Teachers
Laurie Aronovici
is married to Rolly and mother to three girls. She has been a Labor and Delivery Nurse for Henrico Doctors Hospital for 25 years. She is a lactation consultant and has taught Lamaze (locally certified) for 20 years and prenatal exercise for 10 years. She is formally trained in Hatha yoga and certified in positive pregnancy yoga and post-partum fitness. She has taught yoga at West End Academy of Dance, Latin Ballet, the Cultural Arts Center and currently teaches at the Village Dance Center. We are thrilled that Laurie will be leading our Mommy ‘N Me Yoga and Mixed Level Yoga classes and hope to expand her repertoire in future sessions!
Susan Atkins
is married to Sherwood and has three children. She graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation Education. She worked for Hartford Insurance as a claims representative for eleven years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Besides running her kids around, attending all their games and cheerleading competitions, she likes to read and walk and loves spending time at the beach. She has also attained “favorite aunt” status to her 15 nieces and nephews and has cared for, cheered for and watched over each of them! Susan will help insure all our classes are running smoothly; she will also be leading our Lunch ‘N Fun classes.
Neely Axselle
Neely Axselle is married to Ron and is a mother and grandmother. She is a graduate of Mary Baldwin College with a B.A. in Religion and Philosophy and a minor in Math. She taught math for Henrico County for 31 years at both Henrico High School and John R. Tucker High School, retiring 6 years ago. At that time she renewed her interest in knitting and baking. Neely formed a small cottage business (”Neely’s Knits and Nibbles”) through which she makes and sells handmade knitted items and homemade bread, cakes, soups, and pickles at local bazaars. She has taught many of her friends to knit and they meet once a month to knit and correct mistakes. She also helped form a Prayer Shawl ministry at her church where they make shawls, scarves and baby blankets. Her hobbies are walking, knitting, and reading, but her favorite pastime is being with her family. Neely will be teaching our Knitting for Beginners class.
Gianni Baldini
Coach Baldini is currently directing his 28th season of summer soccer camps in the Richmond area. These camps consistently offer quality instruction, demonstration and practice in basic soccer skills. Coach Baldini is licensed by the Italian Soccer Federation and has earned the USSF B-License. He played soccer for 6 years on the youth team of the Fiorentina (Florence, Italy’s professional team) and one year in Trento, a 3rd Division team. He played and coached for many years in some of the most important semi-pro and amateur teams in Tuscany. Since moving the the USA in 1980, he was technical Director of the VCU Rams for 7 seasons. He initiated the soccer program at Clover Hill High School and served as head coach there for 3 great winning seasons. He coached the Longwood College team in 1996. He currently coaches the Richmond Montessori School soccer teams. He also runs a soccer school on campus during the school year.
Meredith Betke
is married to Bobby and has three wonderful children. She was born and raised in Richmond and graduated from VCU with a Masters in Elementary Education. She taught 1st and 2nd graders in Henrico Country Public Schools for four years before focusing her efforts on younger children. She has spent the last four years leading 3-year-old classes at Kids In Discovery Preschool. In her spare time she enjoys running and cooking. Meredith will be teaching our Art and Active Fun Learning Letters classes on Friday mornings.
Jennifer Bennett
is married and has 3 wonderful children. She graduated from University of Richmond with degree in English and Philosophy, received her masters in Philosophy from Miami of Ohio University and Law degree from Georgetown University. She was a practicing attorney in a mid-sized Washington, DC firm working on food and drug law for three years before starting a solo practice a few years ago. Jennifer specializes in estate planning for couples and young families.
Debbie Bowie
has always been identified as the person on any team or in any office who could “get things done.” Her organizing skills served her well in work as an architectural historian, a counselor in a residential addictions treatment center, then as a substance prevention specialist. Debbie’s formal training includes a B.A. in Art History from Randolph-Macon Women’s College, an M.A. in Art History from the University of Utah, and an M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has also had training in Pyramid School Feng Shui, Black Hat Sect Feng Shui and is a graduate of the Western School of Feng Shui™. In 2007 Debbie was one of an inaugural group of professional organizers to receive the designation Certified Professional Organizer®. Debbie is the owner of Simply Organized and will be leading our Feng Shui seminars.
