Karen Emerson, Artistic Director
E-mail: karen@childrenspeacetheatre.org
I am a mother of two beautifully independent beings, an artist, and activist. I joined CPT in 2005 as the Visual Arts Director and stayed on to bring my passion for social justice to the fore of the work. Prior to CPT I worked in community in the arts, education and women’s health sectors to advocate for women and children and build towards systems change. In 2016 I stared to pursue my Masters in Environmental Studies at York University where my research considers the recurring questions in activist spaces about what it means to decolonize the processes and practices in our personal lives, within the community arts sector, and within social movements. The work has been put on hold to support the needs of the CPT community. I remain ever committed to pushing against my privileges as a white settler to hold space for young people and communities seeking equity and justice. I have art at the Ontario College of Art, and the Toronto School of Art as well as Midwifery and Governance at Ryerson University. Prior to joining Children’s Peace Theatre I created workshops for children and youth using the arts to raise awareness and understanding of issues of peace and social justice in schools and from my home studio. I cherish my deep roots in the community of East Toronto and I believe deeply that art is spiritual practice that can change the world one person, one community at a time. I am also passionate about growing food and medicines and creating spaces for young people to create food sovereignty in their communities.
Nazli Ahktary, Executive Director
E-mail: nazli@childrenspeacetheatre.org
My experience in community development work is wide-ranging and spans more than 20 years! I’ve worked with a large number or organizations that were working towards building stronger, healthier communities in areas of the world that are severely under-served and under-resourced. My most recent experience being community and organizational development work in Southern, East and West Africa in which I occupied different capacities and roles such as the director of programs, strategy advisor, curriculum developer, program evaluator, proposal writer, fundraiser, and researcher. I also spent time working with a number of African Universities on their Advancement Initiatives.
Prior to my coming to Toronto, I spent 15 years based in South Africa and worked in countries like Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Mauritius, Nigeria, Angola, the UK, Canada and the United States. I’ve taught in Canada, South Africa and South Korea. I currently teach at both Humber and Centennial Colleges, in the community development stream training community development workers as well in the faculty of social and community services, focused specifically on child and youth care.
I joined the Children’s Peace Theatre on November 1 st . CPTs vision, its mission, and its values are what I am passionate about. I first encountered CPT in 2015, on a work trip from South Africa. I was invited by a former colleague and friend to participate in the day’s programming being hosted at CPT. At the time I thought, “Wow! What an incredible space.” It is as though I’ve circled right back!
I am both thrilled and honoured to serve CPTs vision and the organization’s many partners. There is an extraordinary quality to the people at CPT and it is a privilege to work in such an environment. Outside of work, I live my life in a constant state of paradox! Music and poetry are my therapists and when that doesn’t work I can usually be found at the beach imploring her big blue majesty for inspiration. I tell really bad jokes and even worse stories but I have visions of one day curating a collection of my own poetry, writing a novel, and hosting my own cooking show!
E-mail: nazli@childrenspeacetheatre.org
My experience in community development work is wide-ranging and spans more than 20 years! I’ve worked with a large number or organizations that were working towards building stronger, healthier communities in areas of the world that are severely under-served and under-resourced. My most recent experience being community and organizational development work in Southern, East and West Africa in which I occupied different capacities and roles such as the director of programs, strategy advisor, curriculum developer, program evaluator, proposal writer, fundraiser, and researcher. I also spent time working with a number of African Universities on their Advancement Initiatives.
Prior to my coming to Toronto, I spent 15 years based in South Africa and worked in countries like Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Mauritius, Nigeria, Angola, the UK, Canada and the United States. I’ve taught in Canada, South Africa and South Korea. I currently teach at both Humber and Centennial Colleges, in the community development stream training community development workers as well in the faculty of social and community services, focused specifically on child and youth care.
I joined the Children’s Peace Theatre on November 1 st . CPTs vision, its mission, and its values are what I am passionate about. I first encountered CPT in 2015, on a work trip from South Africa. I was invited by a former colleague and friend to participate in the day’s programming being hosted at CPT. At the time I thought, “Wow! What an incredible space.” It is as though I’ve circled right back!
