Eaglearts Summer Arts Camp
Faculty Bios
Program Directors
Laura Lee
As a dancer, choreographer, writer, producer and dance educator, Laura’s career in the performing arts is a reflection of versatility and experience spanning 30 years! Early training with outstanding dance educators laid the foundation for Laura’s work in Musical Theatre, Las Vegas production shows, industrials and TV. As co-founder and Artistic Director of Diversity Dance & Theatre, Laura is best known for her work with youth and creating educational arts programs which combine the dynamics of dance, music, and drama to inspire personal growth and positive social change.
Anisa Skuce-Newell
MFA Fine Art, Sculpture from The Edinburgh College of Art and Design; BFA Nova Scotia College of Art and Design; Graphic Design at Humber College of Art and Technology. Anisa has exhibited regularly in Canada and abroad since 1992. She has worked as a residency facilitator in sculpture at the Banff Centre for the Arts, taught at The Edinburgh College of Art and has received Canada Arts Council funding for two large-scale projects. She currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee and is working on her most recent project, her daughter Ahdiyeh Pearl.
Dance
Roberta Bierman: Hip Hop Instructor
Roberta Bierman is a passionate performer known for innovative choreography, great musicality and an energetic teaching style. Dancing since the age of five, Roberta has studied many styles but once she was introduced to hip hop, it captured her heart and became her main focus. She continues to expand her knowledge of street dance through forms such as popping, locking and house as well as stepping and body percussion. Her hip hop crews and choreography are continually recognized at competitions and festivals throughout BC. Roberta is also the co-founder of the elite street dance crew Tru Movement.
Roberta's choreography was featured in the music video "Teachers Pet" by the group "Death to Sexy". She was chosen as a partner and instructor for Victoria's local "Dancing with the Stars" competition, "Stars on Stage". Roberta has trained extensively throughout the US including New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Texas. While training in Los Angeles she has the opportunity to dance in the Silly Walks for Hunger Charity event choreographed by Rich and Tone Talauega. Most recently, Roberta was invited to perform in Montreal at Danse Encore Festival with Tri-Tone Productions based in Austin, Texas.
Currently residing in Vancouver, Roberta can be found rehearsing with the well respected TwoFourSeven Company.
Roberta is very excited to be returning to Eagle Arts this summer and can't wait to share her knowledge!!
Shannon Harris: Ballet Mistress
Shannon comes to Eagle Arts with over a decade of teaching and choreographic experience, a Dance Diploma from GMCC, BFA majoring in Dance from SFU and her Associate Teaching Diploma in Cecchetti Ballet from the ISTD. Shannon has taught and trained throughout Canada and the United Kingdom. While living in England Shannon not only taught ballet, jazz, modern, musical theatre, pointe and choreography, she also studied the above at London Studio Centre, The Place and London Contemporary Dance School. During her time in England Shannon also had the privilege of teaching jazz at the Royal Academy of Dance Headquarters in London, as well at their Summer Schools and Day courses held throughout England.
Shannon has recently taken on the roll of entertainment co-ordinator and choreographer for Kick for a Cure (childhood cancer charity), and Wishes Without Borders Gala Event (Children's Wish Foundation). Shannon is currently preparing her ballet students for exams and competitions throughout the Lower Mainland. She is looking forward to being a part of Eaglearts and working with the students and faculty to create a great summer learning experience.
Samantha McMeekin: Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop - London Ontario
Samantha McMeekin is thrilled to be sharing her passion for dance with Eagle Arts this summer, and expand her skill of choreography and technical dance training. Samantha has been a competitive dancer for over fifteen years, where she has won many scholarships, titles, and overalls across Canada and the U.S. She currently is a student of the University of Western Ontario where she studies health sciences, and continues her dance training in western dance teams and teams outside of school. As a recent graduate of competitive dance, Samantha takes her next steps in her dance career and continues to grow as an artist through teaching and choreographing within her former studio here at Eagle Arts, and various other projects. She has in the past co-choreographed with former teachers, lead annual dance programs at high schools and elementary schools within London Ontario and has been a dance camp counselor for four consecutive summers. She looks forward to growing with the kids and her coworkers and expanding the dance backgrounds of her students at Eagle Arts Academy this summer.