Shauna Brown
A native of New Jersey, Shauna has resided in Richmond for the last five years. She graduated from Rutgers University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work – Administration, Policy, and Planning. She worked in her field for over 13 years in inner city government, non profits, and hospitals before becoming a stay-at-home mom to her son. Shauna’s interest in cooking and baking began with her mom when she was 7 and she began decorating cakes at 12. Her talent and interest in baking and cooking led her to establish her own business (Shauna’s Baked Goods). She is also employed as a personal chef. Her expertise extends to cake decorating, authenic Italian pastries, baking, gluten free foods, and Italian and American meals.
Keith Browne
Keith has obtained two Fine Arts degrees, Art Education and Photography and Film Studies, from Virginia Commonwealth University. His experience includes teaching art lessons to elementary-aged students, as well as serving as a tutor and mentor to children through community arts projects. Keith’s formal training and multitude of photography classes have prepared him well and he looks forward to sharing his knowledge of photography with children.
Penelope Carrington-Wallace
grew up in Sacramento, Calif., and Philadelphia making teddy bears. She wanted that to be her career, but she graduated from Temple University with a communications degree instead. She worked at newspapers in New Jersey and Florida before moving to Richmond nearly 11 years ago. She currently writes for the Richmond Times-Dispatch’s Flair section. She is also the award-winning former editor of inSync, the discontinued weekly teen section at the Times-Dispatch. She and the section’s adult/teen staff won more than a dozen national awards including recognition from the Newspaper Association of America Foundation for program excellence. She is married with two kids. Penelope will be leading our Kids Make the News and Beginner Sewing classes.
Lyn Clark
Lyn Clark has an Early Childhood Education degree and has taught kindergarten and first grade. She also has written educational curriculum for a national educational publishing company. She is currently teaching Pre-K and is also a private tutor. She lives in Richmond with her husband and three children.
Carolyn Scanniello
CSS Tutoring
started this SAT/ACT Test Preparation business in Midlothian in 1990. She is a Richmond native who graduated from the University of Richmond with a BA in History and also has a Masters degree specializing in learning disabilities. Carolyn has privately tutored students individually and in small groups of 5 to 6 students for over 20 years. Her business has grown to include one employee and three highly qualified instructors. She provides all instructor training and lectures occasionally on the subject of SAT/ACT preparation. Carolyn also provides individual consulting to parents who want individualized services about the standardized testing process. CSS Tutoring is one of three independent businesses that comprise the College Counseling Package, a collaborative effort between CSS Tutoring, College Connections Christel Milak-Parker) and The Brownmiller Group. Her website is www.satactprep4u.com. Carolyn will be leading our College Applications and Testing – Jumpstart the College Application and Standardized Testing Process: A Seminar for Parents and/or High School Juniors and Seniors with Christel Milak-Parker.
Christel Milak-Parker, M.Ed.
College Connections
is married with five children, four of whom are currently attending college! She has a B.S. in Psychology with a Business Management Minor and held corporate positions in human resources and marketing prior to entering the world of education. In 1998, she obtained her Masters in Education in Secondary School Counseling from VCU and became a College & Career Center Coordinator in Chesterfield County. In 2000 she founded College Connections, which offers consulting for college bound high school students. You can visit her website at www.collegeconnections.net. Christel will be leading our College Applications and Testing – Jumpstart the College Application and Standardized Testing Process: A Seminar for Parents and/or High School Juniors and Seniors with Carolyn Scanniello.
Jamie Cosby
a marine biologist, is the owner of Ocean Encounters. She will be a special presenter at Classes For You, bringing the world of ocean creatures to life before your children’s eyes with live specimens! She specializes in interactive classroom presentations to audiences from preschool through middle school ages.
Jennifer Didlake
is married to Troy and has two boys. She is a 1993 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She began her career as a muralist working on various projects throughout the Richmond area. Jennifer currently runs her own business, “Mural, Mural on the Wall.” Her business specialties include distinctive hand-painted furniture and customized wall murals. She teaches art at the Academy of Academic Excellence, as well as teaching art to children in her home, nearby home school settings, and now at Classes For You.