I am both thrilled and honoured to serve CPTs vision and the organization’s many partners. There is an extraordinary quality to the people at CPT and it is a privilege to work in such an environment. Outside of work, I live my life in a constant state of paradox! Music and poetry are my therapists and when that doesn’t work I can usually be found at the beach imploring her big blue majesty for inspiration. I tell really bad jokes and even worse stories but I have visions of one day curating a collection of my own poetry, writing a novel, and hosting my own cooking show!
B'atz Recinos, Cultural Cultivator
E-mail: innovator@childrenspeacetheatre.org
B'atz' joined CPT in November 2020 taking on the role of animating the Youth Arts Space, Strategic planning and supporting the community with program development and community relations.
B’atz’ Recinos was born and raised on Turtle Island with mixed Maya roots from Iximulew (Guatemala). A creator, performer, advocate, and Harold Award recipient for the performing arts of Tkaronto. Their commitment to equitable and diverse practices within the arts has led them to speak at YouthREX and several other panels. B'atz' has published articles with NOW, Intermission Magazine, and contributed to The Director’s Lab book published by Playwright Canada Press. A trained facilitator, B'atz has delivered various workshops on diversity, inclusion, art and self-care with youth, artists, and communities across Ontario. Their extensive experience in the performing arts led them to found Creative Mafia.
E-mail: innovator@childrenspeacetheatre.org
B'atz' joined CPT in November 2020 taking on the role of animating the Youth Arts Space, Strategic planning and supporting the community with program development and community relations.
B’atz’ Recinos was born and raised on Turtle Island with mixed Maya roots from Iximulew (Guatemala). A creator, performer, advocate, and Harold Award recipient for the performing arts of Tkaronto. Their commitment to equitable and diverse practices within the arts has led them to speak at YouthREX and several other panels. B'atz' has published articles with NOW, Intermission Magazine, and contributed to The Director’s Lab book published by Playwright Canada Press. A trained facilitator, B'atz has delivered various workshops on diversity, inclusion, art and self-care with youth, artists, and communities across Ontario. Their extensive experience in the performing arts led them to found Creative Mafia.
Summer Interns
NiyahReanna
Meet NiyahReanna! Her identity as a visual artist and poet is woven soulfully into her spirit. Art is her state of being. She is passionate about sharing her heart with others, in hopes of penetrating the barriers that prohibit us from connecting internally and collectively from a space of love. Vulnerability is her strength. Therefore, as a Youth Coordinator and Transformative Justice Circle Keeper here at Peace Camp, she continues to live her truth by advocating for what she deeply believes in:
“A world where we all perceive life through the lens of unconditional love, so we can allow authentic expression to decorate our life, not only for ourselves, but everyone.
Radical self acceptance and authentic expression is the catalyst to unconditional love. We cannot love unconditionally when we are hiding from ourselves; our truth.”
“A world where we all perceive life through the lens of unconditional love, so we can allow authentic expression to decorate our life, not only for ourselves, but everyone.
Radical self acceptance and authentic expression is the catalyst to unconditional love. We cannot love unconditionally when we are hiding from ourselves; our truth.”
Taneissa Buckley-Logie
Hello my name is Taneissa Buckley-Logie I am 23 years old, and I am going into my fourth and final year at Humber college for my Bachelors in Child and Youth Care. I have always had a passion to work with people. Over the last few years I have gained a love for community development and Play therapy. This summer I am excited to join CPT as a Circle keeper. I believe CPT aligns with my values and beliefs of promoting healthy lifestyles and meaningful interactions with children, youth, and people within the community. I believe that everyone deserves to have their voices heard, and achieve the goals they have. With my role as the Circle keeper I hope that I am able to help those I interact with embrace their self-expression and speak their truth building reliance. Can’t wait to connect with everyone and learn from others also this summer at Peace Camp !
