Team

Who We Are

We’re Publishing Experts. The Hop Studios has extensive experience with Publishing (big P) — that means websites, magazines, graphic design, printing, information architecture, photography, exhibitions and conferences, education, book writing, SEO and everything in between. We’re experts so you don’t have to be.

If you want to get to know us one-on-one, here’s who we are:

Travis Smith
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President. Creator of many ExpressionEngine add-ons, and an expert with that CMS. Was editor of websites (Variety, Los Angeles Times), journalist, writer, conference speaker, photographer geek, Canadian & American. Mac user. Loves gadgets and camping.
Chris Townsend
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Chief Project Officer. With many years of experience as a producer and project manager under his belt for a wide variety of clients in both the for and non-profit sectors, Chris helps to ensure that we deliver quality projects on time and within budget. His passions include music, art, design, travel, and food. (Yes, food can be a passion!)
Tammy Meyers
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Operations Manager. With a career that has been everything but a straight line, from non-profits to co-founding tech companies, Tammy brings a bushel of experience to ensure smooth operations at Hop Studios. When she’s not in front of a computer, you’ll find her outdoors with her chocolate lab. She’s a naturalist, photophile, bibliophile, and is always ready to travel.
Gilbert Lin
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Web Developer. Beyond his prodigious understanding of web development and interactive design, he’s a guy who does a bit of everything. Knows how to cook well, makes a mean kimchi, takes decent pictures, does music, plays badminton competitively, hikes, and he knits scarves that would sweep you off your feet. Favourite food: Indian Curry.
Michael Kant
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Director, Development and Training. An avid technologist and collector of hobbies, you can find Mike doing anything from designing board games to practicing mixology, running marathons, organizing wine tastings, or writing fiction. He is a devoted proponent of the Oxford comma, and a neighbourhood-renowned Mario Kart champion.
Susie Gardner
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Special Projects Lead (Freelance). Susie made her first web page in 1995 and has never looked back. Expert long-term client care; Web design and UX/UI; content and technical writing; team lead on complex and unusual projects. She used to have many interests, but now it’s all knitting, all the time!
Rowan Sentesy
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Web Developer (Freelance). Rowan has been working with web technology for over 15 years and is the co-founder of Bellyfit Enterprises, an online fitness business he runs with his wife. He is a semi-professional DJ, and a beach volleyball player. When not behind decks or on sand, you’ll find him in the back country hiking or snowboarding some of Vancouver Island’s amazing terrain.
Erin DeGroote
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Web Developer. Writing their first script at the precocious age of 7, code has always been a part of Erin’s life. They are also a published photographer, graphic designer, videographer, and an avowed automobile enthusiast. With a natural curiosity towards the world there isn’t a problem they can’t solve.
Abhilekha Nirwan
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Web Developer. Dedicated to always delivering the best of the solutions. 10+ years of web development experience with EE and Craft CMS. Loves to travel, fond of Hindi music. Enjoying technical life along with enjoying motherhood. When not coding, on a trip with kids and spouse. Into restoring nature by limiting usage of plastic, encouraging reusable products, and advising that to all.
Emily Plommer
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Administrative Assistant. A jill of all trades, Emily brings 10+ years of customer service experience and a well-stocked toolbox of varied skills to Hop Studios. In her free time, runs a small online vintage shop and travels often. Hiking, cooking (eating), dogs, and home reno projects are a few of her favourite things.
Chris Basnight
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Project Manager. Chris has been building easy-to-maintain websites with ExpressionEngine since version 1. He was once a full-time musician who still loves live music, and his wardrobe consists almost exclusively of band t-shirts and cargo pants. When he’s not chasing down the latest regional touring act, he’s usually baking something delicious.