Amy Ferrell
Amy is a graduate of Longwood University. With over 11 years of experience with Creative Memories, teaching photo organization and traditional scrapbooking, she has broadened her skills to include digital organization and editing, digital scrapbooking, and custom framing. She’s an avid photographer and passionate about helping people print out their photos, and start celebrating their memories in albums, their way……because “scrolling down is not the same as page turning”! There’s not a problem with your photos, that she can’t help you with! She’s excited to be teaching all of these skills, as well as conducting monthly workshops, and kids classes too. She can be contacted at 378-8907, or ferrellfive@comcast.net. She’s wife to Craig, and mother to 3 boys, and lives in Midlothian.
Meg Foster
is the mother of two beautiful boys and feels fortunate enough to raise them alongside an extremely supportive husband! From her earliest memories art has been a big part of her life. She took every art class possible as a child and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from VCU in the early 90’s. She has taught art in Chesterfield County Public Schools for 10 years and is certified to teach kindergarten through twelfth grade in the state of Virginia. Meg is thrilled to find a new avenue of art education at Classes For You and is anxious to meet and work with you and your children! She will be leading our Discover Art programs.
Jill Gallier-Durand
is the owner of Nursing/Legal Collaboration R.N. She has a wealth of experience in the healthcare industry, as well as professional training and coaching. She was the head nurse at Deep Run High School, as well as a Labor and Delivery RN, BSN at Henrico Doctors Hospital, Valley Care Hospital, and Kaeser Permanente. Jill is a graduate of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and is a certified trainer in CPR (adult, infant, & child), FA, Medication Admin., PMAT, and Daily Health Screening to Day Care workers.
Dana Ganaden
is a proud military wife and mother of a wonderful daughter. She has worked with various educational services nationally and internationally for over 18 years. She has a degree in Early Childhood Education and is an endorsed K-6 Elementary Teacher. She will be teaching Math Facts Fun and Fast, a class that will promote and strengthen children’s mathematical understanding and skills as well as reinforce the VA Math SOLs through fun hands-on mathematical experiences. She will also be teaching some pre-school aged classes, including Active Fun Learning Letters and Lunch ‘N Fun programs.
Carolyn Gibbons
is married to Sean and has three children. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology as well as her Masters in Human Resources Management from Fairfield University in Connecticut. She has over ten years experience in Corporate Recruiting (at Arthur Anderson and First Market Bank) as well as College Admissions (at Fairfield). She is currently working as a Human Resources Consultant specializing in HR policies and procedures. She has also enjoyed her role as a Christian Education teacher the past two years. Carolyn will lead our “So You Want to Go Back to Work” and College Applications/Admissions classes and seminars.
Vickie Griffith
Vickie continues to use all of the techniques she teaches in her seminars and classes that has resulted in a release of 49 pounds. She has not only released 49 pounds but has kept them off for 8 years. Vickie is owner of BreakThrough and a certified Hypnotist with the National Guild of Hypnotist and Advance Practitioner of Emotion Freedom Techniques (EFT). Vickie is leading the “Financial Fears: Dealing with Worry” seminar.
Kathy Habib
is a Virginia native, living in Richmond for the past 20 years. She is married to Vinny and mom to three great girls. She attended George Mason University and is currently obtaining her Masters in Education from the University of Phoenix. She has had ten years of voice lessons and sang in choirs throughout her school career. She has been singing in bands on and off since college and is currently lead singer of the classic rock and blues band “4 to 1”. She has also been working in the Special Education department at Short Pump Elementary for over six years. Kathy will lead our Music, American Idol Style, Music ‘N Me and Stage Presence classes.
Jamie Hayes
Bio coming soon!
Hayes and Fisk, The Art of Photography, www.jhayes.com. Jamie will be leading our Photograph Like a Pro and Photoshop seminars along with Mary Fisk-Taylor.
Susie Hayman
Susie Hayman is the owner and founder of In Your Business professional organizing services. The company specializes in creating customized organizing solutions for individuals, small businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout greater Richmond. Susie has been organizing herself and others for more than 30 years, with extensive experience in the areas of: business management, education and training, retail, and nonprofit fund raising/public relations. Her organizing strategies and systems have increased employee productivity and organizational efficiency for a wide variety of clients. Susie is a member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers), NAPO-Richmond, serving as Secretary, NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners, RMA (Retail Merchants Association) and N.E.W. (Network of Enterprising Women). Susie is a Richmond native and a graduate of the University of Georgia. She has been married to her high school sweetheart Chris for 37 years; they have a daughter Erica who lives and works in Washington, D.C. Susie’s website is www.inyourbizness.com.
