Sheli Stevens
Founder · Inspirational Coach · World-Class Performer
Sheli Stevens founded Stage Craft Coach in 2017, guided by a lifelong passion for teaching, mentoring, and empowering others through music and performance. As the heart and creative force behind the studio, Sheli provides comprehensive coaching in singing, movement, and stage presence, working with students of all ages—from curious beginners to seasoned performers.
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Over the past seven years, Sheli has coached more than 350 students ranging from ages 5 to 95, helping each one build confidence, express their creativity, and find their authentic voice. Stage Craft Coach offers personalized one-on-one vocal training from Sheli’s studio in Laval, as well as after-school group programs in local schools. One of the studio’s signature moments, Stage Craft’s Got Talent Showcase, recently brought together 35 performers aged 5 to 65, celebrating courage, growth, and the joy of live performance.
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At the core of Sheli’s mission is a simple but powerful belief: music should be accessible, meaningful, and transformative for everyone. Her teaching style is warm, encouraging, and deeply respectful of each student’s individuality—creating a safe space where confidence can grow naturally.
A World-Class Performer with a Global Journey
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Originally from Oregon, Sheli Stevens is an internationally experienced vocalist whose career reflects both artistic excellence and adventurous spirit. She began singing at the age of three and immersed herself in performance throughout her youth. After excelling in a specialized performing arts high school, Sheli continued her studies in Finland, receiving classical training in voice, piano, flute, and drums.
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In her early twenties, Sheli toured internationally with The Young American Song and Dance Company, followed by lead vocalist and headliner roles aboard Regency Cruise Ships, performing for audiences from Alaska to Aruba. From 2000 to 2022, she was widely recognized as the lead vocalist for 1945 The Band, captivating audiences with her presence, versatility, and vocal power.
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Today, as an independent entrepreneur and sought-after performer, Sheli collaborates with top-tier musicians and delivers high-quality performances across a wide range of styles, including Pop, Top 40, R&B, Jazz, Swing, Classic Rock, Lounge, and her original compositions. Whether on stage or in the studio, her depth of experience ensures performances and coaching that are both technically refined and emotionally resonant.
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Through Stage Craft Coach, Sheli Stevens continues to inspire students, schools, and audiences alike, helping people of all ages step into the spotlight with confidence, skill, and authenticity.
Maria Papadimitriou
Stage Craft Coach · Vocal & Performance Mentor
Maria Papadimitriou is a stagecraft coach and musician with a lifelong connection to singing, performance, and creative expression. From an early age, music became a natural path for her, leading to performances in theatre productions and eventually to mastering multiple instruments, including guitar, piano, bass, and drums. Her passion for music has taken many forms, from performing live on stage to composing and producing her own songs.
With over 10 years of experience in music and several years working closely with children and young people, Maria brings both artistic depth and educational understanding to her coaching. She has performed in a rock band as a singer, drummer, and bassist, playing live shows that featured both original music and covers. Today, she continues to write, compose, and produce music as part of her ongoing creative practice.
Maria works with students aged 4 to 17 across several schools in the Montreal and Laval region. She currently serves as a full-time instructor at Jules Verne, while also leading Stage Craft programs in schools including Hillcrest Academy, Twin Oaks Elementary, and Crestview Elementary. Her work focuses on helping young people develop confidence, creativity, and a sense of ownership over their voice and presence on stage.
At the heart of Maria’s teaching philosophy is the belief that every voice is unique and irreplaceable. Rather than encouraging students to compete or compare themselves with others, she guides them toward discovering their own authentic sound and expression. Her coaching helps students move beyond fear and self-doubt, creating a space where creativity, courage, and individuality can thrive.
Maria finds deep inspiration in working with children. Their imagination, honesty, and curiosity continually remind her why creativity matters. In her classes, students experience a supportive and joyful environment where learning feels collaborative and empowering.
Through her work with Stage Craft Coach, Maria helps young performers build confidence, discover their artistic voice, and step onto the stage with authenticity and pride, skills that extend far beyond performance and into everyday life.
Nadia Bacharian
Stage Craft Coach · Singer · Creative Mentor
Nadia Bacharian is a Stage Craft Coach and singer with a deep passion for creativity, expression, and inspiring young artists to discover their voice. With a multidisciplinary artistic background, Nadia brings a vibrant and imaginative perspective to the Stage Craft Coach team.
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She studied Studio Arts at Concordia University, where she trained in performance art, painting, drawing, and photography, developing a strong foundation in visual and performing arts. Her studies strengthened her belief that creativity is a powerful tool for communication, confidence, and personal growth.
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Inspired to share her love of the arts with younger generations, Nadia began working with children through volunteer roles in local schools and learning environments. At Razmataz Daycare, she supported teachers as an aide while leading creative activities and art projects with students. She also volunteered at Twin Oaks Elementary School, helping kindergarten students explore creativity through hands-on arts and crafts and guided expression.
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Nadia is currently continuing her studies to become a qualified educator, further strengthening her ability to support children in creative and educational settings.
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In addition to her artistic work, Nadia has spent several years in the fashion industry, working with brands such as Desigual, Marciano, Reitmans, and Ever New. These experiences deepened her understanding of personal style, confidence, and the many ways people express their identity.
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At Stage Craft Coach, Nadia combines her artistic training, musical passion, and educational experience to create a supportive and encouraging environment where children feel safe to explore their creativity. She believes every child deserves the opportunity to express themselves freely and grow with confidence.
Guided by values of inclusivity, kindness, patience, dedication, and discovery, Nadia helps students build not only performance skills but also self-confidence and pride in their unique voice.
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As both an artist and mentor, Nadia continues to pursue her own creative projects, including songwriting, music videos, art installations, and storytelling, while inspiring the next generation of performers to explore their imagination and step onto the stage with courage.
Diana Chisme Tovar
Stage Craft Coach · Singer-Songwriter · Creative Educator
Diana Chisme Tovar is a singer-songwriter, dancer, and passionate arts educator who has been immersed in creative expression since childhood. Growing up in the arts program at FACE School in Montreal, she developed a deep connection to music, movement, and performance that continues to shape her artistic journey today.
Diana began writing songs at the age of thirteen as a way to express her thoughts, emotions, and experiences through music. Songwriting quickly became one of her most meaningful creative outlets, allowing her to connect with others and explore the power of storytelling through sound and performance.
Her love of teaching began just as early. At only twelve years old, Diana started coaching young children as an ice-skating instructor, where she discovered a natural ability to guide, encourage, and learn alongside her students. Since then, she has continued to work with youth in creative environments, helping children build confidence while exploring their artistic potential.
In 2025, after training under Stage Craft Coach founder Sheli Stevens, Diana joined the Stage Craft team as a coach. She brings a vibrant mix of music, dance, performance experience, and heartfelt mentorship to the program.
Currently studying to become an elementary school teacher, Diana is deeply committed to supporting young learners and nurturing creativity in educational settings. She believes that children offer a unique perspective on life and creativity, reminding us that curiosity, imagination, and self-expression are essential to growth.
At Stage Craft Coach, Diana helps students discover their voice, build confidence, and experience the joy of performance in a supportive, encouraging environment. She looks forward to continuing her artistic journey while inspiring the next generation of performers and creators.
