Aimee Hamilton    Dip, Ryerson, DMA

Dance Director

Aimee Hamilton is an Honours graduate from the Dance Program at Ryerson Polytechnic University, and is a proud member of Dance Masters of America (DMA). Aimee has been teaching at The Oakville Academy for the Arts since its inception, and is delighted to be entering her eighth year as Dance Director. Her students have won numerous overall awards at competitions, including Mini National Champions at OnStage NewYork in Orlando, Florida.

Aimee's goals as a teacher are to inspire passion for dance, to promote technique and self-confidence, and to bring out the best in her students in a positive and supportive atmosphere. Every student means the world to her. Aimee began dancing at the age of 4 and received extensive training in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Modern and Musical Theatre. Her years of training earned her countless awards, scholarships and titles at competitions throughout Canada and the United States, including American Dance Awards Dancer of the Year. While at Ryerson, Aimee received the "Most Potential Dancer" scholarship and trained under acclaimed teachers such as Nadia Potts, Vicky St. Denys, and Stelio Calagias. Upon graduation, Aimee performed in two Broadway Revues onboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and has had the opportunity to work with numerous renowned choreographers such as Robert Desrosiers, Jean-Aime LaLonde, and David Campbell. For 3 years, Aimee could be seen performing at Deerhurst Resort in "Sing 2001", "Excite the Night", and "Impact". Since becoming a teacher full time, Aimee has attended multiple teacher workshops where she has had the pleasure of taking classes from Mia Michaels, Brian Friedman, and Wade Robson to name a few. Aimee is an accomplished dancer, teacher, choreographer and adjudicator, and she is thrilled to be sharing her love of dance with her students at the Oakville Academy for the Arts.

Tina Lytle        B.A.

Ballet Director

A valued member of The Oakville Academy for the Arts Faculty for over six years Tina is a graduate of the Teacher Training Program (with Distinction) from the National Ballet School, Tina has trained with some of the world’s best, while achieving full teaching certification with the Royal Academy of Dancing (RTS).  An accomplished dancer, instructor, and choreographer from Alberta, to further her career, she is currently entering her third year at Ryerson University in Toronto, enrolled in Theatre: Performance Dance (BFA).

As an Instructor, Tina has distinguished herself as a caring and dedicated instructor with an eye for detail.  She is a fully certified teacher with (I.S.T.D.) for National Dance and Cecchetti Ballet.  As well as an associate member (C.D.T.A.) in ballet, tap, and jazz.  As a dancer Tina has received extensive training in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Modern, and National dance.  She has received numerous medals, trophies, and scholarships in various competitions throughout Canada. She has performed on the televised opening and closing ceremonies at the Canada Winter Games. Tina has also danced with the Alberta Ballet, as well as the National Ballet of Canada’s, productions of the Nutcracker.  Tina has completed the highest levels of C.D.T.A. in Jazz and Tap dancing with Honors.  She has also successfully completed her R.A.D. Advanced 2 Exam, Cecchetti Advanced 1 Exam (I.S.T.D.) and National Advanced 1 Exam (I.S.T.D.).  With nine years of teaching experience Tina looks forward to her leadership role at The Oakville Academy of the Arts and wants to share her passion and love for dance with her students and other faculty members.

Kasey Bowers

Competitive Dance Coordinator/Instructor/Choreographer

Entering her fourth season at The Oakville Academy for the Arts, Kasey is proud to be working with such passionate and talented dancers. She is very proud of the Competitive Team's wonderful accomplishments over the past year under her leadership including many Overall Awards and particularly, the success of the Pre Mini Tap Team at The Starpower Nationals who placed in the Battle of the Stars 2010 as well as her Extended Line Twho also appeared in the Battle! Kasey has trained in Competitive Dance since the age of 7 and was extensively trained at Performing Dance Arts under the direction of Danny Poland focusing on Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical and Hip-Hop. Kasey’s goals as a teacher are to pass on the passion and knowledge that she has gained from working with world renowned choreographers such as Tyce Diorio, Mandy Moore, Dee Casprey, Marty Kudelka, and Paula Morgan. 

Following her training she had the opportunity to perform all over North America, including an industrial show for Club Med Bahamas, and Toronto Fashion cares. In 2005, Kasey Performed in numerous Professional Production shows for Carnival Cruise Lines, allowing her to travel and share her passion with performers and audiences from around the world. As the world of dance moves forward she is moving along side it taking classes and workshops to stay on top of new trends and styles. Kasey is looking forward  to another year of developing and sharing her love and knowledge for the beautiful art of dance with all of her students at The Oakville Academy.

Monique Romasco       B.A.

Dance Instructor and Choreographer

Monique Romasco is an established choreographer in the “Canadian scene” and an experienced performer and teacher. Her style reflects her technical background as well as her ability to fuse physical dynamics with contemporary expressiveness. Throughout her career Monique has worked and trained with reputable choreographers such as Danny Grossman, Lawrence Gradis, Jean Aimee Lalonde  , Allen and Karen Kaeja, Gabby Kamino, Wes Veldink, Vicki St. Deny, Brian Friedman, Bradley Rapier and Melissa Williams, just to name a few.  

After graduating from the Ryerson University Theatre Dance Program in 2000, Monique went on to create her own independent dance company “idDanse.” The Contemporary Jazz Dance Company strived to push Jazz dance into the Toronto scene by collaborating with live jazz musician. Their show “INSTINCTUAL IMPULSES” premiered in fringe festivals across Canada and featured works by Alvin Ailey’s Sharon Wong and Toronto’s renowned choreographers Gabby Kamino and Vicki St.Denys. As a choreographer, Monique’s work can be seen in Films such as “American Pie- Beta House”, Princess Cruise Line’s “Under Cover” and “Piano Man” as well as Musicals such as HAIR and GREASE. Monique has been asked to assist in creating works once again for the 2nd season of, “So You Think You Can Dance Canada”.  As a dancer, Monique has danced and toured with musical groups such as, DJ Chris Sheppard, Love Inc, Temperance, Emjay,  Ivana Santilli and Michael Clark.  She has performed at the former GM Place in Vancouver for the former Grizzlies at the Half time show as well as “Summer Fest” at Paramount Canada’s Wonderland, which featured acts such as Destiny’s child and Sean Desmond. Monique was also featured as a dancer for Jon Secada on the live taping of The Foster Parents Plan Television Special. Monique’s Musical debuts include the role of “Cha- Cha Digregorio” in GREASE, and “The Drug” in HAIR. She was also a featured dancer in two Vegas style revue shows called “Generations” and “Bon Voyage” which premiered at the Casino Windsor in Windsor, Ontario. Monique Continues to perform and teach professionally across the country and Abroad. She enjoys exploring her creative boundaries through her choreography and can be found, most recently, teaching on the Faculty of EXTREME DANCE convention tours. Monique is very excited to be entering her third year a a full time Faculty member  and can’t wait to fuel the creative fires of all the wonderful dancers at The Oakville Academy!

