“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret MeadAt ASI, we have a consistently rotating group of volunteers and staff. Get to know a selection of our large staff ranging across the different teams of our organization!
Administrators help to run the office and keep everyone on the same page. They send out information to the organization, reach out to people, and help each team with tasks where they can.
Ana Bim
Assistant Director
- Tasks IT activities: Leading the IT Team guiding them through the projects and their activities, conducting
improvements in the ASI’s Onboarding process and projects, working with the director to coordinate and supervise daily activities, planning and implementing new programs, tracking programs progress, ensuring internal policies, assisting co-ops/volunteers with technical issues and new applications, onboarding new co-ops/volunteers, creating tutorial videos, and managing Microsoft 365 users’ access. Social Media activities: creating content on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, making designs in Canvas, collaborating and promoting ASI’s projects, supporting the handout’s group, supporting members of the team, and designing handouts. General activities: collaborating in surveys, and researching for ASI’s projects.
- Hobbies Watching movies and series, travelling, walking, cooking, spend time with friends and family.
- I joined ASI because… I wanted an opportunity to give back to the community using my IT skills and experience and I admire the ASI’s purposes and work. I also wanted to gain more work experience.
- Expertise Computer Science
Andrew Phillips
IT Coordinator
- Tasks Provide IT Support to staff and co-ops.
- Hobbies Tech and Sport
- I joined ASI because… To aid in
helping children learn more about Art.
- Expertise Management Information Systems
Amanda Hall
Executive Assistant
- Tasks Onboarding, offboarding, organizing, formatting working documents, recoccuring meeting coordination/scheduling
- Hobbies Photography, mixed media, writing, and video games.
Sam Park Young
Volunteer Coordinator
- Tasks I manage the onboarding of new volunteers.
- Hobbies Reading, writing, cooking, and walking with my dog
- I joined ASI because… I wanted to use my skills to help underserved youth and support art creation in the community.
- Expertise Psychology and Sociology
Fei Yuan
Coordinator
- Tasks Coordinator team
- Hobbies Travel
- I joined ASI because . . . I was a teacher, would love to volunteer in
an education related organization.
Nadara Bacon
Office Assistant
- Tasks Mini projects needed for launching on the website
Teachers
Teachers make ASI a fun learning experience for everyone. They make lesson plans, lead live sessions,
and share their expertise.
Benjamin Ruff
Teacher
- Tasks Teach Art Classes
- Hobbies Photography
- I joined ASI because . . . I originally was looking for Grant
- Writing experience. The opportunity to teach a class was brought up to me, and I decided to contribute in that capacity instead.
Jedidah Groseclose
Art Teacher
- Tasks I write art curriculums for students ages 8-12 and instructional videos for our YouTube channel.
- Expertise Nursing, Public Health, and Health Services Administration
Kristen Rucker
Art Teacher
- Tasks teach kids in person and online while incorporating knowledge of art.
- I joined ASI because… I really love
the organization’s mission and their approach towards teaching with a focus on creativity. Art has always been a big part of my life given that I am an Interior Designer.
Shika Veera
Teacher
- Tasks Human body lessons and Health webpage assistance
- Hobbies Human body lessons and Health, webpage assistance
- I joined ASI because . . . A friend was volunteering and recommended it to me
Sophie Najjar
Teacher / Designer
- Tasks work on the handouts which allow for me to explore different subject material and find ways tomake that accessible to
a younger audience.
- Expertise Art, Design
Yen Nguyen
Teacher
- Tasks Teacher Team
- Hobbies Knitting, embroidery, baking, going for a nice walk!
- I joined ASI because . . . I loved art
class as a child, and I wanted to be able to give children today the same awesome experiences!
- Expertise Teaching
Leanne Chin
Teacher
- Tasks At ASI I create handouts that can be used and printed for free to teach children about how to make their own crafts, learn about music,
national holidays, and so much more!
