BOARD OF DIRECTORS
No Strings Theatre is a charitable organization governed by an experienced and skilled board of directors.
BRIAN CUNHA
PRESIDENT
Brian is the Director, Student Housing & Residence Life at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Brian has worked at 5 universities in Canada and the US and has participated and presented at provincial, national, and international conferences. As an award winning presenter, Brian uses his techniques to engage his audiences while giving them the capacities to learn, ask questions, and feel empowered. Brian is a cis-gender queer white male with immigrant parents and is first generation university student. Brian has a passion for equity and inclusion and has been exploring the notions of inclusion since the first time he was excluded as a child. Brian believes that dialogue is the first step to dismantling white supremacy, patriarchy, capitalism, toxic masculinity, and xenophobia. Brian holds a BA in Theatre Studies from the University of Guelph, an M.Ed in International Higher Education from Loyola University Chicago, and is currently a PhD student in Higher Education at the University of Toronto.
KAREN SAMPSON
SECRETARY
Karen Sampson works as a law clerk and puts her administrative and organizational skills to use as No Strings Theatre's board Secretary. She combines her love for the theatre and volunteerism as a way to give back to the community and stay connected to the arts.
BRONWEN NICHOLSON
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT | VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Bronwen first joined No Strings Theatre in 2015 as an Office Assistant, and later that same year took on the role of Volunteer Coordinator. She is a musical theatre enthusiast with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Drama Studies from Glendon College, York University, and a diploma in Career and Work Counselling from George Brown College.
BEAUTHY ASHLEY
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Beauthy Ashley is a stand up comedian and actress. She has performed in England: The scoop, Young Vic, The chapel and national theatre. She has 10 years experience in Directing actors aged 12-36 for short films and theatre, using imagination, sound, props and visuals. Nevertheless she does her own script writing. Beauthy Ashley is The vice president for Born 2 Live Africa (B2LA) an orphanage based in the Ivory Coast, France and UK. She is also a Podcast host of Duchess Of The Six. Beauthy Ashley will play a great role for No Strings Theatre, for Administration she is a recent creative arts Bachelor Graduate also she will add her Creativity for theatre performances or live bands.
EULALIE WALLING-SAMPSON
EVENT COORDINATOR | BOOKKEEPER
Eulalie holds an Associate Degree (AA) in Human Resources and Executive Assistant Management As an Event Coordinator, Eulalie has managed and coordinated a variety of events from inception to successful completion for various organizations, choral groups, churches and weddings.
Eulalie's initial involvement with No Strings Theatre began as a vocal student of Denise’s Studio. As she became aware of the amazing professional productions that Denise was offering to the community, she realized that her skills and experience as an Event Planner would be better utilized as a member of the board of No Strings Theatre. For over ten years, she has lent her support to this amazing organization as Event Coordinator and now Front of House for all events. It’s been a joy for her to support Denise and to work with so many professional artists.
JANINA DZIEDZIOLA
Certificate in Administration and Human Resources
Ryerson Polytechnical Institute
Volunteer Member of the Board of Directors of No Strings Theatre
As the recipient of an “Outstanding Achievement Award for Excellent Customer Service” from Deloitte, Janina has contributed her excellent administrative and organizational skills to No Strings Theatre as an Administrative/Fundraising Assistant. She enjoys her volunteer work at No Strings Theatre as it gives her a purpose and meaning in her life. Janina has a passion for music and singing and is currently studying singing with Denise Williams, Vocal Coach.
PAST BOARD MEMBERS
KATHY HU
PAST BOARD MEMBER
Kathy joined the NST Board in 2020 to further NST’s mission of increasing access to the performing arts. As a lifelong dancer and performer, she has been actively involved in the arts her whole life.
Kathy is currently a Corporate Banking Analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Outside of work, she has a passion for cooking, coffee, and cats. Kathy holds a BA from Ivey Business School in Business Administration and is a certified yoga instructor (RYT200).
SHELLINA YEUNG, MBA, CHRP
PAST BOARD MEMBER
Shellina Yeung was a Board of Director from 2020 to 2022.
Shellina spends a lot of her time outside of work volunteering. Prior to joining No Strings Theatre (NST), she was actively involved with another non-profit organization for 3+ years. She brings her experience in Consulting and Human Resources along with her business mindset to help grow NST.
Shellina works in Management Consulting and previously in the Human Resources Management field. She received her Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation from the Human Resources Professionals Association and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Honours Bachelor of Commerce, Minor in Economics degree from McMaster University.
SHELDON LEUNG
PAST VICE PRESIDENT
Sheldon joined the board in 2020. Sheldon brings experience from working in legal clinics around the world and as a legal researcher on corporate matters in Canada, the European Union, and United Kingdom. He has previously spent time working with a team advising the Government of Canada regarding board diversity disclosures introduced in Bill C-25, An Act to Amend the Canada Business Corporations Act. As a violinist and pianist, Sheldon is passionate to help further No Strings Theatre’s mission of supporting access to professional skill development for youth of all backgrounds. Sheldon holds a Bachelor of Laws – LL.B (Hons.)(1st Class) from Queen Mary, University of London in the United Kingdom.
VOLUNTEERS
Emily Cestra, Newsletter marketing
Janina Dziedziola, fundraising marketing, administration
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No Strings Theatre is always looking for volunteers.
Currently we are accepting applications for people to serve on our board of directors.
"It takes a village to raise a child."
CYNTHIA KNIGHT
"IN MEMORANDUM" TREASURER
Cynthia Knight is a Financial Analyst, spending her last 20 years with AT&T. She has prior experience sitting on the Board of Directors for New Dawn Moravian Church, serving as President for 5 of her 6-year tenure. Cynthia relies on her professional expertise but informed by her honesty, determination, and service.
Cynthia is an avid bowler and has been a member of the Barbados Mixed Bowling League for over 30 years. Her introduction to bowling was through her daughter’s passion for the sport, and she hasn’t looked back since. Much like her daughter’s pursuit of bowling, which has had the lasting effect of community, Cynthia sees value in providing opportunities for youth to develop their musical theatre skills.
