Studio PAVAS Teachers

Our Teachers

Dance
Art
Music
Drama
Junior Pavas

Our instructors are trained by universities, colleges, other professionals, and by their Professional Associations to offer the highest quality instruction. Their exceptional energy, enthusiasm and proven positive approaches to teaching allow us to offer all levels of instruction from beginner to advanced levels for children, teens and adults, in small group sizes. The up-to-date Performing Arts Educators of Canada (PAEC) syllabuses are taught for Ballet, Jazz, Tap, ACRO, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre.

Please click on a discipline to "meet" our staff.

Suzanne Zakoor
Studio Director/Owner
Suzanne has a background with more than thirty-nine years of experience with children, families, teachers, and programs. Her professional career was as a senior manager in Ontario's Children's Services for provincial, city, county and regional government, colleges and universities. As the Director of Studio PAVAS, Suzanne recognizes the need for high quality, community based arts education that should be a positive and lifelong experience.

Suzanne's artistic experience includes 20 years in music and art, and over 34 years as a gold-level figure skating competitive dance and test judge. Respected on the judging panel, Suzanne chaired a national task force focused on developing an evaluation standard appropriate to the needs and abilities of skaters at different stages in their physical, social, emotional and intellectual development. Suzanne's experience as a manager and director, educator and administrator in the field of Children's Services has led her to a specific and practical philosophy concerning the needs of young people who are drawn to the arts and the positive role of artistic education in the development to minds, bodies and social perspectives - Find your talent and your passion and make it your lifelong's work.

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Caroline Bauer
Acro and Dance Instructor, & E.C.E/Junior PAVAS
Caroline was formally trained in competitive rhythmic gymnastics for 9 years. As the Western Ontario's Overall champion, Caroline competed at the world championships in Europe. Caroline has completed her PAEC exams in Ballet, Tap and Jazz, and was a Studio PAVAS competitor in Acro and has won numerous awards as the highest overall soloist, in duets, and as part of a group. Caroline is a graduate of Early Childhood Education at Sheridan College which enriches her education and guidance of all her students. Caroline is excited to enter her 7th year of teaching Acro and Dance to students of all ages and 3rd year as Junor PAVAS Coordinator at Studio PAVAS.

Mercedes Bernardez
Dance Instructor
Mercedes is an experienced Ballet Mistress and has worked with professional companies in Canada, Venezuela, Chile, and Argentina. Mercedes was the Artistic Director of Quinte Ballet School of Canada, Ballet Mistress for the Alberta Ballet Company and has taught at Ballet Creole and Ballet Jorgen in Toronto. Her training is in Cuban Ballet Methodology based on Russian technique and Cecchetti. We are thrilled to welcome Mercedes to Studio PAVAS.

Jose Carret
Dance Instructor
Coming to Studio PAVAS from Danza Corpus of Cuba as its Artistic Director, Jose is currently with the Ballet Creole School in Toronto. Jose teaches Contemporary Afro/Cuban and Caribbean Dance. Studio PAVAS looks forward to Jose's innovative approaches to dance.

Chanelle Clarke, Certificate -Royal Academy of Dance, Associate Member BATD
Dance Instructor
For the past 5 years, Chanelle has been a dance instructor in Mississauga and Woodbridge teaching ballet, tap and jazz. Chanelle also has experience teaching Acro, Musical Theatre, and has performed as a competitive dancer for 12 years. Chanelle is in her 2nd year with Studio PAVAS.

Lindsay Cole-Duncan, CDM, BFA, ACTRA
Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre Instructor
Lindsay is a graduate of the Ryerson Theatre School in Acting, Musical Theatre and Dance, and has also earned Dance Masters of America degrees in Tap and Jazz. With over ten years of dance and choreography experience, and an acting career in film, TV and theatre, Lindsay is in her 8th year at Studio PAVAS, teaching Hip Hop, Breakdancing, and Musical Theatre.

Tara Didow
Dance Instructor
Tara has been dancing and training at Studio PAVAS for the past 11 years and is now in our Senior Advanced Pre-professional level of the Studio's Competitive Dance Company. Tara has been assisting and demonstrating with dance classes for over 7 years, and is currently a teacher at Studio PAVAS. Tara excels in all dance disciplines as a soloist and as part of group.

