Office Team

Trisha Abraham

Social Media Coordinator & Instructor

Trisha is excited to join the Artshine team as a social media coordinator, in-office support, and instructor! She moved to Waterloo region for a science degree and quickly pivoted to a self-taught art career shortly after graduation. With several years of experience as a painter, illustrator, muralist, and tattoo artist - Trisha continually finds ways to explore new ventures in the arts. Trisha wants to share her passion for art and learning with new communities and help others fall in love with art just like she did.

Knox Adams

General Manager

Knox has over 10 years experience in Design and Digital Marketing as Creative Director in a small business environment. Knox holds a Bachelor of Design from Toronto Metropolitan University.  Knox volunteers in Kitchener-Waterloo with the 2SLGBTQ+ community. His hobbies include Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop board games and hopes to get even more nerdy tattoos. Knox is excited to bring his experience and enthusiasm to the role of General Manager for Artshine.

manager@artshine.ca

Sarina Bastida

Logistics Assistant & Instructor

Sarina is passionate about arts and sports of all kinds. She was a gymnastic coach for 10 years and graduated from a Graphic Design program. Artshine gives Sarina the opportunity to combine the two.

Fun Fact: Sarina has been a world's cheerleading athlete since the age of 14.

Grace Caya

Program Coordinator & Digital Adoption Specialist

Grace is the Program Coordinator for Artshine. She is an alumni of the University of Guelph, and has a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Applied Science in Family Relations and Human Development.

Grace is passionate about working with children and families and has worked on several research projects aiming to understand how families can be best supported. Grace has seen the joy that art can create and is excited to help provide opportunities for all children to express themselves through creativity. Grace enjoys the outdoors, reading, and going for runs.

programs@artshine.ca

Paul Field

Founder/CEO of Artshine

Paul started on this journey with his
first job creating a mural at a Youth Centre working with the youth there.
There he saw firsthand the positive impact that art programs can have. One of his mural painters had an amazing talent but had never had the opportunity to show it.
The pride this young person felt when ever visitors praised the mural was life changing.  He saw him grow and succeed, getting his high school diploma and a job. This convinced him to bring art education to all of his social work roles, using it to create a safe healing space for his clients. What frustrated him though was the lack of consistent funding for art supplies and education in social programs.
He learned early in life and in
social work that money goes to essentials and there is rarely any left for art supplies or lessons. Still, he persevered and found the resources to make my art programs happen. What finally broke his resolve was a federally funded gang prevention program for youth. He worked with the at-risk youth in the program
helping them break the cycle of addiction and make better choices. He helped them open their own art studio and run their own art shows. These young people were able to create art while meeting with their counsellors, building confidence
and healing through expression. Some were able to sell their art. The program predictably lost its funding and the studio had to be shut down. Paul was so frustrated with the system at this point that he stepped away from social work.  He changed his focus to finding a way to raise money for arts programs by starting a business. Determined to solve this money
problem Paul established a consistent funding model by selling after school programs and workshops through Artshine. He then took the profits from Artshine and put them into the Arts4All foundation. Now through Arts4All he and his team provide scholarships, and free art programs at community centers, schools, shelters, care homes, and prisons. Though Paul is now an entrepreneur, he still supports social services. Still giving people the opportunity to heal through a creative outlet and to build confidence by learning new skills.
He just expanded access to his art programs to more people, giving everyone the opportunity to
participate and take their minds off their struggles and take a much-needed break from their screens.
Paul's favorite quote is: "When You Have More Than You Need, Build A Longer Table Not A Higher Fence"

Alyssa Gascho

Business Administration Manager; Human Resources

Alyssa is the Business Administration Manager in Human Resources for Artshine. She is an alumni from the University of Waterloo, having graduated with an Honours B.A. in Legal Studies and a double-minor in Sociology and Social Development Studies.

Alyssa holds a certificate in Indigenous Canada from the University of Alberta, as well as a Level 2 certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion.

Over the last five years, she has worked for many Kitchener-Waterloo based companies in guest service and program coordinator roles.

Wayne McCracken

Logistics Coordinator

Wayne values creativity and connection above all else. He is from the East coast and is a graduate of the Film & Video Production program at the College of the North Atlantic. During school, his greatest strengths were project management and video editing. He moved to Ontario after graduating and has worked with bold and innovative companies ever since. Wherever there's opportunity to grow as an artist and make an impact in the community is where he'll seek to go. Hobbies include illustration, writing, photography, and watching/talking all about movies!