Danielle Oldziey: Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary Dance Project - London, Ontario
Danielle's primary training is in classical ballet (Balanchine and Russian techniques) with additional classes in Musical Theatre, Graham and Horton style modern dance. She has trained with members of the Cunningham Company, New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Bolshoi Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and studied with names such as Gelsey Kirkland, Cynthia Gregory, and Doug Varone. Danielle has received dance scholarships to Stephens Summer Intensive, Dance Conservatory, University of Georgia, Radford University, and Winthrop University. She has been accepted to the Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive and fall study programs, Nutmeg Ballet Summer Intensive, and the Kim Robards Dance Company Summer Intensive. She has performed with the Ballet Theatre of Dover as a soloist and principal, as well as with Intersectionz Educational Artz, a Bahá'í workshop-based dance company. She has been the Artistic Director/Choreographer of the Delmarva, Charlotte and San Ignacio Bahá'í Youth Workshops, and has taught dance for the YMCA, South Carolina State Sponsored Summer Intensive Programs, Preschool, Elementary and High Schools, Professional Dance Programs such as the North Carolina Dance Theater, as well as studios such as Ninth Street Dance in Durham. She is the current dance director and ballet mistress at Infuzion Studios and is a certified Zumba and fitness instructor. She is also a full-time Preschool Instructor in the Reggio Method for ages 2-4 at Our Playhouse Preschool.
Kirsten Wiren: Modern, Jazz, Contemporary Dance
Kirsten has seven years experience teaching ballet, modern, roots jazz and core strength to a range of levels and ages in dance schools and within the education system. She has been dancing professionally for 8 years. In April of 2009, Kirsten completed four years towards an MFA in Contemporary Dance Performance and Creation at The University of Calgary. In 2002 she obtained a BFA in Contemporary Dance from Simon Fraser University. She has taught at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, Arts Umbrella, The University of Calgary and spent one year coordinating a dance outreach program at an international secondary school. In her professional performance career, she has enjoyed working with choreographers Judith Garay, Desiree Dunbar, Martha Carter, Davida Monk, Jason Stroh and Melanie Kloetzel. Her work has been presented at The Feats Festival, Next Fest, Armchair for the Mind Art Exhibition and The Bloom Series. She is delighted to be working on this project with Amy Meyers and this team of artists.
Lynn Taylor and Byron Weaver:
Specialty Worshop - African Dance
Byron and Lynn have recently returned from Guinea, West Africa, where they increased their already extensive passion for and knowledge of West African rhythms and dances. They love sharing these traditions, in the manner so generously shared with them. Lynn has studied dance extensively, across a range of disciplines: modern at the University of Calgary, jazz at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks and West African with a variety of Dance Masters (Percussion de Guineé, Les Ballet Africains). Recent performance and choreographic work includes Wongai! Drum and Dance, Kuraba Drum and Dance, Ballet Saamato in Guinea, and MoonDance Ensemble. Lynn is the director of MoonDance Dynamic Arts, now in its sixth year on Vancouver Island. Musician and composer, Byron Weaver, accompanies her classes on the djembé.
Drama
Keith Digby: Contemporary Drama - Evening Drama Project
As a director, actor and writer, Keith has spent his life in professional theatre, performing and directing for major theatres across Canada, including the Stratford Festival in Ontario. In addition, he is a highly respected professional adjudicator and educator. He recently finished eighteen years - well spent - at Brentwood College School, doing multiple productions yearly and is now focused on writing screenplays, spending time with Cynthia at their home in France, and focusing on professional directing. Keith is pleased to be on board with Eagle Arts for a second summer.
Anisa Cameron
Anisa Cameron studied acting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and received her BFA in Theatre and Development from Concordia University in Montréal, Québec. She has worked as an actor, dancer, choreographer and playwright in both Canada and the United States. She worked for two years as the Project Coordinator for Teesri Duniya Theatre's collaborative community project, Untold Stories and coordinated their theatre quarterly, alt.theatre: Cultural Diversity and the Stage. Anisa currently directs the theatre program at Bialik High School in Montréal. Anisa is a proud graduate of Maxwell International School and looks forward to returning to Eagle Arts this summer!
