Alexa DiFrancesco, Co-Editor
Alexa edits our stories and oversees the production of The Otter. She’s an associate producer at CBC Newsroom, CBC’s Canada Tonight, and CBC’s Cross Country Checkup. She’s also a senior writer at CBC News Network and a program assistant at CBC’s Just Asking. Alexa is interested in the stories of young people and what they believe in. You can reach her at adifrancesco@torontomu.ca
Carly Pews, Co-Editor
Carly edits our stories and oversees the production of The Otter. Previously, she has worked as the creative director of ICONOCLAST Collective and a contributor for the Western Gazette. Her freelance work has been featured in Maclean’s Magazine and across their websites. Carly is interested in politics, women’s stories, investigative journalism and feature writing. You can reach her at cpews@torontomu.ca.
Livia Dyring, Features Editor
Livia edits our stories, works with writers, and helps manage the production schedule for our team. She is an associate producer with CBC Radio and a freelance science journalist. She has previously written for the mental health magazine Inspire the Mind and the archaeology website Dig It! Scotland. Livia is interested in art, science and current affairs, and stories that take big perspectives on the long, ongoing journey of humanity. You can reach her at ldyring@torontomu.ca.
Kiera Osborne, Features Editor
Kiera edits our stories and works with writers of The Otter. She interned in the content unit at CBC, and has written for CBC’s Health and Science sections. Her background is in medical sciences and her interests lie in stories reflecting the intersection between research and human experience. You can reach her at kiera.osborne@torontomu.ca
Trent Weston, Features Editor
Trent is dedicated to helping contributors submit the best versions of their writing so they may realize their full potential. His years as a copywriter and editor give him a foundation to assist others in creating captivating work. Understanding the importance of connecting with others deeply, he helps writers form intimate relationships on the page. As an avid reader, he appreciates the value of using literary narrative techniques to engage audiences. You can reach him at trent.weston@torontomu.ca
Andrew Roberts, Digital Editor
Andrew manages, schedules, and designs content for The Otter’s website. He is currently a program assistant for CBC’s Cross Country Checkup and CBC’s Just Asking. His freelance work can be found in Today’s Parent, Exclaim! Magazine and THIS Magazine. Andrew is interested in arts, lifestyle and entertainment journalism with a specific focus in all things film! You can reach him at andrew2.roberts@torontomu.ca
Joshua Ben Joseph, Art Director
Joshua oversees the art and design for all written and digital content at The Otter. He started his journalistic career as an editorial cartoonist and has worked with Carolyn Jarvis’ investigative team at Global News. In an alternate universe, he is – hopefully – making satirical cartoons with Al Jaffee at the MAD Magazine. You can reach him at joshua.ben.joseph@torontomu.ca
Matthew Hanick, Chief Copy Editor
Matthew ensures that The Otter’s stories are clear to readers and free from any typographical errors. He has written stories for The National Post, THIS Magazine, Break the Needle, and more. He was previously co-editor of Poetry for White Wall Review, the journal of creative writing in the Department of English at Toronto Metropolitan University. He is interested in writing stories about social justice, art, and culture. You can reach him at mhanick@torontomu.ca
Chloe Kim, Copy Editor
Chloe ensures that stories published by The Otter are free from any grammatical and CP errors. She’s interned at The Big Story and CBC’s Day 6. She loves stories that unpack systemic issues by shining light on underrepresented voices. As a copy editor, she appreciates writing that is clear and written in the active voice. You can reach her at chloe.s.kim@torontomu.ca
Marina Black, Head of Research
Marina oversees The Otter’s vigorous fact-checking team while checking the facts herself! She is an editorial writer and photographer through her business, Marina Black Media, and co-produced for The Agenda with Steve Paikin during her internship at TVO. Marina is interested in long-form and multi-media publications discussing advocacy, sustainability and communication across various fields and industries. You can reach her at marina.black@torontomu.ca
Belle O’Neill, Social Media Coordinator and Payroll Administrator
Belle O’Neill manages, schedules, and designs content for The Otter website and social media networks. Previously she has published work on behalf of Wilfrid Laurier University, for Her Campus magazine, and co-hosted the Laurier Teaching and Learning podcast. She is interested in all things sports and entertainment. You can reach her at IsoBelle.oneill@torontomu.ca
Grace Draznin, Partnerships/Communications Director
Grace facilitates communications between The Otter and its community partners, as well as coordinates our events! She completed an editorial internship at Today’s Parent, now working for them part-time as a junior editor. Grace specializes in writing on information and communication technologies but is passionate about exploring topics related to nutrition, holistic health and global social issues. You can reach her at grace.draznin@torontomu.ca
We would also like to recognize the following people who support The Otter and make all this possible:
Founder and Instructor: Bill Reynolds
Publisher: Ravindra Mohabeer, Toronto Metropolitan University School of Journalism
Consultants: Carine Abouseif (The Walrus), Jowita Bydlowska (TMU), Erica Lenti (Chatelaine), Eternity Martis (TMU), Angela Misri (TMU), Luc Rinaldi (Toronto Life)
Legal: Ryder Gilliland