Instructors

Alex Lam

he/him

Art Instructor

Alex Lam is a graduate of Emily Carr University, holding a BFA in Visual Art, and the University of Warwick, United Kingdom, with an MA and BEd in Arts Education. He has over 25 years of experience teaching Art to students of all ages—from children to youth, adults, and seniors—in various settings including schools, home schools, art camps, and community centres.

Over the past 15 years, Alex has published several student art albums and color books, including “”Images,”” “”Butterfly Transformation,”” “”Color Strings,”” “”My Lighthouse,”” “”Animal Kaleidoscope,”” and “”Time for Cake.”” In 2009, he established his own studio, ACTStudio. His educational philosophy centers on helping students Appreciate the beauty of the world, develop their Creative gifts, and explore Transformative skills using diverse media.

All Bodies Dance Project

Dance Instructor

All Bodies Dance Project (ABDP) is an inclusive dance company located on unceded Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil- Waututh territories with a mission is to create opportunities for people of all physical and cognitive abilities, genders, sizes, and backgrounds to practice, research, and create innovative, inclusive dance.

Since 2014, ABDP has been working at the intersection of community and professional dance practice through a process that questions “who has access to dance?” as makers, performers, and audience members. ABDP invites dancers of all kinds to engage in the endless possibilities of individual and collective movement through classes, performance and mentorship opportunities. In the company’s artistic practice, differences are regarded as creative strengths as they explore the choreographic possibilities of mobility devices, access needs, and celebrate different ways of moving and perceiving. ABDP is continually working to broaden the scope of who gets to dance and what dance can be.

ABDP performs regularly in community festivals, events, and theatre productions. The company’s unique work has received numerous awards including the 2019 City of Vancouver Award of Excellence in the category of Accessible City. Learn more at allbodiesdance.ca

Amber Murphy-Smith

she/her

Martial Arts Instructor

Shihan Amber Murphy-Smith is Purple Dragon’s first Canadian woman to earn a Black Belt and, in 2022, became the first North American to achieve the rank of Shihan (6th Degree). A student of Grandmaster Professor Don Jacob, she has studied martial arts for over 29 years.

Shihan Amber teaches Don Jitsu Ryu (Karate/Jiu Jitsu) to students of all ages, with specialties in Women’s Self-Defense, Kickboxing, and Yoga. She has been teaching since 2002 at her Kitsilano dojo, and recently at Trout Lake. Her accolades include three-time World Champion titles in Continuous Fighting, inductions into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame, with recognition as Sensei of the Year and Spirit of the Dojo. Passionate about education, empowerment, and community, Shihan Amber is committed to helping students build confidence, self-defense skills, and lifelong wellbeing.

Amy Kiara Ruth

she/her

Fitness Instructor

Amy delights in offering Pilates method matwork classes at Trout Lake Community centre. She is a practicing kinesiologist and an associate somatic movement professional; she has been studying, exploring, and working in the field of movement for over 30 years. Her movement background encompasses the practices of kinesiology, dance, tai chi, Qigong, the Pilates method, Body & Earth somatic movement practices, and Continuum & Continuum Montage. She enjoys working with individuals from a variety of background and ability to support more ease and strength in movement.

Amy Walker

she/her

Art Instructor

Amy “Biker” Walker is a curious, creative connector with a passion for sociable making. She designs collaborative, hands-on art activations delivered from her electric cargo bike/mobile studio, aka, the Makemobile (pronounced make-mo-beel), bringing creativity directly into public spaces.

Amy attended Sheridan College’s School of Crafts and Design. She trained at Funk Shui Atelier on Granville Island in felt making and has been operating her bike-based mobile art practice since 2018. Amy is currently the artist-in-residence at the Adanac Park Fieldhouse, where she creates her own work and offers free and paid public programming. She loves repairing, upcycling, and collaborating, and finds it very grounding to make useful objects like clothing, accessories, and furnishings. She currently offers Wet Felting and Needle Felting workshops for youth and adults at Trout Lake.

Inspired by the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word nə́c̓aʔmat ct (“we are one”), Amy sees shared making as an act of care for each other, and the world. She believes deeply in creativity as a tool for connection, repair, and community wellbeing.

Learn more about Amy at makemobile.ca.

Anton Fernando

he/him

Program Instructor

Anton Fernando is a professional photographer and educator with over 15 years of teaching experience, dedicated to making photography simple, approachable, and genuinely enjoyable. With a background as a Software Engineer and Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Anton brings clarity, structure, and calm confidence to creative learning.

Holding a Diploma in Photography from Bradford College (UK) and a certificate from Gulf Photo Plus in Dubai, Anton began his teaching journey with the Emirates Group Photography Club. His work has been nationally recognized, and through Bluepascal, he has helped countless students move confidently beyond “Auto” mode.