Kathleen Black: Creative Writing, Evening Drama Project, Counselor
Kathleen Black is a BFA graduate of the University of Victoria's acting and writing programs. She has both her teachers and performers ARCT certificates in Speech and Drama from the Royal Conservatory of Music and received a gold medal in 2004 for achieving the highest mark in Canada. She loves the stage! When she was 13, she premiered with Edmonton's Stage Polaris, and has been performing on ever since! She has performed on stages from Glasgow to Victoria. One of her most exciting achievements was performing her one women show, Snow Angels, in Chilliwack this spring. She can't wait to share her love for fine arts at Eaglearts Camp!
Amelia Haskell: Acting/Musical Theatre Instructor - London, Ontario
Amelia is completing her final year at McGill University in Montreal, majoring in Theatre and Drama with a minor in education. Amelia has recently directed Cats at The Study high school and teaches after-school theatre at Royal Vale high school. In addition to her talents in drama, Amelia plays guitar, piano, violin and dances. In 2003 she founded a dance group in Montreal called Soul Storm and choreographed dances for the group. Amelia has used all of her talents while doing volunteer work in Uganda, Mauritius, Slovakia and Namibia, where she volunteered in rural communities and worked with children and youth. For the past 4 years she has been coordinating and facilitating youth service projects in the Montreal area. Amelia attended Eaglearts in 2004 as a dance major and is happy to be returning as a member of the staff!
Joshua Patton: Acting Instructor - Counsellor - London, Ontario
Joshua is returning to Eaglearts for his third time as a staff member. He is one year away from receiving his B.F.A. in Theatre and Development. He is most passionate about using theatre at a community, grass-roots level, in order to create dialogue and affect growth. He is also completing a minor in Human Relations, in which he has gained skills in group training, leadership and human relations. As well as theatre, Joshua's artistic background includes dance, guitar and voice, all of which he has shared with young people.
Glynis Waring: Dance & Musical Theatre - Shawnigan Lake, BC
Glynis is orginally from Revelstoke BC where she took classes and taught with Just For Kicks dance. After graduating high school, Glynis went to Switzerland where she attended ballet and jazz classes and had the opportunity to perform with Cilette Faust's school of dance. Upon moving back to Canada, Glynis attended Grant MacEwan College and completed her Theatre Arts diploma. While at school, Glynis was a part of various performances with the highlights being Good News, the Hot Mikado, and the Bacchae 2.1. Within Edmonton, Glynis apprenticed with Laura Krewski's Free Fall Dance Company and choreographed for the 'Space Project' and Nextfest. Now in Vancouver Glynis hopes to continue her education in dance as well as share the excitement with others.
Music
Tiana Malone: Vocal Coach, Vocal Ensemble,
Musical Theatre, Counselor
Tiana has been involved in theatre and music since age 6. She holds a Diploma of Music from Kwantlen University, and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Victoria. Recent performances include Giulio Cesare with the Victoria Conservatory of Music, La Maitress du Maison in Jean Francaix's, Paris a nous deux!, Crystal in Triple Threat Productions, Little Shop of Horrors, the Canadian premier of Regina with Pacific Opera Victoria. In 2008, she was the winner of the Bea Scott Memorial Vocal Scholarship, and also received top prize for French Art Song of the Victoria Performing Arts Festival. Tiana loves working with children and has traveled the world running youth programs on cruise ships. She has taught voice, piano and music theory for over four years in the Lower Mainland and around Vancouver Island and has given many choral and vocal workshops for high school groups in the Fraser Valley area. Tiana was recently a member of Pacific Opera Victoria's 2009 Young Artist Program, and in fall of 2009, will be attending the University of Montreal to begin her masters in Vocal Performance.
