Board of Directors

Aimee Bouchard, Director (She/her)

Aimee Bouchard is an artist educator, arts administrator and theatre maker, as well as an Ontario Certified Teacher. She currently works as the Learning Coordinator for English Theatre at the National Arts Centre. Previously, she worked as the Education & Participation Programs Manager at ​Young People's Theatre, where she managed all school and community programming and accessible performances.

Aimee’s artistic practice focuses on theatre for young audiences and immersive theatre. She combines these in her work as Director of Education at Single Thread Theatre Company, where she creates immersive theatre experiences which centre young people as the heroes of their own stories.

Aimee is especially passionate about collaborating with equity-deserving communities to remove barriers to accessing the arts, and the professional experiences that have been most meaningful to her have included facilitating drama with young people in family shelters and children’s hospitals, and programming accessible performances for audiences of all abilities.

Aimee holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Drama and a Bachelor of Education with a focus in Artist in Community Education from Queen’s University.

Alia Toor, Director

Alia Toor is an artist and educator whose interests lie in the intersection of art, technology, and education. She brings over 20 years of experience as an accomplished, innovative art educator, working in both traditional and non-traditional spheres of learning, and employing an educational lens to design, lead and implement projects. She is currently a Middle and Upper School Art and Design teacher at Havergal College.

Prior to her posting at Havergal College, Alia held an adjunct sessional post at the School of Professional Learning and Education, Trent University, and a Lecture position in the Joint Visual Art and Art History program, Sheridan College. In tandem to her teaching practice, Alia has worked as an arts educator and consultant at artists-run centres, and major institutions such as the Ministry of Culture, the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Canadian Art Foundation and the Aga Khan Museum. Having taught both in Canada and abroad, from elementary to post-secondary, Alia’s favourite place is in the art studio where students are engaged in studio projects to develop creativity, critical thinking skills and to support a learning environment that advocates for authentic self-expression, and to perform to their fullest capabilities.

She is deeply passionate about learning and addressing the concerns, challenges and issues of decolonizing arts education to elevate Indigenous and BIPOC perspectives in art. Having been an active member of the Toronto art community, she is very excited to be appointed as a Board Member to the Arts Education Network of Ontario, where she will work on projects related to Research and Advocacy.

Alia holds a Bachelor of Arts from Waterloo University, an Art Education specialization diploma from Concordia University, and an MA in Communication (Art and Technology) and Education from Columbia University, NYC. She recently completed her AP qualifications from The Art Institute of Chicago. She has been appointed as a 2023 Fellow for the Girls Action Research Centre, and is exploring the relationship between creativity, collaboration and art.

Her art practice explores how text and images inform social understanding of beauty, language, religion, belonging and security. When she does have the opportunity to make art, her practice includes installation, photography (digital and non-digital) and textiles; and uses language and images to explore the complexities of personal/private space, and the intersections of religion, language and beauty. Her art work has been exhibited in Canada, and internationally. She has an adopted cat from Kuwait.

alyssa English, director

Originally from Brandon, MB, Alyssa moved to Ottawa, ON, in 2018. Having completed a Bachelor of Music (Brandon University) and a Master of Arts (University of Ottawa), Alyssa is a skilled musician, music educator, and arts administrator. She also brings a wealth of knowledge in other arts disciplines such as theatre and visual art having worked at theatre companies like the Great Canadian Theatre Company and TACTICS and has worked as a hobby ceramicist for the past 8 years. Currently, Alyssa works at the National Arts Centre (NAC) as an Assistant Archivist for the music department and serves as a director on the board of Arts Network Ottawa and Thirteen Strings Chamber Orchestra. Alyssa is deeply passionate about arts education and community engagement knowing just how much it meant to her growing up and through her studies.

Amanda Foulds, Director (She/Her)

Amanda is currently the Program Coordinator at Visual Arts Mississauga, where she has been fortunate to work with arts educators and administrators to build a variety of arts programming offered in Mississauga. Previously, she held the role of Power Kids and Outreach Coordinator at The Power Plant gallery, where she designed and led inquiry-based workshops exploring contemporary art. In addition, she is a visual artist, curator and co-founder of You Made It Peel, a platform dedicated to showcasing creatives from the Peel region.

Amanda holds an undergraduate degree from OCAD University in Drawing and Painting with a minor in Art History. Her personal art practice is inspired by the archiving and sharing of narratives from both institutional and personal perspectives through time-based media and collage. Amanda is passionate about supporting creatives in her community and believes in the magic of collaboration. As a board member, she is excited to share space with other creatives and expand art’s ability to connect, transform, and inspire.

bryna tallman, director

Bryna Tallman holds a Master's degree in vocal performance and pedagogy from North Park University. With a career spanning over fifteen years in the arts and music sector, Bryna has cultivated a wealth of experience as an accomplished professional. Their multifaceted roles encompass teaching, artistic direction, mentoring, administration, and project management, with a commitment to excellence and inclusivity.

