We Are LCC: Recent Episodes
Lower Canada College
We are Lower Canada College, a school with a 112-year history that’s always been guided by the belief that everyone’s a learner for life. Our alumni, students, parents, teachers and staff have had extraordinary experiences, providing them with insights and perspectives that are worth sharing.
The We Are LCC podcast is a series of informative and engaging conversations with members of the extended Lower Canada College community, wherever they may be on the planet.
We delve into a wide range of diverse and timely issues with experts from a variety of fields. From sustainability to wellness to human rights, there will be something new to learn.
Be sure to subscribe to We Are LCCwherever you find your favourite podcasts and be inspired.
Stuntman Sam is up for anything. Ask him to prank complete strangers on their birthdays, all in the name of fun and a few laughs, and he’s game. As a radio host for Montreal’s morning radio show with The Beat, Stuntman Sam is so named for the risks that he takes and the publicity stunts that he stages to garner attention for the station. In his words, not all radio hosts are comfortable doing the “dirty” work, like contacting unsuspecting listeners and fabricating outrageous stories to elicit on-air reactions. Enter Mr. Lupovich.
Mr. Lupovich is also a voice-actor and highlights his acceptance into the Acting Conservatory at York University as a major achievement. The program, which offers intense training in stage and screen acting, admits only 16 students. During his time at York, Mr. Lupovich landed several roles in both TV and film.
Mr. Lupovich has many fond memories of certain teachers at LCC who encouraged his penchant for the arts. “They were endearing people who loved what they did and made a point to foster the students’ talents and cater to their interests. I attribute much of my work ethic and attitude to what I learned from them.”
Sam moved back to his beloved hometown of Montreal in 2014. He studied Acting/Voice at York University, and Radio Broadcasting at Humber College. Sam loves finding ways to connect with people, and radio is a brilliantly creative vehicle for him to explore that.
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Lily Mariani has just completed grade10 at LCC and joins us to talk about her personal project - Sport for All where her main focus is that no matter who you are, the importance of physical activity can not be denied. She acknowledges the sad reality that many children with disabilities do not get enough physical activity because of lack of equipment & resources and designed a manual to show how sports can be adapted with minimal cost and equipment so everyone can play! She is also the first girl in the history of LCC to make the juvenile baseball team, an accomplishment to be proud of and is the recipient of the Peter W Webster ‘60 Scholarship & Award.
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Christopher Shannon joined LCC in 2005. Since then he has overseen the implementation of three strategic plans, the school’s most successful fundraising initiatives and the construction of several state-of-the art learning facilities. Under his leadership, LCC has also developed a clear vision for campus and program development with an emphasis on program excellence, innovation and sustainability. This includes a more global orientation with the adoption of the IB curriculum in the high school, active membership in the Round Square International Association of Schools and broad student participation in the Duke of Edinburgh leadership programs.
During his tenure at LCC, Mr. Shannon has been President of the QAIS and served on the boards of CAIS, Round Square and the Vimy Foundation, which provides unique learning opportunities for young Canadians exploring Canada’s notable WWI legacy. Prior to coming to LCC, Mr. Shannon served for six years as head of school at Stanstead College in Quebec’s Eastern Townships.
A fluently bilingual Montrealer, Christopher Shannon graduated from Selwyn House School and from Pre-University at LCC, making him the first alumnus to head Lower Canada College. He pursued his education at Queen’s (B.A.), Institut universitaire de hautes études internationales – University of Geneva (Master's in International Affairs) and Brock University in Ontario (Master's in Educational Administration). Chris and his wife Hilary have two children: Leah (Pre-U ’06) and Matthew ’07 (Pre-U ’08), both proud graduates of LCC.
David Schwartz '87, Chair of the Board, has been the chief financial officer of Nuvei Corporation, a global fintech company, since November 2018. From 2010 to 2018, he was a senior executive of The Aldo Group ultimately being appointed chief financial officer in 2015. From 1999 to 2009, David was a senior financial executive of Optimal Payments and chief financial officer since 2002. He started his career at Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP where he held positions in assurance and financial advisory services. David holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University, is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and member of the Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec since 1996, as well as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). David and his wife Leanne have three daughters: Daniella ’17, Kaylee ’19 and Madison ’23.
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Natalie Voland is the parent of an LCC alum from the class of 2022 and current parent of a grade 9 student.
Natalie has been reinventing the process of real estate development for over 25 years. With a background in social work, she has a unique and purpose-driven, design-centred outlook on development that prioritizes historical protection of civic assets. She is forward-thinking; using buildings to unite communities and push environmental advocacy.