Nabil Moghaddam: Counselor/Teacher - Song Writing & Electronic Recording - London, Ontario
Nabil was raised in Portugal but now lives in Stratford, ON where he is pursuing a career as a singer, song-writer and recording engineer. In 2006 Nabil graduated from Metalworks Institute with a diploma in Audio Engineering and Music Production. He has since started an independent music label, Nkindle Productions, and has been busy with writing and recording projects. You can listen to some of his music and find out more about this talented young artist at: www.nkindleproductions.com & www.facebook.com/nabilsmusic
Nikolas Trebesh
Nikolas taught choral and instrumental music in the Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Canada. Currently he is working as a Head of Performing Arts Department (K-12) at Ruamrudee International School in Thailand. His choirs and bands participated in several music festivals in British Columbia, toured and performed in Europe (Germany, Austria and Italy, 2003) and (England, Scotland, 2005). In addition to teaching music Nikolas has been a music director in a number of musical productions including "Annie", "Yellow Submarine", "Little Shop of Horrors", "Godspell", "The Jungle Book" and "Wizard of Oz". He enjoys working with young musicians, playing a number of music instruments and learning about different cultures. His educational background includes music teaching Degree from Ukraine and M.Ed from University of Victoria, BC, Canada. Nikolas is a member of the BC College of Teachers. His interests include learning about a character development and cultural communication.
Gergana Velinova
A First Prize Winner of the 2002 International Chamber Music competition Music and Earth in Sofia, Gergana Velinova’s wide ranging artistic talents have inspired audiences from around the world. Ms. Velinova’s concert performances have taken her to New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Paris, Stockholm and Bulgaria with a repertoire extending from Mozart and Stravinsky to Berlin, Mingus and Jobim. Ms. Velinova has her Master’s in Modern American Music from the Longy School of Music Boston and graduated with distinction in Jazz and Classical-Contemporrary Music, Voice Performance. In addition to her numerous performances, she is the founder of the New York Bulgarian Children’s Chorus, has produced two of her own CDs and published a book of photographs and poetry. She is a sensitive and enchanting performer and her appreciation for life and beauty will be a perfect addition to the Eaglearts family.
Visual
Lee Davies: Visual Arts Instructor - London, Ontario
Lee is an award winning artist and visual arts teacher living and working in Ontario. He attended the University or Western Ontario, Ontario College of Art and Design, and D'Youville college in Buffalo, New York where he received his Masters of Education. Lee is dedicated to teaching not only art as a practice, but creativity to help students solve problems in more varied ways.
Emily Gray: Ceramics Instructor - Shawnigan Lake, BC
A talented artist, Emily Gray recently graduated from Emily Carr University with a Bachelors of Fine Arts with a focus on ceramics. Emily’s artwork often deals with themes of the environment and community. As well as being a ceramic artist Emily has completed many murals ranging in size from 100 - 600 square feet. These large-scale paintings have been commissioned by such public places as Egmont Community Centre, Pender Harbour Public Pool, Egmont Heritage Centre, Iris Griffith Nature Centre, Vancouver Parks Board, and private residences. Most recently Emily completed a mural in Hawaii for the Kauai Beach House.
Now that Emily has finished her degree she intends to take the Professional Development Program at Simon Fraser University in order to become a secondary school teacher. She finds that art is an expressive learning instrument through which some of the bigger issues can be conveyed to her students. Art is a great gateway to the expressive education of many topics. The tactile nature of clay lends itself to many uses in our society. Emily creates ceramic artworks that cross the boundaries between design, art and craft. Emily is looking forward to her first year at Eaglearts!
Emily’s Portfolio is available online at: emilygray.talkspotgallery.com. To learn more about Emily Gray’s Living Mural project please go here.
Laura Payne: Counselor - Visual Art - Print Making & Digital Photo - London, Ontario
Laura just completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts last April at the University of Western Ontario. Currently practising in Guelph, Payne is producing the majority of her work in acrylic on canvas, but also employs methods of printmaking and digital media. She is currently exhibiting works in juried exhibitions around Southern Ontario, and plans to pursue her Masters of Fine Arts in the near future.
