OUR TEAM

CHAIR

DIRECTOR OF SPONSORSHIP / OPERATIONS

Karen is an accomplished strategic leader and Executive Director with a proven track record in business growth, operational efficiency, and community-driven innovation. As Chair of the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI), Karen has played a pivotal role in scaling the organization from a startup to a thriving mid-sized business. Her expertise in governance, process optimization, and stakeholder engagement has been instrumental in ensuring TAAFI’s long-term sustainability and impact within the animation industry.

With over a decade of experience in animation production, Karen has developed a deep understanding of organizational strategy, operational excellence, and audience engagement.

Karen’s ability to implement scalable operational frameworks and develop streamlined business processes has positioned her as a key figure in driving efficiency and innovation. Under her leadership, TAAFI established best practices in governance, financial planning, and community outreach, ensuring the festival’s continued growth and industry relevance.

DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

Rhys Yorke, a Creative Director with a diverse career spanning video games, comics, TV, film, and animation, has worked on notable projects like Deadpool, ThunderCats, G.I. Joe, The Secret World, FarCry, and TV series such as Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, The Expanse, Titans, and Blue's Clues and You. A member of the Directors Guild of Canada, Rhys is passionate about innovative storytelling and consistently explores new opportunities in various mediums. Rhys now brings his extensive technical expertise to TAAFI as the Director of Technology.

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Ghadi is a creative communications professional with a background in animation production, social media management, and graphic design.

As Director of Communications at TAAFI, she leads strategic messaging, social media, media relations, and content creation to elevate the festival’s industry presence.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE / TREASURER

Chris’s passion for building communities and meeting new people is the driving force of why he’s been in management for most of his life. He’s been involved in a variety of organizations and capacities from clubs, camps, studios and now TAAFI. It’s never just one thing with Chris, and he thrives in that. His love for animation and his passion for people has brought him to his current career in production management and position at TAAFI, where he aims to help support and grow the animation community.

DIRECTOR OF SPONSORSHIPS

Jeff Cooke is a senior entertainment marketing leader with over 10 years of experience building and growing iconic brands across television, live events, and global media. He currently serves as Marketing & Communications Manager at New Metric Media, managing multi-platform campaigns that drive audience engagement, grow fandom, and support the launch and sustained success of original content across digital, social, and platform channels.

Before New Metric Media, Jeff spent a decade at WildBrain, most recently as their Director of Corporate & Trade Marketing, leading global B2B marketing initiatives supporting a library of more than 500 kids and family brands, including Teletubbies, Peanuts, Strawberry Shortcake, and Degrassi.

Beyond his professional work, Jeff is deeply committed to arts, culture, and community engagement through volunteering with TIFF, Inside Out, Toronto Fringe, and Fan Expo, as well as serving five years on the Board of Directors of the LGBT YouthLine, chairing major marketing and sponsorship initiatives.

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING

Chris Bobinski is a seasoned animation professional and creative leader with 20 years of experience in the Toronto animation industry. He currently serves as Studio Asset Director at Guru Studio, where he has spent the last 14 years playing a key role in shaping the look and development of the hit animated series PAW Patrol. Chris brings together technical expertise, artistic vision, and dedicated creative leadership while remaining an active art mentor and creator.

CO CHAIR/ DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS

Louis-Philippe Vermette is on a mission to democratize the business of animation, helping industry professionals take the reins and thrive, whether they’re artists, small business owners, or creative producers. As the co-founder of The Happy Producers, he’s dedicated to making animation production more sustainable and profitable while promoting healthy work conditions across the industry. He was the Canadian co-producer of 10 Lives, which premiered at Sundance before winning over theater audiences across the world. He was also part of the production team behind The Last Whale Singers, a Germany-Canada-Czech Republic co-production to be released worldwide in 2026. His current focus is helping animation professionals worldwide build and expand their businesses through his unique online program, Bidding & Winning Animation Projects, and by co-hosting the Canadian Animation Business Accelerator in collaboration with TAAFI. Passionate about empowering the next generation of animation leaders, he’s shaping a future where creativity and business go hand in hand.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Amal is a creative and info-savvy individual who loves to learn new skills, laugh at silly comedies and enjoy life.

