Faculty

Faculty in the Fashion Marketing & Merchandising program are dedicated professionals who are have achieved success and recognition in their field. Links to faculty members’ websites, which showcase their work and accomplishments, appear in the program’s faculty roster below.

PAULA SHNEER

Program Chair

Paula was a partner in a very successful women’s wholesale sales agency for over 25 years. In the fashion industry, she brings extensive experience in merchandising, retailing and wholesale. Paula worked with a number of manufacturers, importers and designers, merchandising their lines. Her input included choosing the fabrics, colours and styling direction for many well known branded lines. She worked closely with retailers developing private label programs across Canada and in the U.S. From importers in Vancouver to manufacturers in Montreal her agency consistently generated the top sales.

Paula began her career in education as the Chair of the Fashion Marketing & Merchandising program at the Academy of Design in 1997 while remaining a partner in the agency. Six years later Paula sold her share and embarked on her career in education full time while retaining close ties to the fashion industry. In 2005 Paula opened Mix Consulting working with new fashion entrepreneurs to help develop their marketing, merchandising and sales strategies. Paula worked closely with The Toronto Fashion Incubator conducting sales clinics, seminars, workshops and webcasts for many years. She was a keynote speaker for the Educational Program for CSCEx 2006, a member of the Business Advisory Board for the Yukon Territory and a BDC consultant.

In 2009 Paula acquired additional responsibilities as Chair of the Fashion Design program and the Campus Principal role. In 2012 Chair of the Graphic Design and Interactive Media program was added to her portfolio. Paula was on the executive of Fashion Group International Toronto, stepping down in January 2013 while remaining a member. A graduate of York University, Paula will be pursuing her Masters degree in the fall of 2013.

JENNIFER DARES*

Jennifer Dares is one of Canada’s recognized contemporary designers currently reshaping the fashion landscape. Graduating from Sheridan College’s fashion program with coveted honours and awards, Jennifer gained her knowledge and expertise over the course of a long and fruitful career stretching for over 20 years. Jennifer has pattern drafted for a major clothing manufacturer; managed and recruited for a major department store; excelled as a sales associate and assistant buyer for the Emporio Armani boutique; established her own collection; and, is a trend forecaster and fashion consultant services for major retailers and manufacturers. Jennifer established her LAYER label in 2002. Over the course of 6 seasons, LAYER made a profound impact on the Toronto fashion circuit. With dazzling off-site shows, cutting-edge styling and standing-room only crowds, Jennifer quickly established herself as the darling of the media. LAYER had been the focus of numerous television broadcasts, published in every major Canadian magazine and newspaper, as well as internationally. Jennifer was also selected from over 600 international entries, to present in two of five categories featured on the runway at Gen Art’s new designer’s presentation in New York City. In recent years, Jennifer has firmly established herself as a respected consultant on trends and design. Initially for the HBC Fashion Office in 2006, and then independently, Jennifer provides direction on themes, colour, fabric, print, pattern, styling, details, and silhouettes for a number of major players in the industry, including Sears, Walmart, Forzani Group and PYA Importer.

DORIS MONTANERA*

Doris Montanera is an award-winning freelance writer and editor with more than a decade of experience. Along with a stint as the editor of Stylemagazine, her work has appeared in top publications such as The Globe and Mail, National Post, Chatelaine, Elle Canada, Best Health, Flare, Glow, Style at Home, and others.

KEITH RICHARDSON

Keith first studied architecture and environmental design at the Ontario College of Art (OCAD). Realizing the similarities of Environmental and Fashion design - both involve turning two-dimensional materials into three-dimensional items – fashion became more prominent in Keith’s career. Keith studied at the prestigious Galasso School of Design in Toronto, learning couture techniques of patternmaking. After graduating, Keith went on to George Brown College, where he studied industrial methods of garment design and manufacturing. Keith spent 10 years working in Miami, for numerous sportswear companies, and after returning to Toronto, began to teach at the Academy of Design. Keith has won numerous awards for his work in fashion, he continues to design and has published a textbook “Introduction to Stretch” a patternmaking manual for knits and stretch fabrics.

JOHN ADAMS*

John started his advertising career in Los Angles at the prestigious Art Center College of Design, where he received a BFA. His schooling and talent lead to a career based in Los Angles, Chicago and Toronto. Through an ongoing career in different countries for more than 25 years, John has been honoured with hundreds of awards for creative excellence; he has been an Art Director, Creative Director, Partner, owner and mentor. John has a wide-range of experience in marketing, promotion, and putting it all together in advertising campaigns. John has creating over 500 TV commercials, hundreds of radio commercials and countless print pieces. He has also had the good fortune of working with some of the best in the marketing business both in the U.S., Canada and around the world. He is currently pursuing his MFA, teaching at AODT, and running an advertising/design agency.

