Our Story
Encore Arts Centre was built by the community, for the community.
Our Board of Directors is made up of dedicated volunteers who are parents, community members, and passionate supporters of the arts. Many of us have had children who currently attend Encore or who grew up through its programs, and we've experienced firsthand the confidence, creativity, and sense of belonging that the performing arts can provide. When the former Young Performers Collective faced closure, we knew our community couldn't afford to lose such an important space. Together, we came together with a shared vision: to keep the doors open for local children, youth, and families who had found a home here.
What began as a collective effort to preserve a beloved arts program has grown into Encore Arts Centre is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the performing arts accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone. Every decision we make is guided by our commitment to our community and our belief that every child deserves a place to learn, grow, and shine. Today, that same spirit of collaboration continues to shape everything we do, ensuring Encore remains a place where creativity, connection, and opportunity can flourish for generations to come.
MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS
Christine Emberley
Chair , Encore Board of Directors
Christine Emberley serves as Board Chair for Encore Arts Centre. She is a 20-year veteran of public education, having taught subjects ranging from Social Studies to Drama at all age levels.
She has been volunteering for community organizations throughout her adult life. Christine’s passion for giving youth opportunities to connect and learn about themselves and community led her to step up when Encore was formed, and is excited to be part of an organization with such a strong and passionate leadership team. She hopes to find more ways to promote and provide access for underserved communities in theatre and music.
Her favourite musicals are Les Misérables and Come From Away.
Greg MacDonald
Treasurer, Encore Board of Directors
Greg MacDonald serves as Treasurer of Encore Arts Centre, bringing extensive experience in financial leadership, governance, and strategic planning. As a Chief Financial Officer, he has built his career helping organizations achieve long-term success through sound financial management and responsible decision-making. In his role as Treasurer,
Greg works with the Board of Directors to support the financial health and sustainability of the organization, helping ensure Encore can continue to provide high-quality arts and musical theatre experiences for the community. A strong supporter of the performing arts, Greg values the way theatre brings people together and fosters creativity, confidence, and connection.
His favourite musical is Wicked.
Heather Lewis
Recording Secretary, Encore Board of Directors
Heather Lewis has spent her entire career working in the performing arts. For more than 20 years, she worked as a stage manager at theatres across Canada, with the majority of her career right here at home, working on nearly 30 productions at Neptune Theatre. Recent favorites include Cinderella, The Last 5 Years, and Mamma Mia, and lending her expertise to the show weeks for Encore’s productions of Wonka Jr and High School Musical!
Heather now works for Neptune in the role of Company Manager, a position that supports the artists’ experience through administrative work and liaising between the artistic company and the theatre. A true “people person,” an excellent problem solver, and a gentle leader, Heather provides a listening ear for those who need to work through a logistical jam, figure out an interpersonal issue, or just let off some steam, and her focus is always on empowering people to take their next steps. Her role as CM also includes Board liaison duties and minute-taking, which has helped with her position at Encore.
Heather’s children share her love of the arts, and started at Encore in Rock Band. It quickly became one of the best parts of their week, and Heather is proud to help Encore continue to be a place where all young artists feel at home.
Linda House
Board Member
Linda House is a people focused leader, Linda brings over 40 years of experience in utilities such as Telco, Power and Government. Her primary focus has been IT service management as well as leading teams and customers through transformational change. Her passion for customer engagement, satisfaction and strong quality of deliverables to meet customer needs is evident in everything she does.
Linda believes strongly in process improvement to drive efficiencies as well as team and customer engagement, strategy, innovation, and professional development. Her diverse background within the technology, utility (Telco and Power), and government sectors combined, equips her with unique insights into transformation, leadership, and organizational growth. Her dedication to continuous learning and development, coupled with her commitment to driving positive change, makes her an effective active speaker and community contributor.
Linda holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary's University and is a community volunteer. As a member of Encores Board Linda represents the parents view as well as business governance and processes.
Amanda Schauerte
Board Member
Amanda Schauerte brings a lifelong background in the performing arts and strong corporate leadership to the Encore Arts Centre Board. Her arts background began as a competitive dancer trained in ballet, jazz, tap, and lyrical. She later transitioned into teaching, coaching both competitive and recreational dance troupes. An avid supporter of local theatre, Amanda has also performed in numerous one-act play festivals and local productions, with notable roles including the Wicked Witch of the West and Queen Sultana in Aladdin.
Today, Amanda serves as a behind-the-scenes advocate for the arts. As a mother of two daughters who are active in music, dance, and musical theatre, she is highly invested in supporting the next generation of performers. Professionally, Amanda is a Senior Director of Product Management with Siemens Healthineers, where she leads innovative technology development for radiation oncology. She looks forward to combining her corporate leadership experience with her passion for the arts to support the growth of the Encore Arts Centre.
Ryan Greene
Board Member
Photo/Bio coming soon
Rachel Merrick
Executive Director
Rachel Merrick is the Executive Director of Encore Arts Centre and a passionate community leader dedicated to creating inclusive, accessible opportunities for children and youth through the performing arts. Her vision is simple: every child deserves a place where they feel they belong, regardless of their abilities, background, or financial circumstances.
In addition to serving as the volunteer Executive Director of Encore Arts Centre, Rachel works within the public education system as an Indigenous Student Support Worker, a role she has proudly held for the past seven years. She is passionate about advocating for Indigenous students, collaborating with educators and families, and helping to create culturally safe, inclusive learning environments where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Before transitioning into community leadership and education, Rachel spent more than a decade as a professional figure skating coach and choreographer, working with athletes at both recreational and competitive levels. Rachel also holds a Diploma in Human Services and brings more than 25 years of administrative and leadership experience to her work, combining her passion for community building with a lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for children, youth, and families.
Beyond her professional roles, Rachel is a dedicated advocate for children with autism and diverse support needs. Through years of community involvement, she has worked alongside families, schools, healthcare providers, and local organizations to improve access to services and create programs where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Rachel believes that the arts have the power to transform lives, build confidence, and strengthen communities. Under her leadership, Encore Arts Centre continues to remove barriers to participation, expand community partnerships, and provide high-quality performing arts education that is accessible to all. Her commitment to inclusion, advocacy, and community connection is at the heart of everything Encore strives to achieve.