- Hobbies Yoga, Dancing, Reading
- I joined ASI because . . . I joined ASI because their initiative to use the arts to help educate communities and young children within Philadelphia’s community. I’ve always wanted to help young childhood education while using my skills in design to contribute!
Anjali Karustis
Tik Tok Art Teacher
- Tasks create art content for ASI’s tiktok account
- Hobbies drawing, painting, embroidering, reading, thrifting
- I joined ASI because . . . I wanted more experience with creating content for an account other than mine, and to help them grow their audience
Rainamei Luna
Remote Music Applications Administrator
- Tasks I help review music technology apps and teach about them to schools.
- Hobbies Board games, Spending time with my dog, Rock Climbing, Scuba Diving
- I joined ASI because…ASI’s mission strongly aligns with my own experiences and teaching philosophy. It is a great community that advocates the importance of the arts for everyone.
- Expertise Music Education
Jasmine Thawesee
Art Teacher
- Tasks Teach Art
- Hobbies Tennis, karaoke/singing, drawing, painting, guitar, cooking
- I joined ASI because… I wanted to teach art lessons for kids.
Zachary Dornfeld
Music Teacher
- Tasks Teach music to students
- Hobbies Performing and producing music, video games, computer, watching sports, videos and movies
- I joined ASI because… I wanted to teach music.
- Expertise Music Technology
Ian Rictor
Remote Music Teacher for Online Programs
- Tasks Create music and music technology educational content and lesson plans.
- Hobbies Hiking, Biking, Reading, and Writing
- I joined ASI because… I strongly believe in equitable access to music education and technology, so I want to introduce students to free open-source technological resources (ex. Musescore, Audacity). My goal is to teach kids music fundamentals and show them how to use these resources to explore and create their own music.
- Expertise Music Technology and Applied Composition
Christie Germans
Entrepreneurism Teacher
- Tasks Provide guidance on small business ownership, create videos and handouts, and more!
- Hobbies Photography, writing, art journaling, travel, and spending time with friends and family
- I joined ASI because… I want to make a difference in the lives of our young adults and kids
- Expertise Business, instructional design, DEI, art, photography
Linda Hayden
Remote Art Teacher for Online Programs
- Tasks Create Art Videos Online
- Hobbies Painting of course, baking, watching movies, hiking, playing guitar
- I joined ASI because… I want to inspire others to love Art as much as I do!
- Expertise Major: Art Studio Minor: English
Video Editors and Animators
Video Editors make lessons visually appealing. Their work typically sees them editing lessons to be brief, informative, and interesting for kids. Animators help to make ASI more interactive. In addition to helping with videos, they also help to make the site more interesting with the help of animation.
Miguel Geniza
Video, Sound, and Animation
- Tasks I create various sounds to incorporate into animations as well as some music education videos.
- Hobbies I love to hang out with
friends, dabble in videogames, make music, and explore different hobbies!
- I joined ASI because…I chose to join ASI first as a co-op, but after finding another position, I found myself liking the message they give to the community; the idea of spreading art as a way to unify all of us and explore creativity is really great. I decided to be a volunteer and assist them in their craft.
- Expertise Computer Science
Victoria Sanua
Online Video Editing Manager
- Tasks Edit videos as well as assist/manage other video editors with editing process
- Hobbies Playing video games,
editing gameplay videos for my sister’s YouTube channel, and just doodling
- I joined ASI because . . . I chose to join ASI because I wanted to improve my editing skills as well as gain experience in a managerial position and just meet new people!
Ryan Klingensmit
Video
- Tasks My role with ASI is to caption the YouTube videos to make sure they are accessible to all who use them.
- Hobbies Gaming, hip hop dancing, manga/anime
- I joined ASI because . . . I was introduced to ASI in my Intro to Art Therapy elective at Temple, and I admired their mission to make the community a better place through arts programs. I personally have a passion for accessibility, so seeing that they had a volunteer opportunity that I am able to do virtually was right up my alley!
