Search instructors by last name.
 Alejandra Aguirre began teaching fitness classes in 1985 when she was 16 years old. She has been a Nike sponsored athlete, an instructor trainer and a personal trainer. Prior to the birth of her son in 2000, Alejandra lived the typical North-American fast-paced lifestyle. With a change in priorities, she has since found her bliss and teaches others how to decompress, take time for themselves and nurture their bodies. Alejandra is a BCRPA-registered Fitness Leader who teaches a variety of programs at Vancouver Community Centres. |
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 After many years of teaching aerobics, Jana Birkett began studying yoga and Vipassana meditation in 1996, which lead to her discovery of the wonderful movement form of Nia. She is a certified Blue Belt Nia instructor and has studied with the creators of Nia, Debbie and Carlos Rosas, at Omega at The Crossings in Austin, Texas and in Portland and Seattle. Jana has also studied with Nia teachers in New York, Portland and with Zeta Gaudet in the Sunshine Coast and has presented Nia at wellness conferences. Jana herself continues to be a joyful student of Nia and looks forward to sharing it with you! |
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 Jean Bosco was born in Rwanda , a French speaking country. He studied in Africa : Rwanda , Togo , and Belgium , France and Canada Colleges & universities. He holds a B.A in Philosophy, a MA in Sociology, and a Diploma in Education. He is both former Rwanda high school teacher and Rwanda, Belgium TV journalist. He has been teaching French in his own Tutoring Centre for eight years in Vancouver and in community centers for 4 years. Jean –Bosco has a vocation in teaching. Highly motivated, very creative, responsible, sociable and versatile, He has also e xcellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills. He believes that” Everyone can speak French fluently”. He is now working on his BA in Education through UBC and distance learning universities. |
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 Miss Kathleen Carlsen began her dance training at eight years of age, and competed throughout Canada, the United States, Scotland and Europe between 1980 and 1997. She received her SDTA Teachers’ Certificate in 1984 and has been teaching extensively throughout the lower mainland sever since. She has also founded the Kathleen Carlsen Dancers Society, a non-profit society which assists dancers with tuition, costumes and travel expenses. Miss Kathleen’s students continue to achieve outstanding results in competition and exams, and are learning the love of movement and dance through her positive approach to learning. |
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 Beth Carroll focuses on bringing out the music in all of her students, while at the same time passing on the practical and technical skills necessary to play the piano successfully. She has taught piano and ESL privately for the past 8 years, to students ranging in age from 4 to 70. Beth frequently receives praise from students for her ability to explain and present musical concepts and techniques clearly.
Beth holds a Bachelor of Arts Double Major of Music and English Literature from UBC. Before her studies at UBC, she received a Music Diploma from Vancouver Community College, where she studied Classical Voice with Bach Choir Director Bruce Pullan.
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 Roseanna Chu, BA, MA, Music, is a music educator and conductor, has been running choral courses for many years, inspiring many to keep on singing. Apart from directing the choral program in a school in Vancouver, she is also the founding member and Artistic Director of the Ensemble Etoile Choir for choral singers and one that performs regularly in metro Vancouver. Educated in Canada, the U.S. and Italy, she holds advanced music degrees and has conducted adult, university, youth and children's choirs in these countries. Her many engagements in music have won her several scholarships and music awards in music festivals. Through teaching and conducting, she inspires singers to build self-confidence in performing, and through team-work she promotes excellence in choral singing in the community. Roseanna is a board member of the B.C. Choral Federation, member of ACCC and the American Choral Directors Association.
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 Mandy Cohen holds a degree in
Psychology and Art from the University
of Manitoba along with an art and
marketing diploma from the Toronto
Fashion Academy. For the past 18 years,
Mandy has been teaching painting and
drawing throughout the Lower Mainland. Art is a passion
for Mandy as she enjoys “playing” in different mediums
You can look for Mandy’s website at www.members.shaw.
ca/mandysee/mandy/ or www.kerrisdaleonline.com where
she is the Online Art Advisor, answering all of your art
related queries. |
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 Dee Cresdee has been involved in dance from an early age. In her teens she won bronze, silver and gold medals in competitive ballroom dancing and ventured into choreography. As a young adult, she taught fitness classes and received her BCRPA certifi cation in 1984. In 1990, she began Line dancing and is now considered to be one of Vancouver’s top Line dance instructors. She has choreographed and danced on the award winning “Western Spirit” line dance team. Dee has received several awards for Line dances that she choreographed and are now being taught in many countries.
