Centre for Arts and Technology

Kelowna Campus

Sean Ridgway - 2D, EPM, and VHA Department Head and 3D Instructor

Sean has been with the Centre for Arts and Technology for over 7 years in the role of Department Head and full-time instructor. This does not include his many years of additional professional experience in the animation, gaming and educational industries. He has worked for such notable companies as Walt Disney Animation, Electronic Arts and Studio ‘B’ Productions amongst his many freelance and contract gigs.  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  

Muhammad Zubair - Network Security Specialist Department Head

As a child Muhammad always loved to break his toys so he could look inside to find out what exactly was going on in there.  His curiosity lead to a strong appreciation of logic of any kind.  He completed his B.Sc computer sciences major in programming and developed a curiosity for wanting to know what actually happens during communication and how to secure that info which lead him to pursue his network communication major in M.S computer sciences.

Muhammad has been in the IT and education industry for more than 10 years.  He has authored a computer book series for kids; “Quickway to Learn Computers” and worked in the industry as a Systems Analyst, Network Administrator and as a Security Professional.  His work has travelled him around various parts of the world including the United States, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Canada.

Nicolas Morin - Audio Engineering Department Head

Nicolas Morin is the Audio Engineering Department Head and has been an instructor for over 5 years.  Access to the Centre’s world class studio supports his efforts in training tomorrow’s keenest audio engineering professionals.  Nicolas graduated with dominant academic standing in the 2 yr Audio Production Program at CDIS in Vancouver and is extremely energetic and passionate when it comes to this industry.  

Nicolas is the producer of the successful Studio Sessions projects at the Centre where a band is invited in the Centre’s recording studio to produce an album.  The project is designed to synchronize all components of the entertainment industry collectively, leveraging all the Centre’s program disciplines that are involved.  Nicolas also teaches several programming classes (mysql, action script, java script, ajax) for the Graphic and Digital Media Design department.

John Wilson - Audio Engineering Lead Instructor

John Wilson joins Centre for Arts and Technology after many successful years in the Audio, Video, and Digital Media industries. John studied in Liverpool and London (UK) and is a graduate of Sound Technology (BA Hons) and Creative Media (MA). His entrepreneurial career has provided him opportunity to operate in a number of different capacities including producer, songwriting, and engineer.

John’s work include demo music for major commercial campaigns (McDonalds and Toyota) as well as a featured work in the 2006 Short Tracks for Short Film Compilation CD developed in conjunction with the Toronto Film Festival.

Considered an “in the box” producer, John has experienced a successful career as a free lance composer for Production companies and Documentaries – a career highlight being the opportunity to demo his work for Sir Paul McCartney.

Graham Cairns - Digital Filmmaking Department Head

Graham Cairns is the Department Head of the Digital Film Program at the Centre for Arts and Technology.  Graham grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and produced his first TV show at the age of 12 for the local community station ‘Telecable 10’.  Years later after receiving a degree in Anthropology and Archaeology from the University of Saskatchewan, he decided to again to enter the film and TV world relocating to Vancouver, BC and working  towards being accepted as a member of the Directors Guild of Canada.  Graham has worked as an Assistant Director on shows such as Stargate SG1, Scary Movie 3, White Noise, Firewall, Stargate Atlantis, The Andromeda Strain, Whistler, and The Legend of Earthsea.  Graham has also run his own video production company ‘ Graham Cairns Films’ and worked on corporate, commercial  and music videos in the areas of Directing, Camera, Sound, and Editing.

Kevin Trowbridge - Digital Photography Lead Instructor

Kevin Trowbridge has created a successful business and name for himself here in the Okanagan. As the owner of his own studio – ArtWedding – Kevin has over 10 years experience capturing life’s moments in pictures. His body of work includes photojournalism, business headshots, model’s portfolios, product photos, food photography, architectural interiors, panoramas, weddings, family portraits, corporate events and editorial projects.

Kevin graduated with honours from the Visual Arts program at the University-College of the Fraser Valley and continued his studies at Langara College in Vancouver. Valuable experienced was gained through his apprenticeship with local photographers.

Kevin’s work has been featured on over 30 magazine covers and numerous billboards. Students at Centre for Arts and Technology will be sure to benefit from all of Kevin’s industry experience.