Natalie is an award-winning, socially-driven developer and a leader of the Quebec B Corp movement, where her companies contribute to the protection of the environment, foster social inclusion, while making market-driven profit to further the economic development of Montreal. She manages 1.5 million square feet, supports over 500 entrepreneurs, and is an active expert, public speaker, and mentor. Her newest venture - Quo Vadis Capital - is investing in carbon mitigated accessible housing to address inclusion and climate change in real estate.
Natalie sits on several boards and think tanks associated with her passion to be a leader in environmental, social and governmental (ESG) development. She is an active master planner, and partners with universities to use her assets as teaching and prototype tools to evolve concepts on what kind of city we want to build as citizens and corporate leaders. Natalie is a PhD candidate and member of the Concordia Chair of Excellence in Research on Smart and Resilient Cities and the Next Generation Cities Institute specializing in the bridge of market business practices that drive sustainability on the built environment.
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Lauren Small Pennefather is a current LCC parent of a grade 9 student.
Lauren joined the Public Service of Canada in January 1997, and has served in science, innovation and international portfolios. She is currently Director of National Celebrations and Commemorations for Parks Canada, and was the previous Director for Quebec Waterways responsible for the operations of five historic canals. Furthering her commitment to public service, Lauren was elected as a municipal councillor for the Town of Montreal West in November 2021.
Lauren holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Human Affairs and the School of Community and Public Affairs (1995) and a Master's Degree in Public Policy and Public Administration from Concordia University (1997). She completed a graduate certificate in air and space law at McGill University, Faculty of Law, Institute of Air and Space Law (2014).
Prior to joining the Parks Canada, Lauren worked for Environment Canada, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada and the Canadian Space Agency. The majority of her career has been devoted to diplomatic relations concluding agreements with China, India, Israel, Japan, the Russian Federation and the United States, and was head of delegation for the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee on matters related to space security.
In addition to her professional achievements, Lauren continues to remain active in local issues affecting her community. She proudly participates in the Terry Fox Run, having never missed a run in 24 years. She has raised over $50K for the Terry Fox Foundation towards cancer research, both as a participant and coordinator of the Montreal West Terry Fox Run. Lauren is a board member for Concordia University’s Alumni School of Community and Public Affairs, the Montreal West Community Services Council, and is the founder and chair of the Montreal West “Bottoms Up” Diaper Drive in benefit of the NDG Food Depot. In July 2017, Lauren was part of Team Canada in the Maccabiah Games half marathon in Israel.
In May 2015, Ms. Small was awarded the Alumna of the Year Award by Concordia University for outstanding professional and personal achievements and was named as one of five Concordia graduates making a difference in the world in 2016.
In November 2012, Lauren received the Queen Elizabeth llDiamond Jubilee Medal, honouring her continued commitment to improving relations with international partners.
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Design for the Art of Learning
Alec Mathewson '95 is the design curriculum lead and Fab Lab coordinator at LCC. He is an interdisciplinary artist and designer specializing in digital fabrication, critical making, and using design processes with the intent to learn. Alec examines the hidden spaces and accidental discoveries that emerge from creative technical practices with a particular concern for exposing the critical mindsets needed for students to learn about innovation and sustainable action. His research and creation are intended to spark dialogue about design education as a model for experiential learning in the 21st century, where creativity, curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking are concerned. He oversees the development of LCC's new Centre for Discovery, where ideas come to life through a community of practice surrounding design, technology, maker culture, and entrepreneurship.
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Sarah Kingsley began teaching at LCC in 2007. She taught in grade 1 and grade 4 before entering into the coordinator role of the Junior School LEAD department. She is also the coordinator of the English and social science programs in the Junior School. Sarah completed a master's degree in child studies in 2015 at Concordia University and has since pursued her certification as an Orton-Gillingham practitioner. She now provides intervention and curricular support in various grades throughout the Junior School.
Lise Huppler has been working in the LEAD department at LCC since 2008. She teaches study methods courses in the Middle and Senior Schools, and coordinates the LEAD program in the Middle, Senior and Pre-University Schools. Lise is also involved in several LEAD initiatives, including Grade 7 Brain Explained and Executive Functioning Morning, and exam prep courses. She completed a master's degree in child studies in 2015 at Concordia University, conducting a study on executive functioning measures and interventions in Middle School students with ADHD.
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Luc Drymer Graham '21 (Pre-U '22) is a recent graduate of Lower Canada College. Since 2018, he has been working in youth-to-youth education with International Animal Rescue Indonesia to promote orangutan and forest conservation in the remote villages of Kalimantan (Borneo). Through this work, Luc has come to understand how conservation is a multifaceted issue. In Indonesia’s most remote forest communities, he has worked with teenage students educating them about the importance of conservation and empowering them to make a difference in their communities—communities where the rate of deforestation is cataclysmic and, as a result, certain species are on the verge of extinction. Understanding the importance of perpetuating this knowledge, many of these students have since taken on roles as youth ambassadors, raising awareness and organizing local youth groups to use their collective voice to further spread their message at the local level. Be it in Kalimantan or at home in Montreal, Luc continues to spread the word about the plight of Indonesia’s forests and its indigenous inhabitants, informing, educating, and motivating anyone who will listen.
