We are artists, urban planners, and cultural researchers
We’re a team of creative humans inspired by art and community.
We see public spaces as creative canvases for building inclusive and vibrant places. With our experiences across public art management, cultural planning, and creative placemaking, we connect you to your public art goals by turning artistic possibilities into impactful realities.
STEPS Team
Alexis Kane Speer
Executive Director
Alexis (she/they) is responsible for STEPS’ strategic planning, partnership development, and fundraising. Inspired by the city and the people who bring it to life, she has 20+ years experience leading public art, cultural planning, and community building initiatives, for which she has received numerous awards.
Amanda Wand
Operations Manager
Amanda (she/her) is an abstract artist with 10+ years of experience developing, delivering and managing program operations for charities and a social enterprise across North America. She loves working with people and is passionate about supporting artists and making a positive impact in her community.
Anjuli Solanki
Program Director
Anjuli (she/her) oversees STEPS’ community, cultural planning, agency, and public art portfolios, including supporting the teams and developing the partnerships that make them possible. She is a painter and public artist with 15+ years in community engagement, public programming and urban research.
Collin Zipp
Public Art Manager
Collin (he/him) manages the design and implementation of public art and artist capacity building programs. He is a multidisciplinary artist and arts administrator who brings 10+ years of experience to the team. Collin is dedicated to fostering lasting relationships between artists, artworks, and communities.
Evy Cooley
Partnership Associate
Evy (she/her) recently completed a Master of Public Health at Queen’s University, focusing on health promotion, policy, and community perspectives. Evy’s background includes community-facing roles centred on outreach, collaboration, and translating complex ideas into clear, accessible conversations. Evy is interested in how public spaces, art, and community initiatives support wellbeing, inclusion, and connection.
Margo Smith
Cultural Projects Coordinator
Margo Smith (she/her) is an arts administrator, printmaker, and educator. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Research from the University of Calgary. She designs and facilitates visual arts programs in museums and community settings. Passionate about accessibility and engagement, Margo is interested in how people connect with art.
Melissa Van de Vooren
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Melissa (she/her) is a versatile marketing professional, performer, and vintage seller with a background in broadcast television and over 10+ years of experience across North America and internationally. Melissa is creative, with a passion for storytelling, strategy, and content creation.
Sophie (Sam) Mitjavile
Cultural Planning Manager
Sophie (she/they) has a background in cultural planning, programming, and arts administration. She is passionate about creating inclusive public spaces through creative placemaking and is committed to the representation of diverse voices.
Yelizaveta (Liza) Mishko
Cultural Projects Coordinator
Liza (she/her) is an urban and community planner. She is passionate about placemaking and creating equitable communities with an interest in designing for play. She applies a people-first approach to community planning.
Zoe Krtic
Partnership Associate
Zoe (she/her) is a recent McGill University graduate in History and Political Science, with a focus on Art and Architectural History. With a background in arts education and community engagement, she holds a lifelong commitment to making arts, culture, and history engaging and inclusive. She applies creative thinking and a community-focused perspective in her role.
Board of Directors
Did you know STEPS Public Art is governed by a national Board of Directors? Our ability to bring positive impact to communities across Canada is thanks to the Board’s diverse experiences in business development, law, cultural planning, charitable fundraising, finance, and more.
Ammar Mahimwalla
City of Victoria
Carl Brundtland
9 Story Media Group
Cherlyne Knox (Treasurer)
Artbooks
Jo Flatt (Board Chair)
Allied REIT
Maureen Healey
Ontario Culture Days
Michael Vickers
Brampton Arts Organization
Miriam Kramer (Vice Chair)
OCAD University
William Skura
City of Toronto
Yusra Khan
De Lage Landen Financial Services
Past Board Members
- Adam Molson, Daniels Corporation (STEPS Tenure: 2016-2022, Interim Chair in 2022)
- Alex Apostolopolous, Regimen Labs Inc (STEPS Tenure: 2018-2022)
- Annabel Vaughan, ERA Architects (STEPS Tenure: 2014-2016)
- Candace Hook, The Centre for Creative Arts (STEPS Tenure: 2023-2025)
- Craig Hudson, Tulip (STEPS Tenure: 2020 – 2026)
- Dave Kranenburg, Kendal Hills Farm (STEPS Board Chair: 2014-2016)
- Mojan Jianfar, City of Toronto (STEPS Tenure: 2018-2022)
- Rich Appiah, Appiah Law (STEPS Tenure: 2016-2023, STEPS Board Chair: 2017-2021)
- Robyn Small, TD (STEPS Tenure: 2020 – 2025)
- Stuart Keeler, TD (STEPS Tenure: 2025)