Suzette van Bakel - Fashion Design & Merchandising Department Head

Suzette van Bakel is a seasoned professional with experience in fashion design, technical development and global sourcing. Born and educated in England, Suzy followed her passion by working for a major British company, designing and manufacturing for Marks & Spencer. Suzy soon found herself jet-setting around the world to Paris, Milan and New York. She moved on to further her experience in the industry by honing technical and creative skills in Asia and North Africa. This cultural experience proved essential in grasping the ‘real’ global fashion industry.

In the mid-nineties, following a successful British career, Suzy was recruited by Nygard International and emigrated to Winnipeg, Canada, where she designed and developed the Nygard Collection label. In the year 2000, Suzy seized the opportunity to expand into more casual collections and moved to Vancouver as Director of Product Development for a major denim company. Working with Harley Davidson, Levi’s, Nordstrom, Tristan and the Gap to name a few, Suzy was once again travelling the world researching, developing and sourcing exciting new products.

During her 6 years in Vancouver, Suzy was also teaching fashion design and merchandising at the Art Institute of Vancouver and John Casablanca’s Institute, before moving to Kelowna in 2009.

Christina Baumgartner - Graphic & Digital Media Design Department Head

Christina began designing in 1998 when she launched her first personal website.  Moving from Montréal to Kelowna she picked up her first design contracts and had a taste of her potential career path.  Enjoying the process of being an independent contractor she launched her own business while at the same time undergoing further schooling studying the foundations in hardware and networking concepts.  The course left her wanting to learn more about design and so she undertook an Advanced Diploma course in Graphic Design at AI Vancouver.

Christina's work experience includes a variety of contracts dealing mainly with small business' since she can connect with their entrepreneurial spirit and also government funded organizations like Small Business BC.  She has taught evening classes at Langara College, Vancouver and joined Centre for Arts and Technology in the fall of 2009 - giving her the opportunity to share her love of design with the students.

Halifax Campus

Lil Thomas - Audio Engineering Department Head

Lil Thomas plays an active and integral role in the local music community.  He is co-owner, manager, and part time producer/engineer at The Sonic Temple Recording studio. The Sonic Temple is an award winning world class recording facility founded in 2004 along with co-owners Louis Thomas and David Hillier. The Studio has won ECMA and Music Nova Scotia recording studio of the year consecutively for the past 4 years. He has worked with Salter Street Films as Sound FX Editor/Sound Designer from 1998 to 2005. He is a Gemini nominated Audio Engineer and is still active in the live music community as a musician.
 
Lil started with the Centre for Arts and Technology in 2005 as a part-time Audio Engineering instructor and has been leading the program as department head for the past three years.  Lil’s relationship with the Sonic Temple and connections within the music industry provides our students with the opportunity to experience firsthand what it is like to work in a renowned recording studio for professional musicians.  
 

Tony Murphy - Audio Engineering Lead Instructor

Tony has more than 30 years of experience in music production, performance and teaching. As an industry professional, he has worked in audio and music production for film, radio and television. He has a degree in Music Education from Dalhousie University and specializes in computer and studio application software.
 
Tony is an instrument builder, tuner and technician. He specializes in the building and repair of early music instruments such as the harpsichord. He has built more than 20 harpsichords and repaired countless others. As a project manager and producer, he has recorded and worked with many diverse genres of music, from rock and jazz to classical. He is fluent in technology and understands the techniques behind the modern recording studio.
 
Tony started at the Centre for Arts and Technology in 2004. His profound experience with both music and teaching is evident in the classroom. He has outstanding management skills pertaining to student projects and has enriched our campus by integrating departments such as Digital Filmmaking, 3D Animation and Audio Engineering to create all encompassing final products. Tony has also established a valuable relationship with the Music Department at Dalhousie University providing opportunities for his students to capture and enhance live music performances. 
 

Jim Stewart - Event & Promotions Management Lead Instructor

Jim Stewart has played an active role in festivals and events in Nova Scotia since 1995. Over the years Jim has been involved with a diverse selection of events including; the East Coast Music Awards and Conference (ECMA), Nova Scotia Music Week, Folk Alliance Canada’s Rendezvous Folk and the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia’s (TIANS) Festivals and Events Conference.
 
In November of 2007 he received a lifetime achievement award from Music Nova Scotia in recognition of his dedication and service. In addition, he served as a member of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia’s Festival and Events Committee and Conference Committee and was awarded “The Golden Pineapple” for his commitment to the Nova Scotia Tourism Industry.
 