Kayla Emmer
Video Editor
- Tasks Edit videos for the Website
Ashly Laureano
Story Animator
- Tasks Create animations for ASI’s YouTube/TikTok accounts.
- Hobbies Some of my hobbies include drawing, playing guitar, and skateboarding.
- I joined ASI because…I discovered your application on LinkedIn seeking animators, and I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to use my skills in animation to help out.
Voa Sin Giuong
Story Animator
- Tasks Art Teacher
- Hobbies Painting & drawing
- I joined ASI because… to help out.
Hazuki Ishikawa
Animator
- Tasks I’ll make motion design/animation in After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Cinema 4D.
- Hobbies I love cooking.
- I joined ASI because… I want to contribute to helping people through my animation skill and collaboration work.
- Expertise Animation
Kai Snowden
Video Editor
- Tasks Create videos for music history series.
- Hobbies Studying history,
multimedia art, skateboarding, gaming. - I joined ASI because… I wanted to be apart of an enriching education program and encourage students to aim high and pursue a life worth living.
- Expertise Animation and Visual Effects
Sakura Hoshi
Animator
- Tasks Animation
- Hobbies Drawing, Reading
- I joined ASI because… Because we can support students with art!
- Expertise Animation & Visual Effects (3D Animation emphasis)
IT Support
The IT Support team helps staff members operate the systems of ASI. Aside from helping with troubleshooting, they also manage accounts for the company.
Anuradha Pawar
IT Support
- Tasks IT Support
- Hobbies Travel and Cooking
- I joined ASI because… of the opportunity to do Volunteer work.
- Expertise Computer science
Asanka Nanayakkara
IT Support
- Tasks Help make tutorial videos, assist users with O365 issues
- Hobbies Travelling, trying new foods, watching new movies,
playing video games, exercising, SCUBA diving
- I joined ASI because . . I wanted to use my skills to give back to a meaningful organization in the city and help people. Also wanted to meet likeminded people and work on a great cause!.
Dawit Belai
IT Support Technician
- Tasks Assisting users with technical issues
- Hobbies Playing Basketball, streaming the web, listening to
music
- I joined ASI because… To build up new skills in information technology
- Expertise Information Science
Deonte Wynn
IT Support
- Tasks Currently I am new, so whatever they ask me to! Up until now I have been tasked with some cybersecurity assignments.
- I joined ASI because…I love what the organization does.
Jineva Byrne
IT Support
- Tasks IT Support, Microsoft Admin
- Hobbies Hiking, kayaking, napping.
- I joined ASI because… I believe in the value of education, and ASI is
making huge strides to make it accessible to everyone. The entire team came together during the pandemic to provide educational materials to the community and that has been truly inspiring to be a part of.
- Expertise Classical Languages, History of Science
Josh West
Technologist
- Tasks Assist with IT issues the ASI team may have.
- I joined ASI because… I want to leverage my talents to benefit Art
Sphere remotely.
Michael Vranek
IT Support/ Web Designer
- Tasks Assist volunteers with technical support, creating new users, on-boarding new volunteers, creating 365 tutorial videos,
anything else I can do to help out!
- Hobbies I play guitar and keyboard and I also enjoy hiking and camping.
- I joined ASI because… I enjoy helping people and working with technology. I also think ASI is a great cause and want to give back!
- Expertise Recording Engineering
Praveen Lokanathan
IT Personnel
- Tasks IT related stuff mostly
- Hobbies Love reading technical stuff.
- I joined ASI because . . . It is a
good way to give back to society
Rupali Walunj
IT Support/ Web Designer
- Tasks Support users with Microsoft 365/Wordpress, help Web team with any issue or query, design handouts, and do
research on different ASI projects.
- Hobbies I love sketching, baking , travelling
- I joined ASI because… I want help ASI achieve its goal and spread the ASI work while learning new things. I want to help in any way I can to make a difference and I am very happy to join ASI.