Yulia Shtern: Drawing & Painting 15-17
Yulia Shtern completed her BFA in Drawing and Painting at the Ontario College of Art and Design and is currently working toward a Masters degree in Scenic Design at UBC. She is a practicing visual artist, working primarily in acrylics and mixed media, and a theatre designer. Her artwork has been exhibited in numerous art shows, both group and solo. Some of her recent design credits include Ten Nights of Dream (set, costumes and co-designing video projections, Tomoe Arts at Center A), The Early Girl (set, Douglas College), Tartuffe (co-designing costumes, Trinity Western University), A Beautiful Woman Is an Unfortunate Life (set and costumes, My Theatre Company Society), Dybbuk and Agatha (sets, Theatre at UBC), Stone Face (set, Damfino Theatre), Lady Windermere's Fan (set, United Players of Vancouver), and Moonlight and Valentino, Homeward Bound and Problem Child/Criminal Genius (sets, Alumnae Theatre). Yulia has taught various visual arts and crafts programs over the course of the last decade and is looking forward to teaching her first season at the Eaglearts Academy.
Linda Weech: Digital Photography & Drawing and Painting 12-13
Linda Weech is a West Coast Canadian artist and educator whose photographs, paintings and mixed media works focus on the rich and luminous qualities of our inner and outer worlds. Her artwork is represented in private collections worldwide. Linda received her B.F.A. in Visual Arts with Distinction from the University of Victoria (1980) and was awarded the Teachers' Award of Excellence upon completion of UVic's Post Degree Professional Program (specializing in Art Education) in 1985. Since then, Linda has been living her passion by integrating art, education and community so that the healing power of creative expression can contribute to vital individual and community development. For over twenty-five years she has held classes, workshops and creative retreats for both local and international students of all ages and experience. Over these last few years Linda has also been the founder and creative director of the Children's International Peace Project (a multi-media peace and environmental education program) which has travelled twice to Central America and will be heading for Africa this coming November. Her commitment and aspiration is to help the global community to achieve transformation and wholeness so that the world can be the place we were meant to live in.
Erica Wilk: Printmaking, Photoshop, Video Assistant
Erica was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. She spent two years studying Fine Art at Grant MacEwan College, obtaining a Diploma of Fine Art. During this time she also worked as a freelance videographer. In September 2008 she transferred to Emily Carr University in Vancouver to complete her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and will be completing her final year this fall. Art is her passion in life, she often works with many different mediums, such as video/film, projection, textiles, photography, sound and print making (intaglio, screen print, bookmaking).
Another love of Erica's is traveling. This past September she participated in a field school with Simon Fraser University to study contemporary art and culture in India. She also has traveled through Europe, China, and Scandinavia. She has also participated in several volunteer abroad programs, helping at an after school program and soup kitchen in downtown Los Angeles and a children's home in Guatemala. These experiences have not only been very rewarding and educating for her but also created an awareness to the world and the responsive role that artist's have.
Erica is really excited to work and have fun at Eagle Arts this summer, and sees it as an opportunity to share some of the things she has learned as well as encourage creativity and community.
Video Production
Kimara Brilling: Video Production - Shawnigan Lake, BC
Working in the film industry has been a wonderful creative outlet for Kimara. With a background in journalism, theatre and dance, she brings a sense of playful exploration to her visual style of storytelling. Since graduating from the Vancouver Film School in 2002, Kimara has worked on documentaries for companies like Global, CBC and Discovery. She has also enjoyed being a part of the comedy world for CTV and Showcase.
More recently, working on an animated movie for Rainmaker Animation sent Kimara off in a new and exciting direction. She is now focused on children’s educational and entertainment media. In 2010 Kimara has been working as an educator at the Pacific Film and New Media Academy in Victoria. She belongs to an active community of independent filmmakers who believe in sharing positive energy and creating quality works.
