Who we are
Andrea Rankin
Andrea is currently the Professional Learning and Development Leader with Ophea (the Ontario Physical and Health Education Association), a registered teacher with the Ontario College of Teachers, a professional artist (CAEA, ACTRA), and coach, facilitator, and consultant. She brings more than a decade of experience designing and delivering learning, leadership, and professional development across the arts and education.
Before moving into teaching and professional learning, Andrea built a career as a professional actor and musician. She has performed leading roles in film and on stages across Canada, including four seasons at the Stratford Festival. She is also a singer-songwriter and brings firsthand experience of the creative, professional, and personal realities of working in theatre, film and television, and music.
Andrea holds a Master of Teaching from the University of Toronto, where her graduate research, Exploring the Impact of Trauma-Informed Practices in Drama Education, was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. She is committed to helping create creative environments where artists and leaders can develop their skills and take meaningful risks, while feeling respected, supported, and empowered. Her practice blends artistry and education through consent-forward, strengths-based, trauma-informed approaches that support confidence, expression, and wellbeing for artists, educators and leaders alike.
Maggie Blake
Maggie is a Child and Youth Counsellor and Advocate with 18 years of experience driving system change and working closely with diverse children and youth in complex and multifaceted environments. Currently, she leads research and knowledge mobilization at Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre in Toronto. She is also a skilled Trauma-Informed Consultant and co-founder of The Collaborative, a psychotherapy and consulting business based in Stratford, Ontario.
Before embarking on her career with kids and youth, Maggie was a professional child actor, playing leading roles at theatres across Canada, as well as in film and television. This background provided her with a deep understanding of the unique pressures, anxieties, and complexities young performers face. Combined with her education and extensive experience, Maggie is uniquely positioned to support young actors in navigating these challenges. Clients include The Stratford Festival, Mirvish Productions, Sheridan Theatre School amongst others.
Maggie holds an MA in Child & Youth Work and an MA in Theatre. She is an active member of both the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care and the Ontario Association of Mental Health Practitioners, adhering to their ethical standards. She is known for her ability to make kids feel at ease, safe, and comfortable. Maggie meets kids and teenagers where they are at, providing support, interventions, and creating a safe space to explore their emotions, harness their strengths, and develop social and life skills.