TRAINING/EDUCATION IN THE EXPRESSIVE ARTS: 

A lifetime of Private lessons in voice, jazz theory, percussion, piano, guitar, clarinet:  Brian Katz, Mark Kieswetter, Liane Fainsinger, Rick Shadrach Lazar, Jillian Lebeck, Bob Mover, Raúl Abreu Piñeda, Jodi Proznick, Jennifer Scott, Diane Spears, Kate Hammet-Vaughan, Rubén Vázquez, Carol Welsman to name a few, and

group workshops Royal Conservatory courses in theory, harmony, voice, basic piano and how to teach Kodaly, and more recently, the Latin Jazz Ensemble (Rubén Vázquez) as well as with several performing artists including Liane Fainsinger (Dr. Barry Harris Methodology), Kate Hammet-Vaughan free jazz workshops, Sheila Jordan, Nancy King, Rick Shadrach Lazar's Cuban Music Course, York University, Bob Mover (2002, Toronto) and (2022, Online JazzAbility), Ballet Creole (drum and dance masters from West Africa and Trinidad), Fred Kwasi Dunyo (drum and dance master from Ghana), and other guest artists from West Africa, Brazil, and Cuba, 

and 

  • training in theatre arts (scene study, improvisation, theatre for social action: William Davis Acting School, VanArts, the Improv Centre - Theatre Sports, Second City Workshops and Mixed Company Theatre Workshops)
  • dance training (many styles including ballet bar, tap, modern, West African and Trinidadian:  Ballet Creole, Dance with France, Jack Billings Dance Studio, Bondy Gloria School of Dance)
  • community musical theatre performer as chorus dancer and vocalist
  • training in poetry writing (one year one-on-one mentorship program at University of British Columbia)
  • five years clarinet training, including private lessons during high school years to perform in a small chamber orchestra for Gilbert & Sullivan school productions as solo clarinetist, as well as a small high school ensemble that toured public city venues, in school concerts and big bands. 

OTHER TRAINING/EDUCATION:

Mimi's recent education within the disciplines of Psychology (B.A. Hon Thesis) and Education (Postgraduate Diploma), combined with her education, training and work in speech, language and communication therapy (Registered CDA) have fostered a deep curiosity for rehabiliation, communication, and social connection.  This curiosity informs her work as a jazz vocalist and percussion-trained musician which enriches her musical exploration.  Her musical experience, in turn, deepens her understanding within the field of rehabiliation, and in communication and social connection.