Our People

Deeter Schurig is a multidisciplinary designer and passionate leader for city-building. His 20 years of professional practice combines experience in stage design, architecture and project management into an approach for designing, developing and managing space for creative communities to thrive.

Deeter leads the social purpose business of cSPACE to build a network of large scale, multidisciplinary creative workspaces. Since 2009, his focus has been to develop the award-winning cSPACE King Edward Arts Hub, a historic sandstone school converted into a LEED Gold facility. Prior experience includes freelance design work on theatre and opera projects across Canada and abroad.

Deeter has a Masters in Architecture from the University of Calgary and a BFA in Theatre Production and Design from York University. A native Calgarian, Deeter resides here with his creatively-infused family and is pleased that cSPACE captures his passion to develop innovative places that are inclusive, equitable, environmentally responsible and excite the imagination of Calgary.

Sean is a child of Toronto born in the disco era. He studied International Relations at Carleton University in Ottawa before becoming fascinated with the west.

In 1995 Sean purchased a one-way ticket to Calgary armed with a camera to document his western exploits. Cutting his teeth in Calgary’s gritty punk rock scene of the 90’s, Sean became an award-winning photographer completing hundreds of commercial,
editorial and stock campaigns and assignments around the world.

Sean founded Bertrand Crump Property Corp. in 2007; a small, family owned
commercial real estate acquisition and management company and currently manages his family’s portfolio. Occupying the liminal zone between art and real property, Sean has been tasked with developing cSPACE’s Meanwhile Lease Program, which seeks to connect commercial property owners’ holdings with arts and culture groups’ needs on a temporary basis.

Graham Frampton joins cSPACE as Operations Manager from a long career as a project manager, designer, consultant and educator.

With an MFA Design/Technical Theatre from the School of Creative and Performing Arts, University of Calgary, Graham brings to his role here an extensive background in building new and renovating existing performing arts venues and facilities across Canada. In Calgary, he has consulted on facility, equipment and operational aspects for The Grand, the theatres at the Seton and Rocky Ridge YMCAs, and even the Studio Theatre here at cSPACE Marda Loop.

Graham is a true community builder, having served on many NFP Boards in varying leadership and committee roles, at both a National and Local level. 

Currently he is a Member at Large for BJP (Buckingjam Palace) and practices project management/ strategic design on his garden in his spare time.

Erin MacLean-Berko is a community champion who lives for events. She has been Managing Director for the Calgary Boys’ Choir Society and Manager for Spiritus Chamber Choir, and is a classically trained singer. In 2020 Erin was the recipient of the Rozsa Foundation’s Emerging Arts Administrator Award. Simon Mallett, Executive Director for the Rozsa Foundation, describes Erin as “a great community builder, who is always finding ways to support other arts administrators working for smaller organizations.”

Erin is a long time engaged member of the cSPACE community, having joined us initially as a co-worker in our Sandbox space. It was here that Erin learned to love the community at cSPACE, which allowed her networking and social opportunities not available as a freelance contractor working from home.

When not supporting events and pursuing community partnerships at cSPACE, Erin can be found at the Opera, local festivals, and wherever a great local craft beer tent can be found.

Kyle is excited to be working at cSPACE and continuing his technical work in lighting, sound and broadcast. He is passionate about supporting events to be the best they can be. He has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, and is also the co-founder of Canadiana Music. He believes in local support for all kinds of art (performance and visual), and works hard to promote local support for local business and entrepreneurs. He is a firm believer in community, family, and being a team player – his favourite adage being “a rising tide lifts all ships.”

When he isn’t working (a rare sight!) he is usually outside in nature exploring the tranquility, peace, and reconnection to human roots. At home, he plays his collection of guitars, and miscellaneous other instruments and hangs out with his cat, Cleocatra.

Nicole is an experienced communicator, creative problem solver, and collaborative professional dedicated to making a meaningful impact. 

