Who We Are
Dave Bidini,
Editor-in-Chief
Dave Bidini is Editor in Chief, President and Chair of the Board of West End Phoenix. He is the only person to have been nominated for a Gemini, Genie and Juno as well CBC's Canada Reads. A founding member of Rheostatics, he has written 12 books, including On a Cold Road, Tropic of Hockey, Around the World in 57 1/2 Gigs, and Keon and Me.
Melanie Morassutti,
Executive Editor
Melanie Morassutti has held senior editorial roles at a mitt-full of Canadian publications including The Globe and Mail, where she was editor of the Life section, and Chatelaine, where she was deputy editor. The Phoenix is her second startup office (like Toro's before it) to contain a bathtub.
Janet Morassutti,
Managing Editor
Both rhythm guitarist for Randwiches and occasional co-writer with Rheostatics – she narrated the band’s 2000 album, “The Story of Harmelodia” – Latin degree major Janet Morassutti has years of experience copy-editing a wide range of editorial titles, including the National Post and Maclean’s.
Stacy Lee Kong,
Deputy Editor
Stacy Lee Kong is a writer, editor and the founder of Friday Things, a weekly newsletter featuring smart takes on pop culture. She has worked at some of Canada's largest publications, including FLARE, Chatelaine and Canadian Living as an editor, and has written for outlets including Maclean's, Reader's Digest and Canadian Business.
Alicia Kowalewski,
Art Director
Alicia Kowalewski has been an art director at several major Canadian publications including the National Post, Chatelaine, Toro, Today’s Parent and Report on Business. Her favourite colour is green.
Jalani Morgan,
Photo Editor
Jalani Morgan is an established Toronto based photographer, visual historian and photo editor who is known for his editorial, documentary and gallery collected work both nationally and internationally.
Over the past 15 years, Jalani has built an impressive portfolio creating pieces for the National Film Board of Canada, The Fader, Nike, Sportsnet Magazine, TVO, National Screen Institute, Converse, Manifesto, ArtReach, TEDxToronto, Daniel Spectrum and Nia Centre for the Arts, and has contributed to exhibits for Photoville New York, The Wedge Collection, Art Gallery of Ontario, Art Gallery of Windsor and CONTACT Photography Festival.
Born in Etobicoke and raised in Scarborough, Jalani has been dedicated to giving back to his community through mentorship and community empowerment programs that have included The Remix Project, LAMP and We Are Lawrence project, created in partnership with City of Toronto and Manifesto.
He is a passionate Toronto Blue Jays fan and has a soft spot for Montreal.
Polaroids by Jalani Morgan