THE TEAM
Natasha Baldin
Editor-in-ChiefNatasha Baldin is the Charlatan’s Editor-in-Chief and a fourth-year journalism and linguistics student.
Hailing from suburban Ottawa, Natasha fell into journalism to combine her passions for writing and storytelling, and has since developed an affinity for seeking community-oriented stories that would otherwise go untold. She has written for publications such as the Ottawa Citizen, Black Press Media and THIS Magazine.
After serving as the Charlatan’s former arts editor and copy editor, Natasha is thrilled to step into this role to help young journalists find their wings.
When she’s not obsessing over her never-ending to-do list, you can usually find Natasha at the climbing gym, curled up on the couch with a fantasy book or boring her friends with her latest linguistics fact.
You can reach Natasha via email.
Kyra Vellinga
Features EditorKyra “Ky” Vellinga is the Charlatan’s features editor and a fourth-year political science and legal studies student specializing in transnational human rights.
Originally from the shores of Lake Erie, you can usually catch Ky gabbing about environmental personhood or the latest episode of Survivor.
As the Charlatan’s former arts & culture editor and a current Canadian Law Review editor, Ky loves fusing socially-forward stories with colorful writing. Reach out anytime to chat about the beauty of extensive word counts!
You can reach Ky via email.
Elissa Mendes
Op/Ed EditorElissa Mendes is the Charlatan’s op-ed editor! A third-year journalism and health science student, she has previously served as a news editor and volunteer contributor.
She’s most passionate about stories that give a voice to the voiceless and hopes to end up in investigative journalism.
She also works in Health Canada’s media monitoring and analysis department.
You can reach Elissa via email.
David Cummings
Sports EditorDavid Cummings is the Charlatan’s sports editor and a fourth-year journalism and humanities student.
Over the past year he mainly covered PWHL Ottawa for the Charlatan and is now looking forward to stepping in as sports editor. He has also written for Capital Current and worked alongside the Hockey News and the Canadian Track and Field League.
When he’s not reporting in our nation’s capital of Ottawa, David can usually be found in his hometown of Waterloo, Ont., doing nothing.
In his free time, David loves running, watching hockey, hiking, playing video games, frolicking through tall grass, cooking pulled pork, taking allergy medication so he can comfortably frolick through tall grass without sneezing or getting itchy eyes, skiing and brushing his teeth. David is also a fan of music.
David is always eager to talk about hockey, writing or anything else.
You can reach David via email.
Cassandra Bellefeuille
News EditorCassandra Bellefeuille is one of the Charlatan’s news editors and a third year journalism and political science student. She is passionate about politics and social justice and can’t wait to foster a diverse and colourful news section.
Having volunteered as a reporter for the Charlatan’s news, arts, and national sections, Cassandra is excited to be stepping into this editorial role. In addition to writing for the Charlatan, Cassandra has also worked as an associate editor at Her Campus Carleton.
In her free time, she loves reading, watching movies, and drinking a big cup of coffee.
After graduation, she hopes to further her education in political science and pursue a career in political reporting.
You can reach Cassandra via email.
Maia Tustonic
News EditorMaia Tustonic is one of the Charlatan’s news editors and a third-year student in journalism and political science (international relations). Originally from Calgary, Maia is particularly passionate about covering politics, current events and advocacy issues through a student lens.
Beyond the Charlatan, Maia has contributed as an editor and writer for the Carleton Global Review and Her Campus at Carleton. When not following a story, she can be found baking, watching Formula 1, or humming and dancing to her favourite songs.
After journalism school, Maia plans on pursuing a career in investigative journalism and political reporting.
You can reach Maia via email.
Bianca McKeown
Arts EditorBianca McKeown is the Charlatan’s arts editor and a fourth-year journalism and humanities student from Toronto.
She is a lover of all things arts, music, philosophy, and film-related, and she's absolutely stoked to be the arts editor for 2024-25.
When she’s not catching up on school work or hanging in the humanities lounge, you can find her sipping matcha (fave drink), blinding herself watching the latest blockbuster film in IMAX or geeking out over Percy Jackson.
You can reach Bianca via email.