PAT KLINE*

Pat Kline began her career as the Director of the Communication Arts program at Seneca College and taught in the English division. Pat left Seneca to co-found Finishing Touches, a high-end fashion store known for its impeccable taste, customer service and commitment to fashion. For many years, Pat, and her partner, designed and produced two private lines for retail in Finishing Touches. These lines developed a very loyal following and received substantial editorial coverage. In 2000, the City of Toronto’s Fashion Excellence Committee voted Finishing Touches as ‘Best Independent Retailer’. Pat always remained connected to the academic environment: she has served on the Advisory Committee at Humber College, has spoken to many fashion classes and as a mentor to students. Finishing Touches was also cited for its involvement with both charities and high schools. Pat founded the North Yonge Business Association (forerunner of the current BIA) and has been instrumental in turning the area into a vital retail community. Pat received an Honours B.A. from McMaster University, and spent a graduate year at Queens.

ROBERT OGILVIE*

Originally from Montreal, Rob headed west and spent several years in Calgary before returning to Toronto. He has distinguished himself in the industry in buying, sales management, marketing, and training roles with several major retailers before beginning his teaching career. Robert had developed and taught courses for both private sector and public post-secondary institutions specializing in the marketing and computer area until becoming full-time faculty at the Academy of Design in 2001.Rob was honoured to receive the Faculty Excellence Award from the Academy in 2000 for ‘outstanding long-term consistency in achieving high-quality work in the classroom, administratively, and with co-workers. Robert was one of four faculty members selected by students and colleagues to represent the Toronto Campus of the Academy as Educator of the Year in 2004 and again in 2007. Rob holds a Diploma in Social Science (Psychology) from John Abbott College (1976), Montreal, and a Diploma in Business Administration (Human Resources) from Mount Royal College (1981), Calgary. A lifelong learner, he continued to attend courses and seminars completing a Teaching Effectiveness Certificate at Humber College (2000) and his B. Ed. (Adult Education) from Brock University (2003) and holds his M.Ed from Brock University (2009).

JAMES FOWLER*

At age four James cut up a wedding dress trying to make clothes for his Barbie doll. James passion did not end there and attended V.C.C.-Fine Arts- for textile manipulation, and Ryerson Polytechnic for Fashion. After graduation came a 10-year stint as a noted fashion designer. James then worked for 12 years as Chair of Fashion at the Academy of Design and then as the Director of the School of Fashion at AOD. After working in fashion education, James then started his own line: TEXTI’LL in the past 5 years. Shows include: SKIN: in the Cooler at MADE, The One of a Kind (Toronto), Originals (Ottawa), The Cabbagetown Festival, The Queen West Art Crawl, Pieceworks (Gladstone Hotel), Radiant Darkness I (Toronto), Radiant Darkness I (Cambridge) as well as several private commissions, including work for the Government of Ontario.

SUZANNE POLLACK*

Suzanne Pollock has 23 years of expertise as a retail executive; she has seen and done it all. Before becoming a consultant, Ms. Pollock was the Director of Planning and Purchasing at Sporting Life Inc., leading them into a period of financial and profitable growth. During her tenure, she became a recognized and respected leader in the Toronto Fashion Industry. She began her career as a salesperson. With hard work and dedication, she rose rapidly in the business. Suzanne has become an independent consultant, guiding growing companies through the organizational and growth process. Suzanne holds a BA from the University of Western Ontario. She also graduated Summa Cum Laude with an AA from the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

MARTYN LEE*

Martyn Lee was introduced to display and communication arts while working at a heritage museum in his southern Ontario hometown. Having an artistic and aesthetic sensibility, his interest began to grow. A career of being creative, educating others, and persuade or evoke emotion in a 3-dimensional way appealed to him. After studying fine art in post secondary school, Martyn went on to graduate from a Visual Merchandising Arts program. This was the launching point into an exciting 19-year career. As a Visual Presentation Specialist, he took every opportunity to move through his field gaining exposure, experience and education. Martyn is proud to have worked at two of Toronto’s leading department stores flagship locations. Martyn’s appreciation for visual appeal goes beyond fashion merchandising.

KAREN ABOUD*

Karen A. Aboud, is the principal of K.A.A. Business Solutions and is a senior executive with 25 years experience in the retail industry. Karen has extensive expertise in planning, analytics and training to help businesses optimize their growth potential. She is renown as a subject matter expert and has earned her respect throughout the industry. Karen has worked at Hudson’s Bay Company, The Bay, Ryerson and the International Academy of Design. Her client list covers all of the retail industry from cosmetics, jewellery to apparel. Her current clients include Jones Apparel Group Canada, Garbo Group, Bestseller, Esprit Canada Wholesale Inc, Chateau D’Argent, Diamonair and QuicksilverRoxy. Karen loves to teach and is an inspiring trainer and coach. She has authored many training programs within the retail industry and has coached all levels of management. Karen has been teaching for 10 years where she has developed new courses and also mentors numerous students.