Chantal Drolet, National Ballet School - Teacher Training Program, ISTD
Dance Instructor
Chantal is a graduate of the National Ballet School's Teacher Training Program and holds Associate levels from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) in the Cecchett method and in National Dance (Honours). Beginning her dance training in Quebec City, her passion for ballet took her through successful performances and examinations. Leveraging 20 years of training and experience, an enthusiastic and detailed approach to teaching, Chantal focuses on creating a positive and rewarding learning environment of her students. Chantal, welcome to Studio PAVAS.

Alana Elmer, Professional Dancer with Toronto Dance Theatre,Graduate of the TDT, Gold medal dancer at the Cultural Olympiad, Vancouver 2010
Dance Instructor
Alana is an accomplished dancer and choreographer earning numerous credits with dance companies, clubs and in music videos; she was a back up dancer for pop artist Pink and currently dances with the Toronto Dance Theatre. Performed with modern dance icon Deborah Hay in NYC to critical acclaim. She also enjoys success as an actor in commercials and film, was host of a television show called "Gamer Girlz" on the Global station and as a featured choreographer on episodes of Rich Bride Poor Bride. Alana was successful in auditioning to be a member of Cirque du Soleil. Alana is in her 8th year at Studio PAVAS.

Sarah Hammond, BA
Dance and Musical Theatre Instructor
A performer and teacher for fourteen years, Sarah has trained in Music, Art, Drama and Dance. She has received Highest Overall Soloist awards and Personality Plus awards for her performances as a soloist or as part of a group, in over forty competitions. In May 2002 Sarah was awarded the Adjudicators Choice Overall Entertainment Award for her choreography as a teacher. Since 2005, Sarah has been awarded teacher's choreography awards for her students' musical theatre routines. Sarah has directed Studio PAVAS musical theatre productions 'High School Musical' and 'Seussical The Musical'. Sarah has also been our choreographer for ten musical theatre productions. Sarah is a graduate of the University of Waterloo, majoring in Psychology, is currently in courses for occupational therapist assistant and physiotherapist assistant, and is celebrating her 15th year with Studio PAVAS.

Sharon Harvey, B.F.A., York University
Dance Instructor, BalleCore/Cardio - Certified and Licensed
Currently teaching at the St. Lawrence College Theatre, Sharon's focus is in the area of Body Conditioning for Dancers (Pilates, BalleCore, CI Training, Yoga for Dancers, Cardio for Dancers), Modern/contemporary dance, African Gumboot/stepping and Modern Jazz. Sharon also has teaching experience with Ballet Creole School of Dance and Broadway Lights Dance Studio. Sharon is in her 2nd year with Studio PAVAS.

Carina Holland, B.F.A.
Dance Instructor
Carina has been an award winning Studio PAVAS competitive dancer for nine years attending over 27 competitions. Besides training at Studio PAVAS Carina also attended the Quinte Ballet School and is a dance graduate from Cawthra Park Secondary School. While at Studio PAVAS, she completed with honours, Advanced Tap, Jazz and Ballet exams. Carina has competed and been awarded numerous highest overall awards in Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre for her solos, duets, trios and group performances. Carina trained in New York in 2007 and has been with Studio PAVAS for over 12 years as a student and now as a teacher. Carina is a graduate of the University of Miami and surely Broadway Bound with her incredible talent and work ethic.

Michelle Jedrzejewski, B.A., ACTRA
Dance, Musical Theatre, Drama
Michelle holds an Hounours Degree in Drama and Speech Communications from the University of Waterloo and has been a Dance Instructor with a number of Schools of Dance since 2003. As a dance instructor, Michelle has designed, choreographed and rehearsed routines, and has organized summer intensive programs for various age levels. She has worked on large productions of Aladdin, Peter Pan, and Thumbelina.and has also instructed theatre since 2005, planning and instructing weekly lessons, helping students to build and rehearse group scenes for performance that ranged in style from musical theatre, clown, mask, storytelling and voice. This is Michelle's 4th year with Studio PAVAS.

Kerri Mezzomo, BSc, PAEC, CDMA
Dance Coordinator
Kerri is a member of Canadian Dance Masters of America, Chapter #38. She is an accomplished performer and choreographer with experience throughout Canada, the United States, the former Soviet Union and Spain. In addition to being a National Champion solo performer, she has choreographed national championship winning routines for the Kiana School of Dance Arts, Soo Dance Unlimited and the Burlington Dance Academy, and is an executive member of Performing Arts Educators of Canada (P.A.E.C).. Kerri is also a dance judge and continues to win awards for choreography, innovation, originality and technique, and is in her 13th year at Studio PAVAS.

