Staff Bios

Scott Coish (he/him)
OPERATIONS MANAGER

Originally from Newfoundland and Labrador, Scott studied Textiles before moving to Toronto to pursue Communications Studies. With his background and current role at Craft Ontario, Scott is grateful to be working with and representing exceptional Canadian Craft artists. For general inquiries about Craft Ontario and its Shop programming, feel free to contact him directly.

Valerie Dennis (she/her)
SALES & MERCHANDISING MANAGER

Valerie's career in craft and design started as a glass artist. Through working independently and for various craft organizations, she has been a promoter of Canadian craft for over 20 years. Contact Valerie if you have questions about the Distillery Shop or if you are interested in selling work at Craft Ontario’s retail locations.

Nehal El-Hadi (she/her)
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Nehal is a writer, researcher, and editor. She is also the Science + Technology Editor at The Conversation Canada, and holds a postdoctoral fellowship at the Department of Health and Society at UofT Scarborough. She is driven by the question of how our relationships define what it means to be human. Contact Nehal for any editorial inquiries regarding Studio magazine.

Janna Hiemstra (she/her)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

With over 17 years at Craft Ontario, and a background in philosophy, curatorial practice, as well as ceramic studio assistant, Janna brings a wealth of cultural experience and strategic thinking in support of the organization’s vision and goals. Feel free to get in touch anytime - she is always open to exploring partnerships and strengthening relationships in support of craft.

Laura Honsberger (she/her)
MARKETING & AUDIENCE RELATIONS MANAGER

Laura is an artist and arts worker living in Toronto. For the past several years she has worked in textiles and the garment industry, as well as in the capacity of studio assistant. Get in touch with Laura if you have a craft-related event or opportunity to promote, or if you are a maker-member that wants to share your work with Craft Ontario’s audiences.

Lera Kotsyuba (she/her)
MANAGING EDITOR

Lera Kotsyuba is an editor, art and architecture critic, and holds an MA in Art History and Curatorial Studies from York University. She writes for numerous publications, is a board member of the William Morris Society, and won the Young Critics Award at the CEI Venice Forum for Art Curators in 2024. Contact Lera for any questions about Studio magazine.

Caitlin Lawrence (she/her)
SALES & ACCOUNTS MANAGER

Caitlin graduated from OCA in Material Design and has been with the Craft Ontario Shop for over 30 years. Her knowledge of artists represented in the Shop is extensive, she is passionate about Indigenous arts, and loves educating and connecting audiences with craft. Get in touch with Caitlin if you have any questions about Shop programming.

Meranda MacKenzie (she/her)
FINANCE CONTROLLER

Meranda is a dedicated accountant with over 20 years of experience and a passion for serving not-for-profit organizations. She excels in ensuring transparency and efficiency in financial operations that support Craft Ontario's vision and mission-driven initiatives. Meranda loves spending time in her garden, and venturing into nature. Contact her with any financial questions.

Julie Nicholson (she/her)
ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE

Julie is an advocate for Canadian craft and design with years of experience in the sector as entrepreneur, curator, designer, and place-maker. Julie is passionate about building relationships and sharing the ways in which thoughtfully crafted works and ideas enrich our communities. Please contact Julie with any advertising needs or questions.

Elycia SFA (she/her)
MEMBER RELATIONS & PROGRAMS MANAGER

Elycia is an artist and administrator with a BDes in Textiles from OCADU, and has been in this role at Craft Ontario since 2019. She is an alumni of the Harbourfront Centre Artist-in-Residence Program, and maintains her studio practice as a weaver. Get in touch with questions about membership, billing, benefits, discounts, awards and workshops.

Robyn Wilcox (she/her)
CURATOR

Robyn is a curator and administrator working at the intersection of craft, design, and art. She is also the Head of Programming at the DesignTO festival, helped run Harbourfront Centre’s Craft & Design artist in residence program from 2013 to 2019, and has a Master of Architecture from McGill University. Contact Robyn with any questions about exhibition programming.

Alice Yan (she/her)
SALES ASSOCIATE

Alice is a professional jewellery artist that has exhibited work throughout North America, Europe and Asia, and received her BFA in Jewellery Design from NSCAD University. She is a mom of two, a ceramic enthusiast, a foodie, and has a love for camping, hiking and rock climbing. Get in touch with Alice for any Shop related questions.