Institute Graduates: A Leader named Lanae
One of the unforeseen outcomes of founding the Expressive Arts Institute was the popularity and expansion of educational applications in the expressive arts. Director Judith Greer Essex had experience bringing arts to the classroom, through a CalArts Grant in the ’70’s, and even our first class hosted an educator, Taru Rivera. Still, it took a while for the Expressive Arts Coaching and Education track to realize its full potential. Through the years, graduates like Rachelle Archer of Monarch School, Jen Oliver of Young Audiences, have shaped the arts in education culture of San Diego, forming a powerful presence in the San Diego Community. Through each of their programs, they have brought Expressive Arts interns to learn and grow and employed field principles to better serve their populations.
The latest success story comes from our own Lanae Wangler-Kallson, who has completed her coursework and associated hours to gain her Diploma in Expressive Arts Education. Lanae, who already held a MA in Education, has had had remarkable success in integrating the arts into her teaching practice as a High School Teacher. But this sumer brought a new opportunity, and one with a personal connection:
Lanae (center) receives her Diploma earlier this year at the Expressive Arts Institute from Directors Judith and Wes.
Lanae’s daughter had attended the Point Loma Arts Academy, a summer program with a 35 year history of bringing the arts to young students. The Academy, now a separate non-profit, was operated for many years by parishioners of All Souls Church, but appeared to be in jeopardy of closing when the directors’ position became vacant in 2013. Remembering the value of the academy to her own daughter, who learned the confidence to speak and sing on stage there, Lanae volunteered.
As of summer 2014, the academy is a flourishing under her leadership, offering scores of students the opportunity to study with some of the best professional teaching artists San Diego has to offer. With small class sizes, great artists and dedicated leadership, the Point Loma Arts Academy looks to be in a position to touch many more lives in the future.
Congratulations Lanae, on your new and continuing success as an expressive arts educator.
FOR More information on the Academy, visit their page at: www.facebook.com/PointLomaArtsAcademy