Andrew Prashad          B.A

Dance Instructor and Choreographer

Entering his third year at The Oakville Academy for the Arts, Andrew has graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in ‘Theatre and Performance’ as well as ‘French Literature’. He has been teaching dance, music and drama for 11 years throughout the GTA. Mr. Prashad grew up participating in all aspects of the arts from a very young age.  He is not only a solidly trained and versatile dancer, but a musician and an actor as well. 

Andrew has trained with some of the finest choreographers in Canada. Since then, he’s moved on to study under the world’s best tap dancers such as Savion Glover, Jason Samuel-Smith, Derick Grant, Aaron Tolson, Diane Walker, Jimmy Payne Jr., and Lane Alexander.  Andrew has become a sought after adjudicator, choreographer and instructor, teaching Master Classes across Canada and choreographing throughout the GTA.  His choreography has been recognized at festivals and competitions where he has won top honours in this field and recently, his Hip Hop choreography was showcased on MuchMusic’s Top 10 Videos with Fancy Footwork.  He was also on board to choreograph the Toronto production of The Wiz. Andrew’s credits include principle roles in television shows (Being Erica, Instant Star, Degrassi – The Next Generation, The Border, Pastor Greg etc.), internationally-recognized-film-festival-accepted short films, television commercials, music videos and feature films.  On stage he’s been in touring productions such as The History of Hip Hop, A Chorus Line, Guys and Dolls and many more.  He recently performed at National Tap Dance Day in Toronto and was invited to perform at the Montreal Chaos Festival, Toronto Fringe Festival and the Hamilton Fringe Festival.  Andrew is a creative Instructor with an eye and ear for excellent technique and looks forward to taking The Oakville Academy for the Arts students to new levels.

Angela Borgeest     R.A.D

R.A.D. Ballet Instructor

Angela Borgeest has taught dancing in Hong Kong and Canada for over 30 years. As a performer, she achieved the Royal Academy of Dance Solo Seal Award while performing with the Hong Kong Ballet Company. In Canada, she danced with the Anna Wyman Dance Theatre in Vancouver as well as the Ontario Ballet Theatre before opening up her own school: the Canadian Conservatory of Dance where she resided as teacher as well as director for 18 years. Angela is happy to return to the Oakville Academy for the Arts for the fifth season.

Students and colleagues compliment Angela on her refreshingly optimistic and cheerful personality, her patience and genuine sincerity to share her love of dance with children of all ages.

Ballet Instructor & Choreographer

Katie Watson        BFA RYERSON UNIVERSITY

Dance Instructor/Choreographer, Summer Camp Director 

Katie is thrilled to be teaching at Oakville Academy for the Arts in her fifth season. For the past three summers, Katie has directed our Summer Art Camps and this year she is working with the competitive dance team where she will be choreographing solos and duets. Katie began her training in Calgary, Alberta, where she received an extensive training as a competitive dancer in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary and musical theatre.

She has won many titles, awards, and scholarships and has also completed her Advanced II, I.S.T.D ballet certificate, Intermediate R.A.D ballet certificate, Intermediate I.S.T.D modern and tap certificate, and Advanced ADAPT jazz and tap certificate. In addition, she had the opportunity to work with Brian Foley as a dancer for the ADAPT syllabus training video and demonstrated at several ADAPT dance conventions throughout Canada. Katie is a proud honours graduate of Ryerson University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance Program. While at Ryerson, Katie had the opportunity to train under acclaimed teachers and choreographers such as Nadia Potts, Christopher House, Robert Glumbek, Darryl Tracy, Allen Kaeja and Vicky St.Denys. Most recent performing credits include Guys and Dolls, Around the World in 80 Minutes, Uprising, British Pub Show, Best of Broadway and Footloose the Musical, where she held the title of dance captain. Currently Katie is a principle dancer for Cadence Contemporary Ballet Company in Toronto and resident choreographer for Debut Entertainment. Katie has learned a great deal through her own training and performing experience, and maintains a strong belief that performance and technique go hand in hand to create an enjoyable and memorable experience for her students. Her enthusiasm for dance motivates and inspires her students to develop into creative performers. Katie is a very passionate teacher, performer and choreographer, and is thrilled to see her students continue to develop into remarkable dancers. 

Marisa Falcone, BFA

Dance Instructor/Choreographer

Marisa Falcone began training at a young age in all dance disciplines and furthered her training at Cawthra Park Secondary School in the Regional Arts Program for Dance.  In 2008 she graduated from Ryerson University ’s Theatre Dance Program, obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with Honours.  Upon graduating, Marisa set off to sail the high seas with Disney Cruise Line as Dance Captain, making magic and sharing the stage with some of the most famous Disney characters!    

Back on land, Marisa has had the opportunity to perform in High School Musical 2, Footloose, Tarantella, and a number of revue shows.  She was also featured in the movie Molly: An American Girl on the Homefront. Marisa has competed throughout Canada and the United States and won numerous scholarships and awards.  She is also a guest teacher for the Canadian Dance Teachers’ Association.  Marisa is an active member of Mississauga ’s Arts Scene as a dancer, musician, and singer, most recently being the recipient of the Meadowvale Theatre Award.  She was also the recipient of the Theatre Dance Award from Ryerson University in 2006.  She is thrilled to join The Oakville Academy team and looks forward to creating many new memories with her students as she watches them develop into beautiful dancers and find their love of Dance! 

Agata Mirosz     

Ballet Instructor

Miss Agata received most of her training while she lived in Poland and at the age of seven she joined the professional program at the National Ballet School of Poland. Agata attended this school for seven consecutive years receiving the best training in her country. She was honored to continue her training when she was invited to join the elite program with the Qunite Ballet School of Canada.

