Media Communications

Cathy Bidini is an award-winning photographer, professor and creative image-maker based in Toronto. She has been shooting and teaching photography for over two decades and is currently co-ordinator of the multidisciplinary Media Communications program at Humber. As a leader in education, she is responsible for inspiring and mentoring students as they find their way in the creative economy. Cathy has worked in the industry shooting both editorial and commercial gigs with an emphasis on interior design and architecture photography. Her work has appeared online and in print world-wide. She continues to inspire and be inspired by her students as she develops her photographic practice.

Johann Bona is a portrait, beauty and fashion photographer whose approach relies on the foundations of strong portraiture. His work assembles the revelatory elements of an image by tying in clean, graphic compositions and lighting with the mood and expressions of his subjects. There is an elegance in his visual language that highlights the beauty that otherwise might be overlooked, giving space for the stories of the subjects he is working with.

With many years of industry experience under his belt, Johann fell in love with sharing this knowledge, finding joy in teaching the craft to young aspiring image-makers. He teaches at Humber College, one of the leading creative colleges in Toronto, and conducted lectures at Seneca College and the University of Toronto. A cum laude graduate with a Master in Fashion and Luxury Brand Management from Istituto Marangoni in Milan, Johann worked largely as a fashion photographer after graduating, shuffling his time between Canada, Italy, and the Philippines. His work has since appeared in international editions of Esquire, L’Officiel, Town & Country and Tatler, among others, and he has amassed a notable clientele for commissioned work. In 2013, he was signed by the artist management agency Jed Root, presently the Artists & Company Manila. He currently lives and works in Toronto, Canada.

Vince J. Ciarlo has been a communications professional for over 20 years and has been teaching in Humber College’s Faculty of Media & Creative Arts since 2008. He has worked in an agency environment, as well as an entrepreneur, with a variety of clients in a variety of industries, including arts, culture, lifestyle, and non-profit. In 2017, his boutique-style agency was nominated for the INSPIRE Awards’ LGBTQ Positive Business of the Year. Vince has sat on a number non-profit boards and continues to be an active volunteer. He graduated in 2003 with a BA in Sociology from York University, holds a Public Relations Certificate from Toronto Metropolitan University, and is currently working on a master's degree in adult education from Central Michigan University.

In addition to teaching at Humber, during the fall semester, Vince continues to work in the communications industry and seeks out unique and interesting projects that feed his curiosity and makes life interesting.

Peter is a writer, filmmaker and educator based in Toronto.

His documentary On the Road to Virtue chronicles the relationship between a Canadian social justice advocate and refugees from the 1980s civil war in El Salvador. It was recently added to the permanent collection of the Museum of the Word and Image in San Salvador. Earlier documentaries include Guarding A Musical Treasure, a journey into the world of Baroque culture in Bolivia, as well as the science docs The Challenge of Quantum Reality and The Mystery of Dark Matter for Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. He also produced, shot, and edited English for Yu, a 1994 Hot Docs finalist, which followed three women who fled the Bosnian civil war for new lives in Canada. Previous scripted projects include the comedic short Dear Bear and the irreverent web series Turning Intern.

Peter was also a visual effects designer on several successful multimedia musical revues for Drayton Entertainment including Twist & Shout: Music of the British Invasion, Legends: A Salute to Musical Pioneers, You’ll Get Used to It: The War Show! and Canadian Legends.

Peter is also the author of the 1987 historical monograph Caring On The Grand: A History of the Freeport Hospital, and the memoir essay “Terrazzo,” published in the 2004 American anthology Walking Higher: Gay Men Write About The Deaths of Their Mothers.

Pouyan Fard (Assoc. CSC) is a Toronto-based cinematographer. After graduating from Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, he entered the world of cinematography with a passionate thirst to produce world-class content. With over 15 years of experience in commercials, documentaries, and branded content, along with a history of working with world-class athletes such as Rob Gronkowski, Danica Patrick, Russell Westbrook, and Giancarlo Stanton, Pouyan has established himself as one of the best in his field.

As an executive member, I played a crucial role in the development and approval of a new course for the University of Yorkville's video game design diploma program. I am well versed in the process of obtaining approval for new programs from the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities.

I possess a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of the creative digital industry, having served as a member of the 3D design team for acclaimed games such as Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed.

Between 1997 and 2004, I held a leadership position where I successfully managed the marketing and sales team at Sabir Dam Company, in collaborationwith Liebherr and Caterpillar companies. During my tenure, I achieved impressive results, including a 19% increase in sales of Dam-Engineering machines and a 23% increase in sales of engineering services.

Since 2018, I have been leading and managing the design, marketing, and sales teams for Can-Technologies and Entelegies in Cambridge, Ontario. Through my leadership, we have achieved a significant 33% increase in sales.

I had the privilege of leading and overseeing the design team responsible for the development of the Toronto Star's advanced mobile and tablet applications. I worked closely with the Toronto Star newsroom and content marketing team, providing guidance and leadership to ensure the success of the project.

I possess full mastery of the execution operations and details involved in graphic design, web design, and motion graphics, with a particular focus on achieving marketing goals. Additionally, I have extensive experience in hands-on design for a wide range of creative technology products.

Jennie is a freelance graphic designer, specializing in illustration, print and front-end web design for various clients since 2008. She has had the opportunity to create illustrations for the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority, design training manuals for Spinal Cord Injury Ontario and marketing materials for several local businesses.

As an educator, Jennie has been teaching design at Humber since she graduated from the Graphic Design for Print and Web program in 2008. Her passion for design and helping others find their creative voices led her to complete a master’s degree in Inclusive Design from OCAD University. Creating communications that are approachable and accessible to diverse audiences is an important aspect of her practice as an educator and designer.

Brian is an experienced content creator with a demonstrated history of working in the broadcast media industry. He is skilled in broadcasting, video editing, print journalism and social media. He is a graduate from Toronto Metropolitan University where he earned a bachelor of Journalism degree and a master of arts focused in Media Production. Brian joined Humber College in 2018. Before that, he worked at TSN Sportscentre. His first editorial position was an archivist at The Score Television Network.

Cobi Ladner had her eye on a career in television after graduating from Toronto Metropolitan University’s Radio & Television Arts program; however, the writing was on the wall for her to work in print. She landed her first job at Chatelaine magazine, then moved on to Canadian Living and eventually House & Home magazine where she enjoyed a special connection with Canadian homeowners through her role as editor-in-chief for 15 years. Cobi was a key contributor to building the H&H brand in all areas from product with The Bay, to television with HGTV and daily morning shows, to an online presence, books, and special interest publications.

In 2008, Cobi struck out on her own to create a home decor and media brand embodying her personal style and spirit. In five short years, cobistyle grew to be a nationally recognized brand with products available in over 1,000 stores across Canada. She authored a best-selling children’s book called Why is an Orange called an Orange? A firm believer in lifelong learning, Cobi completed her master of ducation in 2020 with a focus on adult education.

Paul Minstrell is a college professor with more than 20 years' teaching experience in technology. Early in his career Paul recognized the need for trainers in the design and multimedia fields and began teaching part time. He has received teaching awards from Humber College for his excellence in the classroom.

Award-winning journalist formerly employed in the Toronto Star family, including most recently a digital editor for Metroland. I've also taught media courses at Mohawk College, Sheridan College and the University of Guelph-Humber.