Deborah Molloy, CDTA - Latin, Ballroom, Belly Dancing
Dance Instructor
Deborah hasbeen with Studio PAVAS for over 10 years as a Latin and Ballroom Instructor. Deborah has operated her own Studio for many years, offering Latin, Ballroom and Belly Dancing. We are thrilled to amalgamate her Studio with ours.

Matthew Montgomery, BFA - Performance Dance, Ryerson University, Professional Dancer
Dance Instructor/Contemporary/Modern/Hip Hop
Matthew brings extensive talent and experience with him as dancer and choreographer. Matthew has worked with Dance theatre, Typecast Dance Company, Desiraeda Dance Theatre, Banff Centre for the Arts, and Ryerson Dances, to name a few. He excels in modern dance and hip hop. Matthew is in his 2nd year with Studio PAVAS.

Ashley Poland, PAEC
Dance Instructor, ACRO, Lyrical, Jazz, Open, Tap/Ballet
Ashley has trained in all dance and ACRO disciplines and is always looking forward to sharing her enthusiasm and performing experiences with the students at Studio PAVAS. She was an award winning competitive dancer for over fourteen years under the direction of Danny Poland. Since 2005-06 Ashley has received teacher choreography awards for her students' competitive Jazz, Open, Lyrical, and Acro routines. Ashley is in her 9th year with Studio PAVAS.

Kristen Sehn, Certificate - Canadian College of Performing Arts
Dance & Musical Theatre & Yoga Instructor
Kristen, originally trained at Sitters School of Dance in Saskatoon, is a professinal singer, dancer and actor. Kristen has received training in Voice and with the Royal Conservatory of Music. Kristen has performed in shows across Canada and most recently in "We Will Rock You" in Toronto. Kristen is in her 2nd year with Studio PAVAS.

Katie Terrio (on leave to university)
Dance Instructor
For the past 9 years, Katie has danced and trained at our Senior Advanced pre-professinal Competitive level. Katie excells in all aspect of dance, acro, and Musical Theatre as a soloist and as part of our Senior competitive Group. Katie has been demonstrator and now is in her 2nd year of teaching at Studio PAVAS.

Krystal White, ACTRA
Dance Instructor, Diploma/MTh-Randolph's Academy for Performing Arts, Toronto
Krystal is a graduate of the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts, triple threat program with a diploma in Musical Theatre. A teacher, choreographer and performer, Krystal has over 20 years of dance training, and has studied and completed exams under the BATD and RAD syllabus. Krystal's professional credits have taken her all across North America and the Caribbean and have afforded her the privilege to dance with the late Gregory Hines. Krystal continues to take classes in both Toronto and New York to stay current and grow as both a teacher and a performer. Krystal has received numerous awards as a choreographer and teacher for her Tap and Musical Theatre routines. Krystal is in her 5th year with Studio PAVAS.

Alicia Wood
Dance Instructor
Alicia has been dancing and training for the past 12 years at Studio PAVAS and is now at the Senior level. Alicia has been demonstrator/Assistant Teacher for the past 3 years and has been a competitive dancer for the past 7 years where she has excelled as a soloist and as part of the dance group in Jazz, Hip Hop, and Contemporary. Alicia is now in her 3rd year of teaching at Studio PAVAS.

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Leslie Cochrane, OCA
Visual Artist
Leslie Cochrane is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and has attended York University's (Honours) fine art program. Leslie has more than twenty years teaching experience in painting and drawing. Most notably, her background includes a grant involving educational work through the Ontario Arts Council awards program, teaching art for the Scarborough Board of Education and almost two decades as a painting instructor with the Oakville Art Society. Leslie has published posters and prints which have been distributed worldwide, and has also had one woman and group exhibitions in major galleries in Toronto and Quebec. In addition, she has worked as an illustrator for children's book publications. Her philoshophy leans heavily towards a "process over product, journey versus destination" attitude. In this respect, Leslie has found that the student is likely to be more expressive through a more immediate and therefore, personally pleasurable, approach. Leslie has taught at Studio PAVAS since its beginning.