Anton’s teaching philosophy is simple: Vision First, Settings Second. It encourages students to develop their creative eye while mastering technical skills at a comfortable pace. He views photography as mindfulness in action: a way to slow down, reduce stress, and see the world with fresh perspective. Anton teaches part-time workshops at Trout Lake and believes photography is not just about better images, but about confidence, connection, and joy.

Learn more about Anton’s work at www.bluepascal.ca.

Anushka Kashyap

she/her

Fitness Instructor

Anushka Kashyap is a dancer, singer, performer, and instructor with over 25 years of experience. Born in Dubai, raised in Hong Kong, and based in Vancouver, she brings a global perspective to her artistry. Anushka has completed the ISTD Modern Dance Examinations up to the Imperial Level and is a certified Personal Trainer with NASM.

She has performed at international events such as the Hong Kong Chinese New Year Parade, the Rugby Sevens, and musical theatre productions at the Youth Arts Festival. In Vancouver, she has been part of Unlimited Hip Hop Dance Crew’s ‘Nu Era’, Harbour Dance Centre’s Sexy Street Crew ‘Onyxx’, Stilettoettes, and Culturally Defined. She now teaches high-energy dance and fitness classes at Trout Lake Community Centre and iDance.

As a Pop/R&B singer, Anushka draws inspiration from Christina Aguilera and Michael Jackson. She has released multiple singles and music videos, including “Don’t,” “With You,” “Somethin’ Better,” and her latest release, “Runnin’ the Race”, which also has an official music video. She performs across Vancouver at venues like Guilt & Co, The Fox Cabaret, local festivals, and private events.

Anushka also brings her choreographic skills to the stage for drag performer Ms. Ploy Pailin. Outside of performing and teaching, she enjoys playing tennis, traveling, and hanging out with friends!

Carey Yuen

she/her

Fitness Instructor

Carey Yuen is an ACE-Certified Personal Trainer, BCRPA Group Fitness Instructor, and Pre & Postnatal Fitness Specialist who brings warmth, accessibility, and joy to every class she teaches. She believes movement should feel good both physically and mentally. Her classes are designed to be fun, inclusive, and adaptable for all fitness levels.

Carey has personally gained so much from being active and is excited to be able to share these benefits with others through her teachings. Her programs at Trout Lake include Prenatal Fitness, Stroller Fitness (indoor and outdoor), Baby & Me Bootcamp, Saturday Bootcamp, Full Body Conditioning, Bootcamp Circuits, and restorative foam rolling and stretch classes. As a deeply rooted member of the Trout Lake community, she considers the centre a second home and values the friendships and sense of belonging it provides. When not teaching, she’s keeping up with her daughter or chasing her two energetic fur-babies.

Cathy Belgrave

she/her

Art Instructor

Cathy Belgrave is a relationship-centred educator who has been working with children and families for over 25 years. At Trout Lake Community Centre, she offers small group programs that invite children to explore, create, and grow. Her classes include Creative Play, Tiny Hands, Big Ideas (process art), and the Junior Author & Artist Studio.

Through play, art, and storytelling, children are encouraged to follow their curiosity, build confidence, and express their ideas in meaningful ways. Cathy’s approach creates a warm and supportive environment where children can develop a positive learner identity and see themselves as capable and creative.

Beyond her community programs, Cathy is the host of The Intentional ECE podcast and founder of The Intentional Educator, where she supports teachers through workshops and mentoring. She holds a B.A. in Developmental Psychology, a B.Ed. in Elementary Education, and a certificate in Wonder Based Teaching for Early Childhood.

Relationships form the foundation for learning—building confidence within self, connection with others, and a sense of belonging in the world. Learn more about Cathy’s work at www.theintentionaleducator.ca

Cheryl Theilade

she/her

Workshop Instructor

Cheryl is the creator of Scentimental Creations, a natural skincare brand built on authenticity, education, and sustainability. Since 1997, she has taught hands-on skincare workshops throughout the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, inspiring others to make safe, effective products at home using trusted, natural ingredients. She teaches over 15 original workshops including soap making, baby and pet care, aromatherapy, creams and lotions, mineral makeup, magnesium body care, and seasonal skincare treats. Each course features her own tried-and-true formulas, backed by her background in Cosmetic Chemistry and certification in Aromatherapy.

Cheryl’s mission is to empower others to create personal care products with confidence, while staying mindful of health, the environment, and what goes down our drains. In addition to teaching, she handcrafts a full line of small-batch skincare, hair, home, and pet products that are free from fillers, preservatives, and animal testing. She formulates custom products for scent-free workplaces, pregnancy-safe care, post-surgical skin recovery, and scalp conditions. She is also a regular guest speaker at workplace wellness sessions and clinics, sharing her knowledge of harmful ingredients in mainstream products and how to avoid them.

