Lida Shanehchiyan is a multidisciplinary artist, designer, and dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience in visual arts, digital design, and teaching across both academic institutions and the creative industry. With a Master of Fine Arts from OCAD University and a Master of Design from York University, she brings depth, insight, and passion to every creative space she leads.

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Lida’s journey has woven through the worlds of graphic design, art direction, visual research, and art education—always guided by one central goal: to inspire growth through creativity.

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After years of professional success, Lida discovered her true calling in the classroom. Over the past several years, she has taught a wide range of students—from imaginative four-year-olds to university-level emerging artists. With each lesson, she finds joy in helping others unlock their creative voice and build confidence through visual expression.

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This passion led to the founding of Creative Turtle—not just a boutique art school, but a philosophy. Lida believes that art has the power to transform lives, build resilience, and cultivate self-awareness. Every class at Creative Turtle is an invitation to explore, imagine, and grow in a warm, supportive environment.

Maryam Shanehchian is a creative event designer with a rich academic background and a deep love for bringing joy to children through imaginative celebrations. With a Bachelor of Administrative Studies (Honours), a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, and a Master of Science in Statistics, she blends analytical precision with heartfelt creativity in every experience she curates.

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Maryam’s journey took a joyful turn seven years ago, inspired by the experience of raising her own children. What began as planning a birthday party for her son quickly became something more—a realization that her true passion lay in crafting magical, memory-making moments for kids. Encouraged by glowing feedback from family and friends, she embraced the art of party planning and never looked back.

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Today, Maryam pours her energy into creating playful, detail-rich events that celebrate childhood wonder. Her work is grounded in the belief that joyful moments—filled with colour, laughter, and connection—have a lasting impact. With every party she plans, Maryam continues to follow her heart and share the happiness that first sparked her path.

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Emma Reid is a passionate communicator and strategic thinker with a Master of Digital Marketing from the University of Toronto. With a strong foundation in branding, storytelling, and digital strategy, she has spent the past decade helping organizations connect meaningfully with their audiences—online and in the real world.
 

Emma’s journey into creative education and events began with a deep appreciation for community-driven work. Drawn to Creative Turtle’s mission of inspiring growth through art and joyful experiences, she found a natural home on the team. Here, she blends creativity with strategy, crafting thoughtful campaigns and vibrant content that reflect the heart of each class, workshop, and celebration.
 

Whether building a brand presence, engaging families through social media, or ensuring every detail of communication reflects the studio’s values, Emma believes great marketing is rooted in authenticity. For her, it's all about telling the stories that matter—and helping families discover the magic of creativity along the way.

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