Sya VanGeest

Sya is recognized as an accomplished, keen storyteller and a teacher of the art of storytelling. She's comfortable with audiences large or small, young or old, whatever the occasion or setting,  - -  seniors homes, community groups, concerts,  schools, Guides/Scouts, radio, places of worship, celebrations, meetings,  . .

Although some stories may come from her lived experience of eighty-plus years, she has a special love for the rich oral traditions of ancient cultures, and sources such as the Bible, folktales, fairytales, artifacts in museums and picture books.  She finds many gems hidden in the fabulous body of picture books in her large personal collection, regularly augmented by current gems found at her favourite bookstore in Guelph, The Bookshelf. 

Sya is an experienced educator with over thirty years as a classroom teacher, consultant, author of curricula and short stories, and teaching librarian in high and elementary schools. 

Sya is a founding member of the Guelph GoGo Grandmothers (4Gs) (2006). It is part of a global grandmother movement that partners with selected grandmother/community initiatives in Africa,  supported by the Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. That, in addition to personal, loving connections to Africa and recognition of the energy and eternal verities embedded in African stories, explains why Sya's especially drawn to stories that originate in Africa.

Sya is recognized for lifelong volunteerism, especially engaged in areas reflecting social justice issues.  She was the recipient of the Ontario Library Association Distinguished Service Award in 2004,  the Guelph Women of Distinction for Voluntary Community in 2010, and the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow in 2021. 

Life is good with sixty-plus years of marriage to late husband Lane, memories of lifelong global travels, sharing the joy of three daughters, four amazing grandchildren, and an adorable great-grandson.

 

Contact Sya: grandmasya@gmail.com