- Expertise Computer Science, Engineering, and Science.
Russell Glidewell
Help Desk
- Tasks Help Desk
- Hobbies Playing video games, hiking, and spending time with my cats.
- Hobbies Sports (watching and playing), hikes, reading, travelling
- I joined ASI because . . . I wanted to help young ones who need a head start in life. I have had that in certain ways, and it has helped me tremendously. Everyone doesn’t have those advantages, and I believe that it becomes our responsibility to give back so everyone has a fair chance at an opportunity to better their life.
Sunil Gopi
IT Support
- Tasks IT Support/Training
- Hobbies Soccer, Business, Community Service
- I joined ASI because . . . A love
for giving back to the community.
Thaddeus Pitney
IT Support
- Tasks General support and advice related to technology, security and privacy.
- Hobbies Electronics and
computers, coding, information security and data privacy, photography, skiing/sailing/mountain biking, building things
- I joined ASI because . . . Contribute to a good cause
Timo Stander
IT Support
- Tasks Implementation and management of Microsoft 365 Non-Profit plan. Conducting and controlling process, security,
information, IT capabilities, resources and activities. End-user support and technical advice.
- Hobbies Computers, Golf, spending time in nature.
- I joined ASI because . . . Art Sphere is such a diverse organization with people from all cultures and backgrounds. It is a privilege to use my skills to contribute towards Art Sphere’s vision to inspire and transform young lives through art.
John Spicochi
IT Support
- Tasks IT Support as requested
- Hobbies Fiction writing, hiking, cats
- I joined ASI because . . .I chose ASI because it looks like a great organization that does great work for the community and could use my skill set.
Barbara Turk
IT Support
- Tasks IT Support as requested
- I joined ASI because . . I wanted to volunteer.
Ginger Crawford
Microsoft 365/Active Directory Admin
- Tasks I help with the management of user accounts as well as contribute to other IT tasks as needed.
- Hobbies Reading, traveling, archery, hula hooping, skating
- I joined ASI because . . .I know the value of the programs provided by ASI, as I attended similar after-school programs when I was a child and enjoyed them immensely. This is my way to give back. 🙂
- Expertise Bachelors in Communication, Masters in Social Work
Web Designers
Designers help to shape the image of Art Sphere. This includes making handouts, creating graphics for videos, and designing the website so everything looks just right.
Ardit Hoxha
Web Designer/Developer
- Tasks Develop web pages
- Hobbies I like to juggle.
- I joined ASI because… To give back to the community while I
build up some experience.
- Expertise Finance
Elisabeth Maselli
Web Design Team
- Tasks Volunteer on Web Design Team
- Hobbies Running, music
- I joined ASI because . . .
Interested in working on SEO in a way that makes a difference
Nyemike Atoh
Web Developer
- Tasks Help maintain the website, fix web pages and maximize our SEO scores
- Hobbies I like going on walks,
writing code, cycling
- I joined ASI because . . . I worked at Art Sphere last year and really enjoyed my coop so I wanted to work here again
Guy Guckenberger
Web Maintenance
- Tasks I maintain and update webpages as requested using Elementor, HTML, and CSS
- Expertise HTML/CSS
Iain Shand
Web Designer
- Tasks I turned research into informational and interactive pages for kids to learn about things.
- Hobbies I love sailing and
anything water related.
- I joined ASI because… I agreed with ASI’s goals and though it would be great work experience.
- Expertise Computer Science
Kenny Kim
UI/UX Designer
- Tasks Design applications
- Hobbies Running
- I joined ASI because . . . I love to contribute to the cause ASI stands
for
Lam Lo
Web Design Team
- Tasks Maintain the website front end and develop app
- Hobbies Gaming, hip hop dancing, manga/anime
- I joined ASI because . . . I want to gain experience and ASI is extremely similar to my past favorite volunteer project
Stephanie Yu
Web Development Team
- Tasks Assist with marketing/SEO
- Hobbies Baking, reading, video games, hiking/biking when the weather is nice
- I joined ASI because . . .
