Board and Staff

Abilities Arts Festival Honorary Patrons and Board of Directors represent a diverse range of individuals who share a common passion for ensuring a vital, diverse and inclusive arts community.

The willingness of our Honourary Patrons lend support, combined with the Board of Directors commitment, leadership and stewardship, ensures a strong dynamic and vibrant organization.

Honorary Patrons
Karen Kain, C.C.
Wendy Lill
Rohinton Mistry
Peter Oundjian
Charles Pachter, C.M
Heather Reisman

Founding Artistic Director
Sharon Wolfe


Board Executive
Melanie Panitch (Chair)
Director, School of Disability Studies Ryerson University
Co-Director, RBC Institute for Disability Studies Research and Education

Roberta Osborne (Past Chair)
Senior Editor, Nelson Education

Nancy Winsor (Vice-Chair)
Production Finance Analyst, Corus Entertainment

Michelle Kopczyk (Treasurer)
Managing Director, Fuse Magazine

Steve Kean (Secretary)
Photographer

Board Members
Brenda Alizadeh
Accountant

Michelle Amerie
Sculptor, Painter, Photographer and Writer

Pouran Baghai
Artist, Teacher and Fundraiser

Sheila Boyd
Actor, Performer

John Feld
Writer

Marion Feldman
Rehabilitation Teacher

Judy Gladstone

Kym McKay
Artist, Business Owner

Charles Silverman
Co-Director, Inclusive Media and Design
Faculty, School of Disability Studies, Ryerson University

Lauren Wilson
Manager, Communications, Shaw Media

Staff

Rina Fraticelli
Executive and Programming Director

Brian Eastcott
Event Producer