Our 2024-2025 Board of Directors
Amanda Bittner (She/Her)
Amanda Bittner works as a Professor of Political Science at Memorial University. She specializes in elections, public opinion, and gender and politics. Bittner's most memorable theatrical performance was when she played the Tin Man in her grade five class’s production of the Wizard of Oz, back in the 80s. And by memorable, we mean it’s the only acting role she herself remembers (in no way would this performance have been memorable from the audience’s point of view). As an adult it has become clear that she has no poker face, and her ability to disguise her feelings or play a role of any kind is increasingly limited. Bittner loves to read and write, and while she has spent most of her adult life making charts and graphs and writing for an academic audience, she has recently been obsessing about ways to integrate creative writing into the political science classroom, because fiction teaches us so much about how the world really works. Her own creative writing is not yet ready for an audience. But maybe one day…
Amanda Bittner works as a Professor of Political Science at Memorial University. She specializes in elections, public opinion, and gender and politics. Bittner's most memorable theatrical performance was when she played the Tin Man in her grade five class’s production of the Wizard of Oz, back in the 80s. And by memorable, we mean it’s the only acting role she herself remembers (in no way would this performance have been memorable from the audience’s point of view). As an adult it has become clear that she has no poker face, and her ability to disguise her feelings or play a role of any kind is increasingly limited. Bittner loves to read and write, and while she has spent most of her adult life making charts and graphs and writing for an academic audience, she has recently been obsessing about ways to integrate creative writing into the political science classroom, because fiction teaches us so much about how the world really works. Her own creative writing is not yet ready for an audience. But maybe one day…
Jenn Deon (She/Her)
Producing Artistic Director - Ex-Officio
Jenn is a skilled artist, administrator, and activist who has worked in St. John’s since the early 90’s. In 2017, she attended the Women’s March on Washington and subsequently was inspired to found PerSIStence Theatre with the help of five other amazing feminists. With PerSIStence, she has directed Robert Chafe's Isle of Demons (2017); Berni Stapleton's The Haunting of Margaret Duley (2019); and Trudy Morgan-Cole's The Mirror (2021). She led the Shakespeare by the Sea Festival from 1995-2015 as its artistic director. In 2013, Jenn was a recipient of a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for her community involvement, and in 2018, the Woman of Distinction Award for Arts & Culture from the YWCA St. John's. Jenn was also a nominee for the 2020 and 2022 Human Rights Award from the NL Human Rights Commission, and was the Canada-East finalist for the Social Change Award in the area of Regional Impact with the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards national program. Jenn is also an accredited business communicator (ABC) and a CHRC-trained facilitator of Respectful Workplace workshops. At the centre of Jenn’s life and heart are her husband and son and their three dogs.
Producing Artistic Director - Ex-Officio
Jenn is a skilled artist, administrator, and activist who has worked in St. John’s since the early 90’s. In 2017, she attended the Women’s March on Washington and subsequently was inspired to found PerSIStence Theatre with the help of five other amazing feminists. With PerSIStence, she has directed Robert Chafe's Isle of Demons (2017); Berni Stapleton's The Haunting of Margaret Duley (2019); and Trudy Morgan-Cole's The Mirror (2021). She led the Shakespeare by the Sea Festival from 1995-2015 as its artistic director. In 2013, Jenn was a recipient of a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for her community involvement, and in 2018, the Woman of Distinction Award for Arts & Culture from the YWCA St. John's. Jenn was also a nominee for the 2020 and 2022 Human Rights Award from the NL Human Rights Commission, and was the Canada-East finalist for the Social Change Award in the area of Regional Impact with the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards national program. Jenn is also an accredited business communicator (ABC) and a CHRC-trained facilitator of Respectful Workplace workshops. At the centre of Jenn’s life and heart are her husband and son and their three dogs.
Dr. Margot Duley (She/Her)
Margot (she/her) had an unstellar childhood career in three performing arts. Her tap dance appearance as Bo Peep ended ignominiously when a fellow performer shoved her; in a drama production she forgot a crucial line; and at a music festival performance she and her piano duet partner hooked pinkies and, giggling uncontrollably, could not continue. Nevertheless, she Persisted and is on the Board where she is kept out of trouble but draws upon many years of experience as a university dean of arts and sciences, a feminist scholar, and an activist. She is the author of the Cross-Cultural Study of Women; and Where Once Our Mothers Stood We Stand: Women's Suffrage in Newfoundland, 1890-1925.