Throughout her career Ms Mirosz has performed with several different ballet companies in Poland as well as Canada such as National Ballet of Poland, Ontario Ballet Theatre, OmO, DNA Theatre and many more. Her repertoire includes many famous ballets such as Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadere and the Nutcracker. Miss Agata had the privilege to perform for Pope John Paul II, The President and First Lady of Poland and Princess Mathilde of Belgium just to name a few. Besides performing on stage Ms. Mirosz has also appeared on TV and Radio, taking part in numerous television shows, music videos for Our Lady Peace, Hillary Duff and short movie “End of Silence” along with dancers from American Ballet Theatre and National Ballet. Her passion for performance and instinctive attention to detail has brought her to teaching. As she enters her second season with the Oakville Academy for the Arts, Miss Agata is excited to see how her students will grow this year. A warm and friendly instructor her students love to imitate her grace.  Her passion for dance inspires all of her students to find their passion within and make their dancing dreams come true!

Cristina Miculas Serban

Ballet instructor     

Cristina is an Honors graduate of Teacher Training Program at National Dance Centre in Paris, France. There she received her State Diploma of Classical Dance Teaching. She was trained by world renowned teachers from Paris Opera Ballet and Bejart Ballet Lausanne. Cristina began dancing at age of four and at age nine joined the professional ballet institution, National Ballet School of Romania, graduating with a Major in Ballet.

Entering the Romanian Opera Ballet she performed classical and contemporary repertoire and she had the privilege working with renowned dancers and choreographers. During this time she toured internationally with the company, performing in ballets such as: Swan Lake, Giselle, Coppelia, Carmen, Don Quixote, Romeo and Juliet,Cinderella, The Sleeping Beauty, Esmeralda, The Nutcracker, Paquita, Scheherazade, Bolero, Requiem, La Bayader. She began her teaching career in Paris, teaching all levels from beginners to advanced. After moving to Canada, Cristina has been an invited guest teacher for many dance schools in Ontario. She has attended multiple teacher workshops and she’s taking classes from: Jane Wooding, Glen Gilmour, Kevin Pugh, Michael Faigaux, to name a few. Cristina is an energetic and enthusiastic teacher who loves to teach children of all ages and she is looking forward to share her passion for dance with her students.

Melanie Allison    Randolph Academy, Triple Threat

Dance Instructor                        

Melanie began her dance training at the age of 3 and a half. She has been trained in all forms of dance Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Pointe and Hip Hop. She began teaching at 14 years of age and has now been teaching students of all ages for almost 20 years. She trained at the Randolph School of the Arts in the three year "Triple Threat" program. She went on to become a professional Dancer and Choreographer.

She was an original member of the Raptors Dance Pak for 5 years and ran the Jr. Raptor's Dance Pak as one of the Directors and Choreographers. She also danced for the Argos as a Toronto Argonauts SUNdancer and was the Choreographer for the Toronto Phantoms " Phantasy Girls" for 2 years. Melanie choreographed the opening segment for ABC Monday night Football in 2000 and has choreographed music videos, commercials and numerous industrials. Melanie is very excited to be teaching at the Oakville Academy for this upcoming season!

Shannon Kelly           B.A.

Dance Instructor

Shannon most recently completed workshops and hip hop training at the Broadway Dance Centre in New York City, working with top choreographers in the field. Just a few months ago she trained with Darrin Henson “Stomp The Yard” star and choreographer for stars such as J.Lo, Nsync, and Michael Jackson. Shannon is currently on the hip hop performing team in Toronto called “Thrive! Entertainment” where she is working with some of the best choreographers and most celebrated hip hop performers in the city.

Shannon earned her BA in cross-disciplinary studies at the University of Western Ontario this year. While in London, Shannon shared her passion for dance, teaching at the university campus recreation, and serving as choreographer /performer for the UWO Dance Company. She was also a choreographer and performer for Infusion fashion show as CAISA fashion show, and for the CSO culture show. Simultaneous to her studies at the University of Western Ontario, Shannon taught at several studios in the London/Strathroy region. Shannon is excited to bring her uniqueness and passion for dance to the Oakville Academy.

Alexandra Herzog

Dance Instructor/Choreographer

Alex is now entering her third season with the Oakville Academy She continues to share her love of dance with her students.  Raised in Winnipeg, Alexandra trained at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and continues her studies of dance, music and theatre at Sheridan College. This past summer, she performed as a Sharpette in High School Musical 2 in Niagara Falls and in Beauty and the Beast at Rainbow Stage.

She has toured Canada and the U.S. with chidrens' shows Caillou, Big Comfy Couch and Franklin the Turtle, as well as throughout Europe as a dancer aboard Celebrity Cruises. Alexandra is excited to be working with and choreographing for the competitive team!

Noland Clarke   

Break Dance and Hip Hop Instructor     

Noland began dancing at the age of 6, and continued with a variety of other dance and movement classes throughout his school years. He has studied jazz, modern, ballroom, various folk dance classes, gymnastics and drama. As Noland developed as a dancer he has gone on to more challenging and rewarding forms of dance, always craving to learn more. Noland’s largest influences by far have come from “The Rock Steady Crew”, that was established in 1977 by Bronx b-boys Jimmy D and Jojo.

When they started this crew in the streets of the Bronx, they had no idea that someday it would take them all around the world. Teaching and traveling to workshops with numerous instructors around eastern Canada, he continued to hone his dance skills. In 1997, he began studying Capoiera Brazilian Art form and discovered the benefits of using the whole body for dance and that the strength and discipline of martial arts provides excellent cross-training. Around this time, he also received basic fitness and group fitness theory certification and began teaching fitness classes (core and stability, strength/flexibility and dance fitness). Passionate about health and urban Style, Noland loves sharing his expertise with his students and helping them achieve their own personal bests.

Veronica Lincoln       B.F.A.

Dance & Acting Instructor

Veronica Lincoln began her in Brampton , Ontario at the young age of 4. She continued her studies at Mayfield Secondary School for the Arts, and completed her professional instruction at Ryerson University, where she received her B.F.A. in Performance Dance.  As an active educator in the GTA, Veronica has taught both Dance and Acting in Oakville , Brampton , Niagara, Toronto and Ottawa . Recent performances include Curtain Call Players production of CATS, and Style by Jury on the “W” Network and Stopping Place with InDuo Danceworks. 

Veronica has had the opportunity to dance for such choreographers as Roberto Campanella, Malgorzata Nowaczka, Darryl Tracy and Lindsay Ritter.  Veronica was in the original cast of  “Gameshow” the Musical in the Summer Fringe Festival 2008, which was voted “People’s Choice” by NOW magazine, and was selected as part of ‘Best of Fringe 2008”. Most recently Veronica can be seen dancing in Hallmark Film When Love Is Not Enough with Winona Ryder, and working in Toronto’s distillery district at The Dance Current Magazine. Veronica is thankful to be part of the Oakville Academy Faculty where she shares her love for the arts and looks forward to working more days at The Academy and meeting more children she can inspire! 