Wayne's favourite T.V. show growing up? Fresh Prince of Bel-Air!

subscriptions@artshine.ca

Emily Zehr

Community Engagement Coordinator

Emily's background is in Recreation and Leisure Services and she is currently completing a Gerontology certificate through Toronto Metropolitan University. She has worked in long-term care providing recreational programming to residents and often incorporated arts into her programming as a form of therapy, encouraging seniors to tap into their creativity and express themselves. Emily enjoys spending time in the outdoors and finds peace in the beauty of nature. She is the mother of two active children and loves sharing her passion for the natural world with them.

office@artshine.ca

Artshine Ambassadors

Joanna Barrington

Waterloo Ambassador

Artshine Instructor | Joanna is excited to join the Artshine team! With a background in Child & Youth work, as well as a love for creative projects and crafts, Artshine is a perfect fit. Before having children,Joanna spent years traveling and meeting people, and seemed to pick a new craftor creative project wherever she went. With her many years experience workingwith children, Joanna has seen a lot of value in letting children and youthexpress themselves in creative ways. After working in group homes and a youth rehab facility, it became very obvious how therapeutic the arts can be. In her spare time, Joanna can be seen on walksin the forest, playing board games, or visiting with friends and family. Shealso loves digging in the garden, playing with her goats, doing crafts, or learning new languages. 

Robbin Cook

Ottawa Ambassador

Artshine Instructor & Curriculum Creator | Robbin has loved the visual arts her entire life and has finally decided to pursue her passion professionally. A recent graduate of the Illustration and Concept Art program at Algonquin College, she is now a freelance illustrator bringing her dreams, and the dreams of others, to life. A huge animal lover, Robbin’s artwork – using both traditional and digital media - often centres around the natural world and both mundane and fantastical creatures. She is beyond excited to share her passion for creativity with children and inspire them to be themselves, to explore artistic expression, and to have fun!

Nina Galajda

Niagara Ambassador

Artshine Instructor | Nina loves and strongly supports the development and growth of our youth today. She loves connecting with children and being there to uplift them with achieving their goals and dreams. Nina is currently studying French at Brock with hopes of becoming a teacher in the future. She enjoys art, as it was a huge part of her childhood growing up, and would love to teach it to kids and young adults, while providing the ultimate safe space for them, as Nina’s teachers did for herself.

Clare Gilbert

Nova Scotia Ambassador

Artshine Instructor | Excited to be a part of the Artshine community, Clare is proud to be from Porters Lake Nova Scotia. She grew up always searching for ways to be creative often attending art classes in her community and exploring different mediums. Her favorite being carving and printing with linoleum blocks. She ran many seasons of summer camps during her high school years and is so happy to work with children again. Clare currently runs her own small business Found Eastbound, refinishing furniture and curating vintage collections for the Four Points Vintage Market located in Blockhouse NS. During the holiday season Clare enjoys painting portraits for her loved ones of what they love the most, their pets!

Clare is excited to bring a fun, dynamic energy to the Artshine Instructor Role.

Clares favorite movie? How to Train Your Dragon!

Tamara Kazaniwsky-Corish

Niagara Ambassador

Artshine Instructor & Curriculum Creator | Tamara is a passionate creative explorer, delighting in finding new and exciting forms of art, crafting, and creativity everyday The world surrounding us is full of much beauty and she draws her inspiration from nature, incorporating sustainable practices, recycling, and making her own art supplies into her work. She is passionate about teaching and spreading the joy of art into the lives of those around her.
The feeling that drives her art and creativity is a desire to give someone a moment. A moment to think, to slow down, to savour. To give the gift of time even if it is a minute in a person's day.
She Is passionate about painting in all forms, colours, patterns and all things they apply to, and has been a multidisciplinary artist, maker, and creative since she was young child. A passion she loves sharing with a new generation, and beyond.