Scentimental Creations is more than skincare. It’s a return to natural, conscious living—one product at a time.

Coco (Courtney) Gervais

she/her

Fitness Instructor

Hi, I am Coco a Somatic Practitioner and offer group movement + meditation. I guide from the belief that how you feel in your body matters. Form will always be important, and so is your internal experience. I hold space for both.

You’re invited to move with intention, using yoga, functional movement, and somatic practices to build awareness, strength, and trust in the body. I offer clear guidance while, reminding you to stay connected to sensation, and breath.

Alongside movement, I weave in guided + sound meditation to support mindfulness, and regulation. I have experience working with diverse groups and populations that range from a few months old to 90+ years old. My intention is to create a welcoming, and inclusive environment paced to support beginners while still offering depth for those with experience.

You can learn more about me at www.experiencewellness.ca

Emily Clarke

she/her

Dance Instructor

Emily is a professional contemporary dancer, emerging choreographer, and dance instructor based in Vancouver. She graduated in 2023 from Modus Operandi contemporary dance training program and teaches ballet, jazz, hip hop, and tap. Emily currently teaches classes for ages 2–7 at Trout Lake Community Centre.

Originally from Vancouver Island, she has several years of teaching experience and a passion for sharing her knowledge with young dancers. Emily is passionate about creating space for children to build confidence, explore their creativity, and develop dance skills in an environment that is always encouraging and supportive. Outside of teaching, Emily is an active freelance performer, having danced at Vancouver International Dance Festival, Vines Festival, Boombox Vancouver, Dance in Vancouver, and others. She is currently continuing her dance training on scholarship with Training Society of Vancouver, and sees her ongoing learning as something that greatly enriches her teaching practice.

When she’s not dancing, Emily can be found reading, sewing her own clothes, or working at the Vancouver Farmers Market.

Fernanda Mascarenhas

she/her

Art Instructor

Fernanda Mascarenhas is a textile and natural dye artist, dance performer, and longtime Zen Buddhist practitioner from Brazil. While creating a costume for one of her performances, she encountered the living world of textiles and fell in love with the alchemy of natural dyes. That costume went on to win a prize, leading her to Japan, where she deepened her understanding of this ancient craft.

Rooted in the slow rhythm of natural dyeing, Fernanda works with plants gathered from urban landscapes and local gardens, honouring the cycles of nature and the ancestral knowledge held within leaves, roots, and flowers. Her community workshops invite people to slow down, connect with nature, and experience the quiet joy of creating with their hands.

In her studio, Fernanda creates one-of-a-kind textile pieces — scarves, norens, and wall art — each handmade and dyed one by one, carrying the memory of the plants that coloured them. Through her Plants and Colours blog, she continues this dialogue with the natural world, sharing reflections, experiments, and the beauty found in slow making. www.fernandamascarenhas.com

Gemma Van Slyke

she/her

Program Instructor

Gemma is the founder of The MotherFlock, a Vancouver-based community & resource hub, helping moms navigate the isolating, identity-shifting rollercoaster of postpartum, matrescence, and motherhood. As a mom on a “power pause”, she created The MotherFlock to bring moms together, ditch the guilt, normalize the challenges, and help moms feel more informed, empowered, and connected. Whether through postpartum groups, community membership, connections to expert resources, or a refreshingly honest blog,

With a background in teaching and mental health, Gemma facilitates honest, supportive postpartum groups and community programming across the Lower Mainland. She and her team believe deeply in peer support and aim to fill the gap that often appears after the six-week postpartum mark. The MotherFlock recognizes that community support is the biggest game-changer in impacting a mom’s postpartum experience, which is why Gemma’s mission is simple: ditch the guilt, get our pink back, and remember that motherhood is better when we do it together.

Georgina Daniels

she/her

Dance Instructor

A performer and teacher, Georgina has studied bellydance since 1999. She danced with a troupe for 15 years, co-directed a dance cooperative and performs in the community as nina d.

Georgina grew up with parents who danced and she remembers the excitement of them going out to dance each week. She’s carried that joy forward through her own experience with bellydance and other dance styles.

Georgina continues her own dance education studying with visiting professionals and travelling to attend workshops and conferences. She volunteers on a board of directors for west coast swing dance and attends social dances every week.

She loves being in the studio, sharing the joy of movement and helping students discover their own expression of the dance form. Her all-levels class at Trout Lake offers options and variations so everyone can grow at their own pace. The class is equal measures technique and dance fun, and drop-ins are always welcome.

Glenn Mori

he/him

Art Instructor

Glenn Mori teaches beginning and intermediate fiction writers, and his writing has been honed by the Vancouver Manuscript Intensive and many, many workshops. He has served as an editorial assistant for an online literary magazine as well as a first reader for contests by Geist, the Federation of BC Writers, and other organizations. His published works range from 500 to 22,000 words and have been featured by the CBC and by McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, amongst others.

