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| T E A C H E R B I O G R A P H I E S |
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Tobie Columbus
(Dance)
Tobie has been an actress, choreographer, dancer, and dance instructor
for over 20 years, and has performed on Broadway, Off Broadway and
internationally. She is a member of AEA, SAG and AFTRA. She began
teaching dance to children when she had children - a temporary
situation created to guarantee her children having good instruction in
an art she loves. Along the way she discovered she not only loved
children, she loved teaching them. In addition to teaching, she is
very active as a professional choreographer, works a great deal as a
guest artist, and is currently performing a one-woman show which she
created.
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Lucille DeThomas
(Painting)
From Easton, Pennsylvania, Lucille DeThomas won her first award in a
city-wide competition at age 13, and has consistently won top awards in
oils, watercolors and sculpture, which includes 4 gold awards in the 4th
Army competition in Texas. Her works have been exhibited and sold at
the Denver Art Museum, the Republic of China American Contemporary
Masters Show, and she has been twice sent to the Island of Maui to
paint large commissions. Lucille teaches at 5 locales in California,
including Sequoia National Park during the summer. Her greatest
rewards are awakening the imagination and senses of enthusiastic
students to the wonders of light and color and hopes to motivate an
even larger audience in the book she is writing.
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Margarita Estrada
(Theater)
Margarita grew up in the "Garlic Capital" of Gilroy, CA. She holds a BA in
Drama and a minor in Philosophy from the University of San Jose State and an MA in
Applied Psychology from the University of Santa Monica. She also holds an MSS in
Spiritual Science from the Peace Theological Seminary & College of Philosophy in
Los Angeles and is an ordained Minister. Prior to moving to Los Angeles in 1984,
she lived in San Franciso and wrote, produced, directed, taught and acted in
community theater. While working in the Mission District with high school age students,
her first original production was aired on Ch. 7. She has worked as an Actress in film,
television, and community theater, with one theater production chosen by the LA WEELY
as "LA's Pick of The Week". She has been a voice over for "Pier One"
commercials. Margarita continues to pursue her craft in many creative forms that call
to her to express and share her love for acting as an artist and performer.
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John Free
(Photography)
John Free has been a professional photographer specializing in journalistic and editorial subjects since attending Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara over thirty years ago. His photographic essays range from railroad tramps in California to automobile abstracts to London and Paris street life.
John's work has been featured in numerous publications from U.S. News and World Report to Peterson's Photographic Magazine to Smithsonian. He was among the international photojournalists selected to take part in the project that resulted in the book 24 Hours in the Life of Los Angeles.
John has taught at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, UCLA, USC and Pasadena City College, and the Newport Art Museum. He is also involved with several non-profit organizations teaching inner-city kids the excitement and power they can get from being dedicated photographers.
http://johnfreephotography.com/index.php
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Shau-Mey Gardetto
(Yoga)
Shau-Mey is a graduate of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedania
Center's Teachers' Training Course in Grass Valley, CA. She has been
teaching Hatha yoga since 1986 and her instruction incorporates
Pranyama, Asanas, Meditation, Diet, Relaxation and Positive Thinking.
Her classes are designed for beginners, intermediate, advanced and
pregnant students.
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Sheri Garwood
(Children's Art & Ceramics)
Born and raised in southern California, Sheri originally studied Marine
Biology. However, her love of art prevailed and she attended and
graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and
later taught fashion illustration at that institute (FIDM). After many
years working in the fashion industry (designing, illustrating and
pattern-making), she began studying other media including drawing,
painting, ceramics, art history and photography. She says, "My
passions in all areas of the arts combine with my interest and
experience in fashion arts. As a teacher, I encourage others to be
themselves and to use creative arts to develop their own 'soul
expression'".
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Joanna Gates
(Ceramics & Interactive Storytime)
Joanna has been an artist her whole life, enjoying the element of self- expression
through different mediums. She enjoys the tactile skills of using her hands to create
and build art. Joanna believes that by applying creativity to concept, a simple project
can create life long experience and results. Joanna has been working with children in
art and education through preschools, Kidspace Museum and Campfire Boys and Girls since
1992. She holds her BS from Cal State Fullerton, and is currently pursuing her Masters
in counseling. She is patient and understanding of the needs of children in a learning
environment. From instructing art programs to working formally as a preschool teacher
for five years, her lesson plans are constructive with an element of exploration and
discovery. Joanna is energetic and creative, and encourages use of the imagination and
individual expression along with learning and applying skills in art. She thrives on
engaging with your child to enhance their learning within a fun environment.
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Laurelle Geils
(Tai Chi Ch'uan)
Laurelle began studying Yang style Tai Chi Chuan in 1988 at McGroarty
with Isabella Barone. When Isabella retired from teaching in 1995 she
chose Laurelle to become the teacher. As Tai Chi is a life long
practice, in addition to teaching at McGroarty, Laurelle continues to
study and practice new forms with Mandana Doust.