Caroline Lavalee-Milot

GTA & Hamilton Ambassador

Artshine Instructor & Curriculum Creator | Coming with humour, joy, and a most sacred love for uniqueness, Caroline is the hybrid instructor that blends an anthropology background to her current career as a portraitist, illustrator, and wall art painter.​

Emerging from a blissful six years in the French traditional sphere of education, she's further developed her connection with children of all ages by doing daily collective art masterpeices, bathing ears and minds in sounds that take the creation process to roleplaying levels. "Natural order comes from a human whose senses are engaged in creating...", and it's all about bringing a higher sense of appreciation for self, as art is this meeting sone within, that eases your ability to choose what you want to do, in harmony with who you are. Always.​

So wave your magic wands everyone, because you are ageless. You are good. You are everything this world ever was curious to meet.

Caroline's favourite cereal? Dry Cheerios with raw olive oil and herbs!

Patrick LeBlanc

New Brunswick Ambassador

Artshine Instructor | Patrick is excited to join the Artshine team as an Ambassador. With his previous experience as an Artshine instructor, he’s eager to bring the program to New Brunswick in his new role. Patrick is passionate about the transformative power of art and its ability to support a child’s healthy development.

His favorite creative mediums include digital illustration, painting, and photography!

Gigi Moffitt

Nova Scotia Ambassador

Artshine Instructor | Gigi is originally from Montréal, Québec and now lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia with her
husband and two teenage boys.
She studied Fine Arts at Concordia University in Montréal, and subsequently earned a degree
in Graphic Design there as well.
Over the years, she has worked in galleries, design firms and independently as a graphic
designer. She also had the honour of working at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa as
managing editor for their art magazine for many years.
She is currently working as a freelance graphic designer and continues to explore as an artist
- primarily painting and drawing, but has also developed a passion for digital art, with a more
recently found interest in surface pattern design.
She is very excited to be a part of the Artshine team and be able to share her love of art with
students of all ages!

Simon Urquhart

Toronto Ambassador

Artshine Instructor | Simon is a dedicated hockey coach and music producer with a deep passion for creativity and mentorship. With years of experience guiding young athletes on the ice and crafting original music in the studio, he believes creativity is a powerful outlet for self-expression and personal growth. He is passionate about teaching and loves to inspire the next generation. He believes that art has the power to inspire, connect, and heal. When he's not coaching or producing tracks, you can find him cheering on the Montreal Canadiens!

Waterloo Region & Guelph Instructors

Tina Bellinfante

Artshine Instructor

Tina has a background working in schools with children of all ages. She would often be found in the school’s art room creating and prepping tools for kids with special needs, knowing that through making and creating children can learn in their own unique way. She believes that art, like education, can and should be universal. She is thrilled to join a company that makes art accessible for so many.

Tina is a mom of two very artsy little girls. In her spare time, she enjoys using pastels, baking, and being out in nature.

Monica Burton

Accessible Program Instructor & Curriculum Creator

Monica has loved art, especially drawing, since she could hold a pencil. For Monica, it has always been the best form of expression and conduit for her imagination. Her love for working with children led her to acquire a bachelor's degree in education.​

It was through Artshine that Monica not only got to use her two favorite skills, but she also discovered a passion for working with people of all ages with disabilities and special needs. Through these programs everyone is able to let their creativity loose and accomplish something beautiful, and Monica is proud and grateful to be a part of this process.

Monica's favourtie cereal? Honey bunches of oats!

Becky Dmitriekno

Artshine Instructor

Excited to be a member of the Artshine community, Becky brings a wealth of training and experience to the team. With multiple degrees in the areas of illustration, child development, special education, and applied behaviour analysis, Becky is looking forward to working with a variety of individuals and sharing her love of art!

Alexandra Joseph

Artshine Instructor

Alexandra is excited to be a member of the Artshine community, and to serve as a bilingual instructor. Originally from Montreal, she loves visual arts and working with children. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, travelling and exploring.

Trinity Martin

Artshine Instructor

Trinity is a student at the high school of Waterloo Oxford. She has been apart of the painting, photography, graphic design and animator courses.  She has experienced many kinds of art mediums. Acrylic painting is her favourite but she is open to the many different kinds of painting including, oil painting, and watercolours. Trinity is very passionate about working with kids and loves to see their creativity!

Marika Morelle

Artshine Instructor

She originates from Quebec but recently moved to Ontario. She’s a multidisciplinary artist but her main skills are in painting and drawing. Owner of a small business, she believes art is a wonderful way to express yourself and your emotions and turn it into something beautiful. That’s why she joined Artshine! She hopes that by teaching art to kids, she can help them express themselves by using their creativity.