Heather A. Barnes

she/her

Fitness Instructor

Heather Barnes, a certified Pilates Process Method Mat Levels 1 & 2 instructor with an additional Therapeutic Training certificate, feels everyone can benefit from Pilates. She knows Pilates well with over ten years of self practice and teaching mat classes. Heather’s main goal in her three classes at Trout Lake Community Centre is to share her passion for Pilates, by making it fun and accessible using a variety of props and modifications. By practicing Pilates regularly, Heather is able to enjoy swimming, hiking, x country skiing and fitness classes. She also enjoys travelling and brings her Pilates props with her, so she can keep moving even in her airplane seat.

Jasper Moedt

he/him

Program Instructor

Jasper fell in love with carving from a young age, regularly carving while camping with his family. While the objects he carves these days has changed, his fascination and respect for the natural world remains, and is one of the cornerstones that brings him back to greenwood carving again and again.

Jasper has been teaching greenwood spoon carving classes since 2021, in various community centres and occasionally in the park. As a registered occupational therapist, Jasper brings a unique perspective to his teaching, highlighting the importance of mastery, meaning, and creativity in everyday life. He emphasizes the importance of safety, skillbuilding, and supportive learning in all his classes. Jasper believes deeply in the value of accessible, community-driven craft spaces and finds inspiration in the fresh perspectives beginners bring to the carving bench. He founded the Vancouver Spoon Club(@vancouverspoonclub on instagram), a free monthly drop-in that creates space for carvers of all levels as a meaningful pursuit of building community around craft, and as a way of sharing his personal passion.

Jhaymee Hizon

he/him

Dance Instructor

Jhaymee “Eloquence” Hizon is a true “OG” bboy hailing from Vancouver, Canada. Breaking since 1995, Jhaymee has earned his place in the scene with numerous competition wins alongside his crew, Now or Never. Beyond his own dance journey, he dedicates himself to the local Vancouver dance community by hosting weekly practice sessions and regularly training to stay sharp. Passionate about giving back, Jhaymee coaches and mentors young breakers, nurturing the next generation through annual youth breaking events designed to inspire and grow the dance scene.

Jhaymee’s expertise extends to adjudication, where he is certified through WDSF/CDS and has judged prestigious local and national competitions, including the Redbull BC One Canada Cypher and CDS National Qualifier and Championship events.

Parallel to his dance career, Jhaymee’s artistic eye has found expression in photography. Even before owning a camera, he viewed the world through a lens of mental snapshots. This early passion blossomed through formal photography classes, fueling a deep commitment to the art. Today, photography serves as another powerful medium for Jhaymee’s creative expression and storytelling.

Julie Lebel

she/her

Dance Instructor

Julie Lebel is a francophone choreographer with over 30 years of experience in community-engaged dance. Her work bridges movement, public space, and interdisciplinary collaboration, involving musicians, visual artists, filmmakers, and writers.

She is the Artistic Director of *Foolish Operations*, a bilingual, intergenerational dance company creating playful, participatory experiences for babies, toddlers, caregivers, and their communities. Through performances, workshops, and residencies, the company celebrates movement as a shared, accessible language that everyone speaks.

Julie created *Dancing the Parenting* after the birth of her twin daughters, now teens. The program runs at Trout Lake Community Centre, Riley Park, and festivals across Canada. She is also a member of *Lower Left Collective* (USA, Germany, Norway, Canada), teaching and performing *Ensemble Thinking*.

Julie holds a BFA in Dance from Université du Québec à Montréal and continues to lead with a vision of **creating togetherness** through dance.

Learn more about Julie’s work at https://foolishoperations.org

Katie Stewart

she/her

Music Instructor

Katie is a Vancouver-based musician and teacher with over 15 years of experience. She holds a degree in Jazz Performance from Capilano University, where she honed her skills playing jazz, classical and other genres of music. She is credited for contributions to numerous bands around the city including Spindle!, Madelyn Read and the Petrichorus and History of Gunpowder (for which she has toured internationally).

She is a resident fiddler for the Blarney Stone house band and has played abroad in Italy, Nashville and Ireland. She also plays professionally in Orchestra pits for musicals with companies like Gateway, Align and Rain-city Productions. She teaches much like she plays, emphasizing the limitless nature of music in various forms and genres. She enjoys creating community with music, teaching the skills of playing with others and customizing lessons to your music preferences.

Kenneth Clarke

he/him

Martial Arts Instructor

Kenneth Clarke, known as Professor Polvo, has been teaching and training Capoeira for over 20 years and holds the rank of Professor in the internationally recognized Group Axé Capoeira. He is an In-School Program Leader and Show Team Lead for Axé Vancouver and has competed and traveled extensively throughout North America and Brazil. In the 2023 Capoeira World Cup, he was a top 16 finalist.

