After School Staff Bios

Beth studied at Rose Burford College, UK gaining her BA honors in Performance and an MA in Theatre Practice. After completing a three-year course in Acting, Beth worked professionally as an actress and director in various films, TV, and extensive Theatre. Beth has worked during the past twenty years as a workshop deviser, drama leader and developed a company called Infusionarts, taking theatre to Tanzania where she attended the 2008 TED conference in Arusha. Beth has implemented and devised a performance course for learning disabilities and gained many key highlights in working for schools across Devon as a key consultant in after school clubs. Since living in New York, Beth coaches both professionally and in schools, has directed four shows, written and directed a one woman show, and is currently revising her own short movie to be made in the New Year. Beth has been the head of drama for the Willow Tree Performance School for fifteen years. She is now aiming to develop some workshops in New York on various topics.

SPARK is an educational organization dedicated to promoting financial literacy and entrepreneurship among young students. Their innovative classes on life skills empower kids with the tools and mindset to make sound financial decisions and develop into responsible global citizens.

Soléana is pursuing her Masters Degree, currently majoring in Psychology with a minor in Disability Studies at Fordham University. She has an extensive background in education dating back to her internship for a private elementary-middle school since 2016, supporting students and staff. She has also volunteered in the public education system for several years. She loves anime and spends her free time indulging in her creative side by painting and drawing.

Jeanette is a researcher and early education teacher currently working at Spark Academy. As a former mental health crisis service provider, Jeanette has a passion for helping children become critical thinkers and agents of social justice. Jeanette has a B.A. in Psychology from Westmont College, a MSEd. degree with honors in Early Childhood Education from The City College of New York, and was the recipient of The City College of New York Graduate Program in Early Childhood Education’s Life-Long Learner Award in Summer 2021. Jeanette is currently completing a Master’s of Science in Public Administration at City College of New York with an expected graduation date of June 2023. She was also the recipient of the Colin Powell Graduate Fellowship in Leadership and Public Service for the 2021-2022 academic school year.