Meet Our Art Teachers

Maya grew up in Chesterfield county and now lives in the Manchester area of Richmond.   She graduated from Cosby H.S. with art honors and is currently a student at VCU.

She is an avid lover of anime (a hand-drawn and computer animation originating from Japan) and enjoys several mediums including watercolors, chalk pastels and ink.

As a Children’s Art Classes instructor, Maya can combine her passion for art and children.  She truly has a gift of connecting  with children of all ages as well as helping them discover and develop their strengths while building their esteem, self-expression and pride.  

Maya has worked as a camp counselor for many years and is excited to work with your child to help them explore the world of art and grow as creative and critical thinkers.

Grace received her Bachelor’s in Fine Art from Wonkwang University in South Korea where she studied oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting, abstract painting, and installation art.   Grace has spent many years working as a Graphic Design Artist and an educator.  She has taught children of all ages both in Korea and here in the US. 

As a mom of three wonderful children, she has navigated the demands of parenting and understands how to connect her passion for art with education, patience, and encouragement.  As an artist, her passion is botanical art using watercolors.

Michael loves art and art’s ability to connect others. It represents individuality and self-expression, inadvertently drawing others near through the shared connection of art. Art can inspire and motivate. Michael is a 3D artist and software developer who started his art career at Children’s Art Classes. He went on to study art in college and fell in love with the technological side of art. However, his love of fine art has not diminished at all. He is a forever student and is constantly doing fine art in his free time. Michael believes his foundation of fine art is the key to creating unique and successful art in his field of work. Michael has been trained specifically in the Children’s Art Classes curriculum and has worked closely with Martha in striving for the highest quality of teaching. He has taught at Children’s Art Classes for the past year and has built wonderful relationships with all his students.

Hi I'm Ehren! Art has been a part of my life since I was a little girl. I've always loved exploring the world with color and contrast. I studied at the school of Visual Arts and Design at Southern Adventist University and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from La Sierra University gaining experience in both graphic arts and applied arts such as drawing and painting.

I have 4 years of experience working with children and would say they have been the most rewarding 4 years of my life so far. There is nothing more thrilling than seeing a child's creativity blossom and watching their confidence in art and life grow. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to foster the next generation of creative artists in Murfreesboro TN and can't wait to see how each child grows.

Rachel is a full-time Art Education student at Herron School of Art at IUPUI.  She has experience teaching students of all ages and loves to share the joy of art with young people.  Rachel is also a fantastic artist, and we are blessed to have her at CAC.

Julie was inspired by her elementary art teacher to pursue a similar career path. As a certified art educator, she has spent the past 24 years realizing that dream, teaching in public and private school settings throughout Connecticut and Virginia.

To prepare for this role, Julie attended Fairfield University, majoring in both Studio Art and Marketing.  She went on to earn her master’s degree in Art Education from Southern Connecticut State University.

Mrs. Rogers is enthusiastic about working with her students to help each individual achieve their personal best. She aims to inspire her students to be intrinsically motivated to create art, in turn strengthening their critical thinking and fine-motor abilities.

Sue recently moved to Jacksonville from Omaha, NE, where she taught art in Omaha Public Schools for 20 years. She has a Bachelor’s in Art Education from the University of Nebraska and a Master’s in Integrated Arts from Lesley University.

Sue enjoys mixed media art (painting, collage, art journaling, bookmaking, etc) and has attended and taught many workshops over the years. She has been published in Somerset Studio magazine and has participated in public art projects in Nebraska.

Sue enjoys working with children because they have such active imaginations and enthusiasm for creating art.

ryans@childrensartclasses.com
(385) 352-3482

Ryan started his art career animating on feature films while working at Dreamworks and Warner Bros studios. His animation skills contributed to the films Quest for Camelot, The Road to El Dorado, Spirit and The Iron Giant.

His animations have won many awards and his art skills have been used in TV commercials, online games, collectible cards and embroidered logos.

Ryan has been a guest art instructor for many secondary schools, colleges, businesses and conventions. He taught animation for nine years at Utah Valley University where he helped students use their art skills to bring characters and stories to life!

Katelyn Cagayan studied with CAC for a decade, developing her artistic skills year upon year since childhood under the guidance of Ms. Barbara and Mrs. Stephanie. Now as a teacher, her ambition is to provide the same encouraging environment she was given, that her students may freely explore their creative sides and be inspired to take their art to the next level. She is after the heart of art and the joy of her students.

Ann Minotti received her Bachelor’s in Fine Art from the University of North Florida. During her time there she studied oil painting, drawing, ceramics, and advance printmaking methods. Her
work has been exhibited in several shows and she continues to make work today out of her passion for art.

Children’s Art Classes was introduced to Ann at a young age. She attended classes here for 6 years before continuing her studies in art at college. Her time at CAC, as a student, helped
shape a passion for teaching art that has brought her back now as a teacher. Ann is very excited to have the privilege to work with Children’s Art Classes and looks forward to helping
more children discover a love and passion for art.

To me, the true meaning of love is first freedom, then loyalty. Today, I use my art actively in the community to bring people together, to inspire others, and to expand on the creation and representation of culture as a Dominican Afro-Latina. Art and artists are so important in society because every time we make art we are decorating space and telling history through our creativity. 

Aesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Studio Arts and Mathematics from Williams College, graduating in 2019. Her expertise spans various art forms, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and art history. With five years of experience teaching K-6 students, Aesha has also led summer art programs, encouraging creativity and helping students enhance their artistic skills. She is passionate about fostering meaningful connections with her students, using diverse teaching methods and scaffolding techniques to ensure every child reaches their full potential.

With over 17 years of teaching experience in public education and a successful career as a professional artist, Jessica Swaney brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to our Children’s Art School. Her teaching philosophy focuses on patience, encouragement, and recognizing each child's distinct creative potential, creating a supportive environment where young artists can thrive and express themselves.

Outside the classroom, Jessica enjoys spending time with her two dogs, horseback riding, curling up with a good book, and exploring new art techniques. Her personal artistic adventures frequently inspire her approach to lessons, underscoring her dedication to both her students’ growth and her own lifelong learning.

Montessa has over 26 years of combined experience in healthcare and industry.  Earning her degree in nursing from Towson University in Maryland, she is a registered nurse, who started her profession in the operating room.  Her assorted career in cancer research, health coaching, and clinical analyst has allowed her to travel the world, and she has loved caring for or working alongside some wonderful people throughout the years.

 However, Montessa has also loved drawing and painting since she was a girl. Art was her escape when she was lost or needed focus.  Children's Art Classes opens that door to a dream she never could have imagined, and now she looks forward to opening doors to children in her community where through CAC’s art education, they are empowered to grow farther than they could ever dream and imagine.

Martha believes that the arts are fundamental. Art is a response to our individuality and our nature, and it helps to shape our identity. Art has a beautiful universality; it can speak many languages without a translator. It does not discriminate. Art lifts us up. Martha is the owner of Children's Art Classes. She has been trained specifically in the Children's Art Classes curriculum and has been enthusiastically teaching this program since 2017. Striving for the highest quality in teaching, she works closely with the founder of Children's Art Classes. Her mission is to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.

Martha Studied Social work at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. She moved to the United States in 2003 with her family. Throughout her children's school years, Martha volunteered in the public school system and tutored reading and writing. Martha is the proud mother of three adult children. She holds a part-time position in social work. In her free time, she enjoys painting, drawing, jewelry making, sewing and gardening.

Suzanne is a self-taught artist and instructor. She's taught high school art as well as middle school science at a small private school in the Treasure Valley. She currently teaches one-on-one with special needs students. She’s painted murals for schools and churches, and won recognition for “Children Know” and “What We Pass On”. She’s designed youth sports banners and plaques, as well as donating her time as editor and layout designer for a nonprofit community cookbook, Healthy Eats and Treats, which won national attention in the Morris Press Community Cookbook contest. She lives with her family in the Treasure Valley. The beauty and comedy of everyday life inspires her art.

I’m Charisa Graham, an artist and educator with over twenty years of experience in the creative field. My journey has taken me through various roles, including art teacher, makeup artist, and aesthetician instructor. Currently, I have the pleasure to teach with Children Art Center, Grapevine, Texas. Teaching allows me to foster creativity and critical thinking in my students while introducing them to diverse art forms and cultures.

As a freelance artist, I’ve worked in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and North Little Rock, managing contracts and marketing my work. My passion for makeup artistry has led me to specialize in stage, film, and editorial makeup, allowing me to express my creativity in dynamic ways.

In addition to my teaching and artistic endeavors, I hold a certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Art Therapy Mental Health Coaching, which enhances my ability to support individuals in their personal growth and well-being.

I am committed to nurturing creativity and personal development in others, and I love inspiring my students through art and education.

Janille has had a passion for art all her life. She finds art inspiring and very relaxing. She looks for new art ideas, loves to learn and challenges herself often with new art projects.

Janille has taught art of multiple mediums at Ascent Academy in Lehi, UT with the Great Artist Program (GAP), to all ages of children K-6th grade, for more than 8 years. She loves to watch the incredible masterpieces that the children create. She also teaches art to her own children at home. She believes that art can improve self-esteem, build confidence, teach important life skills through all varieties of art, and that everyone is an artist and can create beautiful and amazing art.

Janille enjoys singing, playing her Theremini, caring for her indoor and outdoor plants, and spending time with friends and with her husband and 4 children.

My name is Bana and as a passionate and dedicated art teacher, I believe that every child is an artist at heart. With a deep love for visual arts and a strong foundation in painting, illustration, and design, I have dedicated my career to nurturing creativity and self-expression in young learners.

In the classroom, I aim to create a supportive and inspiring environment where children feel confident to explore their imagination. My lessons are hands-on, engaging, and tailored to meet the needs of each child, encouraging them to experiment with different techniques and mediums.

Whether through drawing, painting, or mixed media projects, my goal is to help children discover the joy of creating and to build their confidence, problem-solving skills, and artistic voice. Watching students grow, express themselves, and take pride in their work is the most rewarding part of what I do.

Parker is a professional illustrator with a BFA degree from Indiana Wesleyan University.  Parker loves working with youth of all ages, and he is excited to help each student learn art techniques that will help their creativity shine!