Renira Naidu: Video Production / Counsellor - London, Ontario
Currently completing a B.A. in Information and Media Studies at The University of Western Ontario and a diploma in Television Broadcasting Production at Fanshawe College, Renira has focused her artistic career and education on independent film and television production, producing content and creating experiences to actualize vision and impel action. Throughout her life, film has become more than a process of converting electrons and impulses into shapes and sounds; it has become the creation of light and sound to open eyes, break through, and inspire. Equal parts artist and entrepreneur, Renira has extensive knowledge and experience in both the national and international production and distribution modes of the film and television industry. Focusing on high production value, rich experiences, and socially aware outcomes, Renira has independently written, directed, produced, and edited a number of short documentaries that have premièred at the Ivey Film Festival, Regent Park Film Festival, London Fringe Film Festival, San Francisco Short Film Festival, and the recent 63rd Cannes Film Festival.
Andrew Newell: Guest Director, Film Farm
Bio coming soon!
Counselors
Michelle Mae Herman: Counsellor, Vocal Coach - Piano Accompaniment - Video Production Assistant - London, Ontario
Michelle is a motivated and passionate young artist and eager to contribute her musical talents to Eagle Arts Academy. She has just completed her 3rd year at the University of Western Ontario, pursuing a collaborative degree in Media Studies and Broadcasting Television. In addition to her skills in video production, Michelle has also achieved her Grade 10 level in piano proficiency. She graduated from Mayfield Secondary School of the Arts, where she majored in music. Working with young people at the ‘Brampton Music Theatre' as a Vocal Director and Accompanist has given Michelle a chance to further her musical abilities. She also enjoys volunteering as a piano player at the Southbrook Retirement Home in her hometown. Michelle is currently working on her ARCT Teacher's level in Piano Proficiency. She absolutely loves working with children and aspires to become a casting director, specializing with younger child actors, upon completion of her degree.
Hersie-Nina Init: Counselor
Hersie discovered her passion for theatre while studying Human Kinetics at the University of British Columbia. Outside her studies, she found herself singing and vocal directing with Suitestyle Musical, a group of students living on residence. After graduating, Hersie returned to UBC to study a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. She is currently 3 credits away from completing this 2nd degree and she still craves to learn more. She has seen theatre be created through the eyes of an actor, director and stage manager. Favourite Credits include: Actor- Once On This Island as Ti Moune, Into the Woods as Lucinda; Director- December Roses (Brave New Playrites); Stage Management- Annie (Theatre Under the Stars), Dog Sees God (FCP, Vancouver Fringe Festival), Our Time (IGNITE! Youth Festival).
Hersie is very excited to be a part of the Eaglearts team for the first time and she is looking forward to meeting more people who love the arts as much as she does! See you in July!
Thomas Kelly: Counselor/Music Assistant - London, Ontario
Lead by a deep passion for music, Thomas has worked to develop and refine his skills as a musician, composer and song-writer. He played in his high school symphony orchestra and chamber strings ensemble and later continued his music studies at the University of Toronto, taking part in various vocal and instrumental ensembles.
Thomas his coached young classical musicians in the double bass at 'Music by the Lake' summer music camp for two years and also volunteered in the 'Youth Mentorship Training Program, based in Toronto.
Besides playing guitar, piano and double bass, Thomas loves film, painting and reptiles!
He performs regularly in Toronto and plans to continue developing a career in music while attending a music academy. Thomas is looking forward to working at Eaglearts this summer.
Erin Loughnan: Counselor
Erin is a vibrant and enthusiastic Aussie who prides herself on her budding creative innovation based on spur of the moment improvisation. Not only is this her approach to the arts but in day-to-day living.
Erin has competed in drama competitions and a myriad of musicals and theatre productions. She combined her love for live drama and film in 2007, when she successfully placed in the top 5 for a short film festival. This was for her main role in the dark psycho-thriller 'Kalid'. Her current developing interest is to direct and inspire on stage performers to come to life.
Representing her province in Entertainment Industries she excelled in competencies such as lighting and costume design, back stage assisting and set design.
Working with children for over three years, Erin has been involved in a government run active after school program facilitating sport and recreation activities for groups of 20 or so kids. Her love for outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, biking and swimming combines well with her profession as a Naturopathic Doctor. She is passionate about encouraging children to make healthy lifestyle and nutritional choices and loves to educate children and adults alike.