MARK WICKEN*

Mark is a marketing professional with over 35 years of marketing, advertising and communications experience in Canada, U.S. and internationally. Mark has held senior account management positions with several advertising agencies and has been responsible for accounts including: IBM, McDonald’s, Esso and General Motors. He was Divisional Vice President of Marketing for Canada with Domino’s Pizza International as well as Director of Marketing for KFC restaurants in the Middle East. In 1996 Mark successfully transferred his experience into executive search and in 2002 established The Mark Wicken Group, a business specializing in executive search, training and consulting within the marketing, advertising and communications industries. Mark has devoted much of his lifetime to teaching, education and youth development. Currently, Mark is President of MusicFest Canada, the largest annual education based Music Festival in North America. He has been an instructor in marketing, business, career planning and recruiting at the Academy of Design and The Toronto Film School since 1998. Mark guest lectures at Ontario College of Art & Design, Humber College and The Rotman School of Business Management (UofT). Mark graduated from University of Toronto and took post-graduate studies at Northwestern University in Illinois.

MICHELLE PLANCHE*

Michelle is an accomplished event specialist and is President of Paradigm Events Inc. Michelle was the winner of the 2005 Canadian Event Producer of the Year Award, and nominated for the 2006 & 2007 Canadian Event Producer of the Year. Michelle represents the true essence of entrepreneurship. Michelle started Paradigm Events in 1996 and specializes in conference and special event planning. Michelle’s passion for planning started with the original creation The Art of Fashion; an organization dedicated to supporting up and coming designers in Canada by providing them with opportunities for exposure and business development. Since the event’s introduction, The Art of Fashion has provided opportunities for emerging Canadian designers with over 20,000 attendees. The annual Design Competition and has benefited charities such as Theresa Group, A Child’s Voice Foundation, Sunshine Dreams for Kids and Rethink Breast Cancer. Art of Fashion was awarded “Best Public Entertainment Event” in 2008.

ROSSIE KADIYSKA*

Rossie Kadiyska has been with the Academy of Design since 2003. She has M.Sc. in Physics, MBA (Marketing & Finance) and Master in International Economic Law. She has brought to the school industry experience in project management & Finance, marketing management, strategy consulting and business negotiation. Her diverse educational background and experience enables her to teach across various AODT departments.

RICK ANDREW*

Rick has an extensive experience in business. He has experience in HR, marketing and sales. Rising successfully to National Sales Manager and in marketing to Director of Marketing and onto the level of Managing Director. Currently Rick owns and runs his own Marketing & Sales consulting company with clients including: Walkers Shortbread, Lazzaroni Biscuits, Guylian Chocolates and Advertising Standards Canada. Rick has taught Marketing, Psychology, Communication skills and Professional Selling at Ryerson and Academy of Design for over 19 years.

BABAR KHAN*

Babar’s early interest in photography turned to obsession after an inspirational visit to New York City. Khan studied photography at Ryerson University, earning the Mamiya Scholarship amongst other awards during his education. Khan studied under the master American photographer Dave Heath (A Dialogue With Soltitude) and is also a close friend of seminal artist Robert Frank. Privately he also studied with the artist Aubie Golombek. Other influences include fashion photographers Helmut Newton, Paolo Roversi, Sarah Moon, Sam Haskins, and reportage photographers Larry Towell, Sebastiao Salgado, Bruce Davidson and Roger Mertin. In 2003, Babar began photographing a black and white portfolio of personal work in Paris that was recognized with the prestigious Communication Arts award and published in the Photography Annual. These photographs pointed a new direction and depict a richly atmospheric Europe filled with cityscapes and stunning women, often caught alone in a reflective state of ennui. The images also explore romanticism, melancholy, beauty and vulnerability and are narrative, often resembling film stills from 1960s French New Wave cinema. Khan was recently awarded two International Photography Awards, mounted his first solo exhibition of work, and was profiled on Fashion Television.

KATE LAMORIE LANGLEY*

AMY WONG*

Amy is the CEO of Net Directives, Inc., a company focused on the providing Creative Web Solutions and Innovative Marketing Strategies and has a client base that encompasses national corporate clients to local entrepreneurs.  She specializes in Social Media Strategies, Search Engine Optimization, Local Business Marketing, Mobile Marketing, Video Development and Video Marketing.

*Sessional Contracted Faculty