From her early days studying Professional Theatre at John Abbott College and earning a degree in Education from McGill University, to teaching internationally in Dubai and eventually returning to her hometown of Montreal, Amanda’s path has been one of continuous evolution.
In April 2022, she launched her first Stagecoach school in Westmount, Montreal. Just two and a half years later, Amanda expanded her horizons by acquiring her second territory in West Island. Her exceptional dedication was further celebrated when she was named International Franchisee of the Year at the 2024 Global Conference. Here, CEO Andy Knights hears from Amanda about her incredible journey.
“My goal when I began with Stagecoach was to bring this incredible programme to as many children in the Montreal community as possible. As my Westmount territory continued to grow, I knew it was naturally time to acquire a second school. West Island holds a special place in my heart – I grew up there and taught in its schools for over a decade. When the opportunity arose to take over the territory, I knew it was meant to be.”
With a strong foundation in Westmount, Amanda was well prepared to take the next step by acquiring the established school in West Island – complete with its unique advantages. “The fact that West Island was already running was a huge bonus. Starting a new school comes with so many moving parts – from marketing to preparing for students – but stepping into an existing setup made the transition smoother. It’s also inspiring to continue a legacy that’s nearly a decade old. There are students in my Further Stages programme who have been at West Island since they were in Stage 1, and witnessing that progression and dedication is absolutely magical!”
Amanda credits much of her achievements to the support she has received from the Stagecoach head office team. “When I launched Westmount during the pandemic, Stagecoach was there every step of the way. From brainstorming ideas to regular check-ins, the support has been invaluable.
“When I acquired West Island, the guidance was just as comprehensive. Even our Stagecoach Canada CEO flew to Montreal to help with the opening. It’s incredible to be part of a network that truly prioritises its franchisees’ success.”
While she has ambitious plans to expand even further, Amanda remains focused on preserving the quality and integrity of her current schools. “My goal is to provide outstanding performing arts education to every child who walks through our doors. Running multiple schools can be challenging because you can’t be everywhere at once – though if cloning becomes an option, sign me up! For now, I focus on gradual, organic growth, ensuring that each school is left in the capable hands of my managers and teachers. While I’d love to open two or three more schools in the future, my top priority is to be a strong leader and maintain the high standards we’ve built.”
And on a personal level, Amanda is equally driven. “I want to build a legacy I’m proud of. My two young nieces mean the world to me, and I hope to show them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Stagecoach isn’t just a job for me – it’s a dream come true. Every day feels like a miracle as I get to infuse love and passion into what I do. Of course, I’m also looking forward to travelling the world – it’s all about balance!”
The business benefits of managing two Stagecoach territories have certainly been impactful for Amanda but, for her, the greatest reward lies in witnessing her students transform into confident, self-assured individuals. “Performing is just a small part of what we do at Stagecoach. We’ve had students who could barely get through a short oral presentation at school blossom into individuals who request to be front and centre in every performance and presentation, both inside and outside of Stagecoach. Every weekend, students can be exactly who they are, surrounded by peers who share their passions and interests. They discover a safe place to express themselves and grow within our Stagecoach family. I am constantly in awe of the personal progress our students make, not only in their performances but in how they carry themselves in life.
“While winning International Franchisee of the Year at the 2024 Global Conference was a definite highlight for me in my Stagecoach journey, the smiles I see on their faces every weekend are the wins that matter most to me.”
Amanda’s story is a shining example of what can be achieved through passion, determination and the support of a strong network. Her journey not only highlights the incredible opportunities within the Stagecoach franchise family but also serves as an inspiration to anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their community. As CEO, I am immensely proud to see franchisees like Amanda thrive and carry forward the values that make Stagecoach so special.
