Our 2023-2024 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…
Giovanna Del Negro (She/Her)
(on leave until September 2023)
Giovanna is a writer and scholar interested in the politics and aesthetics of performance. Her research has examined how issues of gender, ethnicity, class, whiteness, and queerness play out in women’s expressive culture, from personal experience narratives, to stand-up comedy, drag cabaret, YouTube videos and beyond. Her books include Looking through My Mother’s Eyes: Life Stories of Nine Italian Immigrant Women in Canada; Identity and Everyday Life; and The Passeggiata and Popular Culture in an Italian Town: Folklore and Performance of Modernity. In addition to her academic work, she has hosted French-language radio shows, worked with the non-profit feminist association Centro Donne, acted in theatrical productions at the Actor’s Studio in Montreal, and organized cultural festivals. She teaches in the Department of Gender Studies at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
(on leave until September 2023)
Giovanna is a writer and scholar interested in the politics and aesthetics of performance. Her research has examined how issues of gender, ethnicity, class, whiteness, and queerness play out in women’s expressive culture, from personal experience narratives, to stand-up comedy, drag cabaret, YouTube videos and beyond. Her books include Looking through My Mother’s Eyes: Life Stories of Nine Italian Immigrant Women in Canada; Identity and Everyday Life; and The Passeggiata and Popular Culture in an Italian Town: Folklore and Performance of Modernity. In addition to her academic work, she has hosted French-language radio shows, worked with the non-profit feminist association Centro Donne, acted in theatrical productions at the Actor’s Studio in Montreal, and organized cultural festivals. She teaches in the Department of Gender Studies at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
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 is a 2023 nominee for the Social Change Award in the area of Regional Impact with the RBC Women of Influence 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 is a 2023 nominee for the Social Change Award in the area of Regional Impact with the RBC Women of Influence 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.
Natalie Haire (She/Her)
Natalie Haire is Senior Advisor of Indigenous Relations with the Arctic Region of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. While Natalie’s background is in Communications, she feels lucky that living on the North Coast of Labrador since 2020 has introduced her to the world of Indigenous Relations. Natalie has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Studies from Memorial University, as well as a Diploma in Performance and Communications Media. Natalie was first introduced to PerSIStence through a work placement in 2019, and is thrilled to be back as a board member.
Natalie Haire is Senior Advisor of Indigenous Relations with the Arctic Region of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. While Natalie’s background is in Communications, she feels lucky that living on the North Coast of Labrador since 2020 has introduced her to the world of Indigenous Relations. Natalie has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Studies from Memorial University, as well as a Diploma in Performance and Communications Media. Natalie was first introduced to PerSIStence through a work placement in 2019, and is thrilled to be back as a board member.
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.
Michelle Quinlan (She/Her)
In her work as a sex therapist, Michelle regularly witnesses the trauma and emotional impact of internalized patriarchy on her clients. She is committed to using her skills, training, experience, and privilege in the service of advancing the sexual health and vitality of women, sex workers, and 2SLGBTQIA+ folks. She is excited about the opportunities for more engaged forms of activism that participating as a board member for PerSIStence Theatre Company will create. Michelle is also a calamitous, yet enthusiastic dancer, and finds peace walking along the coast with her dog Junie.
In her work as a sex therapist, Michelle regularly witnesses the trauma and emotional impact of internalized patriarchy on her clients. She is committed to using her skills, training, experience, and privilege in the service of advancing the sexual health and vitality of women, sex workers, and 2SLGBTQIA+ folks. She is excited about the opportunities for more engaged forms of activism that participating as a board member for PerSIStence Theatre Company will create. Michelle is also a calamitous, yet enthusiastic dancer, and finds peace walking along the coast with her dog Junie.
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 a communications professional by day, working on the public affairs team at the communications agency NATIONAL.
Hayley is a communications professional by day, working on the public affairs team at the communications agency NATIONAL.
Sandra Toomey (She/Her)
Sandra's career has varied over the years, from the corporate world of telecommunications, to retail and nonprofit organizations. Sandra moved to NL more than a decade ago with her dog and a few belongings to create a new life. She is an active member of the Pouch Cove Library Board and she was on the Pouch Cove Heritage Society Board. Sandra also enjoyed taking part in two dinner theatre productions with the Heritage Society. She considers it a privilege to sit on the Persistence Theatre board of directors.
Sandra's career has varied over the years, from the corporate world of telecommunications, to retail and nonprofit organizations. Sandra moved to NL more than a decade ago with her dog and a few belongings to create a new life. She is an active member of the Pouch Cove Library Board and she was on the Pouch Cove Heritage Society Board. Sandra also enjoyed taking part in two dinner theatre productions with the Heritage Society. She considers it a privilege to sit on the Persistence Theatre board of directors.
Deatra Walsh (She/Her)
Deatra holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Memorial University in St. John’s, a Master of Rural Development from Brandon University in Manitoba and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Concordia University in Montreal. She began her studies at Carleton University in Ottawa as a journalist. Deatra’s career stretches across employment in the post-secondary, government and now, non-profit sector. She worked with the Government of Nunavut for four years, first as the manager of territorial labour market programming and later as the Director of Poverty Reduction. She has held teaching and postdoctoral research positions at Mount Allison, Memorial, York and Dalhousie University in Canada. She has also worked abroad at UiT: The Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø, first as a postdoctoral researcher and later as an associate professor in methodology, cross appointed with the Centre for Gender Women’s and Gender Research, the Centre for Sami Studies and the Centre for Peace Studies. She is the Director of Advocacy and Communications with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador.
Deatra holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Memorial University in St. John’s, a Master of Rural Development from Brandon University in Manitoba and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Concordia University in Montreal. She began her studies at Carleton University in Ottawa as a journalist. Deatra’s career stretches across employment in the post-secondary, government and now, non-profit sector. She worked with the Government of Nunavut for four years, first as the manager of territorial labour market programming and later as the Director of Poverty Reduction. She has held teaching and postdoctoral research positions at Mount Allison, Memorial, York and Dalhousie University in Canada. She has also worked abroad at UiT: The Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø, first as a postdoctoral researcher and later as an associate professor in methodology, cross appointed with the Centre for Gender Women’s and Gender Research, the Centre for Sami Studies and the Centre for Peace Studies. She is the Director of Advocacy and Communications with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador.