With a background spanning diverse roles in event management, communications, marketing, and corporate facilitation, Nicole is an expert in effective communication, feedback, project management, and relationship building. With a passion for continuous learning, she eagerly embraces new challenges and creative opportunities.

Darrian’s life has been marked by a strong commitment to community. Volunteering with his home town’s fire department (he grew up in Bruderheim) helped him develop handy skills that he is currently utilizing in his role here at cSPACE. While working as a full time barista, he developed a reputable image for customer service, sincerity and care.

Darrien enjoys that Calgary and cSPACE offer a warm environment where he can use all his skills and let his personality shine. He is excited to create new relationships within an active community that celebrates arts, culture and diversity. When you see him, you’ll always get a professional welcome and a friendly smile.

“Happy to help, blessed to be.” -Darrian

Andrew Humphries-Micallef is a well-rounded Bookkeeper/IT support/Administrator/Accountant. Graduating in 2016 from Queen’s University in Engineering Physics, he has since switched tracks to Accounting where he gets to put his love of spreadsheets and organizing to good use. Andrew has worked in a variety of sectors including non-profit and medical and is eager to put his skills to good use supporting the art community at cSPACE.

When not at work, Andew can be found on the dance floor learning Ballroom, or pursuing his CPA designation.

Victoria is a dedicated arts administration professional and craft artist with a passion for community and culture. With a background that includes a degree in Craft Media from AU Arts and an MA in Arts Management from the University of Barcelona, her career spans various roles in organizations such as the Alberta Craft Council, Leighton Art Centre, Stratchona County Culture Department, and Barcelona’s Contemporary Jewellery Festival. 

A long-time advocate of cSPACE, Victoria blends her holistic knowledge of the non-profit and arts sectors to support and elevate cultural projects. She is imaginative, results-driven, and committed to fostering meaningful cultural experiences.

Kate is a modern-day Renaissance woman. On any given day you might find her with a camera, paintbrush, garden trowel, crochet hook, keyboard, circular saw, or sewing machine in hand. A life-long learner and creative, she enjoys exploring various media as a form of expression and means for connection, and is particularly inspired by the synthesis of disciplines.

A scientist at heart, Kate obtained degrees in both Zoology and Psychology while also pursuing an Art minor at the University of Calgary. After years of natural history programming in Alberta parks, she took some time to tend to her own growing family while also making time to tend to her creations, all of which can be found at www.katewares.com.

When not supporting all of the great stuff happening at cSPACE, you can find her playing board games with her teenage sons, helping her husband with his LEGO art, throwing a ball for her sweet cattle dog rescue, or tooling around in her magical VW van.

Beatriz loves pursuing new challenges. After graduating in Journalism, she worked as a producer and reporter for four years, then opened her own video production company. She is always seeking to provide the best solution for clients.

She is constantly willing to learn about different cultures. Her latest adventure saw her move to Canada from Brazil to strengthen her professional skills.

At cSPACE you can find her working as a theatre technician and supporting events, and she is also a master at social media reels. She feels lucky to be part of an environment full of community spirit and art.

With a background in theatre services and creative writing, Iris first came to cSPACE with the Alexandra Writer’s Centre Society. After spending nearly ten years teaching others how to express themselves through the mediums of fiction, creative essays, and tabletop gaming, they saw an opportunity to become even more involved with this wonderful arts community, and jumped at the chance.

When she isn’t working at the AWCS or writing something awesome, Iris can be found all over the cSPACE. They love having friendly chats with all the amazing artists that frequent the building, as well as visitors bringing their own perspective to the displays.

As a transgender person and advocate for trans representation, they are thrilled to be in a space that encourages them to be their most authentic and radical self.

Alexa is an emerging Mohkinstsis-based actor, writer, and self-proclaimed “professional wiggler.” After graduating from the University of Calgary with a BFA in Drama, Alexa is focused on getting her hands dirty in Calgary art’s community. You can find her admiring all the incredible exhibitions and art at cSPACE (her favourite is the Imaginarium).