Adriana Karam, Advanced Diploma, Sheridan College, Hon. BA/BED, U of T, Art and Art History
Visual Artist
Adriana has experience as a teacher in Sheridan's Art and Art History Classes and at studio PAVAS, working with students one-on-one and in groups. She has tutored children from grades 1-8 in all academic subjects. Adriana has exhibited her art through a number of Open Houses and Galery exhibitions. Adriana is in her 3rd year at Studio PAVAS.

Patricia Seaton Homonylo, BA, OAC, MFA
Visual Artist and Art Coordinator
Patricia offers Studio Pavas a unique combination of Art and Art History. She has completed her education in Toronto (University of Toronto, Ontario College of Art and Design) and achieved her Masters of Fine Arts in Montreal (Concordia). Her artwork has been exhibited in the alternative gallery system throughout Canada and into the United States and takes the form of sculpture/installation. Patricia has taught at some of Europe’s greatest galleries while developing art education programs for Butterfield and Robinson Travel and the Toronto Board of Education. She has focused her life into everything and anything related to art and its’ making. Her enthusiasm and passion is contagious! Patricia is in her 5th year of teaching at Studio PAVAS.

Vanessa Simonetta
Visual Artist
Vanessa has been studying at the Ontario College of Ard and Design and has been working towards her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing. Vanessa is currently going into her third year and will finish her Arts degree, and willcontinue her education to receive a Bachelors of Education. Welcome to Studio PAVAS.

.Joe Sampson, OCA (on leave)
Visual Artist
Joe is a working professional Illustrator and Fine Artist. He graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design and has continued his studies at the University of Malta. He has a unique understanding of the art making process and is eager to share his knowledge and experiences with students of all ages as he enters his 10th year with Studio PAVAS.

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Julia Boutenko, B. Music and Pedagogy, Diplomas in Jazz Arranging/Composition and Piano Performance
Music Instructor
Julia brings over 19 years of experince in teaching piano, voice, ear training and t heory to Studio PAVAS, developing infividualized programs for students 4 to 65 and from beginner to advanced levles. Julia has been a Piano and Voice Teacher, Accompanist, Program Coordinator and Ear Training/Theory Tutor in the Windsor, and Toronto areas, and has performed at the St. Lawrence Community Centre, Rosedale and Beaches School Youth Choirs, and Walkerton Centre for the Creative Arts. Welcome Julia, to Studio PAVAS.

Tracey Frank, M.Mus., B.Mus.Ed.
Music Instructor
Tracey has studied and obtained degrees from the University of Western Ontario, University of Regina, Duquesne Uniersity (M.Mus.), and theConservatory of Performing Arts in Regina, studying in flute, saxaphone and clarinet. Tracy has been teaching and performing since 2001. Tracy, welcome to Studio PAVAS.

James Knowler, BFA, B.Ed., M.Ed.
Music Coordinator and Instructor
James has received his BFA from York University, his B.Ed from The University of British Columbia, and his Masters Degree in Music Education from Simon Fraser University. He taught in the BC public school system for 14 years and had many nationally recognized bands and choirs. He has performed with Grammy Nominee Campbell Ryga, Juno Nominee Carol Welsman, Micheal Burgess, and numerous small and large ensembles throughout BC. He is also active as a composer and arranger and continues with these projects. This is his 5th year at Studio Pavas and he is looking forward to becoming more involved with all facets of the music and musical theatre programs.

Irina Mladenovic, BA, Piano Performance - U of T, Music Theory and Conducting
Music Instructor
Irena brings her extensive experience and talents to Studio PAVAS - as Concert and Children's Choir Director, vocal coach, Music Director and Assistant Director of the U of T Concert Choir and Women's Chorus. Irina plans and executes vocal exercises impacting the range, proper breathing and voice colour of the groups, teaches sight reading, rudimental music theory, intonation and pitch. Irina is a registered Pedagogue at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and has developed program curriculum and prepared sutdents for RCM examinations, recitals and competitions. Irina is now in her 2nd year with Studio PAVAS.

Vladimir Mladenovic, B. Mus Jazz Drums Performance Program - U of T, B.Classical Percussions Program - U Belgrade
Music Instructor
Vladimir, with his extensive background in the field of Music Education and Performance, brings his skills as a freelance drummer with a number of bands and ensembles, performing jazz, fusion, rock, R&B, pop and others. Vladimir has performed at music festivals across Europe an North America, and has attended numerous classical percussions recitals covering a broad spectrum of repertoire.. Vladimir works with students in both private and group settings focusing on the needs of each student. Studio PAVAS welcomes Vladimir.