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 Dylan Cramer has been teaching saxophone, flute, and clarinet for over 25 years. He has produced several outstanding musicians during this time, and several of his students have become either professional musicians or teachers. Dylan was recently voted by his peers as Canada’s #1 instrumental Teacher of the Decade (2000-10). Dylan is also a recording artist, and has produced four recordings with his jazz quartet, which have received worldwide acclaim. 2010 marks Dylan’s 17th year of teaching here at the Kerrisdale Community Centre, and he looks forward to many more years of teaching and working with some of Vancouver’s finest young musicians and people.
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 Renee Chan has been teaching pottery at Kerrisdale Community Centre since Sept 1998. Teaching is always a great experience for her, she enjoys meeting wonderful people and watching her students learn and develop. She is happy to guide her students to create unique works of art from start to finish and hopes everyone would find the joy of making pottery!
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Sensei Harry Charalambous, began his Martial Arts training in 1970 and has been a black belt for over 33 years. He currently holds the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt in the Butokukan Style of Karate. Harry is also the senior ranking black belt in Butokukan Canada and has trained to instructor level the majority of Butokukan Black Belts in the Lower Mainland. Considered a top ranked fighter in the Pacific Northwest; well known for his dynamic and explosive style of fighting he has won over 70 trophies and awards throughout his career, including the 1983 1st Annual Western Can-Am Karate and Kung Fu Championships Grand Champion Award. Also of note, He was a member of Team Canada verses Team USA taking 1st place in 1984 and 1993. Although he teaches all ages, Sensei Harry specializes in teaching children in a safe and fun fitness environment, giving them self-confidence and knowledge skills which help them in their daily lives. |
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 Sandra Crosby is a certified teacher with the RSCDS in Scottish Country Dancing and the SDTA in Highland Dance. For more then 30 years Ms. Crosby has taught non-competitive dancing to children 3 years old and up as well as adults. Her extensive dance background includes ballet, jazz, tap and many years of Highland, Step and Scottish Country Dance. Sandra danced with Les Ballet Jazz in Toronto and the Ladies Step dance team at St. Andrew's University, Scotland as well as performing in Great Britain, Ireland and throughout North America. In 1980, Sandra founded The Inverglen Scottish Dance School a classically innovative school where dancers learn through her Dancing Through Growth Education and Community Program. Sandra has taken dancers from The Inverglen Scottish Dance School on performance tours in Canada, the U.S., Scotland, England, Singapore, Australia and most recently in July 2011 to the Beltaine Festival in Aviles Spain. Ms. Crosby's classes offer a fun, disciplined and educational environment for all ages. Her classes will enhance your child's dance education while they learn Highland, Step and Scottish Country Dance. For more www.inverglenscottishdancers.com
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Katherine Deane, director and teacher of West Side Music  Together, has been a teacher of drama, music, and dance and a favorite nanny to children of all ages for the past nine years. She began her career in the performing arts in 1988 as a dancer with the Alberta Ballet and went on to pursue her love of dancing, singing, and acting in both the Toronto and International Touring productions of The Phantom of the Opera. She has also performed in various other musicals across Canada including Fiddler on the Roof, My Fair Lady, The Secret Garden and A Christmas Carol-The Musical. Katherine’s formal music education includes classical studies in piano, voice, and music theory and she is currently pursuing a degree in Music Therapy. She has completed her Music Together training and is a registered Music Together teacher. |
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 Nadia Dimitrow is the creator of "Cartooning & Animation" program that brought her and her students first place for 3D animation in the Canadian film festival.
Originally Nadia is from Bulgaria and has Masters in journalism. Her knowledge of mass media, documentary, TV production, led her to work for BCTV and internationally in LA and Europe. She returned to her first passion in art - drawing and animation. Nadia dedicates her time to teach and train young animators to create their own characters in Walt Disney’s way, bringing them to life through video animation.Her popularity is growing and places her between the best in the field. |
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 Theolina Dimitrow grew in a family of artists and developed her art skills from an early age. She studied in computer immersion and animation program in West Vancouver and later she won first place for her animation in the Toronto film festival. Her students enjoy watching her animated movie " A Berry Big Problem".
The combination of creative and technical skills in 3D animation are well received by her students that are coming again and again to her class to learn more from their talented teacher. Despite her age she gains her experience by working for animation video productions for many years and she is a valuable asset to the company.
Presently she is an Undergraduate student of University of Northern BC (UNBC) in the Science Department that allows her to make special combination of her experience, knowledge in art and passion in science.
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 Esther Donnelly has been teaching ESL classes at the Kerrisdale Community Centre since 1996. She has a Bachelor of Arts from UBC. Esther has taught
English for over 10 years privately, and has also taught at the Language School at UBC, Bodwell College, and other community centres.
