Our Story
The Parkdale Free School began as a project of the Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust (PNLT), a local community land trust in Parkdale led by a group of residents and organizations trying to protect the social, cultural and economic diversity of Parkdale by redefining how land is used and developed.
Through this initial association, we also developed a close relationship with the Parkdale People's Economy (PPE), a network of over thirty community-based organizations and hundreds of community members collaborating to build decent work, shared wealth, and equitable development in their local neighbourhood.
Click here to read more about the PNLT and PPE!
Begun under the auspices of the PNLT's Communications and Community Engagement Committee (CCE) in the summer of 2018, the Parkdale Free School has gone on to programme over 40 free classes and workshops, and reached an audience of over 400 community members and allies!
None of this would have been possible without the hard work of our incredible volunteers. Learn more about our amazing team below:
Andrew Winchur,
Director
Andrew has been a PNLT volunteer since 2015, and currently serves as the Community Engagement Coordinator with Homes First, a housing and shelter provider. In 2016, he obtained a Masters in Environmental Studies from York University, with a focus on popular education for social change.
Judith Muster,
Curriculum Coordinator
Judith is a PhD Candidate at Western University's Centre for Theory and Criticism. She is a committed activist and educator who has worked with Fashion Takes Action, Toronto350 and Indepenent Jewish Voices.
Kingsley Swim,
Website Lead
Kingsley has been involved with PARC since 2018, when she served as Resource Development and Special Events Coordinator. She is the Founder and Lead Project Coordinator of Black Market Creative Agency, where she provides creative and strategic services to emerging artists, non-profit organizations and small businesses.
Sarah Aranha,
Curriculum Coordinator
Sarah started volunteering with PNLT in 2016 and has since been involved in various community engagement initiatives. She is currently completing her Masters in Adult Education and Community Development at OISE; her research is focused on museum-based learning and belonging.
Beryl-Ann Mark,
Promotion Lead
Beryl-Ann Mark recently completed a leadership training program with the Parkdale People's Economy and The Public and is an active member of the Parkdale community. She graduated from Humber College in the Social Service Worker Program and received the Dorothy Leatch Award from Parkdale Legal Services for being a selfless community member. Beryl-Ann helps people reframe and make sense of their situation in a constructive manner and is looking forward to the journey of self-discovery alongside participants.
Nash D'Souza,
Website Lead
Nash D'Souza is an experienced Kundalini yoga instructor, and currently teaches at Lotus Yoga Centre. He is also a designer and illustrator with Antiflutter.
Katie Carey,
Illustrator and Promotions Specialist
Katie Carey is a freelance illustrator with a passion for visual communications and an education in both illustration and design. She divides her time between Toronto and Mexico City.
Brenda Nistor
Founding Coordinator
Before transplanting to Barcelona, Brenda Nistor was Learning and Engagement Coordinator at Up With Women and a Research Assistant with the University Health Network.
Zoë Avril Smith,
Founding Organizer
Zoë Avril Smith currently serves as the Admissions Coordinator for the Funded Programs at Outward Bound Canada.
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
The Parkdale Free School project wouldn't be possible without the generosity and collaborative spirit of our community partners. Click below to learn more about the exciting work of the Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust, Greenest City, the Parkdale People's Economy and Another Story Bookshop.
PNLT
PNLT is a community land trust in Parkdale led by a group of residents and organizations trying to protect the social, cultural and economic diversity of Parkdale by redefining how land is used and developed.
PPE
PPE is a network of over thirty community-based organizations and hundreds of community members collaborating to build decent work, shared wealth, and equitable development in Parkdale.
GREENEST CITY
Greenest City builds healthy, inclusive neighbourhoods through education and empowerment to preserve, protect and improve the environment.
ANOTHER STORY
Another Story Bookshop sells a broad range of literature for children, young adults and adults with a focus
on themes of
social justice, equity and diversity.
