Hilary Key, Director
Hilary Key is the co-founder and CEO of Art Steps, having directed our studios since 1999. Hilary has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. In addition to joyfully running the show, Hilary enjoys watercolor and oil painting, as well as drawing together with her two sons. She also serves as founder and President of our nonprofit outreach program, Bright Artists.
Katie
Friendly, warm and gracious, Katie Johnson, Yorba Linda Assistant Studio Manager, has a Certificate in Entertainment Art from Fullerton College. While she loves doing digital art, her roots are in traditional drawing and painting. Her favorite thing to do is get out into the world and draw from life! Katie brings the sense of presence, efficiency and fun learned in her experience as a theme park letterbrush artist into teaching at Bright Artists, our sister nonprofit outreach program. Kindhearted, engaging and calm, Ms. Katie instills inspiration and confidence in each of her students.
Brittney
Brittney Coman, Laguna Hills Studio Manager, has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from California State University, Fullerton, as well as an Associate of Arts degree from Orange Coast College. Bubbly and friendly, she has outstanding leadership skills to rival her keen artistic talent. Brittney works in a variety of media as a fine artist; While she has worked in wide-ranging materials from watercolor, to glass blowing to black-and-white photography, oil painting is her primary emphasis. Warm and connective, Brittney is passionate about dedicating her life to fine art, and to helping her students thrive.
Haley
Kindhearted and patient with a strong work ethic, Haley Wagner, Costa Mesa Studio Manager, has received three Associate's arts degrees from Orange Coast College. Ms. Haley has developed resilience and savvy through her experience working in a wide variety of customer service settings, including management and childcare. Years of nannying young children, including one on the autism spectrum, not only has prepared her to work with all kinds of children, but shows that her dedication to kids is unwavering. Look for Ms. Haley's smiling face at our Costa Mesa studio!
Hayley
When you call the studio, you are likely to reach our wonderful office administrator and scheduler, Hayley Mazeika. We have searched far and wide for just the right person to fortify our office and serve our families. Hayley is as warm, friendly and helpful as she is detail-oriented. We know families love working with her as much as we do! Ms. Hayley also serves as Central Office Trainer, where she ensures all Art Steps staff understand our processes, so that you have a smooth experience.
Robin
Robin Bourland, our Yorba Linda Studio Manager, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Drawing and Painting from Cal State Fullerton. Together with her team, she has managed our Laguna Hills and Costa Mesa locations and kept them running smoothly. Robin's love for art is matched only by her love for children and teaching. With a passion for watercolor, she was drawn to art at a young age through the joy she experienced with Disney movies and children's books. That youthful spirit and optimism pours out of her in the classroom, creating an effervescent and cheerful environment for children to learn and grow as budding artists themselves. Ms. Robin also acts as Lead Studio Manager, mentoring our other Art Steps management teams each month, so that we can best serve all of our students.
Emily
If you are a charter school family, you will likely speak with our wonderful back-office math whiz, Emily Tarascio. An outstanding artist with degrees in both Studio Art and Radio-TV-Film, Emily finds that she also loves details and numbers, so she is right at home as Office Manager, running all of our charter accounts and vital back-office processes in our art-rich environment.
Amanda
Amanda Levenson's artistic accomplishments include designing and illustrating a children's book; creating individual, couples and pet portraits; visual development and character design for animation; comic book work; and many other projects she tackled as a freelance illustrator and fine artist. Amanda was the illustrator for the Daily Titan, the newspaper for California State University, where she graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree in Illustration. She was also a member of the Pencil Mileage Club. Kindhearted and attentive, Ms Amanda is a welcome member of our team as Laguna Hills Assistant Studio Manager.
Jessica
Jessica McNeil, Yorba Linda Assistant Studio Manager, has her bachelor's degree from Cal State Fullerton, where she has cultivated her love of figurative painting and portraiture. Jessica finds joy in representational painting and drawing for its own sake. She loves introducing children to the arts. Bright, cheerful, hardworking, thorough and sharp, Miss Jessica is a wonderful part of our amazing Art Steps Yorba Linda team!