Margot (she/her) had an unstellar childhood career in three performing arts. Her tap dance appearance as Bo Peep ended ignominiously when a fellow performer shoved her; in a drama production she forgot a crucial line; and at a music festival performance she and her piano duet partner hooked pinkies and, giggling uncontrollably, could not continue. Nevertheless, she Persisted and is on the Board where she is kept out of trouble but draws upon many years of experience as a university dean of arts and sciences, a feminist scholar, and an activist. She is the author of the Cross-Cultural Study of Women; and Where Once Our Mothers Stood We Stand: Women's Suffrage in Newfoundland, 1890-1925.
Melanie Fleming (She/Her)
Melanie is an actor, director, and theatre educator from Conception Bay South. Convocating with a BFA in Theatre from Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, and BEd from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, she has focused her career on theatre education as a theatre program director at a metro area high school and the NL chapter director of the Educational Theatre Association of Canada. Some of her recent acting credits include Rockaby and The Fantasy Bond (After School Special) and Come and Go (Open Door Theatre). She is very excited and eager to be a part of PerSIStence and their wonderful projects.
Melanie is an actor, director, and theatre educator from Conception Bay South. Convocating with a BFA in Theatre from Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, and BEd from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, she has focused her career on theatre education as a theatre program director at a metro area high school and the NL chapter director of the Educational Theatre Association of Canada. Some of her recent acting credits include Rockaby and The Fantasy Bond (After School Special) and Come and Go (Open Door Theatre). She is very excited and eager to be a part of PerSIStence and their wonderful projects.
Lori Greene (She/Her)
Lori Greene is an active member of the community and has had involvement in a variety of areas. She is one of the founders of the St. John’s Farmers’ Market, something she is so proud to see become an integral part of the culture and fibre of the St. John’s experience. She is the mother of two teenage girls and has been very intentional in educating them and advocating for equality and representation for women/girls and LGBTQ+ people at all levels and spaces within the community. She is also a great supporter of the arts in all forms and sees her role on the Board as a perfect intersection of these two areas of passion.
Lori Greene is an active member of the community and has had involvement in a variety of areas. She is one of the founders of the St. John’s Farmers’ Market, something she is so proud to see become an integral part of the culture and fibre of the St. John’s experience. She is the mother of two teenage girls and has been very intentional in educating them and advocating for equality and representation for women/girls and LGBTQ+ people at all levels and spaces within the community. She is also a great supporter of the arts in all forms and sees her role on the Board as a perfect intersection of these two areas of passion.
Kathy Hawkins (She/Her)
Kathy Hawkins is the Executive Director of Empower, The Disability Resource Centre which includes its Corporate Services division – InclusionNL. Kathy provides a wealth of information and expertise in services available for people with disabilities as well as supporting employers interested in creating more inclusive workplace environments for current and new employees with multiple types of disabilities. In this capacity she advises employers and businesses on all facets of creating barrier-free work environments & building accessibility confidence including recruitment & hiring, accessibility reviews of physical locations, reasonable workplace adjustments & employee accommodations, as well as staff training & professional development. Kathy also provides expertise to businesses interested in creating accessible websites, mobile apps, technical applications & online platforms and holds professional certification in website accessibility from the University of South Australia. Kathy is currently the President of the DisAbled Women’s Network of Canada, sits on the IL Canada Board of Directors as NL rep, and is an active member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals.
Kathy Hawkins is the Executive Director of Empower, The Disability Resource Centre which includes its Corporate Services division – InclusionNL. Kathy provides a wealth of information and expertise in services available for people with disabilities as well as supporting employers interested in creating more inclusive workplace environments for current and new employees with multiple types of disabilities. In this capacity she advises employers and businesses on all facets of creating barrier-free work environments & building accessibility confidence including recruitment & hiring, accessibility reviews of physical locations, reasonable workplace adjustments & employee accommodations, as well as staff training & professional development. Kathy also provides expertise to businesses interested in creating accessible websites, mobile apps, technical applications & online platforms and holds professional certification in website accessibility from the University of South Australia. Kathy is currently the President of the DisAbled Women’s Network of Canada, sits on the IL Canada Board of Directors as NL rep, and is an active member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals.
Lydia Lewycky (She/Her)
Lydia is a recently retired landscape architect/land use planner, craving a new challenge that intersects with her interests and professional skills, in the company of like-minded women. Her previous volunteer experience concentrated on community development and facilitation, especially in the area of social housing. She now has the time and desire to chart a new and exciting volunteer path with the Persistence Theatre Company.