Bryna has appeared in Murdoch Mysteries, in the musical NINE in New York City, and performed in various operas worldwide. Bryna performed with the Chicago Opera Playhouse and taught for many years with the Chicago Opera Theater's outreach program and the Chicago Arts Partnership in Education (CAPE), leading cross-curricular educational initiatives to promote literacy. Through the CAPE program, Bryna enjoyed working with a fifth-grade class in partnership with Renee Fleming's outreach tour. Bryna worked at the Canadian Opera Company as the Children, Youth and Family Programs Manager and as the Nai Choir Manager at CultureLink, and Manager at Newcomer Women's Services Toronto, bringing musical education, learning and wellness to diverse children and families. Bryna’s opera The Music Box, a little opera, was presented at the Wee Festival for the Nelson Mandela daycare. This opera promotes a 2SLGBTQ+ family-friendly experience for all ages and abilities. This opera was created in collaboration with the University of Toronto Tempo Lab, to research the engagement of 6-to-12-month-old children and music.

With a decade of experience in Arts Administration, Project/Program Management, Education, and Strategic Planning, Bryna's professional journey reflects an unwavering commitment to the arts, education, equity, and inclusivity.

EMILY SCHEER, DIRECTOR

Emily is a University of Guelph graduate, who has lived equal parts of her life in both rural and urban settings. She has dedicated much time on Turtle Island to creating safe and supportive spaces for the stories of fellow humans to be discovered, celebrated and shared, with particular affinity to those stories made by and for young people. For over 10 years, Emily led youth, education and community initiatives at TIFF, including TIFF Next Wave, TIFF Kids, and several key TIFF outreach programs, including Reel Comfort, Special Delivery and Pocket Fund. Emily is currently the Education & Youth Programs Manager at Hot Docs, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing and celebrating the art of documentary and home to North America’s largest documentary film festival.

Emily has always been committed to creating safe and supportive spaces for creativity and community to flourish and is relentlessly passionate about introducing emerging artists to the possibility of possibility.

kATHRYN GARLAND, DIRECTOR

Kathryn Garland is currently the Supervisor, Culture Programs at the City of Mississauga where she oversees visual arts programs for children, youth and adults, school education programs, and the City’s Resident Artist and Poet Laureate programs. Previously, she has held positions in arts education at Roseneath Theatre, the Living Arts Centre and as an intermediate arts and drama teacher with the York Region District School Board. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts from the University of Guelph and her Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Wollongong in Australia. In addition to this, Kathryn has completed the Parks and Recreation Management Certificate from the Schulich School of Business at York University, has her Additional Qualifications in Special Education, and is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. 
Kathryn is passionate about the importance of arts education and influencing change to support artists and arts orga

KENDRA CAMPBELL, DIRECTOR

Kendra Campbell (she/her) collaborates with museums, archives, and art galleries to create meaningful experiences. Within exhibition and programming teams, she is a vocal advocate for visitor needs, knowledges, and expertise. At the core of her evolving practice is a deep commitment to (re)building trust, forming relationships, and honouring process with community partners. 

Previously, she led the interpretation for Redefining Black Identity at BAND Gallery and Cultural Centre and authored the exhibition’s companion essay "To be dignified, stylish, and Black” that was published in Heritage Matters. She has served on numerous juries and committees, and has presented on visitor-centered exhibition development. Campbell holds a Master of Museum Studies as well as a Master of Information – Archives and Records Management from the University of Toronto.

kerri lee, Director

Kerri currently works as an Education Associate at the Stratford Festival of Canada. After graduating with her Bachelor of Education from Queen's University in 2018 as a member of the Artist in Community Education program, she embarked on an adventure as the Education and Outreach Associate at the Arts Club Theatre Company in Vancouver - a role that perfectly fused her experiences and passion for theatre, education, community building, and arts advocacy. Following her time in Vancouver, Kerri returned to Ontario to teach elementary French, Music, Drama, and Dance teacher in the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) and was involved in initiatives through the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (Waterloo Region Local) in addition to being a member of the Teacher Advisory Committee at the Stratford Festival. Most recently, Kerri successfully completed her Master of Professional Education at the University of Western Ontario in the field of Teaching Students with Exceptionalities, to further her understanding of how to create and foster inclusive educational and stage environments that are welcoming and inclusive for all. She maintains a strong involvement in community theatre both onstage and off, with local theatre companies Kitchener-Waterloo Musical Productions (KWMP) and The Community Players of New Hamburg (TCP). Kerri is thrilled to join the Arts Education Network of Ontario as a member of the Board of Directors and is eager to learn, share, and collaborate as part of the team.

mary-margaret annab, director

Mary-Margaret Annab is an multi-disciplinary artist and youth arts educator originally from Guelph, ON. She has a BFA in Theatre Production and English Literature from York University and a graduate diploma in Arts Management and Masters of Arts Leadership from Queen's University. Her focus in her Masters degree was the implementation of DEIA strategies at non-profit arts organizations. She has professionally trained and performed as a musician for more than twenty years across many instruments, including cello, piano, and voice. As a theatre artist and musician, she has toured across Canada, the United States, the UK, and Poland, and has had the pleasure of teaching youth across south-western Ontario. She is passionate about fostering sustainable, equitable arts education spaces, and is particularly interested in how teaching styles impact the mental health & professional longevity of students. Her greatest joy in the arts world has always been connecting with the community, and she's thrilled to have the opportunity to do that with the Arts Education Network. She currently works for MASC as their Community Programs Manager and sits on the Board of Directors for the Guelph Youth Singers. 