Lillian
Lillian Baker, Costa Mesa Assistant Studio Manager and Advanced Studies Mentor, has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Sequential Art from the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she also made the Dean's List. She also has an Associate's degree in Narrative Illustration from Orange Coast College, where she was Founder and President of the OCC Illustration Club. A phenomenal representational oil painter, Lillian is also extremely resourceful and creative. A regular participant in conventions such as the Anime Expo, Mini Comics Expo, SacAnime and Anime California, Lillian is an accomplished cartoonist and designer who inspires students of all levels to strive for excellence at our Costa Mesa location.
Veronica
Veronica is the Assistant Studio Manager and a dedicated teacher at the Yorba Linda studio, where she also holds the vital role of Program Manager for our sister nonprofit, Bright Artists. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from California State University, Fullerton, with an emphasis in graphic and interactive design. A natural leader known for her warmth, connection and tireless work ethic, Veronica discovered her love for art through special programs offered at her Anaheim public school; this experience continues to inspire her in nurturing artistic skills, positivity, and well-being in children. Her palpable passion for helping students truly connect to the best in themselves through visual arts education drives her to create enriching experiences for young artists every day, and inspires us all.
Ha
As someone who has pursued a lifelong love of art against the odds, Ha Ly has a passion for bringing a can-do, encouraging outlook to children. She recently received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Illustration from California State University, Fullerton, where she graduated summa cum laude. Specializing in digital drawing and painting, Ms. Ha also loves working in pencil, colored pencil and watercolor, and is most interested in children's book illustration. For Ms. Ha, visual storytelling is a way to inspire and brighten one's day through art, and she brightens up everyone's day with her positive spirit and uplifting presence. You can see more of her stunning artwork at www.haphuongly.com.
Alice
Alice Park has always loved teaching young minds. Currently working on her Bachelor of Fine Arts at LCAD, she loves to express herself through traditional forms of art; her favorite medium to work with is charcoal powder and pencil, carefully painting on illustration paper to achieve realism. Alice takes a patient and consistent approach to teaching children, and believes that being surrounded by their creativity inspires her own personal work. She emphasizes the importance of fundamental and technical practices in art through her teaching. Alice aspires to establish her own studio one day to support older students who want to build professional portfolios.
Brendan
Brendan Kendrick is a returning teacher who brings a passionate, but calm demeanor to the Art Steps studio, and an enthusiasm for art and instructional teaching. His specific art interests include rendering, painting, and color theory. Brendan has Associate's Degrees in Studio Art and Art History, as well as a Certificate in Entertainment Art. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Art Education at Cal State University, Fullerton.
Cassia
Cassia lights up every room with her cheerful enthusiasm. She grew up on the East Coast of the U.S. and in Asia, and eventually made her way to California to attend Biola University, where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Design. Cassia is extremely passionate about Fine Arts and teaching, and loves to go gallery hopping in her free time.
Emma
Our Advanced Studies Coordinator, Emma, is a former Art Steps student who is now Adjunct Professor of Fine Art at three colleges: Biola University, Mt. San Antionio College, and her alma mater, California Baptist University, where she holds a holds Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with Alpha Chi National Honors. While receiving her Masters of Fine Art Degree from Claremont Graduate University, she became an Advanced Studies mentor at Art Steps, and now oversees each studio's mentors, guides each student's program, and organizes curriculum in her current role. A prolific, boundary-pushing fine artist, Emma is dedicated to cultivating artistic excellence; she inspires students to challenge their limits and concretely set and achieve goals for their own creative artistic voice. These strengths make her a dynamic and invaluable asset to our most dedicated teen artists and all who support them.
Emma
Emma Hensley brings a positive and welcoming demeanor to the Costa Mesa studio. She loves working with kids of all ages, abilities, challenges and distinctive personalities. Emma is a freelance artist, who especially enjoys creating custom pet portraits. She graduated with a BA from Cal State Long Beach, and in 2024, her work was shown at the Huntington Beach Art Center's exhibition Centered on the Center. Emma believes practicing art encourages students to quiet their minds, process emotions and reconnect with themselves.
Evelyn
Evelyn Santana is a charming, bright and motivated teacher in our Yorba Linda studio. She is currently studying Studio Arts at Cal State University, Fullerton, and is well-versed in drawing, oil painting, figure drawing, still life painting and color theory. She has also had her art displayed at CSUF, and her interests include crocheting projects and working with oil paints.