Lydia is a recently retired landscape architect/land use planner, craving a new challenge that intersects with her interests and professional skills, in the company of like-minded women. Her previous volunteer experience concentrated on community development and facilitation, especially in the area of social housing. She now has the time and desire to chart a new and exciting volunteer path with the Persistence Theatre Company.
Cassondra Murray (They/Them)
Cassondra Murray, a dedicated Neurodivergent and 2SLGBTQ community advocate, brings a wealth of experience and
passion to their roles within the community. As a certified Peer Supporter (CPS) through Peer Support Canada, Cassondra is deeply committed to creating a supportive environment. Their completion of the Empowering Ourselves: Exploring Intimate Partner Violence facilitator training program through the Status of Women Council showcases a profound commitment to addressing gender-based violence. Cassondra's journey also includes Restorative Justice/Practices certification through Yukon Circle of Change, enhancing their skills in fostering healing and understanding within the community. Beyond certifications, Cassondra has volunteered for various community events and on local support lines, including Planned Parenthood’s 2SLGBTQ Warm Line and End Sexual Violence NL's 24-hour crisis & support line. Their lived experiences, coupled with comprehensive training, empower Cassondra to navigate complex issues, offering invaluable insights and support. As a Board Member at both the St. John's Status of Women Council and Violence Prevention Avalon East, and a member of the Leadership Committee at Equal Voice NL, Cassondra actively contributes to the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice. Their multifaceted contributions resonate with a commitment to creating a safe, inclusive space for marginalized persons within their community. In their free time, Cassondra, an experimental vocal artist, lends their voice to various festivals and events. Recognized for their artistry mentioned in Chris Tonelis’ Voices Found: Free Jazz & Singing, Cassondra's unconventional voice and stage presence have left an indelible mark on improvisational and experimental music communities.
Cassondra Murray, a dedicated Neurodivergent and 2SLGBTQ community advocate, brings a wealth of experience and
passion to their roles within the community. As a certified Peer Supporter (CPS) through Peer Support Canada, Cassondra is deeply committed to creating a supportive environment. Their completion of the Empowering Ourselves: Exploring Intimate Partner Violence facilitator training program through the Status of Women Council showcases a profound commitment to addressing gender-based violence. Cassondra's journey also includes Restorative Justice/Practices certification through Yukon Circle of Change, enhancing their skills in fostering healing and understanding within the community. Beyond certifications, Cassondra has volunteered for various community events and on local support lines, including Planned Parenthood’s 2SLGBTQ Warm Line and End Sexual Violence NL's 24-hour crisis & support line. Their lived experiences, coupled with comprehensive training, empower Cassondra to navigate complex issues, offering invaluable insights and support. As a Board Member at both the St. John's Status of Women Council and Violence Prevention Avalon East, and a member of the Leadership Committee at Equal Voice NL, Cassondra actively contributes to the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice. Their multifaceted contributions resonate with a commitment to creating a safe, inclusive space for marginalized persons within their community. In their free time, Cassondra, an experimental vocal artist, lends their voice to various festivals and events. Recognized for their artistry mentioned in Chris Tonelis’ Voices Found: Free Jazz & Singing, Cassondra's unconventional voice and stage presence have left an indelible mark on improvisational and experimental music communities.
Caroline McDonald (She/Her)
Caroline is a passionate advocate for building vibrant communities through the arts. Caroline completed an undergraduate degree in Behavioral Neuroscience and a MBA in Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship from Memorial University. With a deep understanding of the human experience and a drive for social impact, she has dedicated her career to fostering creativity and connection. With a focus on business development, Caroline has amassed a wealth of experience in various roles. Currently serving as the Manager of Philanthropy and Partnerships at Shorefast, Caroline focuses on supporting Fogo Island Arts, channeling her expertise to create meaningful collaborations and sustainable initiatives. Previously, as a Social Enterprise Associate at the Pye Centre and a Venture Manager at the Creative Destruction Lab, Caroline honed her skills in identifying opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and driving innovative ventures. Beyond their professional endeavors, Caroline actively engages with the community through their involvement with groups such as Taskforce NL, Stella Circle, and the Lady Cove Women's Choir. Caroline’s diverse academic background, business acumen, and community spirit has positioned her as a catalyst for positive change.
