ARTS RESEARCHERS & TEACHERS SOCIETY [ARTS SIG]
Societé des chercheurs/chercheuses et des enseignants/enseignantes des arts
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS: 2022-2024
Roula Kteily-Hawa – President
Brescia University College at Western
Dr. Roula Hawa is an Assistant Professor in 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 in 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 research into use. She is the Principal Investigator of the YSMENA Study, a research program focused on resilience, sexual health and wellbeing, and HIV prevention of diaspora Middle Eastern and North African youth 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 (CTN). Email: roula.hawa@uwo.a
Pauline Sameshima – Past-President and Co-Chair for Emerging Researcher Award & Lifetime Achievement Award
Lakehead University
Pauline Sameshima is a professor at Lakehead University and Canada Research Chair in Arts Integrated Studies (2012-2022). She is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Canadian Association for Curriculum Studies and Curator of the LAIR Galleries (Lakehead Arts Integrated Research Galleries). Pauline is a curriculum theorist, artist and poet and promotes multi-modal research mobilization, learning across broad audiences, and innovating university-community learning collaborations. From 2021-2026, Pauline is using the arts in community research in the HIV Obstruction by Programmed Epigenetics (HOPE) collaboratory, which aims to both silence and permanently remove HIV from the body. Website: http://www.solspire.com
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 an Assistant Professor at Trent University in the School of Education. She teaches in the Bachelor of Education Program, Masters of Education Program, and the Indigenous Bachelor of Education Program. She is the faculty liaison for the Education Students Association and the Faculty Advisor-at-Large for the School of Education. Katie has experience as an elementary music teacher and completed her PhD at UofT/OISE. Her research areas include the intersection of music/arts education and Indigenous education through the lens of curriculum and pedagogy. 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
Tatiana Zakharova-Goodman – Publication Award Chair
Western University
Tatiana Zakharova-Goodman, MLA, is pursuing a PhD at the Faculty of Education at Western University under the supervision of Dr. Pacini-Ketchabaw. She is also a designer at Earthscape Play, where she focuses on playground concept development and research. Academically, Tatiana thinks at the intersection of pedagogy and landscape architecture, as she works to re-imagine relationship-attuned play as worlding and play/grounding as potentialities. Working within the early childhood education reconceptualist movement and in collaboration with an international network of scholars of the Common Worlds Research Collective, Tatiana’s research attends to the complex stories of lives of children entangled, in play, with human and non-human others. Her doctoral project theorizes children’s outdoor spaces as contentious, uneven, and always political. Email: tzakharo@uwo.ca
Jackie Stendel – Graduate Student Rep, Website Administrator
McGill University
Jackie Stendel (Jax) is an artist, art educator, Pathy Fellow, and Master’s degree graduate from McGill University’s Education and Society program researching art education and sustainability. Their goals lie in using art as an agent for social change - with a specific focus on eco-conscious art materials. Their research explores the pedagogical role and ecological impact the more-than-human world can have when it is integrated fully in the art-making and art education process. Jax spends their time foraging, making ink, paper or weaves, teaching eco-art workshops, or fighting for environmental justice with their community - all on the traditional territory of the Kanien'kehà:ka of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Huron/Wendat, Abenaki, and Anishinaabeg peoples.
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
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 Masters of Music Education, a Bachelors of Education, a certificate in writing, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree. 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 era, as well as teacher self-care and well-being. Non-academic publications include topics pertaining to, self-love, family estrangement, bereavement, abuse, and goal setting in order to lead a happy life. Jen’s dissertation research explores the work and well-being of self-employed drama, dance and visual arts teachers in order to support individuals working in these disciplines. Jen is currently involved in a research theatre project to enhance educators understanding equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the classroom. Email: jen.hinkkala@mcgill.ca
Past Executive Members
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