Program Teachers
Meet SDC Program’s Teaching Team! Each teacher is qualified, experienced, and most importantly, truly wish to provide a safe environment for children of all abilities to learn and express themselves through music and art! More information about each of the teachers can be found below.
Mako Fujimoto
Meet Mako!
Mako is a seasoned actress hailing from Kobe, Japan, with over a decade of involvement in the theater industry. Her journey began on Japanese stages, where she participated in over 30 productions, establishing a strong foundation for her craft. With a background in Arts and Law from Kwansei Gakuin University, her path led her from the theater to a stint in a regional government role. In 2019, she shifted gears, relocating to Vancouver to humbly pursue a film career.
Mako's on-screen talent shines in roles like "The Lone Hunter," "5G: The Reckoning," and "Tabor Corn Alliance." She eagerly anticipates her role as Shizu no Kata in FX Production's "Shogun," releasing in 2024.
Beyond film, Mako's commitment to storytelling thrives. She's preparing a one-person play delving into mental illness themes, a testament to her discipline and dedication. Set to present at the Outsider Festival, Mako's journey blends talent, cultural appreciation, and a genuine passion for storytelling. Mako's diverse path spans stages, screens, and cultures, highlighting her unwavering commitment to the craft. Her narrative stands as a testament to the resilience of a genuine thespian, both in the spotlight and behind the scenes.
Ruby Pang
Meet Ruby!
Ruby Pang 彭惠宜 (she/her) is an interdisciplinary creative who holds a Bachelor of Design from Emily Carr University of Art + Design, and practicing her work from the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples–Sḵwx wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō, Səl̓ lwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam) Nations. Her enthusiasm for printmaking and digital art early on in her practice led her to develop a passion for enriching lives through creativity. She aims to use art and design to facilitate connections, empathy, and understanding. Through teaching, Ruby intends to help students discover their unique strengths, believing that art is a powerful, accessible tool for self-exploration and developing confidence. During her classes, Ruby focuses on encouraging creativity and having fun! She hopes her students will leave her classes feeling empowered and excited for their next creative endeavour.
Gillian Lai
Meet Gillian!
Just like some of her students, Gillian Lai started exploring art from a young age which has helped develop her creativity in all aspects of her life. Since highschool, she has worked with children and has thoroughly enjoyed her experience. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Visual Arts from Simon Fraser University and is currently attending University of British Columbia for her Psychology Degree, working towards her goal of becoming an art therapist. Her interests in art were fostered from taking art classes with passionate teachers and she hopes she can help nurture the same enthusiasm and excitement for art in her students. Through her classes, Gillian hopes she can inspire students to be more confident expressing their creativity and be able to take away many new techniques and different ways of thinking about art as they venture into their own lives. Every class, she looks forward to meeting all her students and preparing new artworks for them to participate in and have fun!
Sandy Chen
Meet Sandy!
Sandy is super excited to return to SDC as the junior and senior music instructor for the third year! After completing her Masters from UBC School of Music in 2011, she has worked as a piano and music educator inspiring students of diverse backgrounds. While participating at our music classes, students are exposed to a variety of musical styles ranging from classical, popular, jazz, and contemporary studies. She is a firm believer in the benefits of music as it serves as a universal language connecting one another while allowing and encouraging freedom of expression. She is thrilled to be making music with all of you at SDC again!
Claudia Alecchi
Meet Claudia!
Claudia Alecchi (she/her) is a professional actress and singer, holding a Bachelor 's degree in Performing Arts from the prestigious Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú. Her journey into the world of the arts commenced at a tender age of six when she became a part of the National Children's Choir of Peru. Since then, she has embarked on a multifaceted artistic journey, honing her craft in her homeland of Peru, the United States, Poland, and currently, in Canada.
For the past five years, Claudia has found her calling as a Voice and Drama Instructor. During this time, she has discovered a profound passion for pedagogy and the transformative potential of Applied Theater. Her mission is to instill self-confidence, discipline, and important social skills in individuals from children and teenagers to adults. Claudia believes in the profound impact of the Performing Arts as a vehicle for societal transformation and exploration of empathy and compassion. In each of her classes, her paramount aim is to establish a nurturing sanctuary where self-expression is not only embraced but also celebrated, all within an atmosphere permeated by respect and love.
Sucina Tsang
Meet Sucina!
Sucina is a friendly, food-loving teacher with an unweaving love for art. She views art as a secret language we all have to tell stories and let our inner selves shine. She realized that she had a knack for teaching during her undergrad days when she worked as a playground teacher and behavioural interventionist. Fast forward to today, and she is proudly making a difference as an early childhood educator and support worker while pursuing my Bachelor of Education degree at UBC. Life's an exciting canvas, and she is here to make every brushstroke count!
Jack Hu
Meet Jack!
Jack is currently a first-year student at the University of California. He has a background in both breakdancing and music, with proficiency in playing the piano and the trombone. He first joined SDC as a volunteer 3 years ago and was immediately captivated by the work that's done inside the organization. Now as an instructor of SDC, he will utilize his experiences, dedication, and enthusiasm to contribute to all my future classes. He is eager to continue learning, growing, and making a positive impact on the world with the SDC team and its mission.