Erin hopes to amalgamate her enthusiasm for the arts with her passion for health and is thrilled at the idea of allowing this synergy to blossom.
Bruna Melis: Counselor
Bruna is an energetic 22 year old girl from Sardinia, an island in Southern Italy. She has traveled through Europe and the United States and currently lives and studies in Canada, at Quest University.
Her strengths and passions she says: "revolve around art, creativity and social connections; I seek and find situations where I have the possibility of sharing my artistic abilities in communal contexts. Such as Eaglearts!" Bruna loves music, singing and playing guitar, didjeridoo, percussion, drums and Jew harp. She likes to write stories, poems, and paint as well as juggling, poi, biking and longboarding. She has a strong connection with nature, which she pursues through camping and hiking. Her favorite book of all times is The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R.Tolkien.
Lorne Robertson: Counselor
Lorne has completed his first year in the studies of Criminology at Vancouver Island University, and has focused his studies on Search and Rescue to pursue a career as a Search and Rescue Technician/ Instructor. Having finished a field in Ground SAR he has gained experience about the outdoors and role-playing through various tasks included with teamwork.
Lorne says: "I encourage children and youth to work together, to inspire interaction between children and youth through creative ideas to gain knowledge in further communication, role-playing and collaborative projects to build stronger friendships and character development, bringing us closer together."
He enjoys working and engaging with children and youth of all ages and looks forward to a great eventful summer at Eaglearts.
Taryn Read-Hobman: Counsellor - Assistant Art Teacher - London, Ontario
Inspired by the raw beauty of her hometown, Muskoka, Ontario, Taryn began to pursue her calling as a visual artist at an early age. She has exhibited work in numerous art shows as well as in the Algonquin Art Gallery, where she also taught acrylic and watercolour painting to adults and children for two summers. She also was the Youth Ambassador for the Huntsville Art Crowd, an art group who organizes a variety of shows and activities showcasing local talent. Currently, Taryn is pursuing an Honors Specialization in Criminology with a Major in Visual art at the University of Western Ontario and enjoying the challenges and new perspectives that encourage her progression as a painter. She is very excited to work at Eaglearts as a Counsellor and a Visual Art Assistant this year!
Kathryn Smith: Counselor
Katie has just finished her first year studying Music at Manchester University, in England, and is looking forward to joining the Eaglearts team this year, especially as she's never been to Canada. She spent her gap year working as a Music assistant in Bedales School, so has plenty of experience teaching and coaching young musicians of all ages. The French Horn is her first instrument, but she also loves the Guitar, Piano and Singing. She has toured many countries with various choirs and orchestras, including France, Germany, Austria, Italy and the Czech Republic. Her passions are music, people and traveling, so she can't wait to meet everyone in the summer!
Meegin Sullivan: Counselor
Meegin spent the past year attending Vancouver Island University, taking English and Anthropology. Her passion and pursuit of career is working in theatre and designing costumes. For the past two years she has been a youth advisor to the board of the One World Youth Dance Theatre in the Cowichan Valley. The mission of the group is to encourage positive creativity of youth facing challenging issues in society today. At the moment Meegin is preparing for another school year and is hoping to attend Capilano University, studying costume design.
Jordana Weiss: Counsellor, Drama and Musical Theatre Assistant & Teacher - London, Ontario
Jordana comes to Eaglearts with a passion for theatre and is excited to share it with everyone this summer! She will be entering her forth year at McGill University, where she is completing her Bachelor of Arts in English, Drama and Theatre. Jordana is the current Executive Director of Players' Theatre, the largest student theatre on campus, and loves being able to help in the creation of exciting new student productions. Besides her passion for theatre, Jordana has worked extensively in community activism where her training in theatre has proven to be an asset as she provides training and workshops on leadership, volunteerism and social engagement. Jordana has been associated with ‘Free the Children' for eleven years, traveling with that organization to India, Ecuador and Nicaragua. One accomplishment that she found especially fulfilling was helping to build a school in memory of Emma Johnstone in the Chimborazo Province of Ecuador. Jordana is beyond excited to see what this summer brings with everyone at camp!