Jennifer Smith    

Dance Instructor and Choreographer

Jennifer has been a performer, choreographer and dance teacher for the past 20 years. After obtaining a Diploma in Radio & Television Broadcasting and working for several years in the film and television industry, she returned to her first love: dance. Jennifer is a member of What’s On? Tap! Dance Company and most recently performed in “Tapville”, a production which included What’s On?Tap! and country music sensation, Terri Clark. 

As a teacher whose passion for educating students in the area of dance shows in every moment, Jennifer has produced several award-winning numbers and has been recognized for her outstanding choreography. She has been on staff and has guest taught at several dance schools in the GTA over the past several years and after a wonderful year at The Oakville Academy for the Arts, she has decided to make OAA her home where she shares the philosophy of the Faculty. Jennifer continues to train at workshops and dance classes in Toronto and New York City. She is an adjudicator at various dance competitions, and is also the director of “The Dance Project”, a company that produces dance conventions and workshops. Her work with world renowned Choreographers keeps her well abreast of the current dance “scene” and she brings that flavour to her classes. A mother of four fabulous children, she understands that each child has an individual spirit and helps to build self confidence with each and every step. A warm and compassionate teacher, Jennifer is formally trained in jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, musical theatre, modern and song & dance, and is a full member of the Canadian Dance Teacher's Association (CDTA).Jennifer is looking forward to her second year as a Faculty member at The Oakville Academy for the Arts!

Stephanie Clarke

Dance Instructor

Stephanie is a multi-disciplinary dancer and choreographer, who has studied dance for the past 19 years. Her repertoire includes; Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Modern, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre. Through Stephanie’s training as a competitive dancer, she has won countless awards all over Canada and the United States . Upon graduating as a Competitive Dancer at the Oakville Academy and former Dance Captain , Stephanie continued her training in the Theatre Dance program at Ryerson University where she graduated with a bachelor of fine Arts in Dance Performance . 

During her time at Ryerson, Stephanie has worked with many acclaimed teachers and choreographers such as; Nadia Potts, Vicki St.Denys, Tanya Evidente, Karen Duplisea, Robert Glumbek, Kenny Pearl and Darryl Tracey. Some of Stephanie’s most recent credits include; performing with Toronto ’s Hip Hop company Thrive! Entertainment in 2006, Ryerson Dances 2008, and Choreographic Works 2009. In July of 2009, Stephanie trained for one week at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City with the legendary Radio City Rockettes. Stephanie was honoured to have such extensive training with the Rockette’s famed style, precision, and kick lines from their annual show, Radio City Christmas Spectacular.  On leave for the year to perform, Stephanie looks forward to  sharing her love for Dance with the world. Stephanie’s goal is to inspire her students with the enthusiasm and passion that she has gained from the art form. Stephanie loved teaching many students during the 2009-2010 season at The Oakville Academy for the Arts and looks forward to seeing the growth of her students over the year and can't wait to see them again in the year end recitals and teach them again upon her return!

Julie d’Entremont      BFA

Dance Instructor

Julie graduated from Ryerson University’s Dance Program in 2009, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with Honours. During her time at Ryerson she studied extensively in Ballet, Modern and Jazz, while also having the opportunity to perform works by choreographers Robert Glumbek, Holly Small and Louis Laberge Cote. Born Halifax, Nova Scotia Julie began her early training there in ballet, jazz, tap, and modern, and developed her love for dance and its varied vocabularies.  

With a strong belief in differing and continual training Julie has also studied in summer programs at the Banff Centre, the School of Toronto Dance Theatre, the Ailey School and the ProArteDanza Summer intensive. Since graduating from Ryerson, Julie has been performing independently for Toronto based choreographers Pamela Rasbach (Typecast Dance Company), Miranda Abbot (Event Horizon Dance), Lacey Smith, Nicole Barber and Miranda Forbes and Irene Whittaker-Cumming (Being Human Dance). As a co-founder of Being Human Dance she has performed within Canada and the United States. Julie has been a wonderful and popular substitute instructor at OAA and is thrilled to be Teaching at The Oakville Academy for the Arts  for the 2010-2010 Season and is excited to share her love for dance with her students.

Jessica Horn     Dip, Randolph Academy, Triple Threat

Dance Instructor and Choreographer

Returning to the Oakville Academy for a third year, Jessica Horn's love for dance has grown into a love for teaching. Inspiring young minds and sharing in the excitement of learning, Jessica hopes to pass on the importance of hard work and dedication to young performers.  A musical theatre graduate of the Randolph Academy for Performing Arts and a former Miss Dance of Canada, Jessica's dancing has resulted in numerous performances such as the touring productions of Anne of Green Gables and Cinderella at Theatre Aquarius, as well as the Canadian promotional tour for Britney Spears' fragrance, 'Curious'. 

She also played 'Larry' in A Chorus Line and 'Olivia Twist' in Twisted (RAPA), 'Trickster' in The Darkness and the Butterfly, and 'Anita' in Helix Dance Projects' production of West Side Stories. Other stage credits include:  A Tribute to Oscar Petterson; D'Neuve Contemporary Dance Theatre's 2003 winter season, Stardust Follies and guest performances on Silja and Princess Cruise Lines. Jessica's film and television credits include; The Red Green Show, Ghostly Encounters, Barstool Words, Repo the Genetic Opera, The Poet and Hairspray.  Teaching credits include; Dirty Dancing’s 2007 Canadian audition tour, the Randolph Academy for Performing Arts and Ryerson University. Having been fortunate to dance on many stages across North America and Scandinavia, Jessica has recently spent the summer performing at the Sands Casino, with Vybe Hip Hop Co. in Macau, China.

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 Vocal, Instrumental & Musical Theatre

Rebecca Hall           B. Music

Music Director, Piano and Theory Instructor

Rebecca Hall was appointed  Music Director at The Oakville Academy for the Arts in September 2009. She has been teaching Music, Music Theory and Voice at the Academy for 7 years and is pleased to be entering into her 8^th year of instructing. Rebecca started playing and performing Classical music at the age of 4 and believes that music is a lifelong commitment that is very fulfilling. She feels strongly that lessons should be an inspiring and enjoyable experience. Whether a beginner or Advanced student, every level of learning is crucial to the next step.

