Meet the Facilitators
Shaina Lehan is an educator from Vancouver, British Columbia. She is currently employed as an English Instructor at York University and is also studying to be an art therapist at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of British Columbia, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Strathclyde University, a Literacy Instruction Certificate from Simon Fraser University, and a Master of Education from York University. She is passionate about yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. In addition, she is deeply interested in arts-based learning, which she has delivered in a variety of educational settings. Shaina's artistic practices mainly revolve around painting and collage. She has also spent many years as a housing support worker and volunteer literacy worker with marginalized populations. She is interested in the intersection between anti-oppression and spirituality. She engages with a transformative, holistic, and reciprocal model of education. She is an incurable optimist who can't get enough of hugs and dogs. Shaina currently lives in the wonderful Bloordale neighbourhood of Toronto.
Mindy Alexander is the Department Head of Humanities at an alternative private school in Toronto that focuses on fostering positive mental health and environmental stewardship. Mindy holds a Masters of Education, Graduate Diploma in Environmental/Sustainabilty Education, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from York University, and a Bachelor of Education with a focus on the Artist in the Community from Queen's University. She has been active in the arts and education communities for over 10 years as a practicing artist, the School Programs Coordinator at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, a researcher for Learning Through the Arts and The Royal Conservatory, and an Artist-Educator at various locations. Mindy is fascinated by the concept that what is ultimately good for the earth is also what is good for humans and all beings. Mindy has facilitated workshops on fostering sustainable happiness through the arts at various locations including the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, the Woodstock Museum, and the Grand Valley Institute for Women. Some of the many things that make her smile are watching leaves fall from tree, having a warm cup of tea, and noticing when the subway or bus arrive just as she gets to her stop. She currently lives and works in Toronto.
See Mindy's artwork.
See Mindy's artwork.
"Really enjoyed this and can't wait to apply to my life and routine." -workshop participant