Pro Team Categories Archives: Youth Campus Education Centre Student Support
Mr. Christian Lapointe
Mr. Lapointe has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Drama, as well as his Bachelor of Education degree from the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary – Class of 2018 (secondary Drama specialization).
He was a substitute teacher at CAA during the 2018-2019 schoo, year, then started as the full time Phys Ed specialist for the 2019-2020 school year.
What he loves about CAA is the collaborative aspect between staff and students. Everyday is different and the strength of the community at this school is second to none. We always encourage students to step out of their comfort zone, as we make it well-known that we are in a judgement-free environment.
Ms. Stefanie Barnfather
Ms. Barnfather started at Calgary Arts Academy in 2018.
Stefanie Barnfather is a local musical theatre artist who is actively involved in community arts. She has her Advanced Diploma in Musical Theatre-Performance from Sheridan College, a BFA in Drama and BED in Secondary Fine Arts from the University of Calgary, as well as voice and composition accreditations from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Miss Stefanie’s training began at Alberta Ballet, The Young Canadians, StoryBook Theatre and Theatre Calgary, so she has much in common with our CAA students. When not at CAA, Miss Stefanie enjoys learning new art forms and taking care of her pet pug, Lucca.
Ms. Cindy Fortin
Mr. Allen Doell
Allen is passionate about children and the arts and has been an active volunteer at Calgary Arts Academy for over 9 years, prior to taking on the position of Student Logistics Coordinator. As an enthusiastic supporter of CAA, he believes whole-heartedly in CAA’s education methods and community culture, having seen first-hand the incredible benefits his 3 sons have received from attending.
As a professional musician for over 35 years, Allen has many highlights including performing for the Prime Minister of Canada and touring internationally with country recording act Jo Hikk. He has shared the stage with some of music’s biggest names, earned 4 CCMA nominations and released several songs to radio and videos to CMT.
Allen has actively embraced opportunities that allow him to be a positive role model in children’s lives including his past experience as a school bus driver for 7 years. He enjoys providing a safe, supportive environment for the students at CAA and encourages random acts of kindness every chance he gets!
Ms. Susanna Walker
Ms. Walker started at Calgary Arts Academy in 2017.
With the “Abitur” (High school matriculation equivalent / international baccalaureate) she earned an apprenticeship as a ladies’ custom tailor at the Hiberniaschule in Germany.
After studying violin privately in Amsterdam, Cologne and Berlin and playing in several orchestras, she focused more on chamber music and being a freelance violinist.
Teaching has always been a big part of her life and she gave private lessons. She also earned a Teaching Certification as Junior High School English / Textile Science / Home Economics major at the Hochschule, a university in Freiburg, Germany.
She is very excited to teach at Calgary Arts Academy!
Ms. Hailey McLeod
Hailey McLeod is a dancer, actor, creator and teacher who has explored many ventures in the arts realm. She pursued dance training in contemporary and jazz styles while earning her Bachelor of Arts, Major in Dance from the University of Calgary in 2014.
She has taught students of all ages in Yellowknife (NT) Shawnigan Lake (BC) and Calgary. She has presented her own choreographic works in Yellowknife (Folk on the Rocks 2012) Calgary (Ignite! 2016) Edmonton (Nextfest 2016) and Helsinki, Finland (artArctica 2016), and has worked as a freelance choreographer for Gravity Dance Company and Trip the Light Youth Company.
Hailey also holds a Masters of Science in Dance Science from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (London, UK) and has been a sessional instructor at the University of Calgary.
She is thrilled to be part of the CAA team as of 2017, and is excited to go on artistic adventures with fellow staff and students.
Ms. JoAnne Collins
Mr. Garrett Thorson
Mr. Thorson is thrilled to be kicking off another year at Calgary Arts Academy!
He began his CAA career as a student teacher in 2014, served as a Resident Artist/Homeroom teacher for the Year 4/5 team in 2015/16, and spent the past year working as the Glenmeadows Elementary Music Specialist. This year, Mr. Thorson returns in a combined role as a Year 4/5 Homeroom Facilitator and team leader for the CAA Middle School Music Program.
Mr. Thorson has earned degrees from the University of Alberta (Bachelor of Music), Dalhousie University (Master of Arts – Musicology), and the University of Calgary (Bachelor of Education.) He has also been an active member of the Calgary music scene for several years, performing throughout Western Canada in groups such as Cowpuncher, Alright Gents, and The Sweets.
Mrs. Jo Ann Schiffner
Mrs. Schiffner has been associated with Calgary Arts Academy since 2006.
Initially, she was involved as a parent, and then took on the role of School Council chair for two years before becoming the Administrative Secretary.
Jo Ann has an extensive educational background and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, a bachelor of Education degree and a Master of Arts degree. In her pivotal role in the school, she provides support to students, staff and parents.
She particularly enjoys her role as school counsellor with the Knob Hill Middle School Campus students.