Rebecca supports The Academy's theory that every student will have a unique learning style and that one methodology doesn't work for everyone and therefore Teachers need to be well educated, flexible and creative in their approach.Rebecca graduated with Honours from the McMaster University Music Program where she received a Bachelor of Music. She has also studied at Mohawk College where she completed a 3 year Intensive Performance Program under the Tutelage of Pamela Van Welden. Trained in the Alexander technique, a study of yoga-like posture and breathing, Rebecca can help relieve the nervousness felt by performers by sharing this technique for easy performance anxiety.   Over the years she has had a multitude of experiences performing as an accompanist and as a solo artist. Rebecca is a dedicated teacher and performer who looks forward to preparing fun and creative lessons for her students at The Oakville Academy for the Arts and supporting other Music Faculty with their teaching journey 

Graziella Mastrangelo

Vocal, Piano and Musical Theatre, Instructor

Graziella is a graduate of The Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts; from which she holds a diploma in Performing Arts.  This is her 12th year of teaching, her 3rd year at The Oakville Academy. She is a classically trained vocalist who attended The Glenn Gould Professional School of Music, McMaster University & Le Royal Conservatoire de Musique de Luxembourg where she respectively obtained her Musical Theory, History, Harmony and Voice Performance Diplomas.

Graziella has performed all across Canada, the United States, Mexico & Europe. Performing in Musicals, Revues, Chamber Concerts, Choral concerts, Jazz and of course Classical Concerts.   She has also had the privilege of being asked to perform in many Folklore Festivals all across Canada and the United States where she has had the opportunity to open for and sing with International acclaimed Italian, Portuguese and Spanish singers.  She is an avid Vocal Competitor and in her spare time loves to collaborate with her Improv Sketch Troop “Ruff Copy”, which she founded and created in 2005 with Second City Alumuni. Favorite Roles (SO FAR…) Include: “Tina” (Second City’s Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding), “RosaBud” (The Mystery of Edwin Drood) “Maria” (West Side Story) “Porcha” (The Author’s Voice). However, it was not until Graziella was blest with opportunity to play  “Belle” (Disney’s Beauty & The Beast) did she discover her love for working, entertaining and teaching young minds.  She is thrilled, honoured and humbled to be a part of such a talented faculty. 

Ann O’Kane

Musical Theatre, Vocal and Cello Instructor

Ann is originally from Wisconsin and received her formal training at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire (cello performance/education-scholarship recipient) and the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point (musical theatre/voice). After her training Ann moved to New York City, where she performed in Off Broadway Productions, Workshops, and Musical Revues, one of note being at Lincoln Center.Ann was thrilled to teach at the Oakville Academy for the Performing Arts its first year. After taking a year off to perform in the Toronto production of “Mamma Mia”, she is now back and excited about another great year of teaching.

Other theatrical credits include the National Tour of Riverdance, I love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, (Brockville Center for the Performing Arts), Phantom, Of Thee I Sing, and Gypsy. Ann has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe and has been a featured performer on the high seas with Celebrity Cruises. Ann also free-lances as a cellist and she co-leads a duo with violist Pamela Bettger titled “Just-Du-et”. Teaching in the public schools as a strings itinerant teacher was also a rewarding experience and likes to consider herself a diverse, supportive, and friendly teacher.

Brad Toews

Piano, Vocal & Theory

Brad Toews is fluent in two languages, English and music. Both dialects began developing at a young age with the early introduction of formal piano lessons and regular performances. As a teenager, Brad completed his grade 10 RCM, as well as advanced theory and counterpoint. At about the same time, playing by ear and the art of improvising reared its creative head and became part of his vocabulary. Driven to communicate within this idiom, Brad enrolled in Humber College and received his B.A. in jazz performance.

After a successful post education and the recipient of the CARAS Award (scholarship for highest academic achievement), Brad occupied the piano chair in a Christian band called Capstone. The group recorded and performed extensively for five years, receiving both national and international acclaim. Today, Brad continues to perform with various artists and is a sought after piano player in the Christian music scene. Off stage, Brad can be found conveying the message of music as a piano teacher. Music has the power to enrich anyone’s life, a conviction that Brad hopes to inspire in all of his students.Brad’s musical career continues to grow as a performer, arranger, recording artist and educator. As long as there are ears to hear, Brad will speak and share his passion for music.

Janet Martin

Vocal & Piano Instructor

Janet is thrilled to be joining the Faculty at The Oakville Academy for the Arts.  Her passion for Music and Performance was well demonstrated as one of the vocal leads at the 2010 Dance Celebration recitals at The Living Arts Centre in Mississauga and as a preferred substitute teacher during the 2009-2010 year.  An accomplished teacher with many years to her credit in all areas of voice in both private and group settings, Janet can't wait to share her talents with the students at The Academy. Ms. Martin has been a professional singer, actor, and dancer in Canada for over 25 years. 

Her first professional job was with the Stratford Festival performing in their Gilbert and Sullivan operettas including  the  Broadway  bound “Mikado”. She then joined the original Toronto Company of Cats to play Sillibub and understudy the lead role of Grizabella, a part she subsequently performed in three different productions.  Janet was pleased to have been in the Toronto cast of Les Miserables at the Royal Alex and on tour. She later joined Phantom of the Opera for almost seven  years  playing in Toronto and also in Singapore and Hong Kong.  For two years, Janet was a cast member of  Menopause Out Loud  in the city, and  most recently appeared  in The Sound of Music at the Princess of Wales theatre for the Mirvishes. Along the way , many non-musical acting roles have also come her way on radio and television, as well as stage. A well loved member of the Toronto professional theatre community, Janet will be a great addition to  The Oakville Academy for the Arts Music Faculty.

Piano, Vocal & Music Theory Instructor

Heidi Lange is very excited to be returning for her second season at The Oakville Academy for the Arts. She is very proud of her students’ accomplishments over the last year and can’t wait to see their development over the next season. Heidi  has been singing since before she could talk.  Exposed to everything from Bach to Boney M. growing up in Burlington , she didn’t learn to classify music at a very early age.  She began studying violin when she was 7, followed by piano a year later.  While she sang at home constantly, and loved being in school choirs, shyness prevented her from singing solo in front of other people until she was in high school. 