As graduate of the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and English Literature, Professor Polvo is known for his fun, engaging, and detail-oriented teaching style that balances motivation with patience. His passion for Capoeira is unparalleled and clearly conveyed in his classes. He offers Adult, Youth, and Minis Capoeira programs, as well as seasonal Spring Break and Summer Camps at Trout Lake.

Kenneth believes Capoeira builds community, accountability, health, and joy, which is why he plans to practice Capoeira for life.

Kristine Hui

she/her

Workshop Instructor

Kristine Hui is a fermentation educator who brings a deep passion for food, science, and sustainability to her hands-on workshops. She empowers people to build the confidence and skills of in-home fermentation through thoughtful, accessible knowledge sharing.

After studying brewing at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Kristine moved to Scotland to work at a Scotch whisky distillery, where she honed her expertise in fermentation and alcohol production. She earned a Diploma in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling and contributed to the development of a rum that won a Silver Medal at the 2021 International Wine and Spirits Competition.

Kristine’s specializes in alcohol fermentation (she crafts whisky, rum, gin, vodka, and liqueurs) but her heart lies in helping people reconnect with food systems through accessible home fermentation. She believes fermentation can reduce food waste, improve nutrition, save money, and empower individuals to eat more intentionally.

Through workshops, she communicates the transformative power of fermentation while supporting participants in reshaping their relationship with food production systems; ultimately reducing waste and creating more flavourful, nutritious foods and beverages.

Laura Vanderlinde

she/her

Pottery Instructor

Laura is a Vancouver-based ceramic artist with over 35 years of experience working with clay. She brings a lifetime of making, teaching, and learning into her studio practice. Her journey began at age 11 and led to formal art college training, professional studio work, and a global career spanning South Africa and Canada. Early in her career, she managed a pottery production studio, where she developed a deep respect for materials, process, and the steady rhythm of a working ceramics shop.

After immigrating to Canada at 30, Laura established herself as a self-employed production potter, creating functional ceramics for galleries and seasonal markets. Her work has been exhibited at Granville Island and Butchart Gardens. These experiences shaped her strong sense of craftsmanship, consistency, and creative voice, insights she generously shares with her students.

Laura teaches youth and adults at Vancouver community centres, Place des Arts in Coquitlam, MISSA on Vancouver Island, and through workshops in her Vancouver studio. Her teaching style is patient, encouraging, and hands-on. She focuses on strong foundational skills while fostering experimentation and confidence in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

A lifelong learner, Laura continues to study ceramics to keep her practice fresh and responsive. She is inspired by clay’s ability to connect people to themselves, especially in those moments when frustration turns into understanding.

Outside the studio, she loves chartreuse green, felting, gardening, thrift-store treasure hunting, and making something from nothing, usually with tea nearby.

Lily Sum

she/her

Workshop Instructor

Lily Sum is a Vancouver-based instructor offering creative, hands-on workshops in cooking, baking, and natural product making. She teaches at local community centres such as Trout Lake, and leads private events such as birthday parties and corporate team-building sessions.

With a Baking and Pastry Arts Diploma, over seven years of experience in fine dining kitchens, and Food Safe certification, Lily specializes in fun, beginner-friendly cooking classes for kids. Her goal is to inspire young chefs through joyful, confidence-building experiences in the kitchen.

As the founder of Soapify Studio, Lily also shares her passion for handmade bath and body products through soap and lip gloss workshops for all ages. Her classes celebrate creativity, connection, and the satisfaction of making something from scratch.

Lily’s broader interests include food preservation techniques like fermentation, pickling, curing, dehydration, and cheese making. She is always exploring new ways to blend craft and culinary arts.

Learn more about Lily at soapifystudio.com

Loretta Laurin

they/she

Fitness Instructor

Lo is passionate about facilitating meaningful and moving experiences. She has over 17 years of experience teaching embodiment modalities, including dance, fitness, yoga, and pilates. Lo’s teaching style is grounded yet playful – offering a unique fusion style while also honoring the lineages of the practices. She has been teaching since 2009 and offers Dance Fit! classes at Trout Lake. Lo is also a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) specializing in relationships, personal growth, and trauma. Learn more at lorettalaurin.com

Louie Dickens

he/him

Martial Arts Instructor

Louie Dickens is a dedicated Shorinji Kempo instructor with over 40 years of experience in the Japanese martial art, which blends effective self-defence with philosophical principles for personal growth and mental cultivation.

He holds a 5th degree black belt and is a graduate of the advanced instructor academy at Shorinji Kempo headquarters (Hombu) in Tadotsu, Japan. This training deepened his mastery of the system’s holistic approach, including goshin rentan (self-defense and courage), seishin shūyō (mental discipline), and kenkō sōshin (health promotion).