Albina Molodozhan, M. Mus., Diploma in Violin Performance and Pedagogy, Music School for Children - Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory
Music Instructor
Albina's over 14 years of music-related experience and 13 years as a teacher, is a real asset to our Studio PAVAS team of teachers. Albina specializes in violin, viola, cello, piano and vocal instruction, and music theory. Albina comes to us from the private school environment, and has recent experinece with Sinfonia Toronto, Prater Orchestra, Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra, the Koffler Chamber Orchestra, Mississauga Symphony Orchestra, and the Gould String Quartet. We are happy to welcome Albina to Studio PAVAS.

Michael Peddle, B. Mus, B. Mus Ed, M. Ed
Music Instructor
Michael comes to Studio PAVAS with a strong background in music education, Director/composer, and child behaviour. Working within the public school system, Michael has taught instrumental and choral music curricula to students from elementary to high school including high school choirs and bands. As the Music Director for Rising Tide Theatre in Newfoundland, Michael composed vocal music, conducted rehearsals and taught music to performers emphasizing musicality and connection to text. Welcome to Studio PAVAS.

Art Tarumian, Diploma/Music
Music Instructor
Art is a graduate of Humber College's Music Program with a Guitar Performance Major. He teaches acoustic and electric guitar, bass, drums and theory to students of all ages, covering a wide range of musical styles. Art has varied professional experiences as a working guitarist/musician since 1994. He has been with Studio PAVAS for the past 11 years.

Laura Tarumian, Diploma/Music
Music Instructor
Laura was educated at the American School of Modern Music in Paris, France and at Humber College in Toronto. She has extensive experience with live performance in jazz, pop and Latin bands ; she has also recorded for jingles, films and private albums. Laura has performed at the Jazz Yatra International Festival and at the Collingwood Jazz Festival, and she has received the Clement Hambourg Award at Humber College and the FACTOR grant for her song writing. Laura has been with Studio PAVAS for the past 11 years.

Joseph Tavella, B. Applied Music
Music Instructor
Joe has a broad background in professinal recording studios, working on a number of projects and with different styles of music. Complimenting his teaching experience, Joe has played live shows with a number of GTA and Kitchener bands, and opened for such acts as Steve Strongman, and Gregg Allman at the Kitchener Blues Festival. Welcome Joe, to Studio PAVAS.

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Michael Caruana, BDA
Actor, Acting Coach, Teacher
Michael Caruana began Bongo Productions in 1996, coaching actors of all ages, privately, on set, and in classes and workshops, including the highly regarded KIDS ON CAMERA workshops for kids & teens and SUCCESSFUL AUDITIONS workshops for adults, and ON CAMERA SCENE STUDY for adults & teens, while continuously working as an actor and coach. He is fifth year faculty at HUMBER COLLEGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED LEARNING - ACTING FOR FILM & TELEVISION AND THEATRE PROGRAMS, where he teaches ON CAMERA SKILLS & TECHNIQUES & AUDITIONING FOR FILM & TELEVISION.
Michael is in constant demand as an acting coach, on set, privately and in workshops and receives high praise from casting directors, agents, producers and actors alike. He also directs casting sessions for Powerhouse Casting, Gloria Mann Casting and Fade to Black Casting.

Jamie Duncan, BFA, ACTRA
Actor, Drama Teacher, Director
Studio PAVAS is thrilled to have Jamie as Director for our 12th Musical Theatre Production. Jamie has directed 5 other musical theatre productions for Studio PAVAS. Jamie is a graduate of the Royal Conservatory Theatre at Toronto's Ryerson University. Jamie has been acting for the past 15 years, with experience in numerous roles with the Stratford Festival (Henry V, Twelfth Night) and has been nominated for a "Dora" award "I Met a Bully on the Hill". Jamie will also cast and direct Studio PAVAS drama production class and its performance. There are new drama classes for "Acting on stage" that Jamie will be teaching as well. Jamie excels in acsents, extensive mascot work, puppeteer, stage combat, improvisation, clown, and brass and percussion musical instruments.