A practicing artist, Bunny graduated from ACAD in 2001 with distinction, won the board of governors award, and was valedictorian. He co-founded the Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF) and is the current president of the Calgary Allied Arts Foundation (CAAF).

Currently Bunny instructs classes all over, hosts figure events, workshops and spends most of his time in the cSPACE studio he owns and operates, the Atelier Artista. His work and livestream videos are available to view on his personal site, brianbatista.com and on the Atelier Artista site.

He continues to play a pivotal role in the Calgary arts community and is a cherished member of the cSPACE team.

In 2011, Darren sold his house and IT consulting business to travel the world by bicycle. Five years of nomading later he returned to Calgary and commenced writing his first travel memoir, tapping into the goldmine that is the Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society for writerly support. When AWCS moved to cSPACE, Darren was blown away by the concept of a building dedicated to supporting and nourishing creativity, collaboration and community. Not to mention how good it felt being there as a member of AWCS. When an opportunity to be a part of cSPACE came up, Darren jumped at it.

His role as Event Support Staff has expanded to include software and technical support and he is thrilled to contribute to this game changing organization. He is currently working on his second book. His first book, Memoirs of a World Cyclist is available on Amazon.

Ali Arnell is a Director of cSPACE. She is a senior manager at PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) and has extensive financial accounting and reporting experience with both private and public companies of all sizes covering regulatory compliance, risk management, acquisitions, internal controls and governance.

Ali has also volunteered extensively with the Calgary United Way and has a passion for music and performing arts. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant and has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Saint Francis Xavier University.

Greg Clark is a passionate community leader and entrepreneur. In 2006 he co-founded the technology consulting firm C3 Associates. The firm earned a distinction as one of Alberta Venture’s 50 Fast Growth companies in 2011 and 2012, and was also named one of Canada’s top 250 information technology companies in a national survey. In 2015, Greg was named one Alberta’s 50 Most Influential by Alberta Venture Magazine.

His community involvement is extensive. His contributions include volunteering with Calgary Reads to promote literacy, past vice-chair of the Distress Centre Calgary and co-founding the Calgary River Communities Action Group following the 2013 flood.

Greg also served his community in the Legislature. He was elected MLA for Calgary-Elbow in 2015, serving as the first elected Alberta Party MLA in our province’s history. Prior to his election, Greg taught business management at the University of Calgary.

Caitlyn Ducasse is a Board Director at cSPACE and the Financial Controller at Steelhaus Technologies Inc., a leading provider of innovative solutions for the Oil and Gas industry. Based in North America, Steelhaus Technologies operates globally, delivering cutting-edge advancements that drive efficiency and sustainability. With a strong background in finance and management, Caitlyn is dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting the growth of the industry.

In addition to her professional work, Caitlyn is passionate about the arts and has served on the Calgary Arts Development board for five years. She is committed to exploring sustainable and viable environments for artists to pursue their craft while making a living. Her goal is to advocate for artists, allowing them to focus on their creativity rather than financial concerns.

Dale has been a Calgarian for 50 years. He graduated with a Commerce degree from the University of Calgary and began his career with London Life after graduation.

He is the founder of Blaeberry Estate Planning Inc, a boutique firm engaged in financial and estate planning. The firm’s vision is to contribute to the improvement and growth of entrepreneurs, professionals and executives in their quest for financial independence, certainty of their family legacy and the full expression of their philanthropic dreams.

Dale has been an active volunteer in a variety of capacities within the financial services industry including as a national board member and secretary treasure, chair of a major capital campaign and chair of its national educational arm.

Prior to joining the cSPACE board in 2018, Dale served on the Board of Directors at Calgary Foundation where he completed his 9 year term as Board Chair, a role that he found challenging and very fulfilling. He currently serves on the Major and Signature Grants committee at Calgary Foundation.