Jim Stewart started with the Centre for Arts and Technology in 2005. He believes that the best way for students to learn how to be an Event and Promotion Manager is to actually bean Event and Promotions Manager. His students work with real clients on real events in the community, from book launches to festivals, they do it all! Not only do they contribute to events in the community but they also use their skills to enrich the campus atmosphere and organize events within the school.
 

Thor Henrikson - Digital Filmmaking Department Head

Thor Henrikson is a pioneer in digital filmmaking having created the first QuickTime Movie Trailer distributed on the Internet and the CBC documentary ‘Webhead’ which was the first film in Canada, to be streamed free over the Internet for the public to view.
Thor began his filmmaking career in 1987 as a sound editor before quickly moving through the ranks as a picture editor and then as a producer and director. His work includes the documentary film ‘Train of Thought,’ which aired on CBC, the Genie Award nominated epic short-film ‘Elimination Dance,’ and CTV’s ‘Table Hockey’. Thor is an alumni member of the Canadian Film Centre’s prestigious and highly competitive Directors’ Lab Program.
Thor started with the Centre for Arts and Technology as Department Head of Digital Filmmaking in 2008. He utilizes his industry connections to make the classroom environment both dynamic and insightful. He has a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of film from script to screen and all areas in between.  
 

Breandan McGrath - 3D Animation/Game Animation Department Head

Breandan has worked extensively in the entertainment industry. He has brought his 3D animation skills to the big screen on numerous occasions working with Disney on films such as Beauty and the Beast, Dr. Doolittle, as well as with 20th Century Fox on the Night at the Museum. He also worked with IMAX to create the first 3D stereoscopic opening title sequence in 1996 and on the stereoscopic version of Happy Feet in 1996.  He has acted as Producer, Production Manager, Animation Studio Manager and 3D Animator at various studios including Salter Street Films and Wingit Productions.
 
Breandan started at the Centre for Arts and Technology in 2006. Not only does Breandan teach how to create 3D characters, but he is also a character himself! He brings life to the Centre for Arts and Technology campus through his witty humour and prankster attitude. He is extremely dedicated to his students and uses his industry knowledge to promote fast paced learning and produce high caliber demo reels, suited for the ever evolving 3D entertainment industry.
 

John Chandler - Network Security Specialist/Administrator Lead Instructor

John Chandler has been working in the Information Technology sector in Halifax for over 10 years and has performed contracts for various Halifax businesses including the Department of National Defense and CTV Television. He graduated with honors from Keyin College in Network and Information Systems. In addition to his diploma, John has Industry certifications from Microsoft, Comptia and Cisco. He also specializes in T-SQL, Database Design, Power Shell, HTML, CSS, Firewall and Security Design, Linux Application platforms, IIS, Active Directory, Exchange, Cisco IOS configuration, Network Design, as well as cost effective solutions using OSS.
 
John started with The Centre for Arts and Technology in 2007 establishing an extensive student and staff network for the new Halifax campus on Barrington Street. Today he provides lead instruction for the Network Security Administrator and Specialist Programs in Halifax and teaches at other campuses across the country via video conference capabilities.   John’s students describe him as thorough, approachable, and genuinely invested in the success of his students, not to mention, knowledgeable of industry trends and employment requirements. 

Steve Kaiser - Digital Photography Lead Instructor

Steve Kaiser is a professional photographer. As a ‘people’ photographer, Steve started his career in the corporate sector documenting local, national and international events for organizations such as TD Canada Trust, Irving Oil, AstraZeneca and The Canadian Pharmacists Association.  While still focusing on the corporate sector, his career has diversified to encompass weddings, personal and corporate portraiture, public and private events, sports, commercial work and fine art.  Two notable projects in his portfolio include: documenting the Nova Scotia Offshore Revenues Accord with Prime Minister Paul Martin, where Steve was the only private, official photographer granted unlimited access to the event. Another providing souvenir photographs, on behalf of Aliant, to attendees of the week long Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) event hosted in Halifax in 2005.
 
He trained at the prestigious School of Image Arts under the tutelage of world renowned photographers and artists at Ryerson University studying for a Bachelors of Fine Art in Photography. 
Steve started with the Centre for Arts and Technology in 2009 as Lead Instructor in the Digital Photography Department. His technical expertise and dedication to his students is a deadly combination and students come into the program with an interest in photography and leave with the technical skills to work as industry professionals.
 