Christy Holsten
is married to Robert and has three children. She graduated from Elon College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. She taught kindergarten for eight years in Burlington, NC, and then at Jackson Davis Elementary in Henrico for six years. She also taught an Emergent Readers Class to fellow teachers as part of the University of Richmond Continuing Studies Program. She is currently a stay-at-home mom and teaches Sunday school to first graders at Derbyshire. Christy will be teaching “Fun with Children’s Literature” and Etiquette classes.
Michelle Ives
loves teaching first grade at Nuckols Farm Elementary School in Henrico County. She is married to Ryan and is the proud “mom” of her goldendoodle, Sadie. Michelle graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Spanish. She will be teaching a fun summer class to get children ready and excited for a successful second grade year.
Lisa Khoury
is a Center Director/ Registered Teacher for Music Together. Lisa began teaching classes in 1998 after she and her children attended classes together for several semesters. Teaching for over 9 years, she has been involved in music and drama since her earliest childhood memories and was a founding member of SPARC, the school for Performing Arts in the Richmond Community. She has assisted with the children’s choir at church, and sings now with church choir. Lisa has always realized music is an important part of her and her family’s life. The Center for Music and Young Children in Princeton, NJ, recently awarded her Music Together® Certification Level I status for outstanding achievement in teaching, musicianship, program philosophy, and parent Education. Lisa will be teaching Music Together classes, as well as Kids Take Center Stage and Creative Movement at Classes For You. Check out her website at www.mtwithlisa.com.
Jonnie Kinney
attended Ohio University and worked for ten years with professional potter Helene Aigner in Columbus before moving to Huntington, West Virginia. There she assisted the clay sculpture professor at Marshall University. She then took classes in sculpture, and ceramics at Virginia Commonwealth University and completed a triple major in painting, sculpture and ceramics at VCU. She owned Richmond Pottery for three years and is now running a private studio at Plant Zero in Manchester. Her work has been featured in rooms done by local interior designer Janet Bourne, among others. Jonnie will be leading our adult 3-hour ceramics classes on Tuesdays.
Cara Kinning
Cara Kinning is a Speaker and Personal Organizer. She started Organized for Life in July 2004, and is passionate about her work! She teaches people how to declutter and organize their homes and offices through hands-on organizing and coaching, workshops, and classes. She gives people the skills, methods, and motivation they need to achieve and maintain a more organized lifestyle. Cara brings compassion and understanding to her work, and for many of her clients, what she does is life-changing. “It’s wonderful to see my clients enjoying the sense of peace and control that being organized brings, and spending time again on the important things in their lives that have perhaps been neglected; like family, friends, faith, and health”, Cara says. Cara lives in Bon Air with her wonderful husband, Robert, two sweet cats, and a large dog who sheds incessantly (!) but is well-loved anyway. She feels blessed to have her parents and other family nearby, and has no plans to leave Richmond. “I’m not originally from Richmond,” she says, “but it has truly become my home.”
Jennifer Kramer
Jennifer’s passion has always been to work with and help educate children. She lives in Richmond with her husband and two children and is a member of the County Council for Colonial Trail Elementary PTA board. She has worked with the United Cerebral Palsy of Atlanta as an Early Intervention Service Coordinator helping infants and their families. Jennifer has also been a preschool teacher with the Department of Energy Preschool.
Sarah B. Kuhn
Professional Organizer with O² - The Organization Organization is married to Steve and they are in the process of adopting their first child. Sarah’s interests include travel, entertaining and cooking. Sarah is the founder of O², a company that provides residential and home-based business organizing and coaching services. She has been assisting people in their homes since 2004. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and the National Study Group of Chronic Disorganization. She received her business degree from Illinois College in 1998. Check out her website at www.o2organizing.com. Sarah will be leading seminars on Organization.
