After 19 years of dedicated service, Theresa Hogg-Jackson will be leaving St. Michaels University School at the end of the school year. As a key member of the Personal Counselling team and a longtime senior houseparent, Hogg-Jackson has left a lasting impact on generations of students and colleagues. She now steps into an exciting new chapter as she is set to launch her own private practice.
To mark this milestone, Hogg-Jackson took time to reflect on her time at SMUS, how student needs have evolved, and what she will carry forward into the next phase of her professional journey.
What initially drew you to the Personal Counselling team at SMUS?
Hogg-Jackson began her SMUS journey in 2006 as a houseparent while pursuing a master’s degree in counselling psychology.
"At the time, there was only one counsellor in the Senior School, and I was fortunate to complete a short practicum," she said. "I really enjoyed the experience—it confirmed how much I value building meaningful connections with students and supporting their personal growth."
That practicum led to a lasting role on the counselling team, where she remained ever since.
Looking back on nearly two decades, what moments stand out most?
"It would be hard to sum up (my time at SMUS) in one sentence," Hogg-Jackson reflected. "Every year brought unique experiences and opportunities."
She said she cherished the strong relationships she built with students and colleagues, and fondly remembered chaperoning trips to places like New York City, Seattle and Hawaii with the boarding community, as well as across Europe with band students.
In addition to these experiences, she had the opportunity to do presentations on topics such as mental health and sleep, she led a faculty book club focused on sleep, and spoke at Independent Schools Association, BC (ISABC) and TABS conferences.
"These opportunities allowed me to contribute to the broader conversations around student well-being and staff development," she added.
How have students’ perceptions of mental health changed over the years?
Hogg-Jackson said she witnessed a significant cultural shift in how students approach mental health.
"When I first started, many students wouldn’t share that they were seeing a counsellor," she said. "Now, students actively seek us out, knowing we provide a safe, supportive and confidential space for them. Students will even refer their friends to us, which is always a huge compliment."
What was it like balancing counselling with life in the boarding community during your time as a senior houseparent?
"The boarding community has always felt like family," she said. "A school with boarding is more than a place of learning—it’s a home."
Although she studied developmental psychology extensively in university, Hogg-Jackson said living alongside students for 16 years provided her with a unique day-to-day perspective on adolescence that no textbook could offer.
"That experience gave me valuable, firsthand insight into teen development, which has deeply enriched my counselling practice."
Many of the relationships she formed with students during those years continue to this day—an enduring testament to her impact.
As you start your own private practice, what will you carry forward?
With her new venture Hogg-Jackson said she is excited to continue growing professionally while drawing on everything she learned at SMUS.
"My love of learning and constant drive to grow will continue to guide me and inspire me as I embrace new professional challenges," she said. "The most enduring takeaways will always be the relationships I built with students and staff. Those connections have shaped the way I approach counselling—with empathy, patience and a deep respect for each person’s story."
With a background in counselling psychology and a master’s degree in neuroscience, she plans to further integrate brain-based approaches into her private practice. She said she looks forward to deepening how she can support clients by exploring the connections between brain function, behaviour and emotional well-being.
Any final thoughts for the SMUS community?
"Thank you for everything you’ve given me and my family," she said. "It has truly been a joy to learn, live and raise our family alongside so many wonderful staff and students."
Though she’s stepping into a new role, she will remain connected—her husband, Zyoji Jackson, continues to teach mathematics and science at the Middle School.
"I’m looking forward to staying connected and seeing where our paths cross in the future!"
A Lasting Impact on the SMUS Community
Hogg-Jackson’s influence at SMUS has extended well beyond her students. As a colleague and leader within the Personal Counselling team, she has helped shape the school’s approach to student wellness in meaningful ways.
"Theresa has played an important role on our counselling team over the past 19 years," said Carole McMillan, Director of Personal Counselling. "Her strong counselling skills, especially her ability to connect with students and support them through difficult times, have made a real difference in many lives. She’s shown deep loyalty to her students and brought a unique sense of humour to our team—something that’s been especially appreciated during challenging moments."
McMillan also pointed to Hogg-Jackson’s passion for neuroscience as one of her most lasting contributions.
"Theresa helped shape how we think about mental health, especially through her interest in how the brain affects emotional well-being," McMillan said. "She’s brought important ideas to the table that have helped us better understand and support the students we work with."
