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 20,000 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. He feels lucky that Story Studio lets him combine all his passions in one amazing place. Best. Job. Ever.
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.
Rebecca Ruiter
She | Her
Program Facilitator/
Coordinator
(Maternity Leave)
Rebecca Ruiter
Facilitator/Program Coordinator
Rebecca is an experienced educator, having explored teaching in both elementary schools and non-pedagogical sites. She is a lover of literacy and the written word, spending much of her free time both reading and writing. She carries a lifelong passion for education, kids, crafting and the outdoors.
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
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.
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.
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.
Stephen Tax
Director
Stephen Tax
Steve is professor of Marketing at the Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria. His teaching and research focus on designing and delivering memorable customer experiences and the power of storytelling. He is a supporter of the local theatre community.
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!