Joshua
A talented visual artist, Joshua has a strong drive to connect kids and teens with their inner artist, in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Currently a cast member at the Disneyland California Adventure Animation Building, where creativity is encouraged, he has truly taken to heart the value of the present moment to make a child's day. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Glass Studies, guided by a strong belief that passion and dedication can transform aspirations into reality. A free-spirited artist at heart, he enjoys expressing his creativity and hopes to inspire others to chase their goals with confidence.
Lesdy
Warm, kind-hearted and dedicated, our Online Program Manager Lesdy Sainz holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Illustration from Cal State Long Beach. After graduating, she expressed her artistic voice through drawing caricatures for Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland, and private parties. Working in these family settings encouraged her to inspire arts appreciation for all ages, and to be involved in the art community. Miss Lesdy loves sharing her knowledge of classical, realistic drawing and painting with students. She can light up any room, and has an upbeat sense of humor and fun demeanor with children and teens alike, making her classes irresistible.
Madeline
Art Steps welcomes Madeline Prado to our teaching staff. Madeline is currently studying at Laguna College of Art and Design, and is working toward a BFA in Drawing and Painting. Madeline is passionate about people and loves drawing portraits. Ever since she was a child, she has been inspired by the unique aspects and fascinating traits of people she encounters, and loves the challenge of depicting that in a painting.
Maxine
Maxine Fujimoto returns with enthusiasm to Art Steps as a teacher, where she was once a student herself. She tells us that attending Art Steps as a young child helped her develop important life skills like critical thinking, diligence and confidence, which encouraged her to pursue a career in the Arts. She is a recent graduate from California State University, Fullerton where she received her BFA in Illustration. During her time at CSUF, she participated in school-related art shows and creating zines. In her free time, she loves to go café-hopping with friends, crocheting, and making jewelry. Please welcome Maxine as she shines in her new Art Teacher role.
Monica
Monica Ek Castruitia, Hiring and Training Specialist, has taught kids, teens and adults using our award-winning curriculum for over 12 years, 9 of which were spent managing a studio in Los Angeles County. We are fortunate that she has chosen to branch out into our Orange County locations, where her skill and depth of experience are well appreciated, and will benefit our students and staff alike. Monica deeply understands the value of a nurturing environment and parent/student/teacher relationships in fostering the growth of fine artists. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Illustration from Cal State University. Her skills, clear communication, and warm, kind disposition will surely make her a favorite among students and families.
Newlyn
Newlyn is a visual artist with a love for bringing color and creativity into everyday life. She got her start studying fine arts and design, and is a proud alumna of the Ryman Arts program. Her favorite materials to work with are colored pencil, acrylic paint, and clay—anything that lets her hands get messy and her imagination run wild. Alongside her artistic journey, Newlyn has earned a degree in Business Administration with a focus in Finance and is now pursuing her MBA at Cal State Fullerton. Inspired by her toddler, she enjoys working with kids and creating screen-free spaces where they can explore, play, and delve deeply into a love of art.
Nikki
Bubbly, positive, and fun, Dominique "Nikki" Lafreeda is a welcome addition to our Art Steps Yorba Linda team. While receiving her Bachelor of Fine Art degree in Entertainment Arts and Animation, Ms. Nikki has demonstrated her zest for quirky and unusual experiences by participating in lively art activities such as the Pencil Mileage Club Zine and the Knott's Scary Farm Into the Fog art show. With skills in digital art as her forte and having studied child development and education, this kind-hearted, fun-loving artist is the perfect teacher for our students today.
Rei
Rei holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design, earned cum laude from Cal State Long Beach, and has six summers of experience as a camp counselor. She brings both heart and technical expertise to her work with children, and is passionate about helping kids & teens grow in confidence and discover their creative spark. She loves making art for her friends and family, and is eager to share that joy with her students. Her goal is to foster a fun, supportive learning environment where every child feels inspired to further their artistic journey. You’ll likely recognize her by her signature hair clips—a playful touch that reflects the vibrant energy she brings to the classroom.
Riley
Mr. Riley is a dedicated visual artist and educator with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and a minor in Business Management and Entrepreneurship from the Savannah College of Art and Design, where his work was featured in multiple group exhibitions. A former Art Steps student himself, he specializes in oil painting, but is passionate about exploring all media, recently experimenting with more textural techniques. His teaching is deeply rooted in a love for artistic growth, inspired by the great mentors who shaped his own journey. Mr. Riley finds fulfillment in guiding young artists as they develop their technical skills and artistic voice, fostering a studio environment that celebrates curiosity, progress, and increasing capacity for self-expression.