I was interested in getting back into marketing after a hiatus, but wanted to volunteer with a company that has a mission that I believe in. That happened to be ASI!
Titiama Sanon
Web Design
- Tasks As a member of the web design team, work with the researchers and other designers to conduct user surveys, present
insights and work on the redesigning the organization’s website
- Hobbies Listening to music, Watch soccer games, Documentaries, Video games
- I joined ASI because . . . I joined the team because I could not land any work offer. ASI welcomed me regardless, and gave me the opportunity to be able to gain professional experience and learn from my peers. Working in a team environment and for a good cause helped me grow as a person. I will be forever grateful for that experience with ASI.
Shubham Kamat
Web Design Team
- Tasks Maintain the website and work on SEO
- Hobbies Arts and Crafts, Singing, Listening to music
- I joined ASI because . . . Because I like volunteering and the Web Developer position matched my profile and the Art domain suited my interests.
Mansi Jadhav
Web Design Team
- Tasks I am primarily involved with SEO currently, and hope to get more involved with Web design as I become more adept with
WordPress.
- Hobbies I enjoy reading reading suspenseful and thrilling mystery novels. I’ve also loved drawing and painting ever since I was a child.
- I joined ASI because . . . Since I am quite interested in art myself, ASI seemed like the perfect opportunity to give back to the community by doing what I love so much – web designing. Knowing some of my work might contribute in making art more accessible to others brings me so much joy!
Lingzi Xiao
Web Developer
- Tasks Web Development
- Hobbies Hiking & anything related to music!
- I joined ASI because . . . I want to contribute to the community as an art enthusiast and a computer science student, and to gain more experience in web development.
Brooks Mitchell
Web Developer
- Tasks Maintain and update website
- Hobbies Mountain biking, running
- I joined ASI because . . . To contribute to a good cause
- Expertise Software Development
Anderson Santana
Web Designer
- Tasks Web Design
- Hobbies Programming, gaming
- I joined ASI because . . . Great cause
- Expertise Computer Science
Smriti Ghosh
Web Developer
- Tasks Creating the subpages on the website
- Hobbies Reading, Singing, Traveling
- I joined ASI because . . . I always look for a chance to give something back to the community and make a difference to the people around. Art Sphere Inc. gave me that opportunity. I am so impressed with their mission and vision. My work in ASI also helps me to develop new skills and build knowledge.
Raymond Huynh
Web Developer
- Tasks Website Coding
- Hobbies Reading
- I joined ASI because . . . I want to have a professional work experience in a web development environment. I also want to be able to help the youth community in Philadelphia to thrive.
- Expertise Computer Science
Aurelia Villyani
Web Developer/Designer
- Tasks Web Design
- Hobbies Drawing or painting
- I joined ASI because . . . I want to learn and experience real life work.
- Expertise Information Technology Major and Web Development minor
Prithvi Rana
Web Designer
- Tasks Work on improving, maintaining and adding features to the ASI web platform
- Hobbies Tennis, hiking and basketball
- I joined ASI because . . . I wanted to use my skillset and experience to make a positive impact in the world.
- Expertise Computational Data Science
Mary Williams
Web Developer
- Tasks I will create websites and make changes to existing websites.
Coding
- Hobbies Walking in nature, reading, and creating websites
- I joined ASI because . . . Because I love that their goal is to help children have more positive experiences by creating art and meeting other children.
Aaryaman Sharma
Web Developer
- Tasks I will be maintaining Art Sphere Inc.’s WordPress Site by creating web pages using programming languages HTML/CSS / JavaScript to promote ASI’s interactive programs, online classes, free resources.
- Hobbies Playing video games, listening to music, exploring new places
- I joined ASI because . . . I wanted to gain the experience as a Web Developer and also wanted to contribute towards the progression of ASI.
