Colleen Renihan, Co-Principal Investigator & Music FacilitatorDr. Colleen Renihan, Associate Professor and Queen's National Scholar in Music Theatre and Opera at the DAN School of Drama and Music, is a musicologist, singer, and voice teacher. Colleen's research is focused on contemporary opera and music theatre in Canada and the US. She writes about the ways that memory and historical processes and forms can be represented and enlivened through opera and music theatre.
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Julia Brook, Co-Principal Investigator & Music FacilitatorDr. Julia Brook is both Director and Associate Professor at the DAN School of Drama and Music, Queen's University. Julia is a music educator and pianist who has taught individuals of all ages and abilities, first in Manitoba and now in Ontario. Julia is looking forward to singing and dancing with the participants in Rise, Shine, Sing!
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Amy Booth, Dance FacilitatorAmy is a physiotherapist and dance educator in Kingston, sharing dance with individuals of any age and ability. She is thrilled to be a part of the Rise, Shine, Sing! program to help bring the joy of music and movement to participants!
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Wynnpaul Varela, Research ManagerDr. Wynnpaul Varela, Research Manager, holds a PhD in Education specializing in music studio instruction and how individuals of different ages take ownership of their music learning. Originally from the UK, Dr. Varela has lived and worked in England, France, and Japan, teaching in a wide range of educational settings.
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Cheryl Bruce, Research AssociateCheryl Bruce joined the Rise, Shine, Sing! team in Fall of 2020. She completed her PhD in the Department of Cultural Studies at Queen's University in 2025, where her research examined the experiences of female leaders in the Canadian music industry. Cheryl is also a secondary and post-secondary educator, clarinetist, and former radio host.
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Charli Birdgenaw, Undergraduate Research AssistantCharli Birdgenaw is a fourth-year student in the Bachelor of Music Theatre program at Queen’s University and is thrilled to be joining the team of Rise, Shine, Sing! this year. Charli has always had a passion for the arts and strongly believes that art is the best way to bring community together. She is so excited to spend some lovely Monday mornings singing and dancing with you all!
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Olivia Pellarin, Undergraduate Research AssistantOlivia is a third-year undergraduate student completing her Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree, majoring in the Life Sciences. Olivia has dedicated over 600 hours supporting patients at both Humber River Hospital in North York and Providence Care Hospital in Kingston. With a passion for healthcare and a love for music, Olivia is excited to examine and explore the benefits that music and movement can have on the mental well-being and selfhood of individuals through the Rise, Shine, Sing! project.
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John Wu, Undergraduate Research AssistantJohn is a third-year student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at Queen's University, with a strong passion for music and its intersection with health and well-being. One of John's primary research interests is healthy aging, and he is excited to be a part of Rise, Shine, Sing! to help make music and movement accessible to all! In his free time, John can also be found playing the piano.
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Justin Skinner, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Justin is a fourth-year student at Queen's University, majoring in Life Sciences with a minor in Music. Originally from Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Justin grew up immersed in performing arts initiatives across the East Coast and has received formal training in both classical voice and piano. During his time at Queen's, Justin continues arts-based volunteer work at Kingston General Hospital and the H'Art Centre and is thrilled to further these pursuits through the Rise, Shine, Sing! program.
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