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Ursula T. Gibson
(Writers Club, Poetry)
Ursula T. Gibson is Poet Laureate of Sunland-Tujunga, 2006-2008. She has been a legal
secretary since 1956, and CCLS from 1989-2005, and still serves two attorneys' offices
by transcription of legal work at her home office. She is the author of "Be Prepared,
Don't Mumble, Look UP!", a manual on how to read poetry aloud (Dry Creek Press, 2003),
and "The Blossoms of the Night-Blooming Cereus", a collection of 68 of her poems,
published by Publish America, Inc. (www.publishamerica.com, 2005) or amazon.com or
through Barnes & Noble bookstores. She was the paid Music Critic for the
English-language newspaper in Bloemfontein in South Africa, 1974-1976. She is a member
of Calfornia Federation of Chaparral Poets, Inc. and of California State Poetry Society.
She and her astronomer husband have been residents of Tujunga since 1979.
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Edward B. Goral
(Life Drawing & Painting)
Edward Goral graduated from the Art Center College of Design in 1971
with a BFA in Painting, where he studied under the late great Lorser
Feitelson. Mr. Goral worked for nearly 20 years as an animation artist
at Walt Disney Feature Animation, Warner Bros Feature Animation, and
Sony TV animation. His paintings are represented in collections
throughout North America, Europe, and the Far East. In addition to
his easel painting, Mr. Goral has produced large scale murals for
the quickly expanding Trader Joe's markets, the YMCA, as well as
private commisions. In order to share his passion and experience,
he teaches a weekly figure drawing workshop at the famous McGroarty
Arts Center in Southern California.
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Anne Hamilton
(Preschool Art)
Anne Hamilton has been working with young children since she was not much more
than a child herself. She has loved exploring the world through art and
exploring the world of art all her life, and enjoys combining her interest
in art and her interest in children very much. She has worked in preschools,
daycare centers, and churches in volunteer and professional capacities since
1997, and has young children of her own. She sees art as a fundamental way of
looking at life and loves creating art and exploring different media and
subjects with her children and the children she works with. Anne says,
"It is very important for children to be exposed to viewing, thinking
about, talking about, and creating art from a very young age, and art is an
ideal way for children to explore their feelings and the world around them
and communicate their thoughts and impressions to others. I am thrilled to be
able to be a part of this process". |
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Mandana Hosseindoust DAOM, L.Ac.
(Tai Chi Ch'uan)
Dr Mandana Hosseindoust has been practicing Tai Chi Chuan since 1986. She has been teaching since
1993. Mandana holds classes in Tujunga, Santa Monica, and UCLA Ashe Center. She is a licensed
acupuncturist, and holds a Doctorate Degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine.
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Suzanne Inwood
(Violin)
Suzanne has been teaching violin in her private home studio for over 25
years. In addition, she has held positions on the teaching staffs of
the U.S.C. Community School of Performing Arts, the Idylwild School of
Music, and the Irvine Conservatory of Music. She has been on staff at
McGroarty as a violin instructor for over seven years. She received a
Bachelor's Degree in Violin Performance from U.S.C.
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Stacey Jack
(The G-City Program)
Stacey Jack is an award-winning producer, actress, and teaching artist. Specializing
in Arts Education for 15 years, she has developed the Gifted Crow Improv Theatre for
Youth (G-CITY) program, which teaches the Art of Improvisation. Ms. Jack has trained
performing artists, classroom teachers, arts organizations and community leaders to
utilize these techniques, while implementing over 70 of her own programs to students
of all ages in and out of the classroom. As an arts-in education advocate, Ms. Jack
is thrilled to begin her residency at McGroarty Arts Center and is a four-time
recipient of the Artist in Residence Award from the Dept of Cultural Affairs, of Los
Angeles.
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Thea King
(Belly Dancing and Piano)
Thea is an instructor and performer of Egyptian and Cabaret Bellydance.
Known for her strong hip movements, flowing veil work, zills and sword, Thea
has pleased many audiences with her natural dancing abilities. She was a
lead dancer for four years in the Cabaret and Fusion Bellydance Troupe,
Jewels of the Dance. Thea has studied under Kristen, Princess Farhana,
Tempest, and Kamala as well as other great dancers. Thea has been a
featured performer at restaurants and venues throughout the Los Angeles area
including regular appearances at Moun of Tunis Restaurant in Hollywood.
Thea began teaching Bellydance at McGroarty Arts Center in 2006.
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Angela Tarbet Knowlton
(Music and Piano)
A native of Tujunga, Angela studied piano locally with Estelle Livingston
and graduated with honors from Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles
with a BA in Music, with emphasis in Harp Performance, and earned a
California teaching credential in music in 1977. She has taught vocal
and instrumental and classroom music in the Los Angeles, Glendale and
Stoughton, Wisconsin school districts. Angela has been teaching both
music and drama classes at McGroarty since 1981. As a member of
McGroarty's Board of Directors, she states, "I am truly committed to
keeping McGroarty Arts Center open as a precious oasis for the arts in
our Verdugo Hills.