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Join us for a candid conversation with Lower Canada College’s Head of School, Christopher Shannon (Pre-U '76), about education: How things were, how they are and what’s in store for the future.
Christopher Shannon joined LCC in 2005. Since then he has overseen the implementation of three strategic plans, the school’s most successful fund-raising initiatives and the construction of several state-of-the art learning facilities. Under his leadership, LCC has also developed a clear vision for campus and program development with an emphasis on program excellence, innovation and sustainability. This includes a more global orientation with the adoption of the IB curriculum in the high school, active membership in the Round Square international association of schools and broad student participation in the Duke of Edinburgh leadership programs.
During his tenure at LCC, Mr. Shannon has been President of the QAIS and served on the boards of CAIS, Round Square and the Vimy Foundation, which provides unique learning opportunities for young Canadians exploring Canada’s notable WWI legacy. Prior to coming to LCC, Mr. Shannon served for six years as head of school at Stanstead College in Quebec’s Eastern Townships.
A fluently bilingual Montrealer, Christopher Shannon graduated from Selwyn House School and from Pre-University at LCC, making him the first alumnus to head Lower Canada College. He pursued his education at Queen’s (B.A.), Institut universitaire de hautes études internationales – University of Geneva (Master's in International Affairs) and Brock University in Ontario (Master's in Educational Administration). Chris and his wife Hilary have two children: Leah (Pre-U ’06) and Matthew ’07 (Pre-U ’08), both proud graduates of LCC.
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Kristina Ashqar '02 (Pre-U '03) began her journey with PSB Boisjoli as an intern in 2005. She quickly rose up the ranks of the firm’s Audit and Assurance Division. From the beginning, she established herself as a gifted supervisor with strong professional competencies, and an impressive ability to manage mandates.
Kristina was promoted to a managerial position in 2012 and was admitted to the partnership in 2019. Within the scope of her current responsibilities, she handles the accounts of several of the firm’s major clients, ensuring audit, assurance, and taxation services for companies from a diverse range of sectors. She also plays a key role in the supervision of over 45 members of the audit team.
Whether she’s managing client accounts, or supporting her team in professional development, Kristina demonstrates remarkable passion for everything she puts her mind to. Kristina’s infinite qualities make her one of the most admired and sought after professionals in the field.
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Before Manny Blu '12 was known as a Nashville artist with his own genre, three LPs and 1M+ streams, he was playing tours throughout North America and Canada as an acclaimed MMA fighter turned country singer and a true road warrior. Blu started his music career playing nightly shows to support his 2019 debut album “Leave It Like It Is” while also sharpening the larger-than-life sound that would later fill his 2020 EP “New Ink” and his most recent 2021 EP “Devil”.
However, before Blu took the stage, he spent his days in the gym, training for a career as an MMA fighter. When a leg injury left him unable to compete in professional matches, Blu found himself at home in Montreal, recovering from a torn quadricep and looking for a new passion to pass the time. What he found was a renewed appreciation for music. First he was drawn to the guitar-driven blues of BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and John Mayer. Second, he discovered a connection with easy-going swagger and relatable storytelling of modern country.
Today, Blu has relocated to Nashville and created a genre called country punk which combines the lyrical style of country music with the heavy infused beats and sounds of punk rock. Country punk brings Blu’s own vibe to country music creating an original sound that makes room for his blues and rock ‘n’ roll influences.
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Meghan Swidler '08 (Pre-U '09), is a graduate of Cornell University. She started her career working for a hyper growth tech startup in both San Francisco and New York City. Then, in 2021, she took a leap and changed her career path to follow her long-time passion for health and wellness, becoming a holistic nutrition health coach and wellness consultant. She holds certificates from both the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and the International Association for Health Coaches.
In this episode, Meghan shares her holistic nutrition coaching practices, which are grounded in plant-based whole foods, the principles of food combining, and bio-individuality. She reminds us that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to sustainable health and well-being. We hear about her transformational journey towards better holistic health and wellness, which she says is the foundation for an abundant life. Follow Meghan on Instagram.
http://www.instagram.com/thatplantbasedgal.
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Dr. John Brownstein '94, epidemiologist, professor of biomedical informatics at Harvard Medical School, and chief innovation officer of Boston Children’s Hospital, joins us for an in-depth look at the ongoing pandemic.
