rooted and personal, with members of her family having been shaped by Mercy life and education. She has extensive experience in leading mission, formation, and Catholic identity in all‑girls education.

Passionate about the education and formation of young women, Dr Thomson champions its power to shape confident, compassionate, and courageous agents of transformation. With an involvement in Catholic education spanning over 25 years, she is committed to honouring the rich heritage and story of the charisms, believing that Mercy education calls each person to serve with humility, hope, and courage; following the example of Catherine McAuley, who urged us to “be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.”