At that point, she decided to embrace the fact that singing was her passion, and hasn’t looked back since.  She has since studied Music Theatre ( University of Windsor ) and Jazz ( Mohawk College ) formally, while continuing to absorb classical, pop and rock influences along the way.  She has performed onstage in English-style music hall productions, classic musicals such as Hair and Godspell, as well as the Canadian premiere of the gritty, Tony-award winning The Life.  Heidi loves to share her gifts and has found great joy in teaching voice and piano lessons, as well as music theatre classes for the past 7 years and finding balance with her performing career. Heidi has released one album already with a voice described as warm, expressive, sultry and heartfelt. Heidi’s main goal is musical honesty.  Supported by a stellar line-up of musicians, the sound is distinctive and original her album,  Late,r reflects the potpourri of her musical background with elements of jazz, soul and cabaret.  Performances in the summer of 2009 at the Beaches Jazz Festival and the Festival of Friends have gained more fans for Heidi’s unique sound.  Heidi looks forward to Music Festivals, RCM exams and performances as methods for challenging and strengthening her students’ abilities.

Nadia Hosko      B.Mus.

Vocal, Piano, Music Theory Instructor

Nadia is a Graduate of the internationally acclaimed Music Program at Humber College , from which she holds a Bachelor of Contemporary Music. Nadia believes in building strong musical foundations in her students and has worked with prominent voice teachers such as Heather Bambrick, Wendy Parr and Dave Stroud as well as renowned speech therapist Aaron Low.  A Toronto native, Nadia has traveled extensively and is very much inspired by her love for West-African and Afro-Cuban music. 

Nadia has performed in African and Latin ensembles at Humber College with leaders in the Toronto world music scene; Hilario Duran and Waleed Abdulhamid – she lists such experiences as major influences on her writing and sense of rhythm . Fluent in both French and Spanish, Nadia also teaches Latin dancing and is an avid songwriter and arranger. Recent releases include her debut EP – a project mentored by the likes of Bruce Cassidy and Shannon Gunn, written, arranged and co-produced by Nadia herself. Currently performing in world music festivals with Waleed Abdulhamid, in her self led jazz quartet and as a solo artist, Nadia continues to write and looks forward to expressing her love for music through her teaching at The Oakville Academy for the Arts

Piano, Voca & Music Theory Instructor

Ghislain Aucoin is a very talented and driven musician from Bathurst, New Brunswick and looks forward to another wonderful season at The Oakville Academy for the Arts. Upon completing his RCM (grade10) Piano, Ghislain continued to pursue his love of Music and has earned a Bachelor of Applied Music from Humber College where he studied Jazz Piano and Voice Extensively.

He is the recipient of many awards including the Marilyn Michener Award (2008) and the Greg Weils Award (2009), both from Humber College. Nowadays, Ghislain enjoys teaching voice and piano for all levels and styles to his students at the Oakville Academy for the Arts. Ghislain's easy style and music acumen make him a wonderful teacher for students of all ages. He is engaging and his methods make learning a pleasurable and fun experience. Flexible in his style and approach he wants every student to have the best possible chance for personal success in their studies and his only goal is that he can share with students a little of what has made his life so much richer- his love affair with music.Ghislain is currently the Music Director for the Nancy White/Judith Lander concert series taking place this summer and looks forward to setting new goals for his students in September and making sure they achieve them as soon as possible!

Gisèle Fredette   B.A. Performance

Master Vocal Instructor

Mezzo-Soprano Gisèle Fredette is a seasoned and accomplished singer, composer, dancer, actor and vocal teacher who graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Degree in Performance. Comfortable in eight languages, Ms. Fredette has appeared internationally with major opera companies and with most Canadian and American symphonies. Gisèle has been teaching voice and performance privately, with Sheridan College and St. Elizabeth High School for the Performing Arts.

Having been a teacher for over twenty years, she is often invited to teach master classes on audition, vocal technique and languages. Gisele is a respected and sought after adjudicator for voice and speech arts in numerous music festivals throughout Canada. Gisèle is also a regular judge on the panel for the CNE Rising Star competition. Being perfectly bilingual (French and English), she often plays the dual role of Master of Ceremonies. Ms. Fredette has toured throughout Canada and Bermuda with an educational (bilingual) program of Opera for Schools and reintroducing music within the school system. Gisèle has numerous musical credits to her name from Elisa Doolittle in My Fair Lady to Anita in West Side Story. Her opera credits range from Carmen in Carmen to Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus. Film credits include Eurydice in Orfée and Eurydice, Prima Dona in the Emmy Award winning film Mr. Beethoven Lives Upstairs, and numerous television appearances and commercials. She also has numerous recordings of her own compositions available through her website. We are very excited to have Ms. Fredette returning for another season to share her passion for music and performance with the students of The Oakville Academy for the Arts!

Anesti Karantakis

Guitar, Bass, Garage Band Instructor

Toronto guitarist Anesti Karantakis is an incredible performer, teacher and musician. A professional musician for over 15 years, Anesti’s eclectic style and tremendous versatility make him at home in almost any style of music including an impressive fluency on the Greek bouzouki. He is an Honours graduate of the Humber College Music program where he studied Jazz and majored in composition and arranging. 

Since then, he has worked with a wide variety of notable artists including Juno-nominated and Canadian Idol finalist Carly Rae Jepsen (Fontana/Maple Music), Juno Award-winning R&B/soul artist Divine Brown (Warner), teen-pop sensation Fefe Dobson (Island/Def Jam), notable folk artist Dayna Manning (EMI), acclaimed country artist Beverley Mahood (Spin/EMI), rock star Sass Jordan (Aquarius), Rockstar: INXS finalists Tara Slone (Joydrop), Suzie McNeil, Ty Taylor, Deanna Johnston and Mig Ayesa. He has performed on numerous recording sessions for television and radio such as the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Pan-Am Games, CBC, CTV, TVO, Comedy Network, Slice Network, HGTV, travel + escape, and Shaw Cable. As an educator, Anesti is part of The Royal Conservatory of Music comtemporary guitar syllabus development team and has instructed hundreds of students with his inspired practice and applied theory teaching method. He has been a faculty member at the National Guitar Workshop, the Guitar Workshop Plus, IMC/Camp Rock as well as teaching at the Oakville Academy for the Arts since its inception in 2003.

Tristan Clark              B. Performance

Guitar, Bass Instructor

An accomplished and consummate Guitarist, Tristan has completed his Degree in Jazz Performance at the renowned Humber College in Toronto.  He has been involved in teaching and educating guitar and bass students for the past eight years.  Originally from Nanaimo, British Columbia, Tristan started playing guitar at the age of eleven.  Upon finishing high school at John Barsby Secondary School, he relocated to Toronto to pursue an education and a career in jazz guitar. 

