The Team
Courtney Harris
Founder, Music Lessons Instructor, Author of "The Many Great Things About Food (and You)"
BMT, MTA, CIEC, R.H.N.
Hello! My name is Courtney! I discovered my love of music young - beginning piano at age 5! I played in festivals and community events throughout my teens: music was my way of connecting and relating. After high school, I completed my Bachelor's of Music Therapy at Wilfrid Laurier University!
Through working in several community settings, I discovered the importance of creative programs for helping individuals explore identity and develop purpose. I witnessed the power of the arts for helping individuals find joy & purpose outside of appearance-based ideals! I now seek to bring the creative arts into children's lives early, so they can grow up knowing they are more than what they eat or how they look: they are musicians, artists, friends, etc!
Since healthy self-esteem also involves a healthy relationship with food, I completed my diploma in Natural Nutrition through the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. I also obtained my Certified Intuitive Eating Counsellor designation. I now seek to provide nutrition education in a way that helps kids develop a well-rounded understanding of food: from nutrition to community and creativity.
As a new momma to my daughter, my passion for this business has a very personal meaning. I cannot wait to help her witness the incredible person she is!
Sara Thoeny
Music Lessons Instructor (Piano & Guitar)
Hello! My name is Sara Thoeny. I have been teaching music for five years! I've been playing piano since I was five years old and also play guitar, ukulele, double bass, and french horn. I have completed my RCM level 10 piano and am working on my Community Music/Music Therapy degree at Wilfrid Laurier University. I'm originally from Langley, BC, and have performed in group settings in Hawaii, The Royal Nova Scotia Tattoo, the 25th Annual Stratford Music Festival, Kiwanis Music Festival, Fort Langley Jazz Festival, and many other festivals and music events all over Canada.
I seek to musically inspire young minds by teaching music, learning, and performing music in an exuberant environment to help instill the future musical leaders of tomorrow.
Yatri Sheth
Music Lessons Instructor (Piano & Guitar)
MA
Hello! My name is Yatri. I am a multifaceted professional who has masterfully harmonized a vibrant 18-year journey in music education. With an unwavering passion for music, I have carved an illustrious path as a Music Teacher, imparting wisdom across diverse educational settings worldwide. My approach encompasses genres ranging from Western and Indian classical to the famous songs of Bollywood. I am a performer of 9 instruments, with the piano reigning my first love. My dedication to nurturing a love for music shines brilliantly with each student I teach. With a Masters in Performing Arts from Gujarat University, India, my diverse background enriches my teaching approach, catering to students aged 5 to 78 and fostering adaptability and positivity within the musical realm.
Lori Pelter
Zumbini Instructor
Hello families! I am Lori! I am an Ontario native and throughout my whole life I have been in love with dancing, singing and music! I started my competitive dancing career at the age of 6. After completing a degree in Psychology, I began dancing professionally for Royal Caribbean International for 12 years. Now, a mom of 2 young girls, I love to dance and sing with them until our hearts are full of laughter and love. I am excited to join your families in song and dance and look forward to meeting each and everyone of you! follow me on instagram @zumbini_lori
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge we are learning and meeting on the traditional land of the Anishnaabe, Haudenosaunee, and the Neutral Peoples. We pay honor and respect to their past and present experiences and extend our deepest gratitude to them and their land. We acknowledge the impact of settler colonization on the ability for indigenous people to feel safe in their bodies and honor their traditional relationships to food. We aim to create a space where indigenous peoples feel safe, honored, and welcomed in their bodies and their traditions.