Chris Lombard
Chris Lombard is a highly trained artist and owner of his own custom paint finish company, Liquid Concepts. He works with many local interior designers and other firms, and has created fabulous finishes for residences all around Richmond, including the Richmond Symphony Designer Showhouse. Liquid Concepts offers a vast array of custom finishes, painting techniques and designs for your walls, floors, ceilings and furniture. Chris combines imagination with outstanding craftsmanship for a truly customized look. His commitment and expertise allows him to transform your ideas into a unique and functional atmosphere for any surface in your home or business. Chris looks forward to sharing his expertise with our customers in his Faux Finishing 101 and Intermediate seminars.
Jennifer Luzzatto, CFA, CFP
is married to Eric and mother of one. She graduated from the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Masters of Business Administration. Jennifer started her career as a Portfolio Manager/Assistant Vice President for Wachovia Bank and was also Vice President, Finance, for Summit Energy Group. Today she is President of Summit Financial Planning, Inc. (not affiliated with Summit Energy), the company she founded in 1999. Her professional designations include Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Financial Planner Practitioner. Jennifer will be leading our monthly financial seminars, including 401K Allocations.
Ashby Marcey
is a native Richmonder married to Tom and a mother of two. She graduated from Randolph-Macon College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Religion. She worked for six years in Human Resources at Carmax and Circuit City before deciding to stay home and raise a family. She started stamping five years ago as a creative outlet - detailed artwork was accomplished through the stamps, so she could develop creative layouts. She became a Stampin Up! Consultant three years ago and started a Stamp Club at Michael’s Crafts Store on W. Broad. She regularly holds stamp camps and workshops in homes to help others learn the art of stamping. Ashby will lead our Stamp Art classes.
Gretchen Marr
grew up in Rochester, NY, but now considers Richmond her home. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in Graphic Design and her Masters of Art Education degree and Post-Masters endorsement in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has taught at Varina High School, St. Gertrude High School, and currently teaches Graphic Art, Photography, and Fine Art at Lee-Davis High School. Gretchen enjoys coaching and playing soccer, hiking, and traveling.
Milissa McCracken
…is one of our fabulous sewing teachers - she will teach beginners hand-sewing to children. Bio coming soon!
Anne Michie
Anne Michie has lived in Richmond for most of her life and now balances work and her family, with husband John and their two children. She earned an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and a law degree, both from the University of Virginia. She has extensive experience in writing and adult instruction in both the private and public sectors. Currently a consultant, she has worked at the Virginia State Bar, the Virginia Department of Education, and in the private practice of law. She has led seminars, workshops and conferences to diverse adult audiences, such as attorneys, hearing officers, school teachers, and parents. Throughout her career of two decades, she has written persuasive communications in many contexts, from courts, to the State Board of Education, to the print media.
Celeste Miller
is married with two wonderful dogs. After 25 years in “corporate America,” she retired early to explore her creative side and started working with stained glass, mosaics, and fused glass. She then began working with Precious Metal Clay (PMC) and silver chain maille (sterling silver chain links) over the past few years at Jomoco studio. She is certified to teach classes in PMC.
Paige Miller
is married to Paul and mom of two. She graduated from Longwood University with a degree in Education and a Reading Endorsement for grades K – 12. She taught fourth grade for four years and kindergarten for three years in Colonial Heights. Since having her own kids, she has tutored elementary school-aged children in reading for the past eight years. She also has a creative side and has done custom decorative painting for various residences around Richmond.
Jessica McLane
…is one of our fabulous sewing teachers, who will teach machine sewing. Bio coming soon!
Larisa Morano
received a B.A. in Art History from the University of Richmond, and an M.A. in Art History from Virginia Commonwealth University, specializing in early Modern art and Italian Renaissance. She worked in a variety of capacities in several area museums, then became a full-time mother to one, then two, sons. Most recently Larisa has taught courses for The Shepherd’s Center of Richmond.
Silvia Mutis
a native of Colombia, has lived in the United States since 1999. She has bachelors’ degree in Political Science from Universidad de los Andes and a passion for languages, dance and children. She has taught Spanish through Dance at the Latin Ballet of Virginia and Preschool Spanish at the Shady Grove YMCA. Silvia and Nicolas are the proud parents of two beautiful girls.