- Expertise Computer Science
Xiao Ching Yong
Web Developer
- Tasks Volunteer
- Hobbies Playing badminton
- I joined ASI because . . . To help build a better world with what I’m good at.
- Expertise Psychology
Designers
Designers help to shape the image of Art Sphere. This includes making handouts, creating graphics for videos and designing the website so everything looks just right.
Abigail Petlyarsky
Graphic Designer
- Tasks Make handouts
- HobbiesI like to exercise outside. I also love to cook and try new recipes
- Expertise Pharmacy
Blair
Nakamoto
Graphic Designer
- Tasks Create lesson books with Dayna and Sophie.
- I joined ASI because… I have been able to help others unlock joys
and strengths in themselves through creativity and ongoing motivation.
- Expertise Art
Digna Patel
Handout Designer
- Tasks Design handouts for any holidays and help out wherever I’m needed.
- Hobbies I like painting and
watching a lot of Netflix. I also run for fun.
- I joined ASI because… it seemed fun to work at a company that focused on art because I don’t get enough of that at college.
- Expertise Health Sciences
McKenna Mason
Designer
- Tasks I am a sophomore at Drexel University majoring in Biomedical Engineering. At Art Sphere I design fun and educational handouts, I love
that I am able to still explore creative design work which is unlike many of my classes.
Natalie Perez
Designer
- Tasks I help out with making handouts
- Hobbies I love to sing, play guitar and ukulele, draw, embroider, thrift
and make videos.
- I joined ASI because . . . To gain experience working with art and children!
Simone Shemshedini
Graphic Designer
- Tasks assist with all things graphic design and layout designs for things like hand
- Expertise Graphic Design,
Working with kids.
Tanya Isaacson
Graphic Design
- Tasks Graphic Design TBD
- Hobbies Fine Art Painting, Digital Graphics, Design, Interior Home Painting
- I joined ASI because . . . To give back, to use my skills to help others.
William Driver
Graphic Designer
- Tasls Handout Creation
- Hobbies Golf, Cycling, Snowboarding, Chess, and Wikipedia
- I joined ASI because . . . I’ve found myself with spare time and would like to do good.
Social Media
Our social media team focuses on the public persona of Art Sphere, Inc., which includes platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
Jade Hingtgen
Social Media Manager
- Tasks I run ASI’s social media accounts, collaborate with other teams to promote material and set up fundraisers, and collect analytics
data from ASI’s website and social media accounts.
- Hobbies I love to read gothic novels, make candles, research cultures around the world, and work on a travel blog I have
- I joined ASI because . . . I joined ASI originally to gain work experience at a local Philadelphia non-profit and I wanted to keep my creativity and love for art alive while going to a predominantly science based school.
Kristene Macatantan Social Media
- Tasks Research for Web pages
- Hobbies Crochet, knitting
- I joined ASI because . . . I wanted to have some creative outlet that is
also beneficial in my future career path such as doing research.
Zachary Goforth
Social Media Assistant
- Tasks Help with Social Media
- Hobbies Photography, art, gaming, and reading.
ead, exercise, movies - I joined ASI because . . . Gain experience and help however I can.
- Expertise Marketing
Saskia Frowijn
Content Marketing Specialist
- Tasks Social Media / Writing / Research / SEO
- Hobbies Poetry, politics, traveling, dogs, cooking, and reality tv
- I joined ASI because . . . The after school programs I participated in as a child helped me find my passions and hobbies. Every child should be able to experience that.
Harry Alexander Miller
Entertainment & Arts Manager
- Tasks Social Media
- Hobbies Urban Exploring, Photography, and Video Games
- I joined ASI because . . . I agreed with the mission statement of providing arts and cultural lessons and materials to all neighborhoods in Philadelphia and not turning anybody away.
Marcela Betancourth
Marketing Volunteer
- Tasks Social Media
- Hobbies Read, exercise, movies
- I joined ASI because . . . To make a difference in kids’ lives. I have free time for some months.