Renee Murray

Artshine Instructor

Renee has always loved to draw, even as a child. Creating different ideas and watching as it comes together. It was no surprise that she went to art school at Sheridan college and later on to Algonquin college for animation for television.

Working with children in the Artshine program has been a fun, creative way to motivate in a positive way. Renee considers herself a kid at heart, so we all can be silly! On the side she also oil paints and is part of a theatre group in her community. Renee says that "the “arts” have always been in my blood".

Renee's favourite book and movie? Lord of the Rings!

Sonia Nadeau

Artshine Instructor & Curriculum Creator

Sonia has a lifelong devotion to art and children, starting her journey with art at the age of 2. Sonia has illustrated over nine children’s books. Her most recent book earned her the 2016 mom’s picks award and a bronze Moonbeam award.

Sonia has earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and a diploma in Early Childhood Education specializing in inclusion, supporting children with special needs. Sonia sees her role at Artshine as a perfect opportunity to connect both of her passions. She loves the art the children create through the program and she loves the positive outcome the art creates for the children.

Sonia's favourite T.V. show growing up? Looney Toons!

Ari Nakum

Artshine Instructor

Ari is an undergraduate student studying at University of Waterloo and is thrilled to be involved with Artshine! Having spent a lot of her childhood with arts, she specifically loves watercolour painting and origami. Ari recognizes that children should express themselves freely and differently through art by using various art techniques and methods, and she encourages them to be as creative as they can be.

Ari's favourite T.V. show growing up? Friends!

Megan Taylor

Artshine Instructor

Megan has always had a passion for the visual arts especially painting.

She loves working at Artshine because of her love for children as well as teaching and the arts. Megan hopes to travel and to continue to explore her creativity and art across the globe.

Megan's favourite T.V. show growing up? Scooby Doo!

Ella Way

Artshine Instructor

Ella is a current full time business student at Conestoga College. She has taken art classes all throughout high school, and taught various art summer camps. She has worked with various art mediums, such as assemblage, clay, painting, drawing and papier mâché. Ella has taught kids in a variety of settings, and loves to help kids grow creatively.

GTA, Hamilton, Barrie & Niagara Instructors

Helena Awad

Artshine Instructor

Helena Awad is an enthusiastic elementary art instructor and talented interior designer with a passion for inspiring young minds through creativity. With a Bachelor degree in Fine Arts and Interior Design, she combines artistic principles with engaging, hands-on learning experiences.


In the classroom, Helena fosters a fun and supportive environment where children can explore various mediums and express themselves freely. She believes that art is a vital tool for building confidence and problem-solving skills in young learners.


Outside of teaching, Helena brings creativity to life through interior design, transforming spaces into vibrant, functional environments. She often incorporates design concepts into art lessons, helping students understand how art influences the spaces they inhabit.


With a commitment to nurturing creativity and imagination, Helena strives to inspire the next generation of artists and designers.

Jessica Cui

Artshine Instructor

When Jessica is not in the lab running experiments, she loves exploring different artistic techniques. With a background in the Health Sciences, Jessica appreciates a balance between the analytical and imaginative; while science seeks to explain the world around us, art relies on creative expression and interpretation.

Having grown up surrounded by the arts, Jessica has a particular fondness for painting with watercolours and gouache, sketching, and creating life-like miniatures with resin and polymer clay. In recent years, she has fallen into the rabbit hole of fountain pens (especially vintage Watermans) and practises copperplate calligraphy in her free time.

Jessica brings her multidisciplinary approach to the classroom, hoping to inspire young artists to explore their individual voices through art. 

Amy Francis

Artshine Instructor

Amy is very excited to be a member of Artshine. Currently at Humber College, she is very lucky to experience beautiful art shown in the gallery of buildings and to be surrounded by nature. Amy has always loved the idea of expression through art. Working and volunteering with kids, she can see that they love art in all different forms. Working with kids makes Amy very happy and knowing that they’ll enjoy the lessons makes her even happier.

Anne-Sophie Josse

Artshine Instructor

Excited to be a member of the Artshine community, Anne-Sophie enjoys painting herself. She finds joy in studying various artists' techniques and sharing her passion with others. Working with children brings her immense pleasure as she witnesses their innate creativity. She ensures they learn various techniques, such as painting with different kinds of brushes, experimenting with different pen shapes, and exploring various materials and textures. Anne-Sophie received her training in France, and when she is not teaching, she dedicates her time to working in art galleries. Her passion lies in the history of art, drawing, and painting.