Esther has a personal interest in gardening and is a Master Gardener in her spare time. |
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 Bahman Ebrahimi has dedicated many years to training and various martial arts disciplines. In addition to physical training, Bahman has done constant research and physiological study in the martial arts area. He is strongly disciplined, genuine, and professional. His intensive training consists of ten years of kickboxing, and several years of Taekwondo. He has a 4th Dan degree with the World Taekwondo Federation, a 4th Dan degree in the art of Japanese Samarai sword, and is a member of the Canadian Iaido Association. Bahman has a black belt in Aikido and Kodokan Judo. He also has five years of Okinawa weapons training and four years of training in Brazilian Jiu-jets. He is a devoted teacher to his growing student population. |
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 Gustavo Ferman is a Professional Dance Instructor, Choreographer, Performer and Motivational Dance Expert with over 20+ years of extensive background in Dance performance, Dance Production and Musical Theater.
Gustavo is trained in many different dance styles from Latin to Jazz, Funk/Hip-Hop, African and Ballroom. He is the creator of Latin Funk Dance ® , a popular fun, high energy dance program; he brought to Vancouver in 96, becoming the first and the most popular Latin Fusion dance program in the city.Since 1996, He has appeared in numerous television/radio shows, newspaper/magazine articles, created an instructional Latin Funk Dance Instructional DVD & performance group called The Corazon Dancers . He also has created his own "Team Building Dance Workshops for business corporations. Gustavo's passion and extensive knowledge of dance in general make his classes fun and educational at the same time.
Gustavo quotes: Through dance, I see people's self-confidence increase, their spirits come alive and their self-love blossom. I wish this from my heart for everyone. |
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 Danielle Gagnier has
explored creativity through
a range of art disciplines
including dance, singing,
painting, maskmaking,
film, writing and pottery. Danielle has a long
history of teaching a variety of classes and
believes everyone is a creative being. In all
her endeavours she enjoys the wonder of
discovery, the process of creating and the link
between self-knowledge, expressive arts and
well-being. She highly values a supportive
and non-judgemental atmosphere in her
classes. Danielle has degrees in Fine and
Performing Arts and Counselling Psychology
and practices meditation and yoga. |
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Irene Groundwater began her dance training in American Social Ballroom Dancing in Montreal, where she taught and competed in the American Social Ballroom style of Dance.(Fred Astaire style) sheI started Line Dancing in 1994 and promptly joined the CWDI (Canadian Western Dance International Society) In 1995 - Irene started teaching Line Dancing.
In 2001 – Irene started choreographing dances and competing in the choreography competitions held by the CWDI (Vancouver Vibrations) in Surrey and at the Hot Tamales Events
held every year by Michele Perron in West Vancouver. She received many awards for line dances that she choreographed including"Memory" which was published in the LineDancer Magazine in the UK (and danced worldwide)
Presently, Irene teaches at 6 different locations, South Granville Seniors Centre, Kerrisdale Community Centre and The Brock House Society, (which is a private club, overlooking English Bay and the North Shore), Shannon Oaks Retirement Home, Clarendon Court Retirement Home and South View Terrace Retirement Home. The Westend Seniors Action Network, Vancouver, B.C. published the following article in their book "Everyday Heroes" touching the hearts of Westend Seniors. |
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 Zhang Haiyan graduated from JiangXi Dance Academy with outstanding grades and she was assigned to be a performer in the JiangXi Province Dance Academy. She has also taught dance in Zhang Ye Dance Academy in Canada and performed several dances such as Yang Ge, Chinese classical dance and fan dance. Zhang Haiyan hopes to share her dancing experience with people of all ages and teach them the culture, style and beauty of Chinese cultural dance. |
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 Jade He holds a Master's Degree in Education from East China Normal University Shanghai and concentrated on obtaining a solid foundation for teaching languages. She has native fluency in Chinese and is articulate in English. Her experiences include teaching Mandarin at Shanghai American School, and The Masters School in New York. She is currently teaching after school Mandarin program in Grade 1, 2 and 3 at York House School. Her experience also includes providing Mandarin language instruction and translation to Vancouver Mayor's office since March 2010. As far as her teaching method is concerned, Jade incorporates songs and stimulating arts and crafts, stories, games and plays to make learning appealing in an immersion setting. |
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 Vivian He has been teaching Mandarin in Vancouver since 1994. She teaches students of different ages and levels. As a teacher, she is innovative in her teaching and adaptive to a wide range of settings. She always creates a fun learning evironment. Her teaching goal is to leave students with something which they may utilize later in life. |
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 Angela Ho recently finished her Bachelor of Music Honors in Theory and Composition from the University of Western Ontario with piano as her major and French horn as her secondary. She also has the A.R.C.T piano performer diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music and a music diploma from Capilano College.