Fluent in both English and Japanese, Louie Sensei bridges cultural gaps to teach authentically and connect with students worldwide.

For decades, he has taught children and adults, helping practitioners of all ages develop confidence, discipline, physical fitness, and practical self-defence skills in a supportive environment. Consistent with Shorinji Kempo tradition, Louie Sensei serves as a volunteer instructor—sharing his knowledge without financial compensation, driven purely by passion for the art and its values of self-improvement and contributing to a better society.

Lynda Sing

she/her

Yoga Instructor

Lynda Sing is a compassionate and dedicated yoga teacher with over 15 years of experience guiding students of all ages and stages of life. From pre- and postnatal yoga to classes for children, teens, adults, and seniors, she has supported individuals across diverse communities on their wellness journeys.

Her teaching spans studios, workplaces, universities, hospitals, and private one-to-one sessions. Drawing on her background as a professional dancer and more than 1,000 hours of advanced training, Lynda brings a deep understanding of the body and movement to every class. She offers thoughtful classes that emphasize detailed movement, nuanced awareness, and embodied presence. She creates a calm, welcoming space where students can cultivate intuitive connection and gentle strength.

Holding space with kindness and warmth, Lynda invites her students to rediscover the subtle joys of living fully in their bodies. She is currently evolving her practice by pursuing a Master’s in Expressive Arts Therapy to expand the ways she can support healing and transformation with the creative process and the imagination.

Visit lyndasingyoga.com to learn more about her and her offerings.

Mark Beaty

he/him

Music Instructor

Vancouver-based bassist Mark Beaty is an active concert musician, educator, band member, and community music organizer. He performs regularly with ensembles such as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Island Symphony, and Victoria Symphony, and teaches bass at Douglas College.

Mark’s musical journey began early as a student through the Vancouver School Board Strings Program, followed by advanced studies at UVic, UBC, and the Instituto Superior del Arte in Havana, Cuba. He has also toured internationally with an alt-folk band across Canada, the U.S., and Europe.

He teaches Intro to Ukulele and Ukulele Sing-Along classes at Trout Lake, fostering social connection, wellbeing, and joy through group music-making. Mark believes music brings people together in powerful, positive ways and loves working with creative, expressive learners of all backgrounds.

Michael Borromeo

he/him

Sports Instructor

After finding his passion for volleyball on the beaches of Sydney, Australia, Michael quickly became immersed in the sport. He has an NCCP Development Coach certification and over two years of experience coaching youth skills clinics.

Nicole Pavia

she/her

Dance Instructor

Nicole is an energetic and passionate dance educator with over seven years of teaching experience across a wide range of ages and styles (from parent & toddler classes to pre-professional dance programs). She creates positive, encouraging learning environments where students feel supported, challenged, and confident.

Nicole is a graduate of Modus Operandi’s four-year Contemporary Dance Program, her artistic practice is informed by her background in gymnastics, acrobatics, and competitive dance. She has worked professionally with Kinesis Dance, Calder White, Oh Augustine, Rachel Maddock, and Radical System Art/Shay Kuebler, touring internationally.

Nicole teaches Parent & Toddler Dance, Mini Ballerinas, Hip Hop & Jazz, and Beginner Ballet at Trout Lake exclusively. Her credentials include RAD Advanced 2 Examination, BCAC and Training Society of Vancouver Scholarships, HIGH FIVE PHCD Certification, and Certified Adjudicator status with The Dance Leadership Institute.

She is inspired by her positive experiences as a student in dance, and want to continue the legacy of helping dancers build confidence, coordination, and body awareness. Nicole loves seeing students reach movement goals they once thought were impossible, and believes growth happens best in a positive learning environment.

Rene Hugo

he/him

Music Instructor

Rene is a Peruvian – Canadian professional music teacher. He holds a bachelor degree in classical guitar and Elementary School teaching. He plays a multitude of instruments such as guitar, ukulele, mandolin, recorder, pan flutes and a big collection of Andean instruments including a variety of charangos, quenas, sampoñas, drums, etc. He has recorded 13 albums.

Rene represented Perú in the 1990 Children’s Festival in Canada and the United States with his group Ayllu. He represented Canada in 2005 at Nanning International Festival with his group Rene Hugo Amigos. Nominated as a cultural ambassador of Perú in Canada by the Peruvian consulate in Vancouver. Nominated as a Musician of the year in 2004 by the Latino American community in Vancouver.

He has been teaching music mainly guitar and ukulele in Vancouver since 1995 and he wrote 11 guide books for learning guitar and 12 for learning ukulele.

