Rick has a strong background in new business development, market research, negotiations, and management. With over twenty years experience in sales, marketing, and account management Rick knows what it takes to be a success in the competitive business world and how to capture new business and develop relationships to grow existing business. His unique balance of creativity and business savvy helps him get results for departments and organizations. Rick's business skills speak for themselves but his creativity and problem-solving ability sets him apart and helps him achieve results and adds value.

Rick has a bachelor's degree in management and business information systems and a Masters degree in Organizational Leadership.

Michelle Kresge – Michelle Kresge is the National Director and Co-Founder of Spotlight Events, Inc., a nationally touring dance competition producer. Michelle has been in the dance world all of her life and possesses over 30 years of dance training, performing, and professional choreography experience. An Idaho native, she comes from a family of 7 children, all of whom started their training in their mother’s dance studio. Michelle has taught all dance forms and directed her own successful dance studio for a number of years in Colorado. As a competitor and choreographer, she has won numerous awards on a Regional and National level, both personally and with her college dance team at Utah State University. She is also a recognized dance, drill, and talent adjudicator. She presently choreographs and teaches tap for competitive dance teams. In addition to her dance background, Michelle possesses a vast business background. She served as a Vice President for a 2.5 billion dollar California based financial institution for over 10 years. Michelle is also an accomplished musician, including voice, piano and saxophone, and is active in her church organization. She and her husband, Robert, are parents to three beautiful children.

Sarah Sharits - Sarah is a native of Phoenix, Arizona and is an award winning choreographer, instructor, and performer. She has studied a variety of dance styles with the dance industry’s leading instructors. In 2007, Sarah graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Integrative Studies and Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance. Throughout college she was a member and choreographer for the Scottsdale Arizona Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Jennifer McKusick. Most recently, Sarah was a member of the 2008-2009 Idaho Stampede Spirit Team. She currently works with Spotlight Events, Inc. as a production coordinator and as a dance instructor at Xpressions Dance Academy in Nampa, ID. In the summer of 2009, Sarah also participated as a performer in “Dreaming of Disney”, a production number choreographed by Kyle Hill. Sarah is excited to join the Arts West faculty and provide students with an appreciation and love for dance and the performing arts.

Kristen Shearer - Kristen Shearer began her dance training in Idaho Falls, Idaho under the direction of Laurie Phillips. She was a member of the Dance Depot National Competitive Company and won numerous awards throughout the country for her outstanding talent. Kristen further demonstrated her passion for performing in Boise, Idaho where she was a member of the prestigious Boise State University Maneline Dancers. Kristen is one of the Treasure Valley’s leading dance instructors offering expertise in all styles of dance. In addition to her strong background in dance, Kristen holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. This has enabled her to succeed in the social work field including an opportunity with the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah. As an Adaptive Instructor, Kristen helped people with disabilities acquire lifetime skills in a recreational setting. Her love to assist others combined with her passion of dance has landed Kristen at ArtsWest’s door step teaching various styles of dance including hip-hop, jazz and contemporary. In addition to dance, Kristen also loves her dog, Thunder, and working in Stanley, Idaho during the summers--enjoying Idaho's nature.

Chela Bowers - Originally from Sacramento, California, Chela Bowers is an adjudicator, choreographer, instructor and event production supervisor. She began her training at The Ballet Society Ballet Company, and discovered her love for competition as a member of the award-winning Dance Depot National Competitive Company. She continued her love for performance as a choreographer & performer for the nationally recognized Boise State University Maneline Dancers where she also earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Promotion. Chela is presently the Event Production Supervisor for Spotlight Events, Inc., a nationally touring dance competition production company. She is also a choreographer and dance instructor for Centre Stage Studios in Nampa, ID. Chela is versed as a ballet, jazz, contemporary and lyrical instructor and dancer. Chela’s love for the arts is demonstrated by her high-energy master classes and award winning choreography. Chela is excited to be part of the Arts West faculty.