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 Heather Hughes got her start in fitness with an unexpected awakening; after holding a desk job for a number of years someone snapped a photo of her and she was shocked at how much weight she’d put on. She was rescued by a personal trainer who taught her how to use food as fuel for exercise and improved not only her quality of life, but boosted her self confidence as well. Eager to share her knowledge and passion for fitness, she welcomed the chance to make a career change into the fitness industry and help people the same way she was helped before. She went on to compete as a figure athlete and then to train both bodybuilders and other figure athletes for competition, but her true passion lies in helping people restore movement and teach them that a healthy lifestyle can be it’s own reward. For more info on her certifications, please see Personal Trainer page. |
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 Brenda Jagroop has taught dog training classes at West Side Vancouver community centres for over ten years, and earned certification as a Canine Good Citizen and Canine Good Neighbour evaluator. Brenda’s own dog Spartacus is the first Cane Corso in North America to earn a Masters Agility title, and earned a 1st place ribbon at his first Canadian National Championships finishing eighth overall. In addition to agility Brenda and Spartacus train in obedience, tricks and musical freestyle and are currently competing at the Advanced and Excellent level in Rally Obedience. Brenda and Spartacus have demonstrated at the Canadian Pet Expo at Canada Place, appeared on television as well as with Superdogs at the PNE, and recently Spartacus was filmed for a role in the movie “Cats and Dogs 2”. |
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 Stephen Johnson studied at McGill and UBC, and has taught piano, music
theory, and composition in Vancouver for two years. In addition to
learning standard and not-so-standard repertoire, his students often
perform in small and large recitals, and sometimes compose their own
music. |
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Julie Joyal is a certified personal trainer with 10 years  experience. Her Specialty is working with women and seniors. Julie is a competitive Power lifter and in 2004 earned the title of BC Best Overall Female Lifter. She has a background in competitive gymnastics, the Canadian military and rehabilitation. Having suffered injury from a bike accident, Julie is sensitive to those living with chronic injuries, as well as those starting and restarting fitness programs. Her clients lovingly refer to her as the Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove. |
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 Sheri Kauhausen is a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance and the proprietor of INTO YOGA. She has been practicing classical hatha yoga for over 3 decades and has studied with many great yoga teachers. Sheri began teaching her yoga teaching career in 1987 and has taught both beginner and intermediate levels. |
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 Kevin Khou is a Personal Trainer at Kerrisdale Community Centre His Fitness Certifications includes CSEP- Certified Personal Trainer, 4th Year Human Kinetics, UBC He specializes in Older adults and Functional conditioning to improve daily living activities, and overall health.
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 Yolanda Korompai was born and educated in Mexico City, graduating from Escuela Nacional de Maestros (National School for Teachers) after completing a 4 year teaching degree. She initially taught elementary school for nearly 10 years before undertaking teaching research in Japan. She studied the process of learning reading and writing at Chiba University for a year. After her sojourn in Japan, Yolanda immigrated to Canada where she has been involved in Spanish Language instruction for the past 9 years. Currently she teaches children, youth and adults at various levels, ranging from beginner to advanced. |
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 Nadia Lafortune was born in Montreal, Quebec. She has a B.A in Communications. She has been teaching French and Caribbean dance for many years. Nadia has studied Early Child Care Education and has more than 10 years experience working with children. She learned Caribbean dance when she was young and has performed for over 18 years. She has taught dance and performed at the Montreal Cultural Community Centre and at the Kitsilano Community Centre. She trains her students to perform throughout the city at various special event venues to help celebrate the Caribbean culture.
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 Paul Tavai Latta's Polynesian education began as a child with his adoptive Polynesian family and continued on years later to advanced education at Brigham Young University where he studied and performed at the Polynesian Cultural Centre. He holds the only Master's Degree certification in Hula & Pacific Dance in Canada. He is also experienced in Belly Dance (his stage name is Aziz), and a Canadian Champion Tap Dancer. With over 40 years of entertainment and 35 years of teaching behind him, Paul still considers himself more a student of dance than ever before, He Specializes in training his students for performances and competitions dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the Polynesian culture, and with no signs of slowing down. |
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 Homage Lee is a local musician and dancer, is a devoted artist teaching Hiphop/breakdance through both public schools and studios, working with names such as "So You Think You Can Dance?" Calgary, Cirque Deux Soleil, and most recently The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and Breakfast Television Canada. His success however, is rooted in good old-fashioned fun! www.Heartcore.ca |
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 Sunny Li studied balletand traditional Chinese dancing in Li Beijing, China. He was a professor at the Art College of Sichuan University. Sunny has instructed at several dance studios including “Broadway Ballroom”. He opened two of his own dance schools “the Xiaosong Dance & Art Education school” and “Happy Dance”. He is a member of The Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA) for dance professionals in Canada. Sunny has competed in numerous national and international competitions and many of his students have achieved success at various competitions.