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Carlos Kuhlmann
(Guitar)
Having grown up in a musical family, Carlos Kuhlmann always wanted to find his place
in the musical world. After trying out multiple instruments, he found that guitar was
the one that suited him best. He studies guitar at Cal State LA and now plays various
types of music. He is not only fluent in the popular guitar styles such as rock, pop,
and blues, but he is also a performer of other styles such as jazz, classical, cuban,
brazilian and other latin american genres. Carlos has been teaching since 1998 in both
classroom and individual settings. His expertise has been sought out by the music
department of Eagle Rock High School to clinic, coach, rehearse, and direct bands for
competitions and performance. Students of Mr. Kuhlmann have accomplished many notable
achievements. These range from a student being selected into the prestigious SCSBOA
High School Jazz All-stars to an autistic student proving specialists wrong by
interpreting written music and performing classical works. Of course accomplishments
including learning one's first song or a student's first performance are just as
remarkable.
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Annie Mann
(Ceramics, Drawing)
Annie holds a BFA from Otis Parsons and a Master of Fine Arts from UCLA.
In addition to her work at McGroarty, she currently teaches Drawing to
Architecture students at USC. Annie also has teaching experience with the
Wright Art Gallery, the Beverly Hills Adult School, and Exceptional
Children's Foundation, where she worked extensively with both gifted and
mentally challenged students. Annie worked in the education department of
MOCA for 6 years, providing interactive educational tours and creating
scripts and lesson plans. Annie began working at McGroarty in 2005. Her
classes here are known for teaching new ways of "seeing" the world
around us.
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Isumi Morrison
(Piano)
Isumi holds a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts with a major in Piano
Performance from Musashino Conservatory of Music, Tokyo, Japan. She
privately studied Piano Performance with Dr. Rayma
Barroll-Aschaffenberg at Arizona State University School of Musics,
Music Synthesizer at Pasadena City College, and Accompaniment Ensemble
at California State University, Los Angeles. In addition to her
teaching schedule at McGroarty, Isumi plays piano accompaniment for
Junior High School choir festivals, and for various instrumental
students' recitals.
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April Orozco
(Art)
Born and raised in sunny California, April remembers from the moment crayon and
paper were placed in her hands, she was drawing. Always expressing herself through
contour drawing and plenty of color. With a strong passion for art, April expanded
her artistic abilities through education. She graduated from Otis Parson Art
Institute in 1989, furthering her education with a Degree in Graphic
Design/Advertisement in 1991. April has been working within the community for over
10 years. Painting murals for local schools, creating flyers ans logos for small
businesses, teaching art through private schools, and neighboring community centers.
She has created a curriculum based on her greatest passions, graphic design, art
history, and the 7 elements of art.
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Maxine Pearl
(Dance)
Maxine has a college background in early childhood education and teaches dance and
exercise classes to children and adults. Maxine is a Dance professor at Community
Colleges throughout Los Angeles. Professionally, she has performed with major dance
companies, choreographed musicals, and starred in instructional dance videos. In
addition, Maxine ran her own group of country western dancers called "e;Pearls
of the West,"e; which appeared in the Doo Dah Parade for many years. She
continues to make appearances at country western parties for corporate and private groups.
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Brian Peshek
(Ceramics)
Brian Peshek has been creating in ceramics since 1988 and began his
career on the potter's wheel. Within the last two years he has
specialized in thrown tea bowls. The tea bowls are made with a
philosophy similar to the traditional tea bowl potters of Japan as in
the wares used in the ritualistic tea ceremony. They are all
different: some crude, rough and course, others more refined, smooth
and labored. They are all modest but exude a complex existence in
their deceptive minimalism.
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Casandra Roberts
(Yoga/Pilates)
Casandra Roberts is a certified fitness trainer, yoga and pilates instructor.
She started her career as a ballet dancer, teacher and choreographer. She went
on to study Hatha yoga with Patricia Joye and Kundalini yoga at the Earth Heart
Institute and now teaches a dynamic blend of both yoga styles. In addition to
training people in pilates, she also combines yoga, pilates and fitness training
into a mat class that emphasizes full body conditioning, core strengthening and
flexibility. All of her classes encourage students to focus on breath, mindful
movement, body awareness and a healthy release of physical, mental and emotional
blocks.
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James Williams
(Painting)
James was born and educated in England and received art scholarships to
attend colleges in London and Manchester. He has exhibited and sold
paintings in a variety of mediums (oil, acrylic and water color) in
England, Canada and the U.S. He has been a working artist all his life
and says, "I deal in basic principles of art - not only what we do, but
why we do them. What tools we can use to achieve the effects we
desire, in order to communicate. What gives a painting value and why
we paint at all."
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Ray Yocum
(Ceramics)
Ray Yocum grew up in Burbank. He studied painting and drawing at the
University of San Diego, earning his BA in Fine Arts, with a minor in
art history. He received his BFA from Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles,
where the fundamentals of painting, drawing, ceramics, design, and
sculpture were emphasized, and then received his MFA in Intermedia in 1980.
Ray is on the Board of Directors at McGroarty Arts Center, where he has
been teaching ceramics since 1992. He has taught at Barnsdall Art Center
since 1994 and is currently teaching at Xiem Clay Center in Pasadena as
well. His teaching philosophy emphasizes skills as a pathway to creativity.
Understanding the medium is a prerequisite for realizing creative ideas.
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