Renée Lefebvre

Artshine Instructor

Growing up, Renée was always doodling and sketching on any paper she could find—even on the margins of important tests. Now a master’s graduate in history and a museum interpreter who leads student tours, Renée still finds joy in creative expression through abstract doodling and colouring. She’s thrilled to join the Artshine team as a Francophone instructor, where she hopes to inspire children to see that art goes beyond coloring within the lines.

Maya Mawlawi

Artshine Instructor

Aline Sfeir

Artshine Instructor

Aline has dedicated most of her career to working with children and teachers in diverse communities, including those that are under-resourced. With a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s in Management, she brings both practical and academic experience to her work. Her focus has been on supporting children in vulnerable situations, helping create environments where they feel safe, valued, and empowered to learn. Over the years, Aline has seen how art can offer children and youth a simple yet powerful way to express themselves, feel better, and be creative. When she’s not at work, you’ll likely find Aline painting with her kids or exploring new ways to bring imagination and play into the classroom.

Ramy Zaky

Artshine Instructor

Meet Ramy, an artist with a diverse background in art and proficiency in various artistic
mediums, as well as a deep understanding of human and animal anatomy.
Currently pursuing a Master's degree, he is exploring the intersection of art and technology,
showcasing a profound commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms.
Ramy's goal is to ignite creativity in the younger generation and empower them to contribute to
a better future. His journey reflects a lifelong dedication to art, from the early stages of childhood
to his current pursuits in digital creature animation and film production

Ottawa Instructors

Trevor Anzai

Artshine Instructor

Trevor is an emerging visual artist with a passion for mentoring and encouraging. He loves to create with colour and expression, currently working with acrylic paint and fine drawings. He believes that creating art has therapeutic and rewarding effects. You can find him cheering for the Ottawa Senators during his free time—even though they haven't made the playoffs in six years!

Nathalie Langlois

Artshine Instructor

Nathalie is a newly retired elementary teacher. In the last 20 years of her career, she worked in a small school where she taught art to kids from pre-kindergarten to grade 6. After 35 years of teaching, Nathalie still enjoys being around kids and working with them.
The Artshine program will be a fun way for Nathalie to reconnect with my love of teaching art. She looking forward to embracing this new project!

Bela Matos

Artshine Instructor

Bela brings a dynamic and fresh perspective, blending creativity with an enthusiasm for fostering artistic expression. With a background that spans diverse disciplines, Bela is passionate about empowering students to explore their unique artistic voices, regardless of their starting point. A dedicated mentor, Bela encourages experimentation, innovation, and a collaborative learning environment, making the creative process accessible to all. Whether guiding beginners or helping more advanced students refine their skills, Bela is committed to nurturing growth, confidence, and originality in every artist.

 Jeta Qela

Artshine Instructor

Jeta has been an artist ever since she was a child, and her passion for it has never faded. Although she is now a University student studying Criminology, she never let her love for the visual arts go. During her free time she continues to pursue her art and experiment with new mediums. Her favourite mediums to work with are water colour and graphite, although she has started moving towards digital art as well. Besides art, Jeta is an avid reader and writer. Her favourite genres are thriller and romance, her favourite book of all time is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

Bethany Stiller

Artshine Instructor

Bethany is passionate about fostering creativity in students of all ages. She’s always had a deep love and interest for art since her childhood that has since carried into adulthood. She studied visual arts in high school, and graduated from the visual arts program in college, which deepened her love and passion for painting (specifically with acrylic and oils) and her dedication to exploring new mediums. She thrives on working with children, guiding them through their artistic journeys while encouraging imagination and self-expression. As a young artist herself, she understands the importance of pushing creative boundaries and is excited to share that mindset with her students (whether young or old) inspiring them to explore, experiment, and grow.

Serenity Stout

Artshine Instructor

Serenity is currently doing her undergraduate in architectural studies at Carleton University. She loves exploring mediums and ideas and has worked on projects ranging from murals to oil pastels to embroidery. She loves engaging with her community through art and finds that there is no better way to do that than teaching it!