NOTE: Information shared in this episode was accurate on its release date of February 9, 2022, but may have changed since that time.
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Chris Olive graduated from John Abbott College in pure and applied sciences in 1991 and obtained a BSc in computer science from McGill University in 1995. He then worked for two years as a programmer for a Petro-Canada contractor on the Petro-Pass system. He returned to McGill and obtained a BEd with a minor in biology and physics.
From 2000 to 2015, he taught physics, general science, chemistry and computer programming at LCC and, from 2015-2017, worked at several Lester B. Pearson public schools. He returned to LCC in 2017 and is teaching physics and general science.
Chris has worked with at-risk youth at LOVE (Leave Out ViolEnce), and has coached robotics, soccer and curling teams. He is a lifelong competitive soccer player and finished 4th and 6th in the 40-44 age category at the 2014 FINA World Masters Championship in springboard diving, on 1m and 3m boards.
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Samara Fox '04 (Pre-U '05) addresses the myths and misconceptions of mental health and offers insight into her cutting-edge research.
Samara is a resident physician at the Harvard-Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Psychiatry Program in Boston, and has a JD from Harvard Law School and an MD from the Yale School of Medicine. She previously worked as an attorney at Ropes and Grey LLP and at Greater Boston Legal Services. Her interests are in immigrant and refugee health, trauma, and novel treatments for mood disorders.
Samara lives in Boston with her partner and their two pets.
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Sheri Elefant shares her personal journey, the shift in her career from corporate to non-profit and the things that are most meaningful to her.
Originally from New York, Sheri began her professional life in advertising working on product launches and media negotiations in a fast-paced, multi-million dollar industry. The decision to leave Madison Avenue was not difficult, as the greatest and most challenging opportunity of her life lay ahead - raising her kids.
Her non-profit career began as co-founder of the Trevor Williams Kids Foundation and she currently serves as the Strategic Development Officer for the Montreal Community Cares Foundation. Prior to this, she co-founded a 21st century non-profit sustainability learning space called Genvironment. She is also a member of the advisory board at Clickto, an edtech startup, which was born out of a need to address the pain points of remote learning as virtual became the new in-person.
Sheri is passionate about creating social value and putting youth - our future change makers - at the forefront of social issues, and integrating impact in anything she puts her hands on.
Sheri is mother to Samantha '10 (Pre-U '11) and David '12 (Pre-U '13).
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Mitch Garber talks about his early years, his rise to success and the importance of working hard and giving back.
In the early 90s, Mitch hosted a sports radio talk show in Montreal before pursuing a career as a lawyer and businessman. He led the online gambling unit of Caesars Entertainment Group before becoming the Chairman of Cirque du Soleil in 2015. He has been active in the effort to bring baseball back to Montreal, and he is now part owner of the NHL expansion team, the Seattle Kraken. He sits on the boards and leads a number of philanthropic activities in Canada and Israel. He has a BA from McGill University ('86), a law degree from the University of Ottawa ('89), an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa ('17), and was awarded the Order of Canada in 2019.
Mitch’s journey to success is filled with diverse experiences and is inspirational to a wide range of people of all ages.
Mitch is a past LCC parent and husband to Anne-Marie Boucher, a former LCC Board member. He is father to Dylan '12 and Ryan '17 (Pre-U '18).
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Matt Cundill '87 joins us for a candid conversation about his background, his journey in broadcasting and shift to the world of podcasting.
Matt is one of the best in the business of Canadian broadcasting and podcasting. He says he is grateful to his English teachers who, in his words, taught him how to write, an essential skill for working in media.
Matt continues to show support to those who aspire to follow in his footsteps, as he explains that his industry is all about giving back, sharing and teaching. He mentored students of the LCC Green Team, as they launched their own environment-related podcast, The Sustainable Burrito and, most recently, guided LCC in the production of the We Are LCC podcast.
Matt’s career in the industry spans 20 years. He was born and raised in Montreal and spent his days listening to radio before working on air. He was program director at top music and talk radio stations across Canada, starting at Montreal’s CHOM 97.7 and eventually landing in Winnipeg. In 2014, Matt had a slight career shift from radio and launched The Sound Off Media Company, helping broadcasters and podcasters increase their audience and the amount of time engaged in their audio, as well as hosting his own podcast The Podcast about Broadcast.
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The We Are LCC podcast is a series of informative and engaging conversations with members of the extended Lower Canada College community, wherever they may be on the planet. We delve into a wide range of diverse and timely issues with experts from a variety of fields. From sustainability to wellness to human rights, there will be something new to learn. Join us with host Kristine Jones, a proud LCC alumna, parent and the school’s Alumni Officer as we explore a variety of topics that encompass who we are as an LCC Community.
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