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All that Nasreen Malik initially knew about cooking, she  learned from her mother her in family kitchen; first in Kampala, Uganda, and then in Pakistan. Later on, she was able to experiment with these traditional recipes in her kitchen in Kuwait. She also sought assistance from her Indian and Pakistani friends in perfecting these recipes. |
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 Andrea Minden, B. Mus., flutist, found sound instrumentalist and teacher, graduated from the UBC School of Music. Minden was an original member of the Robert Minden Ensemble, a renowned young audience music and theatre company which toured internationally for ten years and has been featured on
Sesame Street and in many educational projects. Andréa is a well known Vancouver musician and teacher and welcomes new students. |
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 Czarina Mirandilla is a very passionate instructor who has been teaching for the past seven years. She brings over 20 years of experience in performing Polynesian, Latin, Interpretive and Belly Dance which gives her style a world fusion flare. She also produces and directs theatre dance shows such as Forbidden Dances, Pandora’s Box, Behind Closed Doors and Mysterious Ways. A world traveller, Czarina takes groups for cultural dance experiences throughout the Middle East. |
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 Kate Mitchell is currently working on her Bachelor of Arts at the University of British Columbia. For the last 9 years, she has been working as a youth leader with local, national and international projects such as Youth for Habitat II, Peace Child International's Sustainability Indicator, and the Canadian Environment Network's Youth Partnership Guide. She became the Program coordinator of the Jericho Kids Club Southlands 2 years ago, and has since joined the Kerrisdale Community Centre where she has been instrumental in the success of the Friday Night Club program. She now also leads a variety of preschool programs. |
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 Daniela Modoran has a Teaching Certificate from ESL International Training Centre, Vancouver and training in ESL tutoring from, Vancouver Community College, Homefront Learning Program. She has taught at Collingwood Neighbourhood House and tutored through Homefront Learning Program. Her journey with teaching ESL started from the passion for continuous learning and it is rooted in the belief that good communication brings success. Her motto is “If I can do it, you can do it!”
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 Kathleen Murphy studied pottery at The Sharon Art Studio in San Francisco. After traveling throughout Europe, Kathleen arrived in Greece and worked as an apprentice in a traditional Greek pottery studio on the Island of Santorini. Currently working out of her studio in Vancouver, Kathleen participates in group shows and festivals throughout BC. Kathleen has facilitated workshops at local schools as well as Douglas Park Community Centre. |
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 Tommy Ng has been teaching ballroom dancing for many years through Community Centres and at the Crystal Ballroom. He has been a dance lecturer for Fairchild T.V. and for an AM Chinese Overseas Broadcast Radio Station, and is a C.D.T.A. Associate for both Standard and Latin dance instruction. Tommy also performs at numerous functions for non-profit and charity-based organizations as a way to give back to the various communities that have supported his programs. |
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 Julie Northey is a published children’s book illustrator with 20 years experience educating children. She has worked in public elementary schools as a Special Education Assistant and as an Arts instructor at various community-based organizations. Because of her background, Julie is able to use her unique talents to reach out and unlock a child’s creative and intellectual potential. When she isn’t teaching or tutoring privately, Julie can be found presenting her children’s books to schools and libraries where she conducts workshops.
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 Lawrence Northey is an international multi-gold-award winning sculptor who has been sharing his skills with lower mainland youth since 1985, when he first created his whimsical animated displays for Kids only Market on Granville Island. His highly sought metal collectibles have earned themselves global appeal and reside in collections in the United States, Australia, Japan and Canada. His commissioned works have been published in several international books and magazines such as Art Scene International, Architectural Digest, CRART Korea, Heavy Metal, Juxtapoz, The Ultimate Robot, Popular Mechanics, and Humour In Art. Check out his website: www.robotart.net
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 May Patola has been teaching ESL classes at the Kerrisdale Community Centre since 2001. May has Bachelor of Arts from UBC and a teaching ESL certificate from Vancouver City College. In addition to teaching at the Community Centre, May has taught at the Vancouver English Centre.
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 Greg Poole has an MSc in Kinesiology from Simon Fraser University and is certified as a Professional Fitness and Lifestyle Consultant (PFLC) by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. Greg had a distinguished 30-year career at Carleton University in Ottawa in the Department of Physical Recreation and Athletics, starting as their Fitness Coordinator and finishing his career as Associate Director of Athletics. He is an accomplished public speaker and author in the health and fitness field, and is a recognized expert on Canada on strength training, particularly for mature and older adults. Greg’s knowledge, experience and relaxed, friendly manner will help you gradually develop an enjoyable, balanced and effective physical activity program to stay fit for life. |
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 Leslie Redhead is an award winning artist and watercolour teacher. Her art focuses on the combination of spontaneity and detail that watercolour has to offer. Leslie is a signature member of the Federation of Canadian Artists (AFCA) She has conducted several watercolour courses throughout Canada, the U.S. and Spain. Her work can be viewed at www.leslieredheadart.blogspot.com.
