Staff

Sean Rodman

He | Him
Executive Director

Sean Rodman

Executive Director

For over twenty years, Sean has worked in the non-profit field in leadership and advancement roles. He has also written 9 young adult fiction novels, which have been critically well-received and have collectively sold over 30,000 copies to date. Finally, Sean is an experienced presenter and has engaged youth of all ages on issues related to creative writing, literacy and publishing. Since 2016, he has worked with Story Studio as their executive director, and still feels lucky that Story Studio lets him combine all his passions in one amazing place. Best. Job. Ever. (Learn more about Sean’s books.)

Monika Davies

She | Her
Communications Coordinator/
Instructor

Monika Davies

Communication Coordinator/Instructor

Since her kid years, Monika has been imagining and writing up stories. (Her first stories featured temperamental unicorns and wayward wizards.) She is now a freelance author of 50+ books for kids and a workshop facilitator for adult-sized writers. She is over-the-moon excited to join this dedicated and caring crew of writers and educators. When Monika isn’t writing, you can find her jogging by the ocean, reading books too quickly, or trying to keep her seven plants alive.

Emily McFarlane

She/Her
Program Facilitator

Emily McFarlane

Program Facilitator

Emily McFarlane is a versatile education and recreation leader with over 15 years of experience directing dynamic community programs and camps across Canada. Driven by a collaborative “do-with” leadership style, Emily is a passionate relationship-builder dedicated to empowering individuals and creating deeply connected, shared experiences.

Eva Haas

They/Them
Program Facilitator

Emily McFarlane

Program Facilitator

Eva Haas is an artist, poet and performer originally from Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland). They served as the eleventh Youth Poet Laureate of Victoria, and their poetry can be found in literary journals across Canada, including The Malahat Review, The Ex-Puritan, The Fiddlehead and elsewhere. Eva’s creative work is rooted in connection and play, and they are thrilled to practice these values as a program facilitator with Story Studio.

LJ Weisberg

They | Them
Program Facilitator

LJ Weisberg

Program Facilitator

LJ Weisberg is a nonbinary poet, creative-nonfiction writer and educator. LJ’s work is lyrical, liminal and personal. Their previous features include Vancouver Poetry Slam, Tongues of Fire and Verses Festival of Words, in addition to publications in Prairie Fire and other literary journals. They hold a BFA in Writing from the University of Victoria, and are working towards a BEd through UVIC’s Indigenous PDP program.

Board of Directors

Paisley Aiken

Director / Founder

Paisley Aiken

Director / Founder

Paisley is an English teacher, mom of three and the founder of Story Studio. She has a passion for reading, ideas and hearing stories from the people she is fortunate enough to meet. (Read an article by Paisley about Story Studio.)

Michael Christie

Director

Author Michael Christie

Michael Christie

Michael Christie is a multi-award winning author, most recently of the bestselling novel Greenwood. His books have been longlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize three times, and his essays and book reviews have appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Globe & Mail. He lives in Victoria, where he cares for his two children, which usually involves a good helping of storytelling. (Learn more about Michael’s books.)

Heather Gross

Director

Heather Gross

Heather Gross holds space for facilitation through Treetop Initiatives and Roy Group. She convenes conversations and leads teams, programs and workshops that promote belonging, cohesion and productive collaboration. She held many roles at Pearson College UWC (Deputy Head and VP Education and Programming, Director of Admissions and Universities Counsellor). She also worked in recruitment and admissions at the University of Alberta and in experiential education at the Royal Alberta Museum and William A. Switzer Provincial Park – often going into classrooms or welcoming students to a third space for creativity, insight and learning.

Claire Hatcher-Smith

Director

Claire Hatcher-Smith

Claire is a speech and language pathologist who has worked with children with Down Syndrome for thirty-five years. Originally from the UK, she now lives surrounded by sea on Vancouver Island, with her husband, their son and a Korean rescue dog. As well as writing, Claire runs groups for neurodivergent tweens and teens, focusing on self/other awareness, self-esteem and self-advocacy skills. More information at clairehatchersmith.com

Hannah Monteith

Director

Hannah Monteith

Hannah Monteith has been working in the publishing industry since 2014. From book design consultation to promotions, Hannah has been involved in every stage of the publishing process. As Senior Operations Manager, her focus has shifted from client relations to strategic and operational development as well as workflow management. Her love of reading and belief in the power of storytelling led her to volunteer with Story Studio and she is excited to contribute as a member of the board.

Jordan Stratford

Director

Jordan Stratford

Director

Jordan Stratford is a producer, author, and screenwriter. He was once pronounced clinically dead, was briefly (but mistakenly!) wanted by Interpol for espionage, and has won numerous sword fights! He is the international best-selling author of The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency series for kids.

Sarah Tarnopolsky

Chair of the Board

Sarah Tarnopolsky

Chair of the Board

Sarah has over ten years of experience working in non-profit communications and fundraising. She is currently Manager, Communications for Alumni & Development at the University of Victoria. Her own passion for storytelling, books and literacy led her to join Story Studio’s board of directors in 2017. Sarah has served as Chair since 2019.

Lynn Works

Treasurer

Lynn Works

Lynn has over 20 years of professional experience working for businesses in diverse industries. With a focus on helping companies improve their operational performance and stakeholder engagement, she has worked in financial services, corporate retail procurement, manufacturing, and post-secondary education. She has volunteered in many school districts to bring creative content to schools and has a passion for the increased role of sustainability in businesses.

Interested in joining our team? Check out our job listings here!