After over a decade of of teaching art to children in different settings, Natasha brings her vision, passion and commitment for education & creativity to this art school she built. Her background in graphic design, visual arts, corporate digital arts and multimedia, technical marketing, photography, and public school work, all serve as a foundation of program planning and best teaching practices. Natasha holds a teaching designation degree from the Ontario College of Teachers. She passionately attends art workshops around the world and continues to work on her personal art exhibition collection.

Yasmeen is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Creative Industries. With six years of teaching experience at Richmond Hill Art School, she inspires her students by integrating their interests into their projects and encouraging self-expression. Many of her students have gone on to pursue various creative programs at notable high school and post-secondary institutions, and many return to her classes, drawn by the welcoming and creatively stimulating community she fosters. In addition to teaching, Yasmeen is an accomplished freelance graphic designer and commission artist, with collaborations including projects with LA-based music duo RM47, The Beauty Haus, and many more. By sharing her professional experience, she helps students recognize how their artistic talents can lead to meaningful roles in the creative field, inspiring them to explore the diverse opportunities art can offer in shaping their careers. For the past three years, Yasmeen has also served as Managing Director of RHAS, where her resourceful and warm leadership promotes a supportive, creative environment for both students and staff, contributing to a positive and collaborative atmosphere at the school.

Andrew Cheddie Sookrah is a teacher whose sharing of his knowledge is informed by his in-depth experience in working with teams both in his fine art and his advertising and design careers. His teaching takes a holistic approach to problem solving which encourages his students to constantly look for effective solutions in order to realize their vision. His experience in working with multiple media coupled with his strong design skills allows him to connect and communicate with a wide variety of students working at different levels of experience. While continuing to paint and carve out his artistic existence, Sookrah involved himself in advertising and opened Engine Room Creative Inc., a successful design development studio and advertising & marketing agency in Toronto. Today he conducts workshops and teaches painting techniques in oil, acrylic and watercolour at various institutions including Loyalist College, Richmond Hill Art School and The Lodge on Amherst Island. An active member of the Arts & Letters Club of Toronto for twenty-four years, Sookrah served many terms on the Club’s Art Committee as convenor. Sookrah’s work is in Government, Corporate and Private Collections in Canada and the US. (photo credit to David Leyes)
https://www.sookrah.ca/

Sasha Sutherland is a graduate of York University, holding both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Education degree. She is a certified teacher in Ontario and has been dedicated to the visual arts since a young age, with a passion for inspiring others to explore their creativity. Sasha brings a wealth of experience in teaching art and other subjects to both elementary and secondary school students. As an artist, Sasha has received numerous accolades for the quality of her work. She was awarded the Willowdale Award for her paintings, which led to a solo exhibition at York University. In 2022, Sasha participated in the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF), where she received the Best of Painting Award for her futuristic city series. Returning to Richmond Hill Art School for over 4 years, Sasha fosters an inclusive and welcoming classroom environment where students are encouraged to explore their creativity and develop a passion for the visual arts. As both an artist and educator, she strives to inspire her students, providing them with the tools to express their unique artistic voices.

Rachel Mah is a graduate of the University of Toronto, holding a Master’s in Teaching with a specialization in Visual Arts. She also earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Art History and Studio Art, with a minor in Art Education. In addition to her role as an art educator, Rachel is a practicing artist, focusing on acrylic painting and realistic drawing. Rachel is passionate about exposing students to a variety of art-making techniques, empowering them to express their creative ideas and perspectives. She emphasizes both the process and the final product, encouraging students to engage in every stage of the design process—from decision-making and composition to skill development—culminating in works that reflect their growth and creativity.

Andrew is a freelance illustrator and graphic designer specializing in imagery for personal and commercial branding, packaging, editorial content, and young adult novels. He graduated with honours from Sheridan College, where he studied Illustration. Since then, Andrew has blended his artistic expertise with his passion for education, leading illustration workshops in secondary schools. He is currently working toward becoming a certified teacher while completing his Bachelor of Education at York University. As a returning instructor at Richmond Hill Art School for the past 3+ years, Andrew has led the highly successful Portfolio Development Workshop, helping students prepare for high school and post-secondary admissions with a 100% success rate in acceptances. His approach as an arts educator is to inspire creativity, experimentation, and critical thinking, while fostering mutual respect through constructive feedback. He is deeply committed to promoting inclusivity and equity in the classroom. Andrew’s illustrative style draws inspiration from both mid-century and contemporary art. He often juxtaposes graphic shapes with dynamic textures and is passionate about merging traditional and digital media. To explore his work, visit www.andrewpresutto.com.

Stephen is a freelance Illustrator and Designer known for creating visual narratives through abstract forms, vibrant colours, and the beauty found in oddity. They graduated with his Bachelors of Design in Illustration at OCAD University, with a minor in On-Screen Media. Stephen combines the art and design knowledge acquired over years of study to share with their students. Their specializations include poster artwork, screen-printed apparel, and digital art applications, all stemming from a lifelong interest in experimenting with various mediums for artistic expression. As a returning instructor at Richmond Hill Art School for the past 3 years, Stephen has taught a wide age range of students, from Grade 1 to Grade 12. In the classroom, Stephen is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where all students are welcomed to learn, explore, and freely express themselves.

Celia is a graduate of OCAD University (Ontario College of Art and Design) with a major in Illustration and a minor in Drawing and Painting. Her passion and persistence have driven her to pursue a professional career in the art industry. A former RHAS student from over 10 years ago, Celia now teaches several classes at the school, combining her love for art with her enthusiasm for teaching. Celia strives to create an exciting and inspiring learning environment for all her students, offering hands-on demonstrations that fuel their passion for art. To further her education, she is set to attend a summer program in New York focused on fine arts, continuing to grow both as an artist and an educator.

Ivana Inés Tovilla-Bátiz is a graduate with honours and distinction from the Drawing and Painting program at OCAD University, and an RHAS alumna who first began her art journey with us over a decade ago. In 2023, she further enriched her education by completing a semester abroad at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) through the AICAD Exchange. Her work has been showcased in exhibitions across England, Spain, Canada, and the United States, and has been published in Reed Magazine, California’s oldest literary journal. In July 2025, she will be exhibiting and co-curating at Sur Gallery, Toronto’s only Latin American art gallery. Ivana has also served as a Curatorial Research Assistant at The Robert McLaughlin Gallery and plans to pursue both an MFA and an MA in Curatorial Studies abroad in the near future. As a Fine Arts Instructor at RHAS, Ivana creates a dynamic and exploratory learning environment where students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, experiment with diverse materials, and discover their artistic voice through mixed media and critical visual analysis.