Nova Scotia & New Brunswick Instructors

Katelynne Cagliostro

Artshine Instructor

Katelynne is an Nova Scotia-based artist/illustrator currently residing in Halifax, ON. She recently graduated from the University of Toronto’s Art and Art History program where she specialized in drawing and painting. Katelynne's work in her artistic practice is often autobiographical, discussing topics such as body positivity and self care.

Katelynne is a firm believer that everyone is an artist—no matter the skill, practice, etc. What Katelynne loves about Artshine is that she gets to share my passion for art with children, as well as inspire the artist in every single person she teaches. The amount of creativity the children have in the Artshine program amazes her, as every child has their own interpretation on each project they do together. It’s inspirational, not only to them but they inspire me as well. Katelynne hopes to continue to spread the message that art is for everyone, and continue to inspire each child.

Katelynne's favourite movie? Encanto!

Karen Chapman

Artshine Instructor

Karen is always in search of new ways to explore her creativity. From writing, sketching, crafting and fiber arts, there is always something new worth discovering! As a child, she was always doodling, and you can still find her doing so! She looks forward to sharing her passions, and guiding young minds to express themselves through whatever imaginative pursuit they choose.

Hanna Koval

Artshine Instructor

Hanna Koval, originally from Ukraine and now residing in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a versatile artist and educator with a strong academic background. She is deeply passionate about nurturing creativity and finds joy in teaching individuals of all age groups, from children to adults, helping them tap into their artistic potential. Hanna firmly believes that drawing is a skill that significantly improves with practice and that everyone has the capacity to create remarkable works of art.

Jordan Matthews

Artshine Instructor

Originally from Ontario, Jordan has completed her Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies and International Development at Dalhousie University in Halifax! Within her studies, there are recurring themes of community building, equity and inclusion, concepts she is excited to explore throughout Artshine programs. Jordan has always been passionate about combining creativity with learning and is often found experimenting with new art mediums or creating projects for friends and family. Specifically, Jordan enjoys the art of crocheting, creating items such as clothing, blankets, and decorations. Discovering creative outlets to express oneself and learn new skills is an ideology Jordan strongly believes should be incorporated in everyone's life, especially youth. Jordan is thrilled to be a part of the Artshine instructor team, and she is looking forward to facilitating positive environments full of endless possibilities! 

Ayerica Stratton

Artshine Instructor

As a lifelong artist, Ayerica believes supporting the growth and creativity of children leads to innovative, confident, and fulfilled adults.

Ayerica is a graduate from NSCAD University and has her Bachelor of Education, yet it is the more recent years raising her two children that has truly taught her the most! Seeing the world through the curiosity of her children’s eyes has led Ayerica to believe that the willingness to “play” and experiment is truly what builds resilient and happy children.

Ayerica spends her days working out of her at home studio, focusing on oil paint and watercolour. When she is not in her studio she can be found exploring in nature with her family or snuggling a cat or two with a cup of tea!

Curriculum Creators & Consultants

Julie Brunet

Northern Ontario Advisor & Instructor

Julie has been drawing for as long as she can remember, and her notebooks from grade school to university were always full of doodles. She loves drawing and painting nature and all of it it's beauty. Julie is a retired teacher and taught art classes from grade 5 to 8 for most part of her career. She loves to see the glow of satisfaction in her student’s eyes when they realise they create something beautiful. She believes
that if you believe in them, they can do anything, and loves Mark Twain quote that says: “They did not know it was impossible so they did it”. During her teaching
career Julie also directed many school plays. Providing students with the opportunity to express their creativity is very important to her. Julie is a country girl and the grandma of 7 beautiful grandkids.

Maya Grubisic

French Program Consultant

Maya is happy to join the Artshine team as instructor in both Anglophone and Francophone schools. Originally from Kitchener-Waterloo, Maya completed a BA in Fine Arts specializing in printmaking from the University of Waterloo. She then moved to Montreal seeking adventure, creativity, and culture. While there, Maya finished an MA in Art Education from Concordia University and was also a member of the Atelier Circulaire printmaker collective. Her work, which plays with line, colour and texture, has been exhibited in group shows in Ontario and in Montreal. Maya enjoy being creative in every aspect of my life, whether it be cooking, crafting, teaching or spending time with her two artists-in-the-making at home!

Maya believes that education happens everywhere and can be for everyone. For Maya, teaching the visual arts embodies this belief: art education is an asset to all by providing them with a common cultural language. Not all students will become artists, but by being exposed to a variety of educational experiences including the arts, they will learn that there are many ways of understanding the world around them.