Anita Nadal
Anita Nadal received a BA magna cum laude in Spanish from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has studied abroad extensively. Her studies have taken her to Panama, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. In 2005 she received the Who’s Who Among American Teachers Award and the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding community service related to Spanish language and cultural training in the Richmond area. She has presented research at the MACLAS. Ms Nadal earned a Master of Liberal Arts degree in Latin American and International Cultural Studies with honors from the University of Richmond. Her interests include research on her uncle, renown Puerto Rican playwright, Luis Torres Nadal, and hopes to participate in the annual Torres Nadal festival in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Helena Nyman
Helena Nyman was born and raised in Switzerland, immigrated in 1995 to Canada and came 1999 to the United States after getting married to her Soul Mate James Nyman- a former Navy Pilot. Already as a young girl, Helena had a passion for human behavior and peak performance. While working with World and Olympic Figure Skaters and Pro Hockey Players, she began her studies in Psychology and Life Coaching and became a Certified Success/Life Coach. Later, she studied for years the 7 Principles of ‘thinking like a Genius’ by Leonardo Da Vinci and went through Dale Carnegie’s ‘Mastery of Leadership’ Training, Anthony Robbins’ ‘Goal Setting’ and ‘Life Balance’ Training and worked through Jack Canfield’s Success Principles. Helena is a Doctor of Metaphysics and Author, and her Mission is to help people to create the life they love and deserve. “The power to make everything different…The power to change your life…begins in the most unlikely place…within you!”
Edie Oswald
is married to Steve and mother of three. She received her degree in Fine Art from the College of Charleston. She worked in Performing Arts Management in Ohio and Maryland prior to moving to Richmond and starting a family. She has been working as a decorative artist for over ten years. Through her company Flights of Fancy she paints and sells murals, glassware, home portraits, pen and inks, watercolors, and more. You’ve seen her work all around the state, from murals at River City Youth Fitness to craft shows such as the Bizarre Bazaar. Now you can tap into her wealth of creativity at Classes For You! Edie will be leading various children and adult art classes.
Amy Paner
lives in the West End with her husband and three children. She graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Psychology. Prior to having her own children, she worked as a caseworker primarily with autistic children for the Department of Disabilities and held various volunteer positions teaching art to children. She has also worked part time for five years in human resources for Hecht’s/Macy’s stores. Amy has taken great pleasure in being active in her children’s lives. She has especially enjoyed running the elementary school talent show and substitute teaching at Derbyshire Preschool.
Paula Naydel Quick
is the founder of Quick Works Wellness, LLC, a mind, body, spirit lifestyle company inspired by faith and dedicated to helping clients relax and maximize their potential. “My purpose is to motivate, educate and rejuvenate men and women who are seeking to step more fully into their purpose, passion and potential,” she says. Paula specializes in the Law of Attraction and helping entrepreneurs go from ambiguity to clarity and from struggle to victory in their businesses so that they may lead the prosperous life they deserve. Her Quickessentials ™ include Reflexology, Self-Care and other products and services to help people create their own internal Personal Relaxation Sanctuary. A motivational coach and spiritual reflexologist, Paula is certified in Reflexology, Life Coaching, Aromatherapy, Feng Shui and Emotional Freedom and Healing. She holds a B.S. degree in Journalism from New York University and has worked for several Fortune 500 companies, including the Associated Press, Associated Press Radio and Reynolds Metals Company (now Alcoa). Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she is networked with a wide range of local, national and international professionals in all disciplines to help make your life and business easy, fun and exhilarating. She just launched her new website: www.thelemonadecoach.com for people seeking to turn life’s lemons into tasty lemonade!
Angelica Ramirez
is a mother of one and wife of Camilo. She was born and raised in Colombia, but has been living in Richmond the past seven years. She attended the University of Javeraan in Bogota, Colombia and is currently studying for a degree in Early Childhood development. Angelica teaches Spanish at The Goddard School in Woodlake and will be our Monday Spanish teacher for all ages.
