Since Linda developed the concept of a "one-stop" performing arts
centre in 1990, it has grown to become a highly respected centre for
the arts that offers students from infancy to adult the opportunity to
develop their creativity through music, art, drama, and dance.
A former student of Canadian pianist and accompanist, Lloyd Powell,
Linda brings with her over 35 years of teaching experience and many
years of administrative work. She has become a respected teacher and
school administrator who has the ability to communicate effectively
with students and parents alike and takes a personal interest in the
all-around development of all the school's students. Her piano students
continually achieve first class honors results in examinations and
consistently place in competitive festivals.
Linda currently serves as President of the Vancouver Branch of the
Kelly Kirby Music Society and is the newly-appointed Chair of the
Childcare Development Advisory Committee for the City of Richmond.
In March, 2007, Linda won her third Ethel Tibbits Woman of the Year
Award (in the "Business" category). Her hat-trick makes her the first
woman to have won the award for a third time. Her previous Ethel
Tibbits Awards were for "Business" (1999) and "Arts" (2002). In October
2003, Linda was awarded the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and the City
of Richmond "Award of Excellence" as "Entrepreneur of the Year" for her
contribution toward quality childcare and arts programming for
children.
Other awards won by Linda also include being both a nominee for the
2003 award for "Community Service" and for the 2004 Volunteer Richmond
Awards.
Linda's extensive involvement in the community has also included
serving in the role of Vice-President of Community Arts Council of
Richmond and Chairperson of Centre Stage Youth Performance Society. In
May, 2003, she was appointed to the Parks, Recreational and Cultural
Services Task Force and in 2002-03 served on the Richmond Arts Strategy
Task Force.
Adena Shirley
Accounts Manager
Adena's knowledge and experience in both the daycare/preschool divisions as
well as the music teaching faculty gives her an accounts edge that others
wouldn't gain without years of on-the-job experiences in those areas. She is a
key member of the administrative team
Lily Cheung Office Adminstrator
Lily is a graduate from the University of British Columbia majoring in Economics and has complete Royal Conservatory of Music Level 7. Upon graduation, she moved to Hong Kong for 3 years to pursue her career in banking, but come to realize her love for working with young children when she did part-time English tutoring for local students. With a great passion for Art and Music since a very young age, Lily feels very fortunate to be a member of The Arts Connection.
Larrisa Warkentin Office Assistant
Larissa is a graduate of Kwantlen Polytechnic University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Psychology. As an alumni of both the Music Division and Dance Division, she was excited to re-join the Arts Connection team to hopefully help keep the office running smoothly!