She is also a production management dynamo who has worked in the animation industry for 10+ years, at both Toronto and Vancouver studios. She is a graduate alumni of the VFX and Computer Animation programs at Sheridan College, originally starting out as a compositor on Paw Patrol.

Although Amal has faced a lot of challenges in the past few years, that hasn’t stopped her from pursuing her goals, most recently completing her certificate in life skills coaching, as she aims to help people going through tough times. She is also a traditional artist and writer, having created her own IP, Possibly Ali and has knowledge and experience with pitching shows.

Becoming a member of the TAAFI Board of Directors is a great honour to Amal and she is excited for this new journey ahead.

Director of Programming

Quinn Doherty is a graduate of Seneca College’s HRM Certificate, Centennial College’s Children’s Media Program and OTU’s Bachelor of Communication and Digital Media.

Quinn considers himself a multitalented individual who wants to enhance the animation industry and enrich the incredible people within it's community

Co-director of Programming

Holder of BAA from Sheridan College, Sonia has worked in various positions since 2013 in storyboards on projects such as Numb Chucks, Camp LakeBottom, Rusty Rivets, Kody Kapow, AlienTV, Angry Birds Summer Madness, Corner Gas, Doomsday Brothers and other development projects.

​Sonia recently supervised storyboards for Netflix's Unicorn Academy series and movie specials and adult series. Sonia directed a short film called Ostinato, produced by Women in Animation Vancouver and Ace Canada, released in 2023 into film festivals, won Silver Award for Best of the Pacific Northwest , Silver award Collision award for best 2D animation craft short film, screened at Comic-Con independent film festival 2024 and can be viewed on Netflix in a block of 12 short films.

Programming Assistant

Fay is a neurodivergent Brazilian-Canadian Production Coordinator with a lifelong passion for animation. She graduated from the Children’s Media program at Centennial College in 2023 and has often volunteered at TAAFI and the Youth media Alliance (YMA) enjoying connecting to like-minded people in animation.

Fay has worked with Mainframe Studios on the production of long and short-form content for the Barbie IP. With a Psychology and Social Services background, she strives to create inclusive spaces wherever she goes. In her personal time, Fay enjoys singing, crocheting, fashion modelling and practising her artistic skills in various mediums.

Shorts Programming Lead

Sonika Bagwe is a South Asian (Indian) freelance storyboard artist and digital illustrator based in Mississauga, Canada.

Having graduated from OCAD in 2022 under their EXAN program, with a specialization in 2D Animation and Film-making, she has been working in the Toronto indie scene as a board artist, illustrator, and graphic designer. Primarily a story artist, her work often emphasizes on the emotional core of the journey, and always finds a bit of comedy in any situation. As well, she works part-time as an art instructor, teaching children how to foster their own creativity in the medium of animation!

They have been a part of TAAFI since 2020 initially as a general volunteer; later working as a Volunteer Coordinator (2023-2024), and as a Film Screener (2022-2024). She has recently stepped up as the Shorts Programming Lead (2025-present), leading a team of equally passionate screeners in celebrating animation as a medium!

When she isn’t drawing, you can find her knitting, crocheting, or watching cartoons!

Copywriter / Newsletter

Mark Ramsay is an emerging creator, award-winning actor, and graduate from Humber College’s Bachelors of Film & Media Production with a life-long passion for the animation industry. Having been trained in 2D-hand drawn and 3D animation styles, Mark works in a variety of mediums in order to create fantastical worlds and characters.

A strong believer in retaining your inner child (and following that Rainbow Connection), he is an active advocate for unique voices in the arts and creator-driven projects within the animation industry.

When he isn’t writing Newsletters or other pieces of copy for TAAFI, he can be found enjoying conventions, making fan-edits of his favourite films, or delving into his next D&D adventure!