Paul Richardson
Paul Richardson
9to5Money Camp.com
A former veteran educator and small business owner, Paul is completely passionate about practical financial education. The 21st Century is no match for people without the basic money smarts. After a student paid $52.00 for a small pizza years ago, he knew it was time to educate our youth about FICO, credit, savings, giving, and the basics! After teaching elementary, middle and high-school, he started a successful small business and was setting the stage for his true passion, 9to5MoneyCamp.com. These workshops are skill-based, interactive and user-friendly. The key is to have fun and learn at the same time! The participants are the key to a great learning experience. Engaging, Fun and Eye-Opening! This is for a teen and a parent. There is one number more important than your GPA!
Annetta Riley
is married to William and mother of three. She received her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Communication Arts from James Madison University, J.D. from University of South Carolina, and her M.T. in Foreign Language from VCU, completing her French degree requirements at the Sorbonne in Paris. She was a practicing attorney for seven years before obtaining her degree in French. She has taught French at Hermitage, Tucker and St. Gertrudes High Schools and currently offers private lessons to home-school students. Annetta loves all things French and also plays the guitar, banjo and violin. Annetta will be teaching our French classes.
Mary Kate Stein
As a former New York City editor at Redbook magazine and the trade publication American Salon, Mary Kate has been following the beauty and fashion industry for several years. After relocating to suburbia and becoming a mother, she freelanced as a beauty editor and writer before devoting herself fully to motherhood. Throughout her life, in roles as poor student, well-paid professional, and wife and mother, she has put a great deal of effort into developing a personal style that reflects who she is and helps her feel confident and energized. She has now made a study of how to create a versatile, fun and appropriate wardrobe that reflects the image an individual wants to project. Oner of her greatest pleasures is to do makeovers for friends and family and then see the positive transformation. She’s ready to share her knowledge and style sense with a broader audience. Prior to her career in the beauty industry, she taught high school English for three years in the urban San Francisco, CA Unified School District. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and her Masters degree in Education from George Mason University.
Anita P. Stoudmire
Anita has always loved a good story, especially one with a happy ending! She is working on her first book, due out early 2009 and is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.S. in Sociology with a minor in Psychology. She has been a preschool teacher (privately and in public school) for 15 years and is recently finishing an M.A in Professional Counseling at Liberty University. She is a mother of three children and loves to read, meditate, and run to keep fit. In the past year, she has worked as a Life Coach and Motivational Speaker and creates workshops on diversity, raising productivity, and leveraging the power of the universe through thought. She has always been fascinated by psychology and the counseling profession and has always sought to help people live to their fullest potential. Her goal is to have everyone she counsels reach self-actualization and to live passionately and in a state of constant joy!
Nadine Stepp
resides in Richmond with her husband Eric, daughter, two crazy canines, and one disgruntled cat. She has been teaching been teaching dance classes since age 14. She began her Ballet, Character, and Modern dance training in Matthews, Va, and continued in Williamsburg, Va where she became a member of Sandra Ballestracci’s Contemporary Ballet Theatre and studied with renowned teachers and choreographers such as Mansur Kamaletdinov and Rudolf Kharatian. Nadine also taught enrichment programs in area schools and adult classes. Upon graduation from high school, Nadine traveled abroad and throughout the United States, eventually settling in New Mexico where she studied Yoga and Modern Dance. In 2000, Nadine returned to Virginia and began teaching Ballet and Jazz at the Diggs School of Dance where she became a co-director and choreographer for the Bayside Youth Ballet in Gloucester, VA. Nadine has also served as Ballet Mistress at Richmond’s Regency Dance Academy for three years. When she’s not dancing, Nadine enjoys cooking, reading, crafting, hiking, writing, and is an avid Ashtanga Yoga practitioner. In addition to her career as a dance educator, Nadine has spent several years working as an advocate for child and adult survivors of Domestic Violence. Nadine will be leading our Creative Movement and Intro to Dance classes.
Christy Sutton
is a mother of two and wife of Dannie. She graduated from Emory and Henry College with a degree in Physical Education/ Recreation. She has been teaching group fitness for 14 years to mixed levels and ages. She obtained her yoga-fit certification in 2006 and has been teaching yoga ever since. Christy will be leading our Yoga for Athletes classes.
