Instructional Staff
Sascha Newell, Instructor
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"Ms. Sascha" is an Artist, Founder and Executive Director of Fine Art Starts. She has a BFA in Visual Art and a Master's Degree in Teaching. She has taught fine art to children and adults since 1997, and was one of three nominees for the 2021 Art Educator of the Year Award for the state of Oregon. Sascha teaches Art full time at Jesuit High School, directs Fine Art Starts, and is adjunct Faculty for George Fox University in the area of Art Pedagogy (teaching teachers how to teach Visual Art). She has a blended family of five children and loves making art in nature. |
Nina "Neo" Manning, Instructor
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"Ms. Nina/Neo" grew up spending hours in the Fine Art Starts studio, attending years of art classes, has several years of assisting and teaching for Fine Art Starts at various schools, and is a Bachelor's candidate in her third year of college. She is studying animation and game design at Pacific Northwest College of Art. They enjoy making art and spending time with their two cats, Inky and Penny and their crested gecko named Barnaby. |
Adam Strickler, Instructor
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"Mr. Adam" is a husband and a father to 3 boys, one of which is a student at MITCH. He is an Artist who specializes in traditional media such as ink, paint and clay sculpture. He has 5 years of volunteer art instruction with elementary school-aged kids and is looking forward to a rewarding experience teaching with Fine Art Starts! |
Zaza Jeffers, Instructor
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Alexandra ("Ms. Zaza" ) Jeffers received her graphic design degree from PCC in 2013. She worked as a painting instructor at a studio in Tigard teaching both children and adult classes. She has studied many art mediums, including drawing, painting, and calligraphy. She is now a new mom to a little one year old boy.
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Laura Schick, Instructor
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"Ms. Laura" teaches mathematics at Jesuit High School by day, and the rest of the time she is a multidisciplinary artist and maker, working in clay, textiles, leather, wood, basketry, and most recently stained glass. She fell in love with the pottery wheel in 2022 and her favorite thing about teaching is helping students develop their confidence, voice, and passion for whatever subject or medium they're working with! This summer Laura was a guest potter at the Clay and Pottery camp.
When not teaching or making, Laura spends time with her family and volunteers with her therapy dog, Greta. |
Emma Craft, Instructor
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"Ms. Emma" is an enthusiastic teacher with a Bachelor's of Art, emphasis on sculpture and ceramics. She has completed murals, taught summer art camps, and loves to practice her creativity through clay, paint, bookmaking and crafting. When not creating new pieces, she enjoys reading mystery, and fantasy novels. She loves to spend time with her husband Tanner, going on hikes, watching shows, and baking him delicious desserts.
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Studio Assistants
Please check back for 2024-2025 updated pics and bios. Coming soon.
Sofia Lilah, Summer Camp Staff
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Sofia Lilah is a Jesuit High School Senior and Art student, president of social justice union, and youth board member for Rose Haven. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, running, and spending time with her family, especially her siblings and dog, Yoshi. Sofia Lilah has been volunteering with Fine Arts Starts since January, 2023, is on summer Art Camp staff and loves listening to all the creative ideas the kids have. |
Vicenzo, Summer Camp Staff
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Vicenzo is a high school senior and Art student at Jesuit High School. He volunteers in the after-school program for Fine Art Starts during the school year, is on summer Art Camp staff, is a coach for children's sports, and is a pole vaulter. He enjoys working with kids and being in the outdoors. |
InclusionEvery child’s life and diverse experiences are respected. Our goal is to ensure that students are truly seen, valued and feel a sense of belonging and safety during times of creation and sharing.
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Engaging InstructionWe place the best-matched instructor with the course being offered. Our instructors are valued for their artistry, experience and time.
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CommunityStudents feel a sense of community during camp times, art shows and the support they receive from peers and leaders.
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