Technology Lead

Ambassador/Volunteer Coordinator

Winnie is a graduate from OCAD's DPXA Program and is still finding her way around the animation industry and continuously working on her portfolio. She enjoys working alongside fellow animation enjoyers and connecting the community through their shared love of cartoons and animation of all forms and keep the conversation going.

Sponsorship Coordinator

Nic is a LGBTQIA+ artist and an animation grad with a passion for cartoons! They have worked as a 2D FX animator on shows ike Bubble Guppies, Vida the Vet and The Loud House. When not volunteering with TAAFI, they can usually be found gaming, doodling or drinking a good cup of coffee.

Merchandise Lead

Sara Khalil-Bayley is an award-winning graduate of OCAD University's inaugural Experimental Animation cohort and former animator at Slap Happy Cartoons. Adjunct to her role as Merchandise Lead, Sara is on a mission to help TAAFI highlight the unique, global influence Canadian animation has had. She is currently enrolled in the dual-degree Media Production MA/MBA graduate program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her favourite color is pink.

Special Events Coordinator

Sabrina is a whimsical 3D artist with an undeniable affection for all things pink and sparkly. She has a strong belief in allowing your inner child to enchant your adult life, a belief that has led her to work on animated productions such as Unicorn Academy and Barbie. Currently she is working as a game artist at the National Bank of Canada, and at TAAFI she is proud to call herself the Special Events Lead.

Partnerships Coordinator

Shannon Kingston is an emerging creator. She has written and produced two audio plays, the first of which won “Best Show by a Young Producer” at the UK Festival of Audio Drama in 2023. A graduate of the Children's Media program at Centennial College, Shannon’s primary focus is on family and children's entertainment with an emphasis on teaching soft skills through humour and storytelling.

Partnerships Coordinator

Marketing, co op Supervisor

Provincial Grants Lead

Chris is a creative media professional with extensive experience in business management and entrepreneurship. She specializes in creative project funding/strategy, development and creative project management, and works alongside creators to bring their stories to life! Chris has a passion for developing children’s media and animation projects, and she's delighted to be in a position to support TAAFI and the animation community as the Provincial Grants Lead.

City Grants Lead

Zak Dranoff-Caspi is a writer of grants, scripts, and bios! Despite finding himself in the high-tech world of virtual production, Zak's heart lies in animation, specifically canadian. He will talk your ear off about any Canadian animation. Go on, ask.

Social Media Assistant

Federal Grant Lead

Zee is a creative and business multidisciplinary who leads diverse animation and interactives teams to bring impactful stories into the world. Zee is passionate about creating environments of belonging where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best.

Zee has a degree in visual art, and literature from the University of Toronto, as well as a Film and Television Business postgraduate degree with two awards and a distinction from Centennial College. Zee has experience in creative arts, and arts management; is a member of Women In Animation, and is currently involved in development consulting for creative media.

Zee co-leads grant research, application, and organization for the grants team at TAAFI to expand and foster our diverse creative multimedia community, enable their projects, and build new possibilities.

OCAD University

Greetings! My name is Timothy Soriano. My love for the animation industry stems from my fascination of animated storytelling, through which moving fictional characters could touch the hearts of both young and old. I grew up watching cartoons on TV,  animated films, and of course, anime, and I desire to one day be able to create my own 2d-animated series.

St. Clair College

My name is Rose Rousseau. I am a third-year animation student at St. Clair College. I take on various student leadership roles, including serving as the current president of the animation club, where I cultivate a vibrant community of passionate animation enthusiasts. I have a strong interest in each project, with a deep interest in various art forms, from storytelling to VFX, 3D modeling, and texturing, all the way to 2D animation. I actively engage in every stage of the creative pipeline since it has always been my goal, from writing stories as a child to now, to tell compelling stories through my work. I am eager to meet new people through TAAFI and to build stronger connections in the industry with other passionate individuals.

