Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School
Arts Faculty 2023/2024
Ms. Jessica Sisson
Integrated Arts Lead, Musical Theatre, Guidance
Jessica Sisson is a graduate of York University's Fine Arts Theatre program, where she specialized in costume and set design. Before earning her Bachelor of Education from Trent University, she worked for the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto. She teaches drama, musical theatre, fashion, visual art, integrated arts, and English. In addition to teaching, she is an avid seamstress and quilter.
Ms. Sherry Latchford-Couto
Arts Lead, Music, Digital Photography
Ms Latchford-Couto has been teaching in the Integrated Arts Program for 10 years. She completed a BMus and a BEd at Queen's University. She teaches Instrumental Music, Guitar, Vocal and Digital Photography. She loves being active in all areas of school life; she is a Staff Advisor for Student Council, coaches basketball and soccer and has been a part of extracurricular music ensembles (Symphonic Band, Flute Choir and SATB Choir). Sherry encourages all students to develop their artistic skills to the fullest and strives to build a sense of leadership in the individual.
Ms. Susie Clarke
Assistant Arts Lead, Dance, Yoga & Wellness
Susie Clarke is a proud graduate of the Integrated Arts Program and is thrilled to be a part of the faculty at TAS! She graduated from the program with a focus in Drama and Dance. She went on to study Arts at York University and completed her degree at Trent where she also received her Bachelor of Education. Ms. Clarke loves teaching dance at TAS and believes that dance has the power to be more than just about the moves. She encourages her students to break through their boundaries and to push themselves to achieve their personal best. She is passionate about creating authentic learning experiences for her students, collaborating with local artists, and building community through the arts. Teaching in this program is truly a full circle moment for Ms. Clarke!
Ms. Lesley Givens
Visual Art, Drama
Lesley Givens is a graduate of Trent University, BA Cultural Studies, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, BFA in sculpture and art history and Queen’s University, B. Ed. Artist in Community Education specialization. Lesley strives to infuse authentic learning experiences with an emphasis on exploring the creative process through community collaboration.
Mr. Andrew Bigg
Visual Arts
Andrew Bigg has been with the Integrated Arts program since 1994. He teaches visual arts and is the teacher supervisor for Life Drawing, Ceramics Club and the TAS Drumming Group. Outside of school, he is the proud father of two up-and-coming visual artists, a musician (with local trio The Pine Saps), an artist and an enthusiastic gardener. He is committed to instilling a lifelong love of creativity and learning to his students.
Ms. Carolyn Best
Drama, Film Studies, Guidance
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Carolyn Best (Scott) first began teaching at TAS as a Teacher Candidate in the Trent-Queen’s Concurrent Education Program. She graduated from Trent University with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Cultural Studies and History, with an emphasis in Dramatic Arts. She continued her studies at Queen’s University earning her Bachelor of Education. Mrs. Best has a genuine enthusiasm and passion for all things Arts and is thrilled to be a part of the TAS Drama Program. She encourages her students to take creative risks and experiment with form and purpose in pursuit of their own distinct voice and artistic vision. She enjoys participating in many areas of school life and is an active member of the TAS Media Team, SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Acceptance) and the Well-Being Committee.
Mr. Daniel McLean
Guitar, Guidance
Mr. Daniel McLean has been teaching for 21 years.  He completed all his undergraduate work at the University of Manitoba.  Having taught Guitar at Cobourg DCI West, Mr. McLean has been teaching Guitar and English at TAS for the past 2 years.  He runs the Guitar Club, is a frequent contributor to assemblies, and absolutely loves being part of the Arts program!  Other than Guitar, Mr. McLean has been known to teach Bass and Ukulele.
Ms. Tanya Couch
Photography, Visual Arts
Tanya Couch completed her undergraduate studies in English and history of the University of Toronto and her BEd. through Trent University. An avid photographer, she has spent the last twenty years developing her skills, and is excited to share her passion with students in the IA program. In addition to photography, she enjoys travelling, falconry, and ceramic arts.
Ms. Bryanna Ostrander
Comprehensive Arts, Drama
Bryanna recently graduated from York’s Theatre and Concurrent Education programs. She has 10+ years of experience performing in the Peterborough community through theatre and dance. Bryanna is a proud graduate of the integrated arts program where she focused on both drama and dance. She has continued to be an active volunteer with the program choreographing and assistant directing. She is excited to be home in the IA Program teaching Art Comp!!
Ms. Margaret Mitchell
Visual Art, Film Photography, Fashion
ARTS MATTER
Contact
1009 Armour Road
Peterborough, Ontario
K9H 7H2
705 743 5230 ext. 176
Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School Est.1990