Faze | The Faze Team

Get to know our creative team with our Faze Staff Quiz!

LORRAINE ZANDER Role at Faze: Editor-In-Chief How you got here: I did my undergrad at U of T and earned a Bachelor of Science in Exceptionality in Human Learning. Just after I started Faze, I enrolled in the Magazine Publishing certificate at Ryerson for further education on how to run a magazine. It’s been eleven years since Faze was founded and it’s going on strong! *Fave mag (other than Faze):* The Economist Worst thing you’ve ever eaten? I played a game where you spin a dial and you landed on a colour of a jelly bean but you don’t know what you’re going to get. Of course I landed on the barf-flavoured jelly bean—and it really tasted like barf. Most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? Walking on hot coals #1 phobia? I am fearless	DANA MARIE KROOK Role at Faze: Managing Editor How you got here: After getting my undergrad degree in Honours English, I went on to pursue the publishing world through Centennial College’s Book and Magazine Publishing program. I’m a serious book worm and I thought that was the area I wanted to pursue. And then I fell in love with everything magazine related. During the school year, a friend brought in a copy of Faze and I just thought it was amazing thing for teens—I wish I’d had something like it in high school. I contacted Lorraine Zander and the rest is history. *Fave mag (other than Faze):* I’ve had numerous subscriptions to various mags over the years, but I love Marie Claire. Also, I think Enroute is amazing (the Air Canada one you get on the plane), so I need to travel more to catch up on every issue. Worst thing you’ve ever eaten? Dehydrated shrimp—they leave the shell one, along with the legs, head and beady little black eyes. Most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? Hang-gliding, for an article in Faze. I am deathly afraid of heights, so Lorraine thought it would be funny to send me thousands of feet in the air with only a pair of wings. Greatest boss EVER. :P #1 phobia? Heights (see above). Also, puppets. More specifically, marionettes. I avoid The Sound of Music because of them.
MARA DE GIROLAMO *Role at Faze:* Lead Graphic Designer How you got here: I come from an Italian background and I enjoy being around family and friends. My parents have always supported me in anything I do. I recently graduated from the York/Sheridan joint program in Design. Art and design are my passion and I love to express myself visually. I started working at Faze in June 2010 and it’s been great! *Fave mag (other than Faze):* Cosmo Worst thing you’ve ever eaten? Can’t think of anything. I love all food! Most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? I’m going zip-lining soon… #1 phobia? Centipedes…they creep me out.	SABRINA MADDEAUX *Role at Faze:* Manager, Special Projects How you got here: I graduated from St. Bonaventure University (NY) with a BA Honors in Political Science and minors in Journalism and Theology. After graduation, I completed an entertainment internship with Chatelaine and pursued a career in writing. I connected with Lorraine Zander over the summer through a mutual friend and joined the team in August 2011! *Fave mag (other than Faze)?* I’m actually more of a newspaper girl. Is it cheating to say the New York Times Worst thing you’ve ever eaten? I despise onions. Most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? Parasailing? Bathing my fully clawed cat? #1 phobia? Spiders and dirty microwaves.
BRITTANY MAHANEY Role at Faze: Writer How you got here: I got the call to intern during my first year of university and I was beyond excited to finally get real world experience. When the internship ended, I kept pitching stories to Managing Editor, Dana. It’s four years later and I’m now a Carleton University journalism grad and a Faze writer! *Fave mag (other than Faze):* I’m a magazine and blog junkie. One of my faves is The Walrus--there aren’t enough mags like it anymore. Worst thing you’ve ever eaten? My first attempt at my Aunt’s sweet potato recipe was a complete disaster, but it was certainly edible after the second go. Most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? My roomies and I went spelunking (caving) in Budapest last summer.	TAMARA HARDUWAR *Role at Faze:* Writer How you got here: I've been with Faze since 2008, starting out as a summer co-op student in the downtown Toronto office. As med school dreams began to over-shadow my journalistic hopes, I graduated Woburn Collegiate Institute in ’09 with a tough choice to make: which passion to pursue? With the invaluable help and generosity of the Faze editors, who granted me a staff position in 2010, I'm grateful that I never had to choose. I write the quiz section and other short pieces for Faze, and I take part in interviews and editing from time to time. *Fave mag (other than Faze):* Can’t pick! Love Faze! Worst thing you’ve ever eaten? A barnacle. Most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? Zip-lining through the rainforest canopy in Costa Rica. #1 phobia? Dead things.
