DAVID WOHLSTADTER
Director; "The Big Cheese"

David earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA in 1975. His vision of starting a series of comprehensive summer arts program for young children began 7 years ago when he saw a need for an alternative to traditional summer day camp programs. He brings his creativity, enthusiasm and love of children with him to each year of summer camp.

CHRISTINE TERRY
Site Director, Valley Village Campus

Christine earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in Printmaking and Art History from the Massachusetts College of Art. She has been teaching a variety of art classes to children over the past four years: including printmaking, drawing, painting, and photography. Currently she is teaching Art at NEW Academy Charter School in Canoga Park as well as finishing her Masters of Arts degree at CSUN in Art Education.  This will be her sixth year as a Site Director for the Big Cheese. She looks forward to inspiring the children who attend camp with her energy and creativity.

ASHLEY CROSNER
Site Director, Agoura Hills Campus

Ashley Crosner earned her Bachelor of the Arts degree, majoring in both Communications and Theatre Arts, from The University of Arizona in 2003. She then earned her Masters of the Arts and Cross Cultural Communications degree from National University in 2007. She is a credentialed teacher who is currently teaching Drama at four different elementary schools located throughout the San Fernando Valley. She has worked with children for the past twelve years through camps, volunteer programs, coaching, tutoring, and teaching! She has a background in Education, a love for the Arts, and a talent for working with children!

Her goal is to positively influence children who attend The Summer Art Academy with her originality, sparkle, and creativity! This will be Ashley’s first summer as an Assistant Director, and she is looking forward to many more!

KCamp Director - Valley Village Campus

Elizabeth has loved the arts and working with children as long as she could remember. It is the influence that three great teachers at Thomas Edison Jr. High had in her life that has given her the passion and love to involve herself in programs that make a difference in working with kids. She currently runs an after school enrichment program called LA's BEST at Monlux Elementary. She devotes herself in being part of programs that cater to creating a  postive, loving and creative environment for kids. That's why she has continued her commitment with the Summer Art Academy. She started out working as a counselor and has taken on a bigger role now as K Camp Director. Elizabeth will be more than happy to answer any and all questions you may have! This will be her 5th year at the Art Camp and is super excited to see all the new and returning faces!

Yessenia has always loved working with children and teens and finds it to be both an amazing and rewarding experience. Yessenia earned her Early Childhood Development certificate from Los Angeles Community College in 2004. When not at camp she works in LA’s Best Afterschool Enrichment Program and volunteers her time at her community church where she oversees various teen programs. Working with kids has made a big difference in her life, and why she is excited to be overseeing the C.L and C.I.T program at camp this coming summer. Yessinas goal is to make a difference in the lives of the teens she works with by giving them the life tools to help create a positive pathway to their future. This will be Yessinas second year at the Art Academy.