Michael Herren
Michael Herren is an interdisciplinary scholar in the Humanities with a focus on the history of ideas and the history of texts. He holds a B.A. in Humanities with a concentration in Philosophy (Claremont Men’s College); a licentiate in Mediaeval Studies (Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies), and a Ph.D. in Classics (University of Toronto). Michael taught Humanities and Classical Studies at York University for over 40 years, where he held a graduate appointment in Ancient History. Before retirement he was appointed Distinguished Research Professor of Classics. While at York, in addition to courses in Greek and Latin language and literature, he taught topics such as Comparative Mythology, Text and Interpretation, Ancient Concepts of the Soul, the Writings of St. Augustine, and St. Patrick and the Irish Church. During his last 15 years at York, he also taught at the University of Toronto. There he gave courses in Mediaeval Latin, the Classical Tradition, Early Mediaeval Church History of the British Isles, and the Latin Bible. Michael founded The Journal of Medieval Latin and edited the first twenty volumes, and continues as Editor of the Journal’s subsidia. He is currently directing a SSHRC-sponsored project at the University of Toronto to produce an online critical edition of the Epinal-Erfurt Glossary, the oldest Latin-Old English glossary (c. 700) attested in manuscript. Michael’s publications include new editions with first English translations of the Irish Hisperica Famina (seventh century), the prose works of St. Aldhelm (English, ca. 700), the Latin and Greek poems of John Scottus Eriugena (Irish, ninth century), and the Cosmography of Aethicus Ister (an eighth-century fantasy travelogue). He co-authored Christ in Celtic Christianity: Britain and Ireland from the Fifith to the Tenth Century, a study of the images of Christ in Irish and Welsh regions based on theology, literature, and art. His 2017 book The Anatomy of Myth traces strategies for the interpretation of myth from the sixth-century B.C.E. to the fifth century C.E. Michael has received a number of awards, fellowships, and tokens of recognition, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Killam Fellowship, a Forschungspreis (Research Prize) from the Alexander-von-Humboldt Foundation, the Konrad Adenauer Research Prize (for life’s work in the Humanities), two volumes of essays in his honour, and fellowships in the Royal Society of Canada, the Medieval Academy of America, and the Royal Irish Academy (as Honorary Member). He is now an Adjunct Professor of History at Trent and an Honorary Fellow of Traill College. Michael currently lives in Peterborough with his wife, art historian Shirley Ann Brown, and his grandson Zachary. His chief hobbies are singing classical art songs, writing doggerel poetry, and rowing on Jack Lake.
Michael teaches the course St. Patrick and the Beginning of Irish Christianity
Rosemary Ganley
Rosemary Ganley is a Peterborough-based writer and activist. She has played leading roles in the Canadian international development field, the feminist movement and in church reform. An educator with experience in three countries, she currently writes a popular weekly column for the Peterborough Examiner and influences public opinion broadly.
With her books Jamaica Journal: The Story of a Grassroots Canadian Aid Organization, and Positive Community: Columns from the Peterborough Examiner 2015-2018, Rosemary Ganley distills her years of thought and experience, both personal and political, into gems of reflection, destined to affect readers of all ages and interests as they move more deeply into a global vision for the 21st century. In June of 2024 it was announced that Rosemay would be receiving the Order of Canada.
Rosemary teaches the workshop's Processing the American Election and Its Effects on Canada, and Can the Catholic Church Change?
Jiniththa Ganeslaningham
Jiniththa was born and raised in Italy and moved to Canada nine years ago. She is currently pursuing a degree in Political Science with a minor International Development and a specialization in Public Policy. She has spent most of her life working with children and has been an Early Childhood Education assistant for many years. In fact, she has worked with the Peel District School Board, the Canadian Tamil Academy and several daycares. She is fluent in three languages: Italian, Tamil, and English. Her interests include reading, swimming, going for long walks, travelling, and most importantly, trying new foods.
Jiniththa teaches the course Italy: Language, Art, and Cuisine
Safea Altef
Safea Altef is a Cultural Studies researcher from the Arab region. She holds a Master’s degree in Media and Cultural Studies and has published research on the cultural development in the MENA region. She is originally from Libya but has lived and worked in various Arab countries over the last 10 years. As a result, she has gained deeper interest in cultural and social expression through various forms of art.
Safea teaches the courses Introduction to Arabic and Survey of Middle Eastern Music
MD Habibur Rahman
Mr. Habibur Rahman has been teaching at Trent University since October 2022. Furthermore, he has been teaching at Niagara College, since January 2022. Mr. Rahman has also been executing as a course leader at the same institution.
He completed a Master of Management degree from Trent University in 2022 with distinguished marks. In addition, he has completed two semesters in the Master of Management program at Ryerson University, Canada. He also completed an MBA from Jahangirnagar University in Finance and Banking. Moreover, he completed another MBA and a BBA specializing in Marketing. Besides academic credentials, he has substantial industry work experience and university-level teaching experience. He taught graduate and undergraduate students at ASA University Bangladesh from 2009 to 2014 under the Faculty of Business.
