Meet Our Staff
At New Cottage Arts (NCA), our teachers are more than instructors—they are mentors, artists, and community leaderswho are passionate about making arts education accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all. With expertise in music, visual arts, and cultural arts, our educators bring real-world experience, deep care, and a commitment to fostering creativity, confidence, and youth mental wellness.
Our Teaching Philosophy
Creativity First – We encourage students to explore their unique artistic voices.
Youth Mental Wellness & Social-Emotional Learning – Our classrooms are safe spaces for self-expression and personal growth.
Equity & Access – We believe every young person deserves high-quality arts education, regardless of financial circumstances.
Cultural Enrichment – Our diverse team celebrates and incorporates global artistic traditions.
VICTOR NGO-SMITH
Founder/Executive Director
CARINA BAÑUELOS-HARRISON
Program Manager
SOL ALDINGER
Development & Marketing Coordinator
Click or tap the images below to learn more about each teacher
VINCENT ALLEN
Trumpet, Baritone Horn, Piano
GIO BARABADZE
Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Harmonica, Voice
KELLI CAHOONE
Art, Group Music, Piano, Waldorf Specialist
LESLIE COSTLEY
Drumming, Music + Movement
DOMINIC FANTE
Drums
PATRICIA GOMEZ
Strings, Piano, Guitar
CHELSEA LAJOYE
Voice, Piano
CARSON MOODY
Percussion, Piano
STACY PRICE
Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin, Piano
ANNIE DECAMP
Art, Encaustic Workshop
MARIA GABRIELA GARCIA
Voice, Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, Violin
ERIC JORDAN
Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone, Program Coordinator, Operations Manager
ASH MACH
Violin, Viola
MARI MUNET
Art, Mosaics, Paint
MICHELLE SCHULTZ
Knitting, Crochet
KATHY CHIA-FU WENG
Violin, Piano
ELYJAH TRIBE
Voice, Piano, Drums, Guitar
SPENCER GIL-KIST
Voice, Piano, Guitar
SUSAN KULLMAN
Voice, Guitar, Piano, Ukulele
ADAM MCCREADY
Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drums, Ukulele
JEN STARLING
Art, Mixed Media Paint
Our teachers go beyond instruction—they create life-changing opportunities through the arts. Whether in a classroom, in our studios, or in community, they empower young people to express themselves, build confidence, and find their creative voice.