Phyllis Rothwell Affrunti - Phyllis Rothwell Affrunti began her training in North Carolina and continued at the Academy of the Maryland Youth Ballet. During this time she became one of 20 dancers from across the country to study at the Chautauqua Institute with Jean Pierre Bonnefoux, Patricia McBride, and Violette Verdy. At 17 Phyllis was accepted on full scholarship to the Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet and performed with the company. She later performed many principal roles that have included several Balanchine works while dancing with Southern Ballet Theatre and as a Principal with Charleston Ballet Theatre. In 2003 she joined Ballet Idaho/Eugene Ballet under the direction of Toni Pimble. In 2004 she was promoted to Principal where she continues her career as a principal dancer with Ballet Idaho under the direction of Peter Anastos. Phyllis has taught dancers from the tiniest of tiniest to professionals. She has taught in summer programs throughout the country as well as being a guest instructor at Universities. Currently she is on staff at Ballet Idaho teaching both students and adults and continues to be sought out for private classes by students. Phyllis is excited to join the Arts West staff!!

Justin Nielsen, co-founder and co-director of ArtsWest, will direct the music department. Justin has been a major figure in the Treasure Valley music scene for many years. A multi-dimensional musician and educator, he is equally at home playing, composing, or teaching a wide array of musical styles.

In all of these capacities, Justin has been called upon to perform or give workshops at Universities, Festivals, and Conventions around the country, including the Gene Harris Jazz Festival, the International Festival of Creative Pianists, The National Band Association Convention to name a few.

He is a two-time winner at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival and a selectee for the Young Composer's Competition. As a freelancer, Justin has been called to play with jazz greats Kevin Mahogany, John Stowell, Mike Vax, Brent Jensen, Jeff Baker, Sandon Mayhew, Jay Lawrence, and many others.

PHILOSOPHY

"I believe that the Arts are for everybody. Whether you are planning on becoming a doctor, teacher, or start your own business, you cannot afford to go through life without understanding the joy of creating art. It is important for students to be invited into a positive, inclusive, creativity-fostering environment where they can be encouraged to grow as an artist. This is an exciting experience that can nourish every facet of a person's life: personal, academic, spiritual, and social. As a teacher, it is my job to create that environment, sit back, and watch students do more than they ever thought they could."

Leora H. McCloskey has accepted the position of English teacher. Ms. McCloskey is currently working on her PhD in English from the University of Hawaii. She holds an M.A. in English from North Carolina State University and a B.A. in English from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her teaching experience includes English Instructor at Diablo Valley College, Adjunct Assistant Professor English, University of Maryland University College, and Graduate Instructor at both the University of Hawaii and North Carolina State University.

PHILOSOPHY

"Enriching student learning by joining language arts and the performing arts gives genuine meaning to the concept of inter-disciplinary teaching and integrated understanding. At ArtsWest, all aspects of writing skills are stressed and reinforced by emphasizing ideas, organization, conventions, presentation, voice, word choice, and sentence fluency. We will be committed to the axiom "deep thinkers happen here!" My goal will be to foster a life-long love of literature and writing. But expect the unexpected! Students wont just read poetry, they'll create it. They won't just study Shakespeare, they'll recite and perform it. Who says a text has to be something out of a book? What about visual texts? What about film? What about art? Shouldn't we be analyzing and thinking critically about these things as well? Come to class and find out"

"I believe that the Arts are for everybody. Whether you are planning on becoming a doctor, teacher, or start your own business, you cannot afford to go through life without understanding the joy of creating art. It is important for students to be invited into a positive, inclusive, creativity-fostering environment where they can be encouraged to grow as an artist. This is an exciting experience that can nourish every facet of a person's life: personal, academic, spiritual, and social. As a teacher, it is my job to create that environment, sit back, and watch students do more than they ever thought they could."

CREATIVE WRITING

Along with teaching the english class, Leora H. McCloskey also teaches the creative writing class.

Kim DeWit has been teaching for about ten years. Her teaching career was initiated during her two years with the Peace Corps in Central America where she worked with kids and teachers in Environmental Education. Upon her return she secured a position teaching Earth Science in Salinas, California where she taught curriculum content in both English and Spanish, and coached the High School Swim Team.

Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a Geology minor from Sonoma State University in California. She went on to earn her secondary teaching credential from Chapman University, Ca., and is currently working on her Masters in Education at Boise State University.

Senora Kim is a qualified and entertaining player in the brilliant jigsaw of faculty here at ