EXECUTIVE MEMBERS: 2022-2024

Roula Kteily-Hawa – President

Brescia University College at Western

Dr. Roula Hawa is Associate Professor and Academic Coordinator of Family Studies and Human Development at Brescia University College at Western University. Roula has over 15 years of experience in teaching and curriculum development in Ontario's K-12 education system, including fashion arts and textile artistry, as well as Continuing Teacher Education and Family Support. Dr. Hawa’s research is community-engaged with a focus on health equity of vulnerable populations, using arts-based and arts-informed inquiry methodologies and critical feminist, anti-colonial frameworks. Roula serves as an Associate Editor at Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Training, where she puts her expertise in arts-informed, community-based participatory health research into use. She is the Principal Investigator of the YSMENA Study, a research program focused on resilience, sexual health, mental health and well-being of diaspora Middle Eastern and North African young adults in Canada. Dr. Hawa’s research program is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR), and the CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network (CIHR/CTN).

Email: roula.hawa@uwo.a

Webpage: https://brescia.uwo.ca/directory/roula_hawa.php.

Bernie Andrews – Past-President and Co-Chair for Emerging Researcher Award & Lifetime Achievement Award

University of Ottawa

Bernie Andrews is Professor Education in the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa. He teaches music certification and graduate courses in the arts and creativity. His research focuses on the parameters of educational music, interactive teaching strategies appropriate for music instruction, arts-based research methods, and teacher development in the arts. He has received four Social Science and Humanities Research Council grants for the study of the generative processes of music composition. His projects, in collaboration with Canadian Music Centre staff and composers, have resulted in the composition of a large number of new works for young musicians in schools and private instruction. Currently, he is principal investigator for the SSHRC-funded Genesis Project: An investigation of contemporary music composition that involves commissioning composers-in-residence of Canada’s major orchestras. His most recent books are Perspectives on arts education research in Canada, Vol. I: Surveying the landscape. Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill/Sense (2019) and Perspectives on arts education research Canada, Vol. II: Issues and directions (2020). Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill.

Email: b.w.andrews@uottawa.ca

Katie Tremblay – Co-Vice President & Program Chair

Trent University

Dr. Katie Tremblay is the Co-Program Chair for the Arts Teachers and Researchers SIG. She is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at Trent University. Katie is currently the Acting Coordinator of the Indigenous Bachelor of Education Program and a citizen of Métis Nation of Canada. She also has 10 years of K-12 classroom teaching experience in Grade 7&8 homeroom and Music. Katie is the Advocacy Director for the Ontario Music Educators’ Association. Her research areas include Indigenous Education, Curriculum and Pedagogy with an additional focus on decolonizing Music Education. Email: katietremblay@trentu.ca

Layal Shuman – Co-Vice President & Program Chair

Toronto Metropolitan University

Dr. Shuman is an Assistant Professor of Design Studies in The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Studies from McGill University, a Master of Design in Visual Communication Design from the University of Alberta, and a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from the Lebanese American University. Her research areas include design education, design-based learning, creativity education, and design for social impact. She is the founder and director of the Design and Learning Research Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University. Before academia, she worked for several years as an art director and graphic designer in multinational advertising agencies. Shuman was born and raised in Lebanon, lives in Canada, and calls Beirut and Toronto home. Email: lshuman@ryerson.ca

Traci Klein – Graduate Research Awards Chair

McGill University

Traci Klein is a doctoral student under the supervision of Dr. Mindy Carter in the Department of Integrated Studies in Education at McGill University. Previously, she was an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M International University, a master teacher in Spain and Mexico, and a program administrator at New York University. Throughout her career she has worked collaboratively with international artists, while directing and coordinating dance events in France, Spain, Mexico, and the USA. While in New York City she co-directed two dance companies and performed extensively, including as a soloist in the Martha Graham Ensemble. Ms. Klein is a member of the National Dance Education Organization and the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association, and Graduate Award Chair of the ARTS special interest group (SIG) for the Canadian Society for the Study of Education. Her research focuses on somatic dance education, and on developing innovative pedagogies that foster creativity. Email: traci.klein@mail.mcgill.ca

Déborah Maia de Lima – Publication Award Chair

McGill University

Déborah Maia de Lima - ARTS SIG Publications Award Chair - Brazilian dancer, researcher, psychologist, and educator. Post-doctoral fellow at McGill University (DISE). PhD in Études et pratiques des arts (UQAM) and in Performing Arts (UFBA). Masters in Clinic Psychology and Culture (UNB). Member of the Global Directory Who's Who in Dance (Conseil International de la Danse - UNESCO). Former participant in the interdisciplinary Dance Group Baiadô. Researcher and dancer in the Dance-Theatre group Anônimos da Silva. Currently she is a PI in a SSHRC IDG trans-American project involving Indigenous peoples, their dances and their connection with the land/territory. Researcher and performer in Improvisation and Creative Dance as resources for Education, Artistic Creation and Illness Prevention. She has participating in projects and internships in formal Education systems and communitarian environments in the Global North and the Global South. Her practice emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to embodiment; training of actors and dancers; Somatic Education; community psychology; Indigenous and feminists’ studies; decolonized approaches; Indigenous activism through art; sociocultural inclusion and creativity/innovation in formal and informal education. She has supervised students in interdisciplinary fields relating Education, Performing Arts, Martial Arts and Health in Global contexts.

Email: deborah.maiadelima@mail.mcgill.ca

Kristofer Brown – Graduate Student Rep, Website Administrator

McGill University

Kristofer is a doctoral candidate enrolled in the Department of Integrated Studies in Education at McGill University, specializing in the field of Mental Health. He obtained a Master's degree in Teaching and Learning from McGill University, as well as a dual Bachelor's degree in Social Science and Education from Bishop's University, and a Bachelor's degree in History from Concordia University. Kristofer has recently contributed a chapter to a book that examines the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on students' mental health. Moreover, he has presented his work at prestigious academic conferences, including the 67th Annual Meeting of the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES 2023) held in Washington D.C, McGill's Artful Inquiry conference in 2023, and the annual Mental Health and Wellness Conference at Champlain College in 2023. Currently, Kristofer is in the process of publishing his research on the topic of mental health and the Youth Protection System in Quebec. In addition to his academic pursuits, Kristofer actively engages in volunteer work and serves as a member of McGill University's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. Currently, he holds a teaching position at Champlain College.

Email: kbrown@crcmail.net

Malvika Agarwal– Artful Project Coordinator

Western University

Malvika Agarwal is a PhD scholar at Western University, specializing in early childhood education. In her research she collaborates closely with early childhood educators and children in childcare settings. Her research integrates multidisciplinary sonic art practices and post-qualitative inquiry to re-imagine pedagogical practices in early childhood education. Her academic background includes expertise in ecological sound art and graphic design. Currently she resides in London, ON where she is a resident artist at the GoodSport Gallery and Studio.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/UlamMalu

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malu.draws/

Personal Website: www.malu.gg

Tashya Orasi – Graduate Student Rep, Pre-Conference Co-Chair

Lakehead University

Tashya is a PhD Candidate in Education at Lakehead University. With a focus on leadership and policy studies, she draws from her background as an educator and experience in public sector administration to explore the intersections of leadership, creativity and performance. As a visual artist, she enjoys experimenting with a variety of mixed media and incorporating technology into her work. The importance of engagement and joy tend to permeate Tashya’s arts-integrated research practice. Email: torasi@lakeheadu.ca

Ashika Ashika - Communications Officer

McGill University

Ashika is a PhD student in the Department of Integrated Studies in Education at McGill University. Her doctoral research focuses on social and emotional learning (SEL) with high-risk adolescents, particularly concerning the processes and mechanisms that foster positive human qualities such as resiliency, compassion and community engagement. Ashika's research will also examine the impact of Intergenerational relationships in uncovering innate resilience and helping teenagers have healthy relationships with others in society. Ashika is an active volunteer at the Yellow Door, an organisation that works to provide social support to senior members of the community with special needs. Ashika also volunteers for Entraide Benevole Metro, where she helps seniors create art on different mediums. Ashika has seven years of experience teaching at an elementary school in India, where she realised the importance of integrating the knowledge and wisdom of the elderly into the education system. Ashika completed her Bachelor of Science with distinction from Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation, her Bachelor of Education with first division from Maharshi Dayanand University and her thesis-based Master of Education with first division from Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University, Jind.

Email - ashika.ashika@mail.mcgill.ca

Sandra Poczobut – Graduate Student Rep, Pre-Conference Co-Chair & Juried Art Space Coordinator

Western University

Sandra Poczobut is a second year Ph.D. student, educator, and artist with over 20 years of experience in community engaged art practice and teaching learners of all ages through art-based modes. Her research currently utilises a post humanist framework to examine how the role of an Atelierista can support critical reading praxis with teacher educators to engender equity and is informed by an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper. Sandra’s work is inspired by quantum physics, weaving and sewing, mushroom intelligence, new materialism, and the artful relations that exists amongst human and non-human constituents. Her creative outputs typically take the form of installation, performance, and participatory practice. She has exhibited across Ontario including the Elgin County Museum, Art Gallery of Mississauga, and the Luminato international Arts festival – Toronto. She currently resides in Port Stanley, Ontario on the traditional lands of the of the Anishinabe, Lenape, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Website: www.sandrapoczobut.com. Instagram: saniazosia

Jen Hinkkala – Graduate Student Rep, Social Media Coordinator

McGill University

Jen Hinkkala is a PhD candidate and sessional lecturer in the Department of Integrated Studies in Education at McGill University. Jen holds a Master of Music Education, a Bachelor of Education, a certificate in writing, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Jen’s dissertation research explores the work and well-being of self-employed drama, dance, music, and visual arts teachers in order to support preservice teachers and instructors currently working in the field. Jen has written several academic publications on topics pertaining to educational attainment during COVID-19, the challenge of working as a self-employed music educator, teacher self-compassion during the COVID-19, as well as teacher self-care and well-being. Before academia, Jen worked as a self-employed music educator at several conservatories in Ontario. Jen is the founder of Estranged and Thriving, an online support group for adults who do not have a relationship with their parents.

Jess Traynor - Grad Student Rep, Special Events Officer

McGill University

Nayani Seller Kathirithamby - Grad Student Rep, Special Events Officer

McGill University

Past Executive Members

2022-2023

Jackie Stendel, (Grad Student Rep, Website Administrator)

Tatiana Zakharova-Goodman – Publication Award Chair

Pauline Sameshima – Past-President and Co-Chair

2021-2022

Laurel Hart, (Past President, executive)

Roula Kteily-Hawa, (Vice-President & Program Chair, executive)

Traci Klein, (Graduate Research Awards Chair)

Layal Shuman, (Publication Award Co-Chair)

Katie Tremblay, (Publication Award Co-Chair)

Tatiana Zakharova-Goodman, (Grad Student Representative)

Jackie Stendel (Grad Student Representative)

Marta Cotrim, (Grad Student Representative)

2020-2021

Ashwani Kumar, (President, executive)

Roula Kteily-Hawa, (Vice-President & Program Chair, executive)

Laurel Hart, (Past President, executive)

Michelle Buckle, (Pre-conference Co-chair)

Bonnie Petersen, (Pre-conference Co-chair)

Tatiana Zakharova, (Grad Student Representative)

Émilie Vaillancourt, (Grad Student Representative)

Sarah Hennessy, (Co-Vice President)

2019-2021

Lisa Mitchell, (Graduate Research Awards Chair)

Hala Mreiwed, (Publication Award Chair)

2018 - 2020

Laurel Hart, (President, executive)

Ashwani Kumar, (Vice President & Program Chair, executive)

Mindy Carter, (Past-president, executive)

Anar Rajabali, (Graduate Research Awards Chair)

Bonnie Nish, (Graduate Student Representative)

Adrian Downey, (Graduate Student Representative)

2018-2019

Anar Rajabali, (Graduate Research Awards Chair)

2017-2019

Graham Lea, (Publication Award Chair)

2016 - 2017

Mindy Carter (President, McGill University)
Laurel Hart (Co-Vice-President, McGill University)

Valerie Triggs (Co-Vice President, University of Regina)
Sean Wiebe (Past President, University of Prince Edward Island)

Bronwen Low (Graduate Research Awards Chair)

Margaret McKeon (Graduate Student Representative)

Jennifer Wicks (Graduate Student Representative)
2014 - 2016

Sean Wiebe (President, University of Prince Edward Island)
Mindy Carter (Vice-President, McGill University)
John J. Guiney Yallop (Past President, Acadia University)
2012 - 2014

John J. Guiney Yallop (President, Acadia University)
Monica Prendergast (Vice-President, University of Victoria)
Pauline Sameshima (Past-President, Lakehead University)
2010 - 2012

Pauline Sameshima (President, Washington State University)
John J. Guiney Yallop (Vice-President, Acadia University)
2008 - 2010

Kathryn Ricketts (President, Simon Fraser)

2009

Sean Wiebe (U of PEI) - President

2008-2009

Sean Wiebe (U of PEI) - VP and Program Chair

2006 - 2008

Sylvia Kind (UBC) - President

Diane Conrad (U Alberta) - VP and Program Chair

2005-2006

Carol Beynon (UWO) - President

2002 - 2003

Rena Upitis (President, Queens University)
Carol Beynon (Vice-President, University of Western Ontario)
2001 - 2002

Bernard W. Andrews (President, University of Ottawa)
Alex de Cosson (Vice-President, UBC)
2000 - 2001

Bernard W. Andrews (Ottawa), President
Alex de Cosson (UBC), Vice-President
ARTS/SCEA AGM: SIG Constitution ratified and executive elected
1999 - 2000

Bernard W. Andrews (Acting President, University of Ottawa)
Alex de Cosson (Acting Vice-President, University of British Columbia)
Andrea Fairchild (Acting Member-at-large, Concordia University)
ARTS/SCEA SIG approved in principle by CACS CSSE, University of Sherbrooke, 1999
1998 - 1999

Bernard W. Andrews (Acting President, University of Ottawa)
Preliminary discussions of an arts group within CSSE
Arts Education Symposium, CSSE, University of Ottawa, 1998