From Left to Right Tabatha Golat, Kelly Finerty, Leah-Anne MacLeod, Janis Jean, Cassidy Nunn, Allison Smith, Amber Wahl, Katherine Kjaer, Lin Skrivanos & Sue Hodgson
At Seaside Magazine, we’re lucky enough to work with a team of true “Women to Watch” every issue. From our photographers to our Creative Director to our Publisher and Owner, and everyone in between, the women who are part of the team work together to share Seaside with our readers every month. Being that so many of us work behind the scenes, we thought we’d introduce ourselves so you can get to know a little bit about Seaside Magazine’s own “Women to Watch.”
Sue Hodgson
Owner & Publisher
I grew up in the Maritimes and moved to B.C. in my early 20s to attend UVic, where I completed my social science degree. I am the proud parent of two adult children who are now finding their own paths and building their careers. I spent 16 years in the newspaper industry before moving into magazines, and then came Seaside 13 years ago. I own, publish and manage the day-to-day operations of the business, alongside my editor, Allison Smith.
I have a deep love for animals of all kinds and currently share my life with my two-year-old rescue, George, who keeps me busy and smiling on our long walks through the community.
Allison Smith
Editor-in-Chief
I’ve been with Seaside from the beginning (2009) and have a hand in everything magazine-related. I am the liaison between our clients, readers, writers and the Seaside team and I help with every stage of the issue – from concept to organizing all the “bits and pieces” to laying out the final document and sending it off to the printer.
I live in Saanichton with my daughter, husband, and our two crazy doodles. After moving away from the Island for journalism school and ensuing job, I have now been back for 17 years and can’t imagine living anywhere other than on the Saanich Peninsula.
Leah-Anne MacLeod
Creative Director
I was born and raised on beautiful Vancouver Island, where I developed a love for the outdoors. My family and I enjoy camping with friends and spending time together. When I find a quiet moment, you’ll usually find me curled up with a good book.
Essentially, I help bring Seaside to life visually. I design the cover, table of contents and article layouts, and assist with ad design as needed.
Tabatha Golat
Editorial Director & Screen Scene Columnist
I’m the Editorial Director at Seaside, where I also manage our social media and write the “Screen Scene” column. With a background in film and photography, I’ve always been drawn to movies and storytelling, and Seaside has given me a wonderful way to share that passion locally.
I’ve been part of the team for about four years, after the magazine covered the making of my last film, Imitates Life. Working with the magazine has deepened my connection to the Saanich Peninsula and the strong sense of community here. It’s been a way to stay connected to the neighbourhoods around me.
Katherine Kjaer
Sales Account Manager
Growing up in Toronto, I moved to Victoria in 1990 and have never looked back. I enjoy swimming and ocean walks, spending time exploring the Island and local outdoor markets.
I have spent most of my career working in the magazine industry. Working with the Seaside team is truly rewarding as is getting to know business owners and helping them share their stories.
Outside of work I stay active in my community by volunteering, currently at the Victoria Art Gallery and am also involved in several local groups including the Victoria Camera Club. Nothing beats quality time with my three grown children; Frankie, my dachshund; and cat, Luna.
Janis Jean
Staff Photographer
I’ve been a staff photographer with Seaside Magazine since 2019 and am continually inspired by the opportunity to tell local stories through my lens. I love the challenge of creating strong, impactful images that help readers “feel” the story before they’ve read a single word.
I value being part of the collaborative Seaside team that gathers each month to discuss the issues, people and stories at the heart of our community – having a seat at that table means a great deal to me.
These days, with our daughter grown, I live in Deep Cove with my husband and our two retrievers.
Sarah Hartley
Staff Photographer
I’m born and raised on Vancouver Island and share a beautiful blended family with my loving husband. I’ve been a photographer with Seaside Magazine for nearly two years and love being part of the team. Through my work, I get to meet so many amazing people in the community and have the privilege of sharing their stories through photographs. I look forward to continuing this work and capturing the stories of our community for years to come.
Amber Wahl
Staff Photographer
My name is Amber, owner of Wind Gypsy Photography. I am a mother, creator/artist, sailor and an adventurer. I have a little 27-foot sailboat on which I’ve lived for 15 years, 10 of those with my daughter. I have been up and down the B.C. coast in my boat, and have a few stories to tell.
Photography has been a love of mine since I was a kid, starting out in film photography until I was 25, when I got my first digital. I enjoy being creative, meeting new people and hearing stories from all walks of life. Being a photographer for Seaside Magazine has been incredibly special and rewarding. I feel very honoured to be working with such caring people, with the opportunity to meet all sorts of people in the community.
Lin Skrivanos
Bookkeeping & Administration
A longtime Sidney local, I’m happiest working behind the scenes – handling bookkeeping and administration to keep Seaside Magazine and other clients running smoothly. I’m a board member with Abbeyfield House Sidney and an active volunteer with my kids’ clubs, which keeps me closely connected to the community. When I’m not balancing numbers, I’m a proud mom of two great boys who loves cooking big home-cooked meals, hitting the Dean Park trails and getting strong at the gym.
Shown in photo:
Kelly Finerty, proofreader; Cassidy Nunn, columnist
