Meet Our Instructors

Michelle Ronquillo is a passionate ceramic artist and sculptor based in Toronto. Her journey began at the Arts Centre at Central Tech, where she completed a four-year certificate program in Fine Arts with a focus on sculpture and ceramics. She further expanded her artistic expertise by earning a diploma in makeup artistry, special effects prosthetics, and creature design from CMU. This experience strengthened her sculptural skills and enhanced her ability to work with clay. Michelle’s ceramic work often combines wheel-throwing techniques with finely detailed sculptural elements. Her mould-making skills have also translated into the mascot field, where she has worked as a sculptor and carver for several years and now works independently. With experience in large-scale mould making, she hopes to teach slip casting and mould-making techniques. Teaching has strengthened Michelle’s passion for art, developed her skills, and allowed her to share her knowledge with others. Through her work as a sculptor, carver, ceramic artist, and educator, Michelle continues to explore and push the boundaries of ceramic art.

Habiba El-Sayed’s multidisciplinary practice explores archives and parallels mythology with contemporary experience, reimagining historical references through a combination of old and new technologies. Habiba holds an Advanced Diploma in Ceramics from Sheridan College (2014) and a BFA in Ceramics from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (2016). Her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across North America and featured in publications including Craft is Political, BlackFlash Magazine, Fusion Magazine, and Studio Potter. Her practice also includes regular guest lectures, classes, and workshops at studios and institutions locally and internationally.

Leah Fernandes is a Toronto-based artist and designer working across ceramics and textiles. She holds a Bachelor of Design from OCAD University, where she studied both textiles and ceramics. Her practice has been recognised with the Craft Ontario Community Award, and her work was selected for the TOAF64 Showcase. Leah teaches ceramics throughout Toronto while continuing to develop her own studio practice with a focus on functional ceramics. Grounded in both aesthetics and everyday use, she creates thoughtfully crafted objects that explore materiality, craftsmanship, and the tactile qualities of handmade work.

Lynn Park is a visual artist and educator based in Toronto, Ontario. Working primarily in ceramics, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture, Lynn’s practice explores feelings, femininity, romance, language, and identity. She holds a BFA in Studio Art from Concordia University in Tiohtià:ke/Montréal and has exhibited her work in galleries and museums across Ontario, Quebec, and South Korea. Lynn is inspired by the lived experiences of immigrant Asian women, Korean folklore, and contemporary online feminist discourse. She currently works as a studio technician and pottery instructor.

Dale began practising pottery in 2022 after a study-abroad experience in Seoul, South Korea, sparked her love for the craft. Born in East London, United Kingdom, Dale has been completely captivated by all things pottery ever since. Dale loves throwing sturdy, angular forms that she can use to cook and serve food. Outside the studio, she enjoys travelling, eating, crocheting, and knitting. She also has a background in graphic design and illustration. Dale is excited to be part of Spin Pottery as a studio technician and instructor and is grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and growing.

Pixy discovered pottery as a creative refuge during the pandemic. What began as a personal escape quickly grew into a deep passion for the craft and its transformative impact on mental well-being. Inspired by the joy and connection pottery fosters, Pixy founded Spin Pottery Studio to create a welcoming space where creativity and community can thrive. At Spin Pottery Studio, Pixy hopes to share the same sense of joy and discovery that pottery brought into her life. For her, pottery is more than an art form—it is a way to bring people together and celebrate the beauty of making something with your hands.