Habib has four published articles in different journals across the globe. His research interests are in Brand Management, Integrated Marketing Communications, Leadership, HRM, and Market Research.
Habib teaches the course Market Research.
Joe Curry
Joe is a Senior Certified Financial Planner and owner of Matthews + Associates, a local retirement-focused financial planning company. Eager to share his knowledge, Joe co-hosts “Your Retirement Planning Simplified,” the fastest-growing retirement planning podcast in Canada. He is co-founder and past president of Peterborough Business Network, co-chairs the PRHC Allied Professional Council and coaches’ minor hockey, and baseball. He's always believed that true wealth is more than just financial freedom. It’s doing the things you love with the people you love and creating future opportunities for the next generation. He keeps active by playing hockey and golf and enjoys traveling. However, he’s most passionate about spending time with his wife Ashley, and their two young sons, Louis and Harry.
2017 - Certified Financial Planner
2017 - Member of Financial Planning Association of Canada
2019 - Owner/President of Matthews + Associates
2019 - Approved Financial Advisor with Money Sense
2022- Launches “Retirement Planning Simplified”, an educational company focused on providing retirement financial planning education to everyone.
2024 - 4-Under-40 Award Recipient, Peterborough & Kawarthas Business Chamber of Commerce
Joe teaches the workshop's Retire with Confidence: Your Roadmap to Financial Freedom (Part 1), Retirement Ready: Building Wealth and Life After Work (Part 2), and Retirement Planning Decoded: All the Essentials in One Course.
Randall Romaro
Randall has been making photographs for over 45 years, initially in the nature/landscape genre, eventually evolving to run a commercial photography business focused on interior and exterior architectural clients. Since 2015, after closing the business, he focused solely on photographing subjects and projects that are of personal interest. These consist largely of street and documentary subjects. He has also been active in lecturing about photography, to a wide variety of Ontario camera groups. These presentations sought to stir up and challenge traditional notions on photography, bringing to light the work and importance of master photographers. Art book publication: Reaching a Higher Level in Photography (2023) has come out of these presentations.
"I believe the camera’s strength is its ability to capture fleeting moments, to stop time and create a sense of curiosity in the viewer. If a still image is to be successful it has to illustrate something missed and something fleeting. Chasing this fleeting moment of uniqueness allows me to better savor life".
A father of four children, Randall and his wife Catherine live on a rural property near Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
Randall teaches the course Creating Meaningful Photographs and the workshop Basic Photo Skills.
Abayomi Olaoye
Abayomi is a tech enthusiast and an emerging Data Scientist. He specializes in front-end development, creating reliable and scalable applications. Yomi is passionate about using data science and machine learning to drive insights and innovation in technology
Yomi teaches the course Insightful Living: Use Data to Power Your Everyday Choices.
Bruce Whiteman
Bruce Whiteman is a poet, writer, and musician. His career was spent as a rare book specialist at McMaster University, McGill University, and UCLA. He has a B.A. from Trent University, M.A.s from the University of Toronto and UCLA, and an MLS from the University of Toronto. He has published widely as a poet, essayist, and book reviewer. His long poem, The Invisible World Is in Decline, appeared in nine parts over the years 1984-2022. He has published books on the Group of Seven painter J.E.H. Macdonald, English publishing in Quebec, and the Canadian poet Raymond Souster. He was the co-editor of a major museum exhibition and catalogue, The World from Here: Treasures of the Great Libraries of Los Angeles (2001). His most recent books are Work to Be Done: Selected Essays and Reviews (2024) and a chapbook, Ken Norris’s ‘Report’: An Essay (2024). Bruce Whiteman lives in Peterborough.
Bruce teaches the courses Reading and Writing Poetry and Introduction to Classical Music.
Cara Jordan
Cara has a PhD in Classics from the University of Toronto where she served as a teaching assistant for over six years. While currently working as an academic editor for an online company, she also teaching woodburning and basketmaking workshops at the Art School of Peterborough, The Canadian Canoe Museum, and A Gift of Art in Newcastle. She is not a Trent graduate however she has worked with a number of Trent ESL students to help them improve their writing and language skills as well as their artistic abilities.
Cara teaches the workshops Drawing Animal Portraits, Coiled Basketry, and Twined Basketry, and the Introductory Latin course.
Grace Xie
I am Grace Xie, currently studying at Trent University as an international student from China. I hold a master’s degree in educational psychology and am now pursuing studies in Big Data. I was born and raised in Beijing, and being far from home has made me realize even more that language and crafting is a bridge for cultural exchange, and a two-way bridge is the foundation of understanding and respect. As a native Mandarin speaker with a strong educational background, and passion for crafting, I am excited about teaching Chinese and sharing my culture and passions with others.
Grace teaches the workshop's Creative World of Chenille Stems - Flowers, Creative World of Chenille Stems - Accessories, and Creative World of Chenille Stems - Ornaments, and the course Basic Chinese Conversation.