Tristan has studied with some of Canada’s guitar greats such as Pat Coleman, Ted Quinlan and David Occupinti.  He has been fortunate enough to play with jazz legends such as Dave Holland, Robben Ford, and Archie Arlene as well as pop icons including Sean Lennon and Esthero (along side the Toronto Symphony Orchestra).   Tristan is a dedicated instructor, passionate about his art, and looks forward to his second season at the Oakville Academy for the Arts.

Adrian Passarelli      On Sabbatical  "Blue Man Germany"

Percussion and Drum Instructor

With a background in classical, funk, and Latin drumming, Adrian went on to study at the well respected Humber College in Toronto, With personal training from Toronto fixture Jim Blackley and years of experience, Adrian has seen the world.  Extensive touring and recording has highlighted his list of achievements with numerous award winning and nominated artists / bands including Nelly Furtado (Geffen), Matt Dusk (Decca), Massari (Capital Prophet Records, Bass is Base (Polygram), Snow (EMI) and Ivana Santilli (Brown Recordings).

As a well-respected sideman within the industry he feels his main goal is to "make the artist comfortable and energized while serving the song first and foremost." Raised on John Bonham, Phil Collins, Bill Bruford, and Kenny Arnoff he appreciates and respects their professionalism and dedication to their craft. Adrian wants to emulate the tradition of this art form through both teaching and practice. "Going into my second year at the Oakville Academy, I am looking forward  to sharing  my knowledge, experience  and enthusiasm with my students. I feel that the Oakville Academy provides the best environment in which to learn and develop ones craft.

Chad Davis

Percussion and Drum Instructor

Born and raised in Kitchener Ontario, Chad began playing drums at age 12. Quickly falling in love with the instrument, he sought out like minded musicians, gaining a wide variety of musical experiences with his peers in and out of high school. Desiring more knowledge, Chad began studying with renowned drummer Mark Inneo to grow as a musician. .

After becoming a household name among professional musicians in the K-W area, Chad moved to Toronto to further his career and studies. While attending Humber College for Jazz on Drum set, he began studying with drumming greats such as Mark Kelso, Don Vickery, Davide Direnzo, Billy Ward, Terry Clarke, and Ari Hoenig, further increasing his knowledge and appreciation for his craft. Quickly making a name for himself, Chad began playing with artist in Toronto's jazz, rock, and r&b clubs, ranging from well known toronto r&b group Soular, to the aggressive funk metal band Pure Finesse, multiple studio sessions for various artist, and much more. Chad currently resides in Toronto, and has been teaching at the Oakville Academy for 3 years. He is looking forward to sharing his talents, technical expertise, and progressive style with his students at the Oakville Academy for the Arts.

Kristjan Bergey  

Woodwinds and Piano

Kristjan is a very talented and multifaceted Instructorwho specializes in woodwinds and keyboards. His diverse skill set and wide scopeof education make him a great teacher with a strong desire to help all studentsachieve their optimal results.He has been teaching fellow musicianssince 1999, and holds positions at both Humber College’s Community Music (since2007) and Oakville Academy for the Arts (since 2009).Bringing his enthusiasm for music to itsnewcomers is one of his primary sources of inspiration.A native of Toronto, Kristjan Bergey has quickly become a mainstay in the Toronto music scene.  

As a multi-instrumentalist he is a patron of many different styles of music.  Trained in both the classical and jazz education systems, Kristjan has already found himself in demand as a sideman, being hired regularly with many groups across the GTA such as Michelle Willis Group, Souled Out, The Homeless, The Upbeats, Say What, DK Duo, and countless corporate and wedding bands.  He holds a B.A.Sc from the University of Waterloo in Computer Engineering, a Bachelor of Contemporary Music from Humber College, and his grade 9 RCM on piano.  He received many awards and scholarships of the highest order throughout his years of schooling.  At Humber College, he was placed in the top showcase ensembles, and shared the stage with jazz greats Chris Potter, Mike Stern, and the LaBarbara brothers. When Kristjan is not teaching heis pouring a great deal of his time into the three original bands of which he is a part, both composing and performing, in an effort to make a musical statement and leave his mark with original music.  His main project, “The First Pass” (www.thefirstpass.com) is a rock band co-founded with his brother and three of their closest friends.  The First Pass released their debut EP in June 2010 and play shows regularly in and around the GTA.  Kristjan also plays with “Ketch Harbour Wolves” (www.ketchharbourwolves.com) an indie-rock band that he has established with four of his friends since 2006.  Ketch Harbour Wolves has enjoyed sustained renown in the Canadian online music press, and released their third album, “Anachronisms”, in June 2010.  Finally, Kristjan also plays in the modern jazz quartet “Trace Element”, a group founded in 2007 while all four musicians were studying Jazz at Humber College. Kristjan is looking forward to another great year at OAA. 

Danny McErlain       Accompanist

The Oakville academy for the arts is proud to give students atrue performing experience with live musical accompaniment. Live pianists are used for ballet classes , Musical Theatre Classes and Recitals. Entering his third year with The OAA, the very talented Danny McErlain has been a mainstay of the Toronto music scene for three decades, his versatility keeping him in demand at clubs, on the concert stage, the theatre, and behind the scenes rehearsing performers for popular shows and opera.

A favourite accompanist with jazz vocalists, Danny can be found in intimate club settings, the recording studio, or directing live shows. In 2008 he performed with a 30-piece orchestra backing up Dame Shirley Bassey. On the road, Danny performs with Bob DeAngelis’s Champagne Symphony Pops Orchestra presenting “A Tribute to Benny Goodman” throughout Canada and the United States including stops at Roy Thomson Hall and Carnegie Hall. Recent CD releases include vocalist Irene Atman’s self-titled “Irene Atman”; Carl Young’s “Simply Sentimental”, and “Champagne Memories”, a Benny Goodman tribute. Among his musical theatre credits are “The King and I”, “West Side Story”, “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat”, and “Grease” (Sony Centre); “The Producers” at the Canon Theatre, “Forever Plaid” at the New Yorker Theatre, and regular appearances with comedian Martin Short at Casino Rama and Fallsview Casino. In the opera world, Danny is accompanist to Canadian tenor Mark Dubois at concert settings throughout Canada and the U.S., including Roy Thomson Hall and the 2007 Sherwood Music Festival in Edmonton. He has also accompanied soloists Maureen Forester, Kinga Mitrowska, Gisele Fredette, and Bruce Kelly. A popular rehearsal pianist, Danny answers frequent calls from the Toronto Operetta Theatre, Opera In Concert and Summer Opera Lyric Theatre for productions such as “The Merry Widow”, “Candide”, “The Mikado”, and “Lady In The Dark.” Danny also finds time to conduct the Civil Service Choir, Queen’s Park and The Ambiance Singers of Mississauga. Mr. McErlain adds a very special quality to the classes at the Oakville Academy and he thrilled to be part of our exciting programs..