Simone
Simone holds a B.A. in Art from University of California, Santa Barbara and has been passionate about artistic creativity since early childhood, when her studio art lessons inspired a love for drawing and painting. She specializes in realism, working primarily with oils and graphite, and enjoys capturing intricate detail. Present, methodical, and extremely kindhearted, Simone brings a rich and varied background to her teaching. Shaped by experiences in restaurants, boutiques, and even the art section of a newspaper, her diverse encounters have instilled in her a deep appreciation for patience, adaptability, and the power of curiosity—qualities she now shares with her students.
Sorell
Bright, cheerful and kind, Ms. Sorell loves working with kids and teens. After studying at ArtSteps, and absorbing our program’s ins and outs through several years as a teacher’s aide, Ms. Sorell became inspired by our teachers. She began studies of fine art at Fullerton College, with an eye toward becoming an Art Steps teacher as well. She enjoys doing watercolor paintings and has a particular interest in drawing animals. Having worked at multiple customer service positions, and working in childcare throughout her teens, Ms. Sorell understands the importance of a good attitude, communication, and responsibility. Her integrity, sense of teamwork, and amazing attention to her craft have made her a favorite teacher at the Yorba Linda studio.
Sydney
Sydney is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Game Art at Laguna College of Art and Design. She primarily paints digitally, and specializes in portraits and character illustration. Outside of school hours, Sydney loves painting with acrylic, gouache, and watercolor, as well as spending time crocheting. She is a fantastic teacher who engages her students, and kindly nurtures them to reach their artistic goals.
Tai
Tai Nguyen is a Vietnamese American artist who is passionate about art and teaching. He recently received his bachelor's degree at the University of California, Irvine, where he devoted time to creating paintings and sculptures that explore the relationship between man and the environment. While studying at UCI, he worked as a teaching artist and curator, nurturing creativity in young artists. With his experience in various traditional art materials and techniques, he loves providing kindhearted and attentive feedback to his friends and students. Tai has participated in many murals and exhibitions in his Santa Ana community that highlight local arts and cultures. Having embraced the study of teaching and inspiring kids, his goal is to ensure that all of his students thrive and feel appreciated while learning.
Vanessa
Vanessa Millan has Associate of Arts degrees in Art History and Studio Art, and a Certificate in Media Arts from Bakersfield College. She is currently a Studio Arts major working toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at California State University, Fullerton. Among other artistic projects, Vanessa recently teamed up to create a 30 second stop-motion animation, developing storyboard concepts and editing film with 24 Hour Animation. Talented and hungry for knowledge, Vanessa is absolutely passionate about art and passing her knowledge on to children. Please welcome her to our Laguna Hills studio!
Venika
Venika Bibra is a freelance illustrator with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Entertainment Art & Animation from California State University, Fullerton, where she graduated summa cum laude. Venika gravitated toward drawing and painting because of her passion for art, and she is equally passionate in her belief that with dedication and hard work, any child can learn to draw and paint realistically. An excellent communicator with practical customer service skills, Venika has gained countless insights through diverse artistic pursuits -- teaming up to illustrate a book, participating in CSUF’s Pencil Mileage Club, and demonstrating pottery skills at the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach.
Arely
Freelance comic book illustrator Arely Martinez completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in Illustration from Cal State Fullerton, as well as Associate of Arts degrees in both Art and Liberal Arts from Santiago Canyon College. Arely previously worked at Blick Art Materials, and interned at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, following a successful run doing portrait caricatures for both Knotts Berry Farm and Disneyland. Arely's sweet disposition, personally attentive nature, and fastidious pursuit of excellence make her a wonderful Lead Designer and Marketer!
Lora
Lora McWhorter, our Operations Manager, has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in sculpture from California State University, Fullerton. An attentive, caring mentor with a passion for fine art, Ms. Lora sees to it that all studios have what they need. Teaching our world-class fine art program since 2008, she became our studios' strongest advocate, ensuring that her teachers are well-prepared and equipped to succeed, before moving to the Dallas, Texas area with her husband and young daughter, where she now works remotely. Ms. Lora now oversees operations for all locations as well as our online program, and enjoys participating in illustration curriculum work as well. Her dedication to the well-being of children manifests itself in her warm, kind, welcoming demeanor, as well as her steadfast commitment to ethical and artistic excellence.