Sarah Gallos

she/her

Dance Instructor

Sarah Gallos is a dance artist, specializing in performance, creation, facilitation and curation of contemporary and improvisational dance theatre. Since 2021, she’s been an Artistic Associate with Foolish Operations, participating in the co-creation of all the company’s repertoire. She is a mother of 2 kids, born in 2013 and 2018.

Sarah is also a sought after movement teacher and fitness professional, BCRPA certified in both personal training and group classes including Pilates, Mat, Barre and working with seniors. She has also hosted workshops at EDAM Dance in Contact with Kids and Steve Paxton’s Materials for the Spine. Sarah is the lead artist for the 2025/2026 Vancouver Parks Board Moberly Senior Dancers.

Sarah’s training includes her participation in the EDAM scholarship program in 2010. Sarah also studied at Modus Operandi, TDT Summer School and the Canadian College of Performing Arts.

She lives, plays and rests with her family, on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood of Vancouver.

Sue Malcolm

she/her

Music Instructor

Sue Malcolm has been a mainstay of the Vancouver folk and bluegrass scene since 1980 as a performer, instructor and organizer. She was a founder and four-term president of The Pacific Bluegrass and Heritage Society. She was inducted into the Canadian Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 2024.

Recognized for her ability to help beginners gain confidence and enjoy making music in a group setting, Sue developed the Slow Pitch Jam method of teaching bluegrass jamming. Since 1996 Sue’s monthly Slow Pitch Jams at the ANZA Club in Vancouver have been drawing huge crowds and helping hundreds of people experience the joy of jamming.

Sue sings and plays guitar with The Soda Crackers, an eclectic trio whose repertoire includes vintage country, bluegrass, and swing. She has released four CDs and six volumes of Slow Pitch Jam songbooks with play-along CDs.

A strong belief in the power of music to enrich lives and build communities keeps Sue looking for new ways to involve and inspire others. Learn more about Sue at suemalcolm.com

Sun Rey Han

she/her

Art Instructor

Sun Rey Han has over 30 years of experience working with children in daycare and community centres, this dedicated educator is also the owner and operator of a successful Art Academy. She holds a Diploma in Craft Art and specialized training in Child Art Psychology and Art Education for Children.

Her programs, including Art and Music with Sun Rey and Art is Fun, are playful, educational, and designed to spark creativity, confidence, and joy in young learners. She offers classes at multiple community centres and is passionate about nurturing imagination through hands-on art and music experiences.

Suzanne Cowan

she/her

Art Instructor

Suzanne Cowan – Ceramics, Basket Weaving & Bookbinding

Suzanne is a Vancouver-based multidisciplinary artist. Her works blends contemporary artistic design with traditional crafts methods to create both functional and sculptural work.

She has taught adult art classes in Canada, Taiwan, the UK and US and has offered classes at the Trout Lake Community Centre since 2022.

www.suzannecowanstudio.com @suzannecowanstudio @canadian___tuxedo

Tamami Nakashimada

she/her

Martial Arts Instructor

Tamami Nakashimada Sensei began her Aikido training with Morito Suganuma Shihan at the Shohei Juku dojo in Fukuoka, Japan in 1978. She arrived in Canada in 1985 and became the Chief Instructor of Shohei Juku Canada.

Nakashimada Sensei was awarded the rank of Rokudan i.e. 6th degree (or Dan) black belt in January 2014. She has continued her Aikido studies under the direction of Suganuma Sensei who visits the Vancouver dojo each year.

Nakashimada Sensei is an inspiring and energetic teacher. She welcomes all who are interested in Aikido to train with her.

Learn more about Aikido training at https://www.shoheijuku.ca/

Thomas Long

he/him

Program Instructor

Tom is a professional storyteller, historian, and lifelong nerd with over 25 years of experience designing and leading museum programs for youth, families, and adults. He brings that same depth of creativity and care into his work as a Game Master, offering inclusive, imaginative Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) experiences for players of all ages.

Tom has been playing D&D and tabletop role-playing games for more than 30 years and believes deeply in their power as collaborative storytelling tools. Players and Game Masters build narratives together, guided by curiosity, imagination, and a shared sense of wonder. His programs emphasize creativity, teamwork, and joyful play.

Tom is a proud Métis citizen and self-described “Indigenerd,” he weaves cultural awareness, history, and storytelling into everything he does.

He regularly offers after-school D&D programs, private game sessions, history-based presentations, and museum training. Learn more about Tom and his offerings at destinationdnd.wordpress.com and northwindheritageconsulting.com.

Vancouver Tool Library

Workshop Instructor

The Vancouver Tool Library (VTL) is a cooperative tool lending library in East Vancouver. We are located at 3448 Commercial Street. We acknowledge that our shop is on unceded Coast Salish Territory, and we’ve been in the neighbourhood since 2011.