Pamela J. Thomas
…is the owner of Kairos Advisers LLC, an organization dedicated to helping others fulfill their longings for an abundant life. She has spent 15 years as an equity analyst, portfolio manager, and consultant for various banks, investment companies, and not-for-profits including the General Electric Investment Corporation and the Virginia Retirement System. Ms. Thomas has facilitated a wide variety of workshops, classes, and retreats over the past decade including: Coping with Change, Living a Soul Aligned Life, and Stressless Decision Making. Pam holds a B.A. in Economics from Princeton University, a M.B.A. in Finance from the Wharton School and a M.Div. from Union-PSCE. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst. She is a graduate of the Integrated Awareness Technique©, an accelerated method of awareness used to consciously link the conceptual and intuitive minds. She is also a Reiki practitioner.
Anne Trippeer
is married to Ken and mother of three children. She graduated from VCU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education after graduating from Radford University with Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing. She taught 12th grade AP English and Journalism at Goochland High School, then moved to the Henrico County Head Start program and taught preschool to at-risk children. In 1994 she became director and established the entire preschool program at St. Matthews Church, then “retired” to raise her three boys. Anne will be leading our “Books on the Brain” book club for boys, Creative Writing, Etiquette and More classes as well as Homework Helper.
Cristy vonRautenkranz
has been a Drama instructor with Drama Kids International for the past year. Prior to joining Drama Kids, she founded and directed a drama program at Bushy Park Elementary School in Maryland, where she taught different types of acting techniques and put together two productions. She is currently pursuing a BFA in Theater at VCU, where she has directed various productions and is President of the Virginia Commonwealth Improv Club, where she teaches improvisational techniques and coordinates performances. Cristy will be interning with Second City, the well-known improv club in Chicago, this summer.
Veronika Walmsley
is married and the mother of three wonderful children. She was educated in France and received her Masters degree in International Trade and Affairs from the Prague School of Economics. She is fluent in five languages and “well spoken” in a sixth. Her background is in international business. She began her career in the Czech Republic as Managing Director of Automax, then became Senior Brand Manager for Benckiser and International Business Development Manager for Nestle (in Prague), before returning to Automax as a current member of the Board. She has been actively involved in her children’s schools, St. Joseph’s Villa and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Veronika became Regional Manager for “Hooked on Learning” through Educate LLC this year and is eager to combine her parenting skills and love of children as she runs the test pilot for this fabulous pre-K program structured by the professionals at Educate LLC!
Gina M. Watkins
…is the Regional Development Director - DC Metro area, for Constant Contact. Gina has a passion for helping businesses to succeed! She brings to her dynamic lectures real-world examples, humor and results-driven wisdom garnered from more than two decades of sales, business development and marketing experience. Gina has helped businesses and organizations of all sizes to create powerful lines of communication with their customers, members, constituents and partners - and teaching people how to use low-cost, highly effective technology tools is her specialty. In fact, Gina draws from her own background as a small business owner, consultant and an advocate of technology tools in her role as Constant Contact’s Regional Development Director. She now serves as a resource to help small- and medium-sized businesses and associations throughout the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia metropolitan areas to maximize the power of relationship marketing using permission-based email, online surveys and more. Gina leads our Email Marketing seminars.
Kathy White
was born and raised in Richmond and graduated from public schools and a local college. She is married to Jud and has three children. She loves music – she has played piano and organ since age 11 and continues to play for church services and just for fun! Her experience with children and music includes preschool and early-elementary church choir groups and vacation bible school. She has also been formally trained in the Musikgarten children’s music curriculum and will incorporate this as well as many other teaching methods into her classes. Currently, she teaches piano lessons to twenty five students of all ages. She has also worked as an Instructional Assistant at Nuckols Farm Elementary School with special ed students for the past eight years. Her hobbies include cooking, decorating, shopping, theme parks and traveling. Kathy will be teaching our Mommy N Me music classes Thursday mornings at 10:30, as well as our Lunch ‘N Music program.
Lorrie Zampetti
is married to Patrick and has four children. She graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy and a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology. She started a pilot program for the state of Rhode Island called “Looking Upwards Inc.” to develop day centers for seniors with developmental disabilities. After eight years with the state, she moved to Virginia and grand-opened the Alzheimers unit at Our Lady of Hope Health Center as Special Care Coordinator. She has spent the past eight years teaching preschool, music, and music therapy at Kids in Discovery Preschool. We are honored that Lorrie will be leading our Music Therapy classes.