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 Joyce Resin (BA, MSW)is BCRPA certified and has over 25 years of fi tness experience teaching aerobics, stretch and yoga classes.For over 10 years, Joyce was the host and Executive Producer of the CBC network health and wellness television program Alive! The Picture of Health.She has recently designed a very successful core stretch and strengthening course called Flexercise on the Ball.By day, Joyce is the Director of Health Promotion and Communication for the Healthy Heart Society of BC. |
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 Catherine Robertson From seashore to mountaintop, flora and fauna are subjects of her paintings which are put forth in a glorious display of light, shadow and vibrant creative colours.Catherine’s work is sought after for its beauty, drama and light. Her response to what she sees and feels leaps from the canvas loudly and clearly, yet invites the viewer to enjoy it in his or her own personal way.She is largely self taught however, has enjoyed guidance under such professional artists as Allen Edwards, FCA, Prof. Zadak, University of Prague, and Prof. Hsui, University of Taiwan. Her paintings are in both corporate and private collections in Canada, U.S., Germany, and Japan as well as the private collection of the Federation of Canadian Artists, an institution in which she holds Active Status and from which she received an Award of Merit. She is represented by Golden Cactus Gallery, Cabos San Lucas and White Rock Museum, White Rock and the Moncton Street Gallery, Steveston. Catherine is a member of the Oil Painters of America and the Sedona Art Centre, Arizona. Recently, Catherine has completed the painting of two life-sized reproductions of Kermode Spirit Bears for her sponsors, Teldon Print Media and Holland America Lines in the BC Lions Society/Canucks for Kids project, Spirit Bears in the City. A similar project has been completed for the Rotary Club in White Rock.Catherine lives in White Rock instructing classes and workshops when she is not painting new images of the Creator’s wonderful world.
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 Eliana Rolando is a native Spanish speaking instructor from Argentina, where she taught English as a second language to adults and elementary school children for nine years. She has been teaching Spanish in Vancouver for six years. Eliana is passionate about helping people to learn a second language. Eliana's passion for languages has enhanced her academic studies as a Technical Translator of English and Spanish. Eliana is self-motivated, open to new ideas, hard working, enthusiastic, patient, positive, responsible and supportive. She is Fluent in English and Spanish and has excellent |
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 Laura Ross is a professional dancer, musical theatre performer and instructor. She has been teaching various genres of dance for many years. She began her own classical dance training at Pacific Dance Centre in Victoria. Later, her love of ballet brought her to study jazz, modern, tap and musical theatre. Laura has been fortunate to work with such companies as The Vancouver Playhouse, The Belfry Theatre and KOBA Family Entertainment. She looks forward to bringing her love of dance to Kerrisdale Community Centre. She teaches with enthusiasm and encouragement. Be prepared to sweat, breathe deeply and laugh. |
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 Wagner Rulli As a conditioning specialist for 15 years, I've had the privilege of working with many athletes, and people with chronic injuries. I find it very important that clients, not only learn proper technique, but as well, gain a better understanding of their bodies. My approach to training is to provide them with all the proper tools they need for improved health and body awareness. |
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 Ebrahim Saadati has earned a 6th degree Black Belt from the World Taekwondo Headquarter (Kukkiwon). He has been training in martial arts for over 30 years. He was a member of the Iranian National Team for 5 years. He immigrated to Canada in 1995 and became the Canadian Champion in 1998. He has won numerous medals internationally, including a gold medal from World military CISM championships in 1992 and a Silver medal from Asian Olympic Games in 1994. He established Third Eye Taekwondo in 1999 (recognized as a member of the B.C Taekwondo Federation). He was selected as B.C team trainer in 2009. Today he has over 300 hundred students who train and compete at all levels. Please visit his website at www.tetaekwondo.com |
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 Linda Shedden was a client of the
CALLANETICS EDINBURGH
STUDIO in Scotland for 3 years before
she moved to Vancouver in February
2006. She missed the classes and the
affect on her body shape so much, that
she decided to train as a CALLANETICS
teacher herself! Linda is now the only certified teacher in
BC, and one of only a few in Canada |
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 Jennifer Small is an ECE certified teacher with over 25 years experience working with preschoolers. She teaches developmental programs at a number of Community Centres across the city.
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Lorraine Smith has been dancing since she was 6 years old. She became a professional dancer at 17 years of age, and has been teaching for over 20 years through a variety of community centres across the city. |
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 Soprano Szu-Wen Wang is an established singer with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from University of Texas. She has appeared in several Vancouver area productions since moving to the city in 2007, including Opera ppassionata’s production of Hansel and Gretel (Gretel) and Amadigi (Oriana), DragonDiva Operatic Theatre’s production of Elixir of Love (Giannetta), Opera Okanagan’s production of Amahl and the Night Visitors (Amahl), North Shore Light Opera Society’s production of Patience (Patience), Vancouver Academy of Music’s production of Albert Herring (Cissy), and the first and the second annual “Voices of the Pacific Rim” concert of Vancouver Opera. In May, Szu-Wen will perform the role of Lola in Opera Appassionata’s upcoming production of Mascagni's Cavalleria rusticana.
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 Christina Taylor is a Licensed Early Childhood Educator and a BCRPA Certified Yoga teacher who has combined the two things close to her heart – Yoga and Kids. Christina has worked both as a Preschool teacher and an Out-of-School Supervisor for the past 14 years . In addition, Christina's childcare experience includes working with infants and toddlers, children with special needs, and teaching Yoga to teens at the Children's Hospital. Christina's Preschool Program had a Yoga component and she knows first hand the joy and happiness Yoga brings to children. Learn about the benefits of children's Yoga and visit www.butterflyyoga.ca . |
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 Lindsay Trudel has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University as well as a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia. She has been working at Jericho Kids Club for the past 3 years and will be the Program coordinator for the Southlands location in the 2011/2012 school year. Having been involved with various preschool programs at Kerrisdale Community Centre since 2008 she is excited to be leading the Imagination Train Preschool in the upcoming fall, winter and spring sessions.
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 Astor Tsang is a published knitting pattern designer and well-known knitting instructor, teaching in Vancouver and a workshop in New York City. Astor’s expertise and passion for knitting are highly contagious. www.knittingAstor.com.. |
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| Dana Thorne is a BCRPA Personal Trainer, Weight Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor with over 5 years experience in the fitness industry. She holds a degree in Human Kinetics from UBC. She enjoys teaching low impact aerobics, BOSU & Ball classes, pre-teen weight training, and functional training to improve day to day activities. |
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 Meg Todd has been at the Kerrisdale Community Centre since 1989. She is a registered BCRPA fitness instructor and teaches group fitness and weight room classes.
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| Jennifer Upsdell has been actively involved in the field of child and family education for over 20 years. She has studied child and youth developmental psychology, family dynamics and learning theories in both college and university. After graduating from UBC with a major in Philosophy and minor studies in Cultural Anthropology, she became a mother and began teaching at Gymboree Play and Learn Programs. At the urging of many families and her own young children, Jennifer began the KidsPace program - an enrichment program which supports families interested in developing within their children a life-long love of learning and a core set of values based in kindness and compassion. She has been teaching in her community for over 10 years and is happiest when singing silly, made-up-on-the-spot songs filled with fun bits of information that delight and educate the children in her care. |
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 Barry Wade enjoys teaching bridge to both beginner and intermediate students. Originally from South Africa, he began teaching bridge in 1958. He moved to Vancouver in 1990 and began teaching bridge with the Vancouver School Board. He has been teaching at Kerrisdale Community Centre since 1990 and also teaches at other community centres . |
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Szu-Wen Wang Taiwanese soprano Szu-Wen Wang’s performances have been noted for her “taste, restraint and good vocal control” by Opera Canada. The magazine also applauded that her title role performance with Vancouver Island Opera’s production of Madama Butterfly was “carefully nuanced and ably delivered.” The Parksville Qualicum Beach News hailed that she “brought experience to the role, her sublime voice drawing the eye to her performance on stage.” Her upcoming performances include appearances with Opera Appassionata and DragonDiva Operatic Theatre.
Dr. Wang holds a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Taipei National University of the Arts, and Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Vocal Performance from the University of Texas in Austin. Upon graduation, she was invited to join the artist in residence program with Amarillo Opera. |
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 Charlene Wharton |
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 Dian Weimer has a Bachelor of Education degree from UBC and a TESOL diploma in ESL teaching from Vancouver Community College. She has tutored both adults and youth and has taught conversation and ESL Basic classes at MOSAIC. She has extensive experience teaching music, including adult classes in folk guitar.