Caroline is a passionate advocate for building vibrant communities through the arts. Caroline completed an undergraduate degree in Behavioral Neuroscience and a MBA in Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship from Memorial University. With a deep understanding of the human experience and a drive for social impact, she has dedicated her career to fostering creativity and connection. With a focus on business development, Caroline has amassed a wealth of experience in various roles. Currently serving as the Manager of Philanthropy and Partnerships at Shorefast, Caroline focuses on supporting Fogo Island Arts, channeling her expertise to create meaningful collaborations and sustainable initiatives. Previously, as a Social Enterprise Associate at the Pye Centre and a Venture Manager at the Creative Destruction Lab, Caroline honed her skills in identifying opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and driving innovative ventures. Beyond their professional endeavors, Caroline actively engages with the community through their involvement with groups such as Taskforce NL, Stella Circle, and the Lady Cove Women's Choir. Caroline’s diverse academic background, business acumen, and community spirit has positioned her as a catalyst for positive change.
Catherine Rider (She/Her)
Catherine is passionate about elucidating the history and intersectional stories of those traditionally silenced, which was reflected in her classroom as a Canadian/World Studies and English teacher for 20 years. A lifelong volunteer, she has long held a commitment to creating a better world for our youth, and worked on many projects with dynamic young leaders to intentionally create more inclusive and celebratory cultural shifts in the wider school community. Her more recent teaching focused on deconstructing colonial narratives and the examination of Canada's genocide against the Indigenous peoples of this land. She loves flipping the narrative and challenging established norms, and believes deeply in the creative power of the next generations. Her own illustrious acting career peaked in high school while playing the role of Mrs. Webb, where she was met with laughter from the audience. It wasn't a funny scene. She has two extraordinary daughters and is happiest in the woods or in her kayak.
Catherine is passionate about elucidating the history and intersectional stories of those traditionally silenced, which was reflected in her classroom as a Canadian/World Studies and English teacher for 20 years. A lifelong volunteer, she has long held a commitment to creating a better world for our youth, and worked on many projects with dynamic young leaders to intentionally create more inclusive and celebratory cultural shifts in the wider school community. Her more recent teaching focused on deconstructing colonial narratives and the examination of Canada's genocide against the Indigenous peoples of this land. She loves flipping the narrative and challenging established norms, and believes deeply in the creative power of the next generations. Her own illustrious acting career peaked in high school while playing the role of Mrs. Webb, where she was met with laughter from the audience. It wasn't a funny scene. She has two extraordinary daughters and is happiest in the woods or in her kayak.
Shazia Shaheen (She/Her)
Shazia is a highly accomplished advocate for women's rights with extensive experience in feminist and human rights organizations. She has played a pivotal role in championing legislative reforms to protect women and girls in Pakistan. Notably, her leadership positions, including Coordinator of Mumkin: Ending Violence against Women Alliance in Punjab and co-convener of Ending Gender-Based Violence and Girls in Islamabad, have been instrumental in the passage of significant laws, such as the Child Marriage Restraint Act, Domestic Violence Against Women and Protection Act 2016, Anti Honor Killing Law, and Acid Crimes against Women Act. Additionally, her expertise extends to media and communication, where she has conducted numerous webinars, edited publications on violence against women and child marriages, and contributed to awareness-raising animations. Shazia’s research on women in conflict situations, women's inheritance rights, and movements for land and fisheries rights has provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by women in Pakistan. With her project management skills, she has successfully led initiatives promoting women’s education, health, gender equity, and diversity among religious and ethnic minorities as Head of the Programme at Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO). Shazia’s contributions extend to academia, as she co-authored the research publication Justice Prelude: Women's Access to Justice further enriching the discourse on women's rights and access to justice
Shazia is a highly accomplished advocate for women's rights with extensive experience in feminist and human rights organizations. She has played a pivotal role in championing legislative reforms to protect women and girls in Pakistan. Notably, her leadership positions, including Coordinator of Mumkin: Ending Violence against Women Alliance in Punjab and co-convener of Ending Gender-Based Violence and Girls in Islamabad, have been instrumental in the passage of significant laws, such as the Child Marriage Restraint Act, Domestic Violence Against Women and Protection Act 2016, Anti Honor Killing Law, and Acid Crimes against Women Act. Additionally, her expertise extends to media and communication, where she has conducted numerous webinars, edited publications on violence against women and child marriages, and contributed to awareness-raising animations. Shazia’s research on women in conflict situations, women's inheritance rights, and movements for land and fisheries rights has provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by women in Pakistan. With her project management skills, she has successfully led initiatives promoting women’s education, health, gender equity, and diversity among religious and ethnic minorities as Head of the Programme at Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO). Shazia’s contributions extend to academia, as she co-authored the research publication Justice Prelude: Women's Access to Justice further enriching the discourse on women's rights and access to justice
Hayley Shaunessey (She/Her)
Hayley is equal parts extrovert and introvert, getting her energy supply from all sorts of interactions. As a communications professional in her day to day, Hayley lets curiosity guide the way in embarking on exciting projects. Based in St. John's and originally from Nogojiwanong (Peterborough, ON), Hayley loves finding the similarities between the two places, most notably vibrant music and culture scenes and special sense of community. Usually not one to venture to something on her own, Hayley's very first solo play outing was just last summer to see Stolen Sisters. The friendly faces of PerSIStence Theatre Company and its foundation and guiding principles are what make her so happy to be a Board member.
