Ballet and Dance Instructors:
Our professionally trained and caring instructors provide a very rewarding and positive experience for all students. All of our instructors are skilled dancers, which is important in being able to demonstrate correct dance technique. Students are placed into their respective levels by the decision of the instructor. Students develop strength and form through stretching, isolation exercises, and dance technique work. They learn stylized choreography and performance skills, which they can share with friends and family in our annual recital in the spring.
Art, Education, Language, Music and Theater Instructors:
Student’s success starts with our experienced and professional instructors. Instructors are dedicated and they are determined to make classes interesting, educational and fun. Arts and Education provides activities and classes that help students gain confidence for life through body spirit, body and mind.
MEET OUR ARTS AND EDUCATION INSTRUCTORS
Teri Abbott: Teri has a B. A. in Education from Wilmington College and a M. D. Mathematics Education from Miami University. “Teri teaches “Creative Cooking”.
Bill Allen: Bill has an awesome back ground in theater and a Bachelor of Science degree Theater/Communications and Psychology from Cumberland College including acting I and II advanced acting Directing, Video Production, Public speaking and storytelling, psychopathology and Early Child Development. He has been in theater productions in high school and college and directed several productions such as Wild, Wild West, No Exit, The Mouse Trap, Post Card, Meet it before you eat it, The Man in the Mirror, The Assassination of Childhood Innocence and several others. He has done stage combat, and a light and sound Tech. Bill has worte children's books, "The Year I Lied to Santa Claus", and "Why do dogs bark"? (Published Poetry) American Anthology; "Every Rose Has One", (Television Screenplays) 4 Family Guy Episodes (Television Pilot) My Step Dad. Bill is also a personal fitness trainer for the YMCA.
Stephanie Anderson: Guitar Lessons
Suzanne Badger: Suzanne has a B.A. Degree in Education and Special Education from the University of Cincinnati and is working on her Masters Degree at Bowling Green State University in Assistive Technologies in Special Education. She has been involved with pottery since high school and at Ursline Academy in Blue Ash. Suzanne teaches beginner pottery on Saturday.
Carolyn Burns: Carolyn brought Young Rembrandts to Greater Cincinnati in 2003 after successful career in business. She now applies her skills as the owner and operator of Young Rembrandts and employees over 20 instructors. Carolyn has a business degree from the University of Georgia’s Marketing Program in 1990. She uses her knowledge and experience to help young children learn the fundamentals of art as well as to instill self-confidence in each student in a positive, fun atmosphere. Young Rembrandts offer Elementary Drawing, Cartoon Animation, Preschool Drawing, and various themed-based workshops throughout the summer.
Karen Carter: Karen has a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Cincinnati. She worked 15 years with the P.T. O. sponsored dance enrichment programs in Warren and Clermont County. She has been the owner and proprietor of “Dancingly Yours” since 1983 and brings 35 years of experience to Countryside YMCA.
Michelle Crockett: Michelle graduated from Miami University with her B. D. in Music Education (studying flute) and from Tennessee Technological University with her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. She was a Band Director in the public school systems for 7 years and has taught private flute lessons for 8 years. She performs regularly in church as well as in the orchestra pits of local musicals. Michelle is the Band Director for the Southwest Ohio Home School Band and teaches private flute lessons.
Diane Gibson: Diane has a M. A. Degree in Education in Fine Art from the University of Rio Grande 2009. Visual Art teaching license from Muskingum College 2002 and a Bachelor of Arts (Arts German majors) from Ashland College 1978. Diane teaches Drawing for Teens and drawing for Children.
Christy Hilton: Ballet instructor.
Norma Jureidini: Norma is from Bluefields, Nicaragua and speaks fluent Spanish. She came to the United States in 1979 and could not speak any English. Therefore, she understands how hard it is to learn a new language; she thoroughly enjoys teaching and helping young children get an early start on a new language. She has gone to secretarial school and has been a professional seamstress for many years. She teaches Spanish for Children.
Marlaina Leppert-Wahl: Marlaina has an Associate Degree in Hispanic Studies, Completeness University in Madrid Spain, and a B.A. in Political Science, from the University of Cincinnati. She has a M.A. in International Relations from George Washington University, Washington D.C., and a M.A. in Political Science from the University of Cincinnati. Marlaina has been teaching Spanish for the past 20 years. Marlaina is a professor at Wilmington College. She teaches Beginner’s Spanish for Adults, Intermediate Spanish for Adults, Conversational Spanish for Adults, and Beginner’s Spanish for Families.
Cathy Lyons: Cathy has a B. A. Degree in Photojournalism from Western Kentucky University. Cathy is a professional photographer and traveled globally to photograph. Celebrities photographed on assignment including Sparky Anderson, Johnny Bench, Art Garfunkel, Mary Wilson, Whoopi Goldberg, Eartha Kit, and Oscar Robinson. She has shot various assignments locally from children and families to corporate arts organizations, editorial, and branding. Cathy teaches Digital Photography, Photoshop Elements, and Digital Scrap booking.
Janna Morrison: Teaches pottery.
Martha Pollock: Martha has a B. A. Degree from Oral Roberts University in Elementary Education and a degree from Xavier University in Elementary Education. She has 14 years teaching experience. Martha teaches Kids in the Kitchen.
Valerie Rask: Valerie has a B.A. Degree from Hanover College in Art and Business and attended Monica Community College. She was a member of the Art Bank Cooperative Art Gallery in Cincinnati 1966-1991. Valerie teaches Stained Glass at Middletown Arts Center since 1986. She teaches Glass Fusing.
Dr. Fred W. Sigler: Fred has a D.V.M. Degree from the University of Georgia and a M.D from the University of Wisconsin. American Contract Bridge League life Master player, teacher, and director. Fred has been teaching bridge for the past 10 years at the Y.
Kevin Smith: Chess
Jiffy (Jeryl) Stiles: Jiffy has been a student at Kira’s Oasis since April of 2004. She has participated in multiple belly dancing workshops, study groups, and individual classes. Jiffy has been belly dancing for the past four years performing at Downtown Dayton Courthouse Square, Cincinnati Zoo, Schuster Center Lobby Dayton, Wright Brother’s Parkway, Wright State University, Sinclair Community College, Centerville High School, and Countryside Dance Ensemble Recital. She teaches belly dance classes for adults.
Dwayne Taulbee: Teaches Archery
Rachel Toler: Rachel studied after high school at Nyark College in New York. Rachel loves to sing and sang in a production company in high school and college. Rachel teaches Kids Day Out.
Herminia Torres: Teaches Spanish for the Children's Center
Jamey Webb: Computers
Dave Wissel: Dave has a B. S. Degree in Electrical Engineering. Dave has taught for all the major ballroom and Latin dance franchises, handling both social and competitive dancers. He has experience in teaching American and International style. Dave has been teaching ballroom dancing for the YMCA for the past 10 years.
