MEET THE EDUCATION TEAM

Jamie Leduc

Department Head of the Create Program & 2D Animation Teacher

A Jedi Master of Animation, Film, and Game Design Education! With over 25 years of experience, Jamie has been on a mission to turn students into creative padawan. He currently teaches animation at Sisler High School and is the Department Head and co-founder of the CREATE program. He’s one of the masterminds behind coordinating internships, mentorships, and scholarships that have launched hundreds of high school students into their dream careers or making the next amazing indie project faster than you can say “skadoosh!”

Jamie’s has many shiny awards over his tenure, teaching awards from the Prime Minister of Canada (2013), the Governor General of Canada (2005), the OCDSB (2005 & 2007), Adobe (2012), Toon Boom Creative Educator (2016), and Toon Boom Ambassador (2022). When he’s not busy winning accolades, he’s probably plotting the next big thing in creative education—because keeping his students on their toes never takes a day off.

Bernard Alibudbud

Create Program 3D & 2D Animation Teacher

Bernard Alibudbud is not just your friendly neighbourhood teacher; he’s a 3D and 2D animation wizard, IDM guru, and the guy who can make math and science sound like a party trick. He and Jamie Leduc started the Create program because, why not sprinkle some IDM magic everywhere? Since 2021, Bernard’s been rocking the title of Apple Distinguished Educator, and he’s the reason Sisler Create struts around with its Apple Distinguished School badge.

When he’s not busy turning students into tech-savvy geniuses, Bernard’s moonlighting as a school and division-level Yoda, guiding the next generation of leaders. From the brainiacs in AP science and math to the “let’s try this again” remedial repeater math crowd, Bernard’s taught them all with a smile and a dash of humor

Chris Galvao

Create Program Graphic Design & 2D Animation Teacher

Chris Galvao, the undisputed maestro of graphic design, has been molding creative minds for over 15 years. Now, for the past two years, Chris has been taking the post-high animation cohort at Sisler Create on a wild ride through the world of animation. Known for bringing a blend of humour and high energy to the classroom, Chris ensures that learning is anything but boring. With Chris at the helm, students not only master their craft but also enjoy every hilarious, insightful moment along the way.

TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Francesca Musni

Semester 2 Teacher Assistant

Francesca Musni, a Sisler CREATE alumna, is like a Swiss Army knife of creativity, combining her love for film, animation, and teaching into one supercharged bundle of awesomeness. Currently shaking things up at Vancouver Film School, Francesca’s resume reads like a highlight reel from the “Coolest Interns” reality show—she’s interned at Nelvana Studios, led a team for Nickelodeon’s Orange Tree Project – Roots on the Run, and made summer art camp the place to be at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

Her talents don’t stop there; she’s been known to juggle a year-long paid internship, emcee a showcase like a pro, and win the 24 Hours Animation Challenge twice. All that, plus she’s about to graduate with a Classical Animation diploma in December 2023.

Julia Vallega

Semester 1 Teacher Assistant

Julia has been a whirlwind of creativity in the CREATE program, zooming through classes from ninth grade like a caffeinated minion! She’s devoured every film and animation course in sight to make her concepts sparkle. Her relentless dedication to her craft has earned her accolades, including the Toon Boom Scholarship, the Heshka Scholarship to VFS, and a treasure trove of Create merit awards. Now, she’s gearing up for Vancouver Film School in May 2025 to dive headfirst into the world of 3D animation. Watch out, 3D world—Julia’s coming for you, and she’s bringing the scholarship swag!

INDUSTRY SUPPORT STAFF:

Ginny Collins

Program Advisor & Communications Officer

Ginny Collins worked as the Communications Director for Manitoba Film & Music (MFM) for 10 years. She is also a playwright and winner of the Best Manitoba Play at the 2019 Manitoba Book Awards. Before her time at MFM, Ginny worked in communications with the United Nations Development Programme in Namibia, and as a training with a local women’s magazine in Zambia. Ginny works with CREATE’s many partners including Nickelodeon, CBC, Bell MTS, Nelvana and more to coordinate opportunities for students. She also assists with resume and cover letter building, scholarship applications, post-secondary applications and more to ensure students achieve their full potential.

Jennifer Llewellyn

Artist in Residence

Jennifer Lewellyn joins the SISLER CREATE Program with over 15 years of industry experience. Her impressive career includes roles such as Layout Artist on “Alpha Betas,” Art Director on “Firebuds,” and Background Supervisor on “Pete the Cat,” among other notable positions. Jennifer’s extensive background in animation and design brings a wealth of expertise to the program.

Jeff Peeler

Industry Liaison

Jeff Peeler is the founder of the Manitoba production company Three Film and Television. He started the company after 17 years at a senior management level at the award-winning international film and television production company, Frantic Films. With over 25 year’s experience in the industry he has overseen the production of hundreds of hours of film and television content across multiple genres. Jeff’s Producer and Executive Producer credits include the Canadian Screen Award and Banff Rockie winning Baroness Von Sketch Show (CBC/IFC), the multiple award-winning Still Standing (CBC), Buy It Fix It Sell It and Backyard Builds (HGTV), The Winnipeg Comedy Festival (CBC), Killer in Plain Sight (Investigation Discovery), High Maintenance: Preventing Disaster (Smithsonian Channel), Meet the Family (City), and the feature films Stand!, Into Invisible Light and The Nature of Nicholas. Jeff also produced the sports documentary, The 13th Man for TSN’s Engraved on a Nation anthology which won Best Documentary Series at the Canadian Screen Awards in 2014 and the true-crime documentary Indictment: The Crimes of Shelly Chartier.