SHIVANI PATEL Role at Faze: Editorial Intern How you got here: Currently, I'm an undergrad at the University of Western Ontario for studies in Media, Information, & Technoculture. Due to my love for magazines and fashion, I jumped at the opportunity to intern for Faze and have been doing so for 2 summers…so far! *Fave mag (other than Faze)?* Vogue Worst thing you’ve ever eaten? Olives Most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? Went on a safari in Kenya #1 phobia? Failing	PHILIP SZUKALA Role at Faze: Videographer How you got here: I was born and raised in Toronto. I’m 19 years old and I attended and graduated from Don Mills Collegiate, where I started as an intern at Faze during a co-op term. *Fave mag (other than Faze)?* Thrasher Skateboard Mag Worst thing you’ve ever eaten? Definitely an olive Most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? Climbed the mountains in southern Poland #1 phobia? Lorraine Zander
ELAINE KWAN Role at Faze: Editorial Intern How you got here: I graduated from U of T in 2008 with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in New Media Studies and Sociology. Right now I am back in school studying Magazine and Web Publishing at Ryerson University. I met Faze stylist Carolee Custus when I volunteered at Toronto Alternative Arts and Fashion Week, and she passed on Lorraine’s contact to me. In May 2011, Dana officially “hired” me as an editorial intern at Faze and I’ve loved every second of interning! *Fave mag (other than Faze)?* Toronto Life Worst thing you’ve ever eaten? Sea Urchin Most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? Downhill mountain biking at Whistler and water rappelling through the rainforests of Costa Rica. #1 phobia? Creepy crawlies; the more legs, the scarier :S	CARRIE CAI Role at Faze: Editorial/Photo Intern How you got here: I’ve always been interested in media and journalism, and after attending a Faze event, I got really fascinated/intrigued that Faze took in such young interns. So I gave it a shot! Started interning August 2010, and it has been a wonderful and amazing experience so far. I will be attending Ryerson in the fall (2011) for Photography Studies. *Fave mag (other than Faze)?* Tie between NYLON and Alternative Press. Worst thing you’ve ever eaten? Black licorice Most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? Probably camping #1 phobia? Bugs and insects
CASANDRA DEBARTOLO Role at Faze: Editorial/Style Intern How you got here: Fashion is my strength as well as my guilty pleasure! The most exciting thing I’ve done throughout high school was when I was only 15, I competed in the Miss Teen Canada-World Pageant, and placed Top 20 in all of Ontario. MTC-W exposed me to many opportunities, and allowed me to meet so many great people. One of the events I attended was Faze’s 10th Anniversary. After such an amazing night, I emailed Faze and, soon enough, they offered me a position, just as I started Grade 12. I’ve been with the magazine ever since and it has been such an amazing experience! I'm now in my 1st year at Ryerson University as a Fashion Communication student! With everything that I’ve learned at Faze about fashion and magazine work, and the potential that I’ve unlocked in myself, I’m confident that this is exactly where I’m supposed to be. *Fave mag (other than Faze)?* Definitely ELLE Canada or FASHION Worst thing you’ve ever eaten? Sushi! I absolutely hate it! Most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? Bungee-sky diving or para-sailing while I was in Dominican Republic. Both heart-stopping, but so much fun! #1 phobia? Drowning, no doubt about it. I can’t swim so being in water where my feet don’t touch the ground, and not being able to get to where I can is the most traumatizing thing that could happen to me.	LAUREN SONG Role at Faze: Editorial Intern How you got here: My name is Lauren Song, and I am an editorial intern. I was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. I will be graduating this following year at Don Mills Collegiate Institute and have been a proud representative of Faze since last July. *Fave mag (other from Faze)?* I love Instyle and Flare magazine. Worst thing you’ve ever eaten? The worst thing I’ve ever eaten is chicken feet. Most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done would be going to visit orphanages in Thailand and Cambodia. #1 phobia? My number one phobia would have to be bugs.
REBECCA SADLER *Role at Faze:* Editorial Intern How you got here: I have been at Faze Magazine since September of this year and I love every minute of it. I go to school at Humber College and am in my final year in the Journalism: Print and Broadcast program. I came to Faze Magazine as part of an internship course for my program. *Fave mag (other than Faze)?* Cosmo Worst thing you’ve ever eaten? Sardines Most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? Gone wandering around Paris at night #1 phobia? Evil clowns… They give me goose bumps.	KATIE COMPER Role at Faze: Editorial Intern How you got here: Born and raised in Toronto, currently attending Loretto Abbey C.S.S, started my internship at Faze in October 2011. *Fave mag (other than Faze)?* There should be no others! But if I had to choose, I'd say People. Worst thing you’ve ever eaten? A leaf. It tasted an awful lot like dirt. Most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? High-fived a policeman in Spain. It was an awesome day. #1 phobia? Spiders!!! STEVEN EDMONDS Role at Faze: Photography Intern How you got here: Ever since I was a little kid and my uncle bought me my first digital camera, I've been taking pictures. My family encouraged my passion, and fully supported it, especially my sister Laura and my brother David--who even went so far as to lend me some of their expensive equipment! So, when Igot into the co-op program at my high school, I knew what I wanted to do, and my teacher, Mr. Orbach, knew exacly where I belonged. And so, here I am! Fave mag (other than Faze)? Popular Science Worst thing you’ve ever eaten? When I was a camp counseller one summer we held an Iron Chef activity where one kid threw a random assortment of ingredients into a bowl (everything from gummy worms to oatmeal) and presented it to us as a meal, the very smell of it caused one of the judges to...um... lose his lunch. Most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? Shoot a set of white water in Northern Ontario. #1 phobia? Heights, hands down.