David Beaucage Johnson
David Beaucage Johnson is an Artist from Curve Lake First Nation, north of Peterborough. He has created 15,000 original works and an even greater number of artistic reproductions. His passions also include his family’s history and local indigenous history. Through those passions he has written The Indigenous History and Habitation of Haliburton County published through Trent University’s Geography Department. His Elders were Dr. Basil H. Johnston from Neyaashiing on the Bruce Peninsula and Eddie King from Wikwemikong on Manitoulin Island. He is visually centered, so his presentations include an extensive use of imagery.
David teaches the course Historical & Modern Indigenous Life Explorations
Ella Clarke
I am an enthusiastic and dedicated Tarot reader with a passion for helping others explore the deeper connections between intuition, symbolism, and personal growth. With several years of experience in Tarot practice, I enjoy teaching Tarot as a tool for self-reflection, guidance, and creative exploration. My approach to Tarot is open, inclusive, and supportive, with a focus on creating a welcoming environment where students feel empowered to trust their own interpretations and insights. Whether you're just starting your Tarot journey or looking to deepen your understanding, I aim to guide you through the process with patience, clarity, and a genuine love for the practice.
Ella teaches the course The Art of Tarot.
Keny Patel
I am Keny Patel, currently pursuing my master's program at Trent University. I have completed my Bachelor's in Business Administration from Ahmedabad University, India and have a strong foundation in Accounting and Finance. I have gained practical experience through a summer internship; and with this I have a keen interest in art. I have a creative mind, and I have also attended workshops related to fluid art as well as alcohol ink art. I feel at ease when I paint something, and I feel that art is something that brings a smile to one's face.
Keny teaches the workshop Fluid Art and Alcohol Ink Art
Khad Haque
Khad Haque is an artist and sustainability enthusiast with a passion for storytelling through collage. With a Master’s in Sustainability Studies, she brings a unique perspective to art, emphasizing the environmental and social stories embedded in the materials we use. Khad’s background in environmental justice and art activism has shaped her approach to collaging as a powerful medium for connection, self-expression, and mindful reuse.
Khad teaches the workshop Collage Creations: Crafting Stories Through Layers.
Kim Blackwell
Kim Blackwell is 4th Line Theatre’s Managing Artistic Director and is a veteran 4th Line director/producer – 2025 marks her 31st season with 4th Line Theatre where she has directed 27 productions including 15 world premieres. Selected credits include: Managing Artistic Director (2014 - Present), Artistic Producer (2009 – 2014), Artistic Associate (2001-2009). She directed plays across Canada and the US. Her play A Daughter had its world premiere in 2020 as a part of the Open Spaces Theatre Festival and was selected to be a part of the International Rural Women’s Studies Conference hosted by University of Guelph in 2021.
Kim was inducted into Peterborough’s Pathway of Fame in September 2016. In 2020, she received Toronto theatre critic Lynn Slotkin’s Jon Kaplan Mensch Award. Kim has twice been nominated for the John Hirsch Award for Outstanding Directing. Kim recently joined the Playwright’s Guild of Canada. Kim is working on her first solo, full-length play for 4th Line, The Lost Souls.
Kim Blackwell has been coaching and facilitating business leaders and future leaders since 2009. She has trained and coached business leaders, from business school students all the way up to the C-suite level, creating transformative learning experiences. She has produced professional theatre, both, commercial and non-profit, for 30 years. She is a theatre director, dramaturge, marketing expert and publicist.
Kim teaches the workshop Playwrighting with Kim Blackwell.
Maliha Mahjabeen
Maliha Mahjabeen is currently pursuing her second master's degree in business management at Trent University, following her first in Development Studies from North South University in Bangladesh. With a deep passion for languages and cultural exploration, her journey began as a global volunteer in India. Fluent in Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, and English, Maliha is now planning to learn French. She loves swimming, biking, hiking, discovering new cafés, and experimenting with traditional Bengali dishes in the kitchen. Her role as a social researcher in Bangladesh allowed her to travel extensively, uncovering unique stories and local traditions she is excited to share with others.
Maliha teaches the course Bengali For Beginners: Language and Culture.
SM Ehsan
I have more than ten years of experience as an instructor and visual artist, and my areas of expertise are printmaking as well as painting, sculpting, and mixed-media art. In my capacity as a teacher, I have created and executed dynamic art curricula that involve students in experiential learning and promote creative development, creativity, and critical thinking. My mission is to assist students in building portfolios and technical skills that will help them succeed in the classroom and in the workplace.
SM teaches the workshop's Introduction to Fine Art and the Basics of Drawing, Printmaking: Relief Techniques, and Monoprint Printmaking.
Mitchell Parker
Mitchell is an experienced Customer Service Specialist with a demonstrated history of work involvement at various levels of government. Skilled in Income Tax, Customer Experience, Payroll, Human Resources, and Accounting.
Mitchell teaches the course Taxes for Beginners.