Dale is an avid cyclist, fitness enthusiast, motorcyclist and downhill skier. He is married to Cathy and is tremendously proud of his one and only daughter, Georgia.

Born and raised in Calgary, Mary Jensen worked in the United States for 20 years before recently returning home with her family. Mary’s career in technology consulting developed in Seattle, New York and Los Angeles with clients in software, financial services and entertainment. An entrepreneurial venture with her husband took Mary to Palm Springs for 10 years, where they owned and operated a large landscape management business. With the sale of the company, they opted to return to Calgary to raise their two sons and enjoy their passion for outdoor activities and travel.

Alongside her professional commitments, Mary pursued a personal interest in architectural preservation which lead to board positions at prominent local non-profit organizations in Los Angeles and Palm Springs. She most recently held the position of director of corporate sponsorships for Modernism Week, a 10-day festival of architecture and design. Now settled in Calgary, Mary is excited to reconnect with her community and begin working with cSPACE.

John is an innovative, energetic professional with over 30 years in the not for profit sector and is a significant contributor and supporter of the community through Board and volunteer commitments.

Most recently John was the Vice President for Fund Development at Heart & Stroke and retired in September 2019. In addition to recently joining the Board of cSPACE, John is the Chair of Operation Eyesight and a long-standing member of the Board of Alberta Ballet and Chair’s Alberta Ballet School.

John has also been a member of the Board of the United Way and served on several Government of Alberta Boards and Commissions with a particular focus on the innovation sector.

In John’s “spare time” he is a dedicated road cyclist and down hill skier and thoroughly enjoys spending time at their recreational property in the Columbia Valley.

John is married to Carol Larsen and has the privilege of having 2 wonderful step daughters, Kristin & Nicole.

As the CFO at Hopewell Residential, Manoj oversees a diverse portfolio of land development and homebuilding projects spanning over 4,000 acres in Alberta. A Chartered Accountant with a decade-long stint at a big-4 accounting firm, Manoj brings financial expertise to the forefront. As a Board Director and Audit and Finance Committee Member, he actively contributes to strategic decision-making for cSPACE Projects. Residing in Calgary since 2011, Manoj is passionate about fostering a creative and culturally rich environment in Calgary. 

Outside the boardroom, he explores the mountains with his French bulldogs and enjoys being an enthusiastic home cook and NBA Basketball aficionado.

Dr. Leslie Robertson holds a PhD in Curriculum Teaching and Learning, a MEd in Staff Development from the University of Calgary, and a BEd from the University of Manitoba.

Leslie’s passion for the Arts and Education culminated in more than 11 years as principal and instructional leader of an Arts-Centred Learning school here in Calgary. She is currently an Instructor in the Faculty of Education at Mount Royal University, teaching and mentoring aspiring teachers.

As a career educator, Leslie has made significant contributions to several Calgary Board of Education initiatives incorporating the Arts. These include innovations in administration, the classroom and the broader community.

Leslie believes the Arts are a catalyst for awareness and change. She demonstrates and values inclusion and adaptability as much as she shows initiative and innovative thinking. With her current role she continues to nurture a keen interest and commitment to the arts community in Calgary.

As managing partner of honeycomb solutions – a real estate marketing consultancy that offers strategic counsel in brand development, community engagement and partner attraction – Susan is passionate about building community.

Former Senior Vice President of Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (2009-2019) – the master developer overseeing the redevelopment of Calgary’s East Village and Cultural & Entertainment District (C&E), Susan was rigorous in advancing the vision for the community and oversaw $2.4 billion of private investment in the area.

She brought the neighbourhood and public perspectives to the table for consideration in decision making which yielded a community of supporters, influencers, and followers.

Over the past 15 years, Susan has loaned her expertise to a variety of industry initiatives and volunteer roles including: 2016 Juno Awards, 2026 Olympic Bid Committee, Calgary Arts Development Association and in 2017, she co-founded a mentoring and networking group for young women in the real estate sector called WIND.