The VTL is a collective community resource, run by its members for its members. We are motivated by a vision of our community empowered by the tools and skills needed to live creatively, make art, and transform homes and neighbourhoods into vibrant spaces that reflect a commitment to sustainability.

Workshops currently offered at Trout Lake include leatherwork, linocut printmaking, and kokedama moss ball making.

Viola Choy

she/her

Art Instructor

Viola is a passionate mixed media artist and educator with over 20 years of experience inspiring creativity in studios and classrooms. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Design, a Diploma in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Vancouver, and advanced mixed media training at Emily Carr, she blends traditional techniques with unconventional materials to explore themes of transformation, expression, and meaning.

A dedicated mentor, Viola teaches youth at community hubs like Trout Lake Community Centre, fostering creativity and a love for experimentation. Her approach encourages personal expression across all skill levels and age groups.

In addition to her artistic work, Viola is a certified Reiki Master Teacher, Animal Reiki and Sound Practitioner, and is training in Laughter Yoga. She integrates these holistic practices into her art and teaching to support growth, healing, and connection.

Viola’s mission is to push creative boundaries while championing the transformative power of the visual arts.

Wally Kunz

he/him

Program Instructor

My wife and I moved to 8th Ave between Commercial and Victoria over 20 years ago. We found a ready-made community since all the neighbours had gotten together earlier to convince the City to put in a cul de sac to limit commuters rushing to avoid the Commercial and Broadway intersection.

A dozen years ago, I retired and decided to help our community by collecting recycling that the City did not pick up curbside. It worked so well on 8th Ave, I knocked on doors from 1st to 7th and began weekly pop-up recycling at five locations on Commercial Drive. We now have added recycling at several community centres – including Trout Lake on Sundays from 2-4 pm.

I started “Build Local Communities” to expand my reach. I now moderate the “Build your Local Community” program on Wednesdays at Trout Lake at noon, publish the “Good News” e-newsletter, prepare name tags for senior lunches, participate in Trout Lake’s Green Committee, and am also a director for the Grandview Woodland Area Council.

My side hustle is to create my own jokes. I’m now up to over one thousand and am trying to get them into shape to publish.

West Side Music Together

Music Instructor

In 2001, Katherine, owner of West Side Music Together attended a Music Together® class with her niece. She’s says, “I had a tonne of fun in the class and it must have showed, because the owner of the centre asked me if I would be interested in teaching! Well, I loved it so much I decided to bring Music Together to Vancouver in 2004. At the time, I was also pursuing my degree in Music Therapy and found so many similarities between the basic principles of Music Together and what I was learning in school that I felt confident in the research and that is the foundation of Music Together.”

We started with 14 families and have grown to helping over 450 families a week make Music Together. We may not all grow up to be musicians but it’s our birthright to learn the basics of music making so we can sing along to our favourite songs and dance at the school dance with an open heart. Our greatest joy comes from seeing children discover music and it’s never too young to start.

West Side Music Together offers classes Monday through Saturday in Kitsilano, UBC, Kerrsidale, Fairview, Downtown, Mount Pleasant, on the Drive, Killarney, and in West Vancouver.

Wilson Tan

he/him

Sports Instructor

Wilson Tan has decades of coaching experience across Vancouver community centres. He is a certified Coach 1 / Club Pro tennis instructor has been teaching since the late 1980s. He currently coaches year-round at Trout Lake and Strathcona, with seasonal programs at Hastings and False Creek.

Wilson finds joy in seeing individuals progress their tennis skills and finds it rewarding to be a part of their journey. He finds deep satisfaction in helping players improve their confidence, and enjoyment of the game. Known for his encouraging approach, he loves supporting individuals who are eager to learn and grow both on and off the court.

Wilson loves to chat – ask him about how he got his name!

Yee Chan

she/her

Workshop Instructor

Yee Chan is a visual artist and educator who shares her passion of traditional craft through rattan paper crafting, lantern-making, sugar art, and festival-inspired workshops. Her classes combine traditional techniques with open-ended creativity, so every piece feels personal and unique. In the future, she hopes to expand into more playful, sculpture-based programs inspired by everyday objects.

Yee holds a Master’s Degree in Visual Art, majoring in Sculpture, and has more than fifteen years of experience teaching art and inclusive education. She was trained as an artist educator to help preserve Intangible Cultural Heritage traditions and now continues that work in Vancouver, collaborating with community centres, schools, museums, and non-profit cultural organizations.

For Yee, art is a way to build connection — between cultures, generations, people and ourselves. She believes that making by hand creates space for memory, reflection, and celebration, and allows us to share joy with others.

Yee’s love of craft began in childhood. Her father was a chef, and she grew up watching him carve carrot statues and cucumber flowers. Food and art have always been connected in her life — she once knitted noodles into a sculpture for an exhibition. That playful spirit continues to guide her art and teaching today.