Graham Upcraft       Accompianist

Graham was born in East Ham, London, U.K. and graduated from the Royal Academy of Music Majoring in Piano Perfomance and Composition.  He then became Musical Director at the Laban Art of Movement Studio.  In 1960 he was appointed rehearsal pianist for the Royal  Ballet School and also played for the Royal Academy of  Dancing. In  1965 he was hired by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company and emigrated to Canada in 1966 when he met his future wife, Patricia, a dancer with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. 

 They were married in 1967 and performed at Expo 67.  In 1968 they returned to Toronto where Graham worked with the National Ballet School and Company, and  the Toronto Dance Theatre.  In 1968 they started Thornhill School of Ballet producing many successful stuents.  York University’s Programme in Fine Arts Dance programme was started and Graham was a founder member, working there until his retirement in 2000.  Pat also taught from 1970 until 1985 at the Lois Smith School of Dance (now the Geroge Brown College School of Dance).  Since retirement, Graham has been playing for the dance programme at Cawthra Park Secondary School and, since 2007, at The Oakville Academy for the Arts.  He has two adult children and two wonderful grandchildren. Highly respected in the world of ballet the academy is fortunate to have him as a weekly pianist. Children love dancing to the music he loves to share!

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 KinderSchool, Fine Art

Kim Speer       B.F.A., E.C.E. Honours

Director, Kinderschool Programs
Kindergarten Teacher

Kim is entering her fifth successful year as the Director of Kinderschool Programs at the Oakville Academy for the Arts. Kim is also a gifted educator and the Kindergarten teacher of our renowned Junior and Senior Kindregarten Program. Kim graduated from Brock University's Theatre Performance and Directing Program and has also received an Early Childhood Diploma with Honours from George Brown College, graduating at the top of her class. She has extensive experience co-ordinating early learning programs and teaching studio art classes to young children in Toronto and the GTA and has, prior to her tenure with the OAA, spent 8 years as a Preschool and Kindergarten teacher for the Region of Halton's Children's Services Department.

Shannon Remes     E.C.E. Honours

Head Preschool Teacher
 

Shannon returns for her fifth season at the Oakville Academy for the Arts as our Head Preschool Teacher. Having graduated with an award for excellence in teaching from the Early Childhood Education Program at Sheridan College, Shannon continues to inspire her colleagues and apply her skills and knowledge in the creation of captivating arts-based progams for young learners. Over the past 12 years, Shannon has acted as an Artist in the Classroom for the Region of Halton, co-ordinated and facilitated fine art summer camps and served as guest artist in community centres across the Halton Region and GTA. Shannon also had the privilege, this past year, of acting as a consultant for the popular TVO children's series, Gisele's Big Backyard.

Kelly Posavec     E.C.E. Honours

Preschool Teacher

Kelly graduated with honours from the Early Childhood Education program at Sheridan College.  Kelly has always known that working with children would become her passion in life.  Immediately after her departure from college, Kelly jumped into the professional world of early childhood education head on and has never looked back!  She has extensive and varied experience working with children ages 6 weeks through 6 years of age.

Prior to coming to the Oakville Academy for the Arts, Kelly taught for 8 years at a childcare facility in the GTA and was quickly promoted to the position of Assistant Supervisor.  This opportunity allowed Kelly to hone her already significant teaching and leadership skills. Kelly’s image of the child is one who has joy and laughter in their day to day life; a child who can dream and imagine and be given the freedom to express their own uniqueness while having their social, cognitive and physical needs met at all times. Kelly lives in Milton with her husband, George and their young daughter, Hannah.  We are thrilled to have Kelly back for her second year as part our dynamic Preschool teaching team.

Louise Ferguson

Fine Arts Instructor

Louise  has been dabbling in everything art related since the age of 4. She has always known art was to be her career path, as it has been her passion throughout her life She has experience in every art form and specializes in Painting, drawing and three dimensional creations. Louise is a graduate from the Ontario College of Art and Design. There she studied illustration and received her Bachelor of Design degree in 2004. While at OCAD she spent a year abroad in Italy, studying the foundation of fine art, in Florence. Louise is a practising artist both commercial and fine.

She participates in various shows in and around the city as well as doing commercial illustration work. Some recent shows have included a 24 hour art show called “Sleep is For Dead People” at The Whipper Snapper Gallery, and showings at the Renaissance Cafe and Cafe Tu Tu Tango. She has also been published in the Toronto Star.To combine her two great loves of music and art Louise is part of a performance duo called Entropy. Herself and accomplished pianist Jamey Rosen perform an improvised combination of visual art and music for audiences to enjoy. All the creations are comprised in the moment and are based on audience suggestion. They were recently invited to perform at the prestigious Chicago Improv Festival in May 2005, and the upcoming Toronto Improv Festival, in August 2005.Louise loves showing children the joy of art, and is impressed every day with the creative minds of each child. She enjoys being able to help each talented individual expand their artistic abilities, and watch them blossom into budding young artists.She is looking forward to another great year of teaching at The Oakville Academy For The Arts. As she welcomes last years talented students back she also looks forward to meeting new students that are wishing to venture into the creative world of art.

Martina Pavic  

Fine Arts Instructor

Nataly Kim   

Fine Arts Instructor

Nataly Kim is an Oakville based artist.  She has recently received her Bachelor of Arts Degree upon completing the Illustration program at Sheridan College.  Brenda Clark, the creator of the famous Franklin the Turtle children’s book series, personally awarded Nataly The Clark Book Prize in recognition of her children’s book Big is Better. Drawing and Painting has always been a passion of Nataly’s. 

She finds inspiration in children’s imaginations and drawings.  She is known and recognized for her artwork through her warm, pastel colour palette and whimsical characters.  Nataly is looking forward to a successful future working in children’s book and editorial illustration, in hopes to keeping a little part of her childhood alive through her work.  As an instructor at The Oakville Academy for the Arts Nataly enjoys sharing and inspiring children’s creativity, helping them develop personal style and a passion for an entire spectrum of media. Ms. Kim looks forward to the upcoming season and is busy creating interesting projects for her student artists.