St. Clair College

My name is Madison Scali. I am a third-year and soon-to-be graduate of the St. Clair Animation 2D/3D program. Throughout my college career, I have developed my skill sets in all sectors, while also trying to carve out a path for myself into the world of 3D and VFX. Visual effects and look development have always piqued my interest since I first started this program, and I am beyond fascinated with our capabilities to truly bring our ideas to life. While I push myself to succeed in my studies, I also strive to connect our programs creativity with the rest of the college community through the St. Clair Animation Club, for which I have the pleasure of holding the title of Vice President. Beyond our campus walls, I hope to create even more connections and share our collective creativity through TAAFI.

Sheridan College

Hello! I'm Kain Hunter, a second-year student in Sheridan's Bachelor of Animation program. My passion for designing creatures and storytelling led me to animation, and my time at Sheridan has turned that passion into a way of life! I have developed a deep love for the animation community; the fellow dreamers and creators around me are what inspire me to pursue my dreams of finding my place in the industry! Collaborating with talented co-artists, reaching new artistic heights, and bringing joy to audiences have been the most rewarding experiences of my schooling. I'm excited to keep refining my skills and fully immerse myself in this fantastic field, all while bonding with the amazing dreamers who make it possible!

Sheridan College

Kim Page is starting her first year in the Bachelor of Animation at Sheridan College, after completing the Art Fundamentals Certificate and the Visual and Creative Arts Diploma. She’s always loved animation, however it never occurred to her that it could be her real job.

All that changed when the documentary Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2 came out. It was like a revelation. Kim has always been drawing and painting, but she found a new passion in animation. Kim attended her first TAAFI last year and had the best time. Connecting with fellow animators and listening to them share their stories and advice was incredible. It’s been a wonderful learning journey and she knows it is only just the beginning.

Cambrian College

The first animated film I remember watching is The Lion King on a big screen when I was 5. Since then I've been entranced by animation. I was a budding artist but I wasn't encouraged to pursue it as a career for most of my life. And yet while I pursued a biology career I kept coming back to it and trying to learn some animation on my own. I've finally pivoted to my dream career and am excited to see where it takes me! I hope to be a 3d animator some day and help bring beautiful stories to life.

Algonquin College

I am a passionate animation student currently enrolled in the Advanced Diploma Program at Algonquin College. Having dedicated time for learning and honing one’s skills has been extremely rewarding, and I am thoroughly enjoying this journey. I remember watching Madagascar as a child and how a magical experience that was, sparking my dream of becoming an animator. Now as a budding artist, I’m eager to create and animate characters that will captivate audiences just as those from the movie captivated me. Volunteering at prestigious events such as OIAF, TAAFI, and Nuit Blanche has been invaluable in my development as an artist. These experiences allowed me to gain hands-on exposure to the industry and connect with a network of professionals.

Seneca College

I am a student at Seneca Polytechnic specializing in visual development. I have a background in illustration as well. I have always thought animation was such a special medium of art because you are able to push the medium to its fullest to discover new ways to move people and transport them to new and never before seen places and stories.  I absolutely love world building whether its in animation doing background design and paint, and even in theme park design. I think being able to develop these worlds that people can be transported into is a very amazing thing we can accomplish as artists. I am very excited to eventually be able to build these worlds people will be able to explore.

Seneca College

My name is Dasha Rodneva, and I’m a first-year student studying Animation at Seneca Polytechnic. I have a strong passion for animation that has been growing since I started high school. I was lucky to be a part of the CyberArts program, where I began specializing in animation. There, I led multiple group projects, which solidified my decision to go into the animation industry. In my opinion, animation is the best medium to bring people together to tell stories in a visually beautiful way. As a very social person, I love collaborating with people, and I am inspired by all the artists I meet, students and professionals alike. I am honoured to help bring this year’s TAAFI to life and create opportunities for animators to connect!

Durham College

Hello! My name is Matthew, and I am a third-year animation student at Durham College. I am a software developer turned animator, having returned to school to chase my passions. Animation is so amazing to me because it requires so many people of different disciplines coming together to create a single vision. I am particularly excited by the way 3D animation has been evolving in recent years and hope to be a part of some amazing projects in the future! It is an honor to be able to represent Durham College as their student ambassador for TAAFI this year.