- Expertise Integrated Marketing Communications
Jaser Marasigan
Public Relations Assistant
- Tasks I basically support the communication requirements of ASI including for online/social media content to promote its advocacy, and explore/forge partnerships with like-minded organizations.
- Hobbies I like to do 5 to 10K runs in the morning. I read whatever I can get my hands on. I also like binge watching series.
- I joined ASI because . . . I’ve always wanted to be involved in the education sector and nonprofit, and I’m very much into the arts. I’m glad to have found all my interests in one organization.
Camia Owens
Public Relations Assistant
- Tasks Some things I do at ASI are aid the Public Relations Manager and help maintain partner communication. I also establish and maintain relations with ASI-affiliated accounts on Instagram and support our social media team in spreading ASI’s promotional online content, managing ASI’s social media campaign, and making posts about ASI’s resources, programs, and classes.
- Hobbies A few of my hobbies are reading, painting, and listening to music.
- I joined ASI because . . . Assisting underserved communities is very important to me. ASI allows me to help in what I value and will enable me to learn and grow in various skills.
Ashar Wasim
Social Markeing
- Tasks Post on social media channels
- I joined ASI because . . . To build relations and build my skills and resume/portfolio
- Expertise Marketing/Management & IST
Writers make much of the content on the site and help other departments with wordings. Taking care of the social media accounts, researching topics, and making words make sense to everyone we work with.
Courtney Lancaster
Writing Team
- Tasks Grants, Curriculum
- Hobbies Traveling, Reading, Outdoor activities, Thrifting, Mosaics, when I have time.
- I joined ASI because… Art makes learning even more fun!
- Expertise BS Business Administration, MA Social Change, Grad Cert. in Grantsmanship
Geri Yost
Grant Writer
- Tasks Write grants
- Hobbies Kayaking, travel, photography, and crocheting
- I joined ASI because… I wanted to
be a part of an organization that provides rewarding opportunities to children
- Expertise Education and English
Mallika Kodavatiganti
Writer
- Tasks I’ve been helping with various writing needs throughout the team! I was working on lesson plans to teach kids about underrepresented
artists, and lately I have gotten more involved with helping write grants and web pages for ASI!
- HobbiesI play the violin. I love to read, and I really enjoy spending time outside with my dogs!
- I joined ASI because… The arts were very central to my upbringing, and taking painting and music classes has shaped me into who I am today. I want to have this impact on Philadelphia’s youth, and I love that this is ASI’s mission!
- Expertise Biology
Sophia Diaz
Grant Writing
- Tasks Write grants for ASI
- Hobbies Reading, yoga, hiking
- I joined ASI because . . . I love their passion to better various
communities through art, music, STEM, and so much more! After seeing how many programs and opportunities ASI has to offer I just knew this is the team I wanted to be a part of.
Julia Sturgis
Grant Writing
- Tasks Research and write grant proposals
- Hobbies Hiking, yoga, learning about the French language and
culture, playing the violin
- I joined ASI because . . . I want to gain experience as a grant writer, and I want to help enrich children’s lives through art.
Laura Williams
Volunteer
- Tasks I support administrative and content needs for special projects. I’m currently assisting the team that is working on the Entrepreneur and Art project by researching topics and writing summaries for the website.
- Hobbies I love staying active by running, playing sports, and biking around the city. I also volunteer at my community garden, where I maintain a plot during the summer and grow vegetables and flowers.
- I joined ASI because… I loved doing arts and craft projects when I was a kid, and I appreciate Art Sphere’s mission to provide opportunities for children in Philadelphia.
Tina Samuels
Grant Researcher, Teacher
- Tasks Researching Potential Grants, Instructing Online
- Hobbies Chain Maille weaving
- I joined ASI because . . . I wanted to help find ways to give back as well as to keep instructing online. Grant research is a new passion, but one I’m excited about.
- Skills Research, Project Management, Teaching
Our Staff From 2020-21