 

Jeff Whitehead - Graphic and Digital Media Design Lead Instructor

In addition to his role as Lead Instructor for the Graphic and Digital Media Design program, Jeff Whitehead is a digital artist who paints exclusively in the digital world as a freelance Illustrator. In 1990 Jeff earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design. During his time at NSCAD Jeff studied painting & sculpture before immersing himself in the field of graphic design.

Jeff’s professional career started at Videopost, a post production company in Dartmouth. While there he worked on several projects doing titling and graphics for companies such as Tourism Nova Scotia, Coca Cola, Sobeys and Skarrett Communications. In 1991 Jeff founded a successful sign and design company - The Art Factory. He works extensively in the art community on diverse projects in both graphic design and fine art and is an accomplished oil painter having done commissioned work for numerous private collections and companies including Ducks Unlimited, and the Nova Scotia Salmon Association. He has also worked in the film industry doing scenic work for none other than the Trailer Park Boys.

Jeff has been the lead instructor for Graphic and Digital Media Design at the Centre for Arts and Technology since 2008. His extensive knowledge of design software, and genuine love for the arts transpires into the classroom. He encourages students to go beyond the basic principles of design to create innovative, fresh and cutting edge imagery ready to take on the ever evolving and expanding world of Graphic and Digital Media Design.

Fredericton Campus

Kevin Herring - Audio Engineering Department Head

Kevin has worked as a recording engineer for over 20 years. His credits include orchestral & jazz recordings, as well as work in the film & video industry.  He continues to record throughout North America and in the UK and has engineered numerous orchestral recordings at AIR Studios in London for legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin.

Kevin was Location Sound Mixer and Post Production Sound Editor for 15 years at the video production facilities of Communications New Brunswick, Govt. of New Brunswick.  His studies include Record Engineering at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY where he also undertook jazz guitar studies with Gene Bertoncini.  From there, Kevin moved to Vancouver to further his jazz studies at Capilano College in North Vancouver. He also attended the APRS International Recording Workshop at the University of Surrey in Guildford, UK.

He has worked on award winning films and videos and was himself the recipient of the Moonsnail Award for Best Sound at the Atlantic Film Festival. He has been involved in a number of “firsts” during his career including; first all digital recording in Maritime Canada, first recording engineer to receive a Canada Council Grant (Music & Opera section), and world first live multi-track hard disk recording in London, England.

Alan Edwards - Digital Filmmaking Department Head

Alan Edwards B.Sc.(CS) has been involved with digital media, music and video for many years. He has been producing video since 1982, interactive CD-ROMs since 1994, and DVDs since 2000.  He has taught Animation, Visual Effects and Digital Video courses at a Community College, University of New Brunswick and Centre for Arts and Technology. He has also been a judge and invited speaker at various film and video festivals. 

Alan has provided the visuals for a variety of shows and worked in many capacities in the film and broadcast industries from composing soundtracks to acting as technical advisor.  Projects he has worked on have had showings ranging from the Leningrad Film Festival to National Film Board presentations, and have been broadcast across Canada. He has switched video live for a number of large concerts and shows and provided the sub-titles for all of the New Brunswick Opera Company’s productions. Alan has been involved in developing the images and projection control system for the 4 sail-shaped screens of the 2002 production of Marco Polo – this project involved building a 3-D version of the ship that could be wrecked on a picture of Cavendish.

Larry Mersereau - 2D Animation Lead Instructor

From traditional and computer animation training at Sheridan College to large-scale professional projects such as "Batman: the Animated Series" and Spielberg's "An American Tail: Fieval Goes West," Larry has mastered skills in storyboarding, character design, 2D cel animation, 3D computer modeling and animation.

His qualifications in education include over 20 years as Assistant Professor, Department Head and Lead Instructor. He developed and taught curriculum for animation courses nationally and internationally at a number of institutions such as; the Kansas City Art Institute, Sheridan College, McMaster University, the University of Toronto and currently, the Centre for Arts and Technology. He also has over 25 years of business experience from freelance photography to running an animation studio employing several artists. He has organized special events and taken a leadership role with over 300 participants. He has been honoured with awards for excellence in community service and professionalism including recognition by a Member of Provincial Parliament who stated: "Your successful animation and design company is a credit to our city."