meaghan froh metcalf, director

Meaghan Froh Metcalf has over 10 years of experience working in the arts, with a focus on public programming and outreach. She is currently the Manager of the Free Concert Series at the Canadian Opera Company, where she works to manage approximately 70 concerts across performing arts disciplines, including instrumental music, vocal, jazz and dance. She previously worked as the Director of Public Programming and Outreach at Ontario Culture Days and the Outreach and Programs Coordinator at the Art Gallery of Alberta. Meaghan holds a Masters of Museum Studies degree from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelors degree in History from Queen’s University. She is passionate about access and creating new pathways for audiences to discover the arts. Meaghan loves supporting artists and making space for them to creating amazing work.

melissa bartrem, director

Melissa is a dance artist and dance education specialist with international credits as a professional performer, teacher, and presenter.

Melissa’s dance performance credits include stage appearances in Brazil with the Tihany Spectacular, Showtime! with Casino Figueria Da Foz, Portugal, on the high seas with Princess Cruises and countless appearances in live events and principal roles in film, television, and commercials.

Melissa is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Dance Education at Teachers College, Columbia University where her research interests include dance pedagogy, collaborative learning communities and culturally responsive teaching. She also teaches in post-secondary programs in dance and teacher education at Centennial College, The University of Toronto, and The Royal Academy of Dance. Melissa has collaborated and taught for world-wide arts organizations in England, South Africa, and China, in addition to presenting her in-practice research at arts and education conferences, including the World Conference in Dance Research in Athens, Greece, Dance Science and Somatics Educators conference and the Canadian Association of Theatre Research. Additionally, Melissa works in the private sector and in K-12 schools as a guest artist. She holds a variety of professional dance teaching certifications and is in-demand as a competitive dance adjudicator and choreographer. Melissa aims to promote holistic, student-centred learning that supports accessibility and inclusion in dance spaces.

sharifa riley, director (she/they)

Sharifa Riley is a Museum and Culture specialist. Her work spans over a 10 year period, where she has worked in a variety of positions. Sharifa began her career in developing educational programming for youth, children and families, and has recently taken on more collection management initiatives and independent curatorial projects. Sharifa has curated exhibitions for BAND (Black Artists' Network In Dialogue) Gallery, the Erland Lee (Museum) Home, and York University.

Sharifa’s passion for the museum and culture sector has allowed her to broaden the minds of all those she comes in contact with. She is a determined and creative individual, and is looking forward to many years of helping people discover what their community has to offer.

Sharifa Riley is a graduate from the University of Ottawa (B.A.), Sir Sandford Fleming College (Post Graduate), and York University (M.A.). She is currently working as an Independent Curator, whilst completing a 200-hr Meditation Instructor course with the Lab of Meditation.

Tim walker, director (he/him)

Tim is currently the Senior Manager, Education at Harbourfront Centre.  In this role, he oversees both the School Visits and Recreational Learning teams to deliver inclusive, accessible and engaging programing to children and youth. Previously, he was the Manager, School Visits for six year and Education Officer, Camps and School Visits for seven, where he taught a number of Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Urban Studies and Media Studies programs throughout the school year, and acted as the Assistant Camps Coordinator, Programming and Learning for the March Break and Summer Camps programs.  In addition, Tim is a member of the Board at Prologue Performing Arts, as well as the Co-Chair for the Music Advisory Committee for Children’s Album of the Year at the JUNOS.

Tim completed his undergraduate degree at University of Toronto in Geography and Sociology.  He went on to complete his Bachelor of Education at Trent University and spent a year teaching Geography and Special Education Needs (SEN) in London, UK for a year. He completed his Masters of Education at York University.  His area of research explores the lived experience of LGBTQ teachers in the provincial education system and what impact the choice to disclose has on educators both inside and outside the classroom.

In his (rare) spare time, Tim loves to travel, see live productions of any kind and eat as much diverse cuisine as possible. 

Vanessa Smith (she/her), Director

Vanessa is currently the Manager of Education & Outreach for the Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, where she’s been fortunate to have the opportunity to build the Education department almost from the ground up. Previously, she served as School Programs Manager for the Canadian Opera Company, and holds a degree in Drama in Education and Community from the University of Windsor. Prior to her arts education work in Canada, Vanessa also worked in Japan where she taught English through drama in Tokyo and taught at a small school in Fukushima. In addition to the PAONE board, she currently serves on the Music Advisory Committee for the Children’s Album of the Year category for the JUNO Awards. 

Vanessa strives to create and facilitate authentic experiences for all participants, and is passionate about strong community partnerships and the power of the arts to transform individuals and connect us all to one another.