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Holiday drive for the homeless, collected socks, hats and gloves, spreading Kwanza love!

About Us

Staff & Faculty

It takes a special kind of teacher to be a "mind builder."

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Shirley Taylor Executive Director
Juliana Cope Assistant Executive Director for Development and External Affairs
Julia L. Gutiérrez-Rivera Assistant Executive Director for Programming and Productions
Natasha Richards Assistant Executive Director for Finance and Operations

PROGRAM STAFF

Michele Lee Programs and Productions Manager
Melvada Hughes Dance Department Director
Esther Grant-Walker Dance Department Assistant Director
Waldo Chavez Music Department Director
Christopher Palmer Music Department Assistant Director
Willa Bost Theater Program Director
Melinda Gonzalez Folk Culture Program Manager
Desrine Charlton Pre-K Teacher and Education Director
Brittany Scott Pre-K Program Assistant Teacher
Gilanyi Batista Pre-K Program Family Outreach Coordinator and Administrative Assistant

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Sakia Hussain Fiscal Manager
Marbys Bloise Receptionist
Aliza Rodriguez Bursar/Office Manager
Karen Seymour Operations Manager
Lynsey Tuthill Marketing and Communications Manager
Leny Cabrera Facilities Manager
Elvin Hernandez Custodian

ARTS FACULTY

Mind-Builders’ instructors are not only expert musicians, dancers, or actors, they are also dedicated coaches who share their passion and skill with our students, encouraging them to hone their own creativity. We believe it takes a special kind of teacher to be a “Mind-Builder”.


Dance Department


Music Department


PYT Theater Department


Folk Culture Program


Martial Arts Program