Teaching Staff

Sascha Newell, Instructor

"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 was a Professor of Art Pedagogy in the Master's of Teaching program at George Fox University for three years (teaching teachers how to teach Art). She has a blended family of five children and loves making art in nature.

Nina "Neo" Manning, Instructor

"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

"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

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.

Laura Schick, Instructor

"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

"Ms. Emma" is an enthusiastic teacher with a Bachelor's of Art, with an 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.

Jorie Helwig, Instructor

"Ms Jorie" is a multidisciplinary artist, specializing in ceramics. She holds a BFA in Photography, and an Associates of Applied Sciences in Interactive Media and Web Design. She worked as a Teacher’s Assistant and a Lead Tutor for college art courses. She has taught many media including photography, lino cutting, printmaking, knitting, and most recently handbuilding and wheel throwing. After working in the tech industry as a software engineer and technical writer for the last 14 years, she is excited to be teaching and creating as an Artist educator.

Studio Assistants
Please check back for 2025 updated pics and bios. Coming soon.

Chris, After School and Summer Camp Committed Volunteer Staff

Chris is an Art Student and Junior at Jesuit High School. She loves spending time with friends and family and is active in theater. One of her favorite parts of working with after school classes and campers is introducing them to new art skills and watching their creativity grow. This is Chris' second school year helping in the after school program, and 2025 will be her second year on summer Art camp staff.

Sofia Lilah, Summer Camp Staff

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 volunteered with Fine Arts Starts beginning in January of 2023, and is/was on summer Art Camp staff for 2023 and 2024. She loves listening to all the creative ideas the kids have.

Vicenzo, Summer Camp Staff

Vicenzo is a Jesuit High School alum, and is currently studying in college. He volunteered in the after-school program for Fine Art Starts for two years and is/was on summer Art Camp staff for 2023 and 2024. He is a coach for children's sports, and was a pole vaulter during his high school sports career. He enjoys travelling, working with kids and being in the outdoors.

Inclusion

Every 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.

Engaging Instruction

We place the best-matched instructor with the course being offered. Our instructors are valued for their artistry, experience and time.

Community

Students feel a sense of community during camp times, art shows and the support they receive from peers and leaders.

Find our Policies HERE.