CATHY GILBERT - THEATRE

Cathy has been involved in theatre studies from the beginning time. Well, from the beginning of her time in grade school when she began studying at the Will-O-Way Apprentice and Repertory Theatre. She went on to earn a BFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Michigan and, from there, continued to perform and tour with various theatre companies as well as teach theatre to diverse groups of students.

Cathy became a Mark Keppel parent when her oldest son started Kindergarten and she began volunteering with the PTA and MKS while seeing all four of her children through Keppel’s program. As a Mark Keppel VAPA teaching artist, Cathy is passionate about passing on her knowledge of theatre to kids at such an open and critical time in their young development. Seeing them flourish and blossom as young performers (and human beings) is one of her greatest rewards.

CRIS NEEL - DANCE

Cris began her passion for theater and dance at the age of 5.  Her introduction to theater was seeing Madame Butterfly and she was hooked.  When she is not teaching dance at KEPPEL she can be found in New York seeing as many plays and musicals as possible.  She holds a BA in Theater from USC.  Cris has been sharing her love and passion for the arts with students for 31 years. She began her association with Keppel as a parent and classroom volunteer and formed many of the programs your children currently benefit from like the competitive team of dancers known as the Keppel ELITE and the Master Class program! In her classes, students will work on their basic motor skills, rhythm, creative expression, and technique.

ANN MARIE SMITH - VISUAL ART

Ann Marie K. Smith is a muralist and art instructor in Glendale, CA with over 20 years of teaching experience. Her murals can be seen in numerous schools and public areas. She holds a BFA from the University of the Arts with a concentration in Art Therapy.  Ann Marie teaches the Master Artists’ work, drawing, painting and mixed media for Glendale Parks and Recreation and has taught at schools, hospitals and Glendale Community College. She enjoys creating drawing and painting Youtube videos and presentations for Toastmasters. Fostering joy of creativity in every student is her mission while offering a supportive and fun environment where everyone can discover their style and creativity. Website: https://annmarieartist.wordpress

Her 40+ murals are at these schools: Keppel, Valley View, Mountain Avenue, Thomas Edison, Horace Mann, Incarnation Parish, Pacific Education Center, Dunsmore, Roosevelt Middle, Clifton Middle School and private homes.