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 Patsy Wilding is a mother of four, ages 12, 10,10 & 2. Her desire to support new and expectant mothers was birthed shortly after surprise straggler, Toby in 2009. Patsy knows firsthand the challenges that can accompany the transition to motherhood and aims to support and encourage other mothers during the early period of adjustment. In addition to recently starting her own private counselling practice, Patsy has worked part-time as a high school counsellor for the Richmond School District since 2007. She began her teaching career in 2000 months after the birth of her first child. Although Patsy graduated with her MEd. in Counselling Psychology from UBC in 2008 it was only this past summer that she began to consider working privately as greater interests in areas outside the school system developed. Patsy supports clients as they navigate various life transitions with client-centred care. With the exception of a short stint at the golden arches at fifteen, Patsy’s work life has been characterized by being a helper. Employment as a lifeguard & swim instructor, early childhood educator, youth support worker and adult educator, classroom teacher and resource teacher, have all enriched Patsy’s life experience and practice. Patsy makes her home, with husband Ron, and their children, in Vancouver where she has lived her whole life. |
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 Sifu Candice Wong began training Wushu in 1998 and has accomplished many first place awards in forms and point fighting. She was ranked top 10 in the world (3rd in Canada) . She represented Canada at numerous competitions including the Wushui Pan-American Games where she received a gold medal in her Broadsword routine. She has won many Grand Championships in North America and won numerous Grand Championships as a National Blackbelt League competitor. Candice is a level 6 (masters degree) certified coach recognized by The Confederation of Canadian Wushu Organizations. Receiving her black belt in 2003 she began coaching and has since produced many top competitive students in North America. |
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 Jean Wong has over 20 years of full time teaching experience. She enjoys teaching students of all ages and at all levels. She participated successfully for eight years in various ballroom dance competitions and other public demonstrations.
She has been an instructor for various community centers, the Vancouver School Board and other organizations. She is excited to share her passion for dance through her own personal dance experience and background. |
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 Benjamin Yang is a senior Taiji and Chinese martial arts instructor fromthe prestigious Shouyu Liang Wushu Taiji Qigong Institute which is well known world wide and has nurtured tens of thousands of students and qualified instructors. Benjamin has over 20 years of Chinese martial arts experience under the personal guidance of Grandmaster Shouyu Liang. As the Grandchampion of the 11th World CupInternational Martial Arts Championships, Benjamin holds a 7th Degree Black Belt of International Sanshou Dao Association. He has been featured in the books “In the Spirit of the 2008 Olympics Extraordinary Chinese Martial Artists of the World”, and “Contemporary Famous Chinese Martial Artists”. Benjamin’s enthusiasm in promoting the ancient exercise of Taiji as a life prolonging, physical, mental, and spiritual training that brings harmony to your body and mind is clearly demonstrated in the teachings he conducts. |
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 Juying Yang holds Master in Modern Language Education from UBC. Originally from Beijing China, she has more than five years experience teaching Mandarin to adults in Canada. She devotes herself to make the Mandarin learning to be a fun, socialized and culturally enriching experience and pays specially attention to students’ needs. Many of her students can speak fluent Mandarin and are using this language in their social life, working place and international business right now.
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Sung Yang is a mindfulness practitioner and teacher. In the past 30 years, he has been receiving mindfulness trainings as well as practicing, teaching and mentoring it. He is the author of upcoming book "Mindfulness Techniques for Daily Life". He is a director of the Canadian Mental Health Association at the South Fraser branch and a member of the American Institute of Stress. Previously he worked for Intel Corporation, and spoke and lectured at universities and conferences. His goal is to alleviate suffering, promote well-being and advance humanity for individuals and the society. |
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 Georgia Youngs recently moved to Kerrisdale bringing with her years of teaching art to adults and children. She has previously taught through her own art schools, Montessori schools, Park and Recreation Centres, Public Galleries and School Boards in Ontario and BC. She is always developing new and creative ways to teach while making sure everyone has fun. Having previously owned 6 galleries, she continues to be a consultant as well as mentoring aspiring artists. For further information check her web site www.georgiayoungs.ca
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 John Zitnik began his training in Japanese martial arts in 1973 (at the age of nine) when he began practicing Shito-ryu Karate. John practiced for four years until the school closed. He then began training Kodokan Judo under Sensei Tamoto at the Vancouver Judo Club. He competed twice for the Vancouver team in the B.C. Winter Games, both in the junior category at 16, and as an adult at 19, taking two gold medals and one silver in the individual and team Judo competitions. When Sensei Tamoto retired and closed the Judo school, John moved onto college, and after four years of study returned to training under Sensei Hirokuni Fujiyama of the Manseikan Aikido School in 1990. Sensei John Zitnik has made several trips to Japan to train at the Manseikan main dojo and has widely traveled throughout Japan practicing at many aikido and aiki-jujutsu dojo’s to expand his knowledge and experience. In 2002 John took the position of chief instructor of the Vancouver Isshinkan Aikido Dojo.
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