Hayley is equal parts extrovert and introvert, getting her energy supply from all sorts of interactions. As a communications professional in her day to day, Hayley lets curiosity guide the way in embarking on exciting projects. Based in St. John's and originally from Nogojiwanong (Peterborough, ON), Hayley loves finding the similarities between the two places, most notably vibrant music and culture scenes and special sense of community. Usually not one to venture to something on her own, Hayley's very first solo play outing was just last summer to see Stolen Sisters. The friendly faces of PerSIStence Theatre Company and its foundation and guiding principles are what make her so happy to be a Board member.
Michelle H. Snow (She/Her)
Michelle Snow is an Executive Leader, Governance Professional and Public Engagement Practitioner. Her professional career has spanned over three decades of public service with Memorial University and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. From 2019 through to the end of 2020 she served as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Workforce Development, Labour and Immigration with the Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour. Since joining the provincial public service in 2009 she has held the positions of Director of Energy Efficiency with the Department of Natural Resources, Director of Regional Partnership Development with the Rural Secretariat, and Director of Public Engagement, Office of Public Engagement. From 2020 to 2023 Michelle was a senior advisor to Memorial University as the Executive Director, University Governance Secretariat and Interim Secretary of Senate providing strategic advice to the President and the Chair of the Board of Regents on matters of governance. Perpetually curious, Michelle is committed to learning new things through formal and information education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and certificates in Public Administration and Newfoundland Studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Masters Certificate in Project Management from York University. In 2023 she completed the Directors Education Program from the Rotman School of Management earning the coveted Institute of Corporate Directors ICD.D designation. Michelle is an alumna of the 2015 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference and was the Newfoundland and Labrador Tour Chair for the Commonwealth Study Conference 2023 Newfoundland and Labrador Study Tour. A seasoned governance professional and public engagement practitioner, Michelle has over 25 years of project and event management experience. With experiences in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, her professional and volunteer career has revolved around a core value of public service and the relentless pursuit to make a difference. A life-long volunteer, she has held numerous leadership positions with local, regional and national boards including the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) and the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2).
Michelle Snow is an Executive Leader, Governance Professional and Public Engagement Practitioner. Her professional career has spanned over three decades of public service with Memorial University and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. From 2019 through to the end of 2020 she served as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Workforce Development, Labour and Immigration with the Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour. Since joining the provincial public service in 2009 she has held the positions of Director of Energy Efficiency with the Department of Natural Resources, Director of Regional Partnership Development with the Rural Secretariat, and Director of Public Engagement, Office of Public Engagement. From 2020 to 2023 Michelle was a senior advisor to Memorial University as the Executive Director, University Governance Secretariat and Interim Secretary of Senate providing strategic advice to the President and the Chair of the Board of Regents on matters of governance. Perpetually curious, Michelle is committed to learning new things through formal and information education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and certificates in Public Administration and Newfoundland Studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Masters Certificate in Project Management from York University. In 2023 she completed the Directors Education Program from the Rotman School of Management earning the coveted Institute of Corporate Directors ICD.D designation. Michelle is an alumna of the 2015 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference and was the Newfoundland and Labrador Tour Chair for the Commonwealth Study Conference 2023 Newfoundland and Labrador Study Tour. A seasoned governance professional and public engagement practitioner, Michelle has over 25 years of project and event management experience. With experiences in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, her professional and volunteer career has revolved around a core value of public service and the relentless pursuit to make a difference. A life-long volunteer, she has held numerous leadership positions with local, regional and national boards including the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) and the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2).
