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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Veronica
Veronica Hernandez, Bright Artists Program Manager and Yorba Linda studio teacher, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from California State University, Fullerton, with an emphasis in graphic and interactive design. A natural leader who is exceptionally warm, connective and hardworking, Veronica first learned to love making art through special art programs brought to her public school while growing up in Anaheim, CA. This fuels her passion both for visual art itself, as well as facilitating the artistic growth and well-being of children.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Newlyn
As a former tutor in math, english, psychology, art and more, Newlyn Nguyen knows what it means to effectively communicate with kids and teens. With the heart of a leader, Ms. Newlyn has raised funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She has also worked as a teacher's assistant, co-facilitating and leading a class of 25 students, grades K-3, where she created lesson plans, helped guide student behavior and developed a genuine passion for teaching. Ms. Newlyn's passion for art education is matched only by her drawing and painting skills. She currently attends Orange Coast College as a business major, while continuing to study art. We warmly welcome her to our Costa Mesa studio!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
Grace
Grace Miyamoto graduated from UC Davis with a bachelor's degree in Art Studio and has experience with oil painting, charcoal drawing, printmaking, and clay sculpture. In addition to being powerfully talented in realistic drawing, she treasures her time as a summer program camp counselor, serving kids and teens with special needs for over four years. This rich background, along with her passion for creativity and her calm, warm, ever-friendly spirit make her a perfect teacher for our Laguna Hills studio!
Emma
Emma Limtiaco has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from California Baptist University, where she achieved a place in the Alpha Chi National Honors Society, and is currently pursuing her graduate degree in fine art. Emma excels in guiding advanced high school students as a dedicated Advanced Study Mentor and Head Teacher at our Yorba Linda studio. She is a prolific and edgy fine artist, always pushing her limits, and inspires her students to do the same. Her passion for fine arts and commitment to nurturing creativity make her an invaluable asset.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Eadens possesses a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, and a Masters of Fine Art from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Her background as a yoga instructor helps her bring a balanced sense of calm, peace and vibrant energy to her classes, and her particular love of figure painting is evident in her passion for passing the principles of classical realism along to her students. All the while, Miss Elizabeth makes it clear that she cares about every student, as they journey from new to experienced fine artist in their own right. In addition to teaching our award-winning classical drawing and painting program, Elizabeth also serves as the Laguna Hills studio's Advanced Study Mentor. Elizabeth is certified by the College Board to teach Advanced Placement 2-D, 3-D and Design portfolio program.
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.
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.
Aren
Aren Hinojos is a student at California State University, Fullerton, majoring in Entertainment Art. Bubbly, warm, and extremely welcoming, Aren also serves as a Peer Ambassador at the CSUF Business Advising Center, assisting students with navigating the campus, and with college life in general. With a passion for learning, a can-do attitude, and a drive to help children succeed, Aren is a wonderful addition to our Yorba Linda teaching team!
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!
Arely
Arely Escoto is currently studying Drawing and Painting at Laguna College of Art and Design. She loves drawing with different media such as graphite, gouache, watercolor, acrylic, and more. After working in local government for about five years, Arely decided to become an artist full-time. She is dedicated and passionate about helping the next generation of young students achieve their artistic goals!
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.
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.
Alex
Alex is enthusiastic, animated, and fun in her approach to both art and teaching. As a recent graduate of California State University, Dominguez Hills with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art, she plans to pursue an MFA in Animation, and aspires to open her own animation studio. Alex has also enjoyed illustrating a children’s book, as well as serving as a Graphic Designer for the Associated Students, Inc. at CSUDH. She has a deep appreciation for Studio Ghibli films and Cartoon Network series like Adventure Time and Steven Universe, which have all had a significant influence on her creative journey.