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 7 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.

Marja Sirna

She/Her
Program Facilitator/
Coordinator

Marja Sirna

Program Facilitator/Coordinator

Marja is thrilled to join the crew of passionate storytellers at Story Studio. Her background in literacy and special education, and persistent love of the written word, have allowed her to slip seamlessly into this new role with much enthusiasm! Outside of work, you can find her throwing the ball for her affectionate Border Aussie, Navi, curled up with a book, or spending quality time goofing around with her husband and two kids.

Rebecca Ruiter

She/Her
Program Facilitator/
Coordinator

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.

Monika Davies

She/Her
Administrative Assistant

Monika Davies

Administrative Assistant

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.

Audrey
Greenlees

They/Them
Summer Artist in Residence

AD Greenlees

Summer Artist in Residence

As a lifelong worldbuilder, Audrey has been honing their visual storytelling skills over the last half dozen years. They started, as many do, writing fan stories and short fiction for themselves and their friends. Eventually they built up the knowledge and tools to put art together with words. Now they teach people how to make art and comics, run local anthologies, and hawk their wares at random events. There is a story within all of us and Audrey hopes to help many people bring their stories to life. 

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.

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.

Shelley Motz

Board Secretary

Shelley Motz

Shelley Marie Motz is a certified change management professional (CCMP) with more than 20 years’ experience leading communications projects in the public, private and non-profit sectors. She holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the University of Victoria, and is passionate about harnessing the power of stories to create a more just, equitable, and compassionate society. Her poetry, essays, articles and book reviews have appeared in various publications including the Globe & Mail. In 2016, she was awarded the CANSCAIIP Prize for Best Children’s Picture Book Manuscript for her unpublished story, Solomon’s Football.

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!