Meet the Directors

Current Directors

Kirsten Sixt

HI! I’m Kirsten and I’m an Occupational Therapist who has have been involved with
Teaching Awareness through Puppetry (TAP) for over 25 years; first as a puppeteer and since 2007 as Co-Director. I have been involved in program development, strategic program change, marketing, health promotion, education and research, puppeteer training and disability awareness.

Prior to this, I worked at Women’s College Hospital running outpatient orthopaedic clinics. I have a passion for live theatre and education which is why working for TAP, fulfills both areas of interest. Feel free to reach to me through email, if you would like to know more about our workshops! Kirsten@tap-toronto.com

Mary Sword

Hi, I’m Mary! I am currently working towards a PhD in the Critical Disability Studies program at York University. I hold a Master of Arts degree in Theatre and Performance Studies (YorkU) and a bachelor’s degree in English literature with a concentration in Drama Studies (CarletonU). My research focuses on how to ethically and accurately theatrically stage the lived experiences of those with profound cognitive and multiple disabilities and their families.

I have been with TAP since January 2020. Originally, I joined TAP as an intern as part of my master’s degree, but loved the puppets and people of TAP so much, I decided to stay! Puppetry is an art form that can transcend boundaries, and the TAP puppets are a great example of this!

I grew up experiencing disabilities through multiple lenses, both personal and familial; I was the child that would have felt the impact of a TAP workshop. I love that I am now able to do my part as an adult in working towards helping all children feel included and accepted among their peers.

I believe in the message of TAP – though teaching the younger generations that everyone is different and deserves to be included, the future will surely be filled with kinder & more inclusive communities!

Past Directors

Biljana Karadzic

Hi, my name is Biljana, and I am a Co-Director at Teaching Awareness Through Puppetry (TAP). I absolutely LOVE puppets!

I earned an Honours Bachelor of Dramatic Arts and a Master’s in Dramatic Arts and Media from the University of Belgrade, Serbia. Yes, I’m originally from Belgrade, Serbia, and I moved to Toronto, Canada, in 2016. I joined TAP in 2018 and have been dedicated to its mission ever since.

I am a drama artist, puppeteer, producer, drama teacher, and proud mother of two beautiful boys. I truly believe that the only way to change the world is by educating children, and that’s exactly what we do here at TAP—planting the seeds of acceptance and inclusion.

Since you’re already visiting our site, please consider heading over to the Donate page and supporting our program. Thank you!

Rindy Bradshaw

Hi, I’m Rindy, the Co-Director of Teaching Awareness through Puppetry (TAP). I began my career in advertising, working as an Account Director at Ogilvy & Mather in Toronto and London England. I have been working in the community for 18 years. I have chaired the School Council at John Fisher Public School, ran the JNAC community at Lawrence Park Church and contributed to a number of community initiatives before joining Teaching Awareness through Puppetry in 2012. I have a passion for communication and community development.  At TAP we are always looking for new volunteers and funding ideas. If you would like to volunteer or donate to the program,  email us at info@tap-toronto.com