What would Maya do with 1 million dollars? renovate my house, quit my job, donate, and make art!

Stephanie Fehrenbach

Curriculum Creator

Stephanie has loved art ever since she was little. She have my Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours Degree from Queen's University and has been working in Arts Education.

Stephanie began teaching with Artshine in 2013 and immediately fell in love with the program. The focus was on process rather than perfection - teaching students to use their imagination and develop their technical skills in fun and engaging ways. When she's not teaching with Artshine, Stephanie runs her own art studio. Her work can be viewed at Paula White Diamond Gallery in Waterloo and at Canvas Gallery in Toronto.

For more info about me and my work visit: www.stephaniefehrenbach.ca

Alanah Jewell

Curriculum Creator

Alanah is bear clan from Oneida Nation of the Thames. Her middle name is Astehtsi Otsistohkwa, which means Morningstar in her family's language. Art is very important to her and is a way to for her to share her culture.​
Check out Alanah's art: https://morningstardesigns.ca/

Taryn Klinkman

Training Consultant & Adult Event Instructor

Art has always been a hobby of Taryn's. Throughout her children and teen years, she studied fine art and learned to work with a variety of mediums. In her adult years, Taryn put her education and passion for visual art to use by teaching through Artshine's non-profit sister company, Arts4All. Taryn loves working with people who do not necessarily like art but are will to try something new. She is often surprised at how many non-artists love learning new art skills and using that creative part of their brain. Art continues to bring Taryn joy and relaxation, and she tries to encourage others to give it a try and be open to the positive feelings art inspires.

Taryn's go-to coffee order? An americano with steamed milk and a tiny bit of something sweet!

Victoria Lee

East Coast Advisor

Victoria is excited to join the Artshine Team as an Ambassador. Victoria has over 20 years’ experience in Child and Youth work in both the UK and Canada managing several youth services and programs.

Community engagement, program development and facilitation has been an integral part of Victoria’s career. She is looking forward to using these skills to support the development of Artshine in Atlantic Canada.

Victoria has had the privilege of being involved in creative projects with children and youth and has witnessed first-hand the value and therapeutic benefits of art. It is magical to see a young person grow in confidence whilst feeling a sense of achievement and pride in what they have created. Being part of these programs has given Victoria the confidence to explore her own creative pursuits including upcycling furniture!

Brittany Ostofe

Curriculum Consultant

Brittany is a part-time high school teacher and has been with Artshine since the beginning! She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Theatre from the University of Guelph and a Bachelor of Education from Brock University.

Brittany started with Artshine teaching programs in various schools and moved into the role of Curriculum Developer for elementary students, adult, and corporate programs. She loves creating projects that inspire and challenge students to bring out their individual creativity. In her spare time, Brittany creates and sells custom artwork, and hand lettered calligraphy. She also loves to paint, draw and make messy memories with her two children!

Brittany's favourite T.V. show growing up? Buffy the Vampire Slayer!

Shantelle Simone

East Coast Advisor

Shantelle is a self-taught artist who grew up in Western Canada. Her many journeys led her to the east coast and, now with a family of her own, she happily resides amidst its stunning beauty.


She loves to create and tends to do it daily - whether it be with markers, paint, fabric or play-doh. It's all fodder for her creative side. Experimenting with different mediums is her jam. And so is working with kids! She has spent the last 6 years working in schools and afterschool programs. She loves inspiring young minds and supporting their vast imaginations. Shantelle is thrilled to be a part of the Artshine team!

Erica Spero

Program Advisor

Bringing a zeal for community and connection, Erica is thrilled to be joining the team at Artshine!

Erica is a professional artist and visual arts instructor with a passion for life drawing, character design and expressive art.

Having always been drawn to helping others, Erica has devoted herself to cultivating a career in the arts that positively impacts and aids in her community. For over 10 years Erica has been volunteering and working within social services, including the autism community. Working as a behavioural therapist provided an opportunity to teach visual art to children and youth with developmental disabilities and challenging behaviours. This experience impressed on her the value of creative expression and the importance of accessible art for everyone.

With practical work experience and a background in Illustration, Erica draws on her skills collaborating across disciplines to provide value-driven services to persons of all walks of life.

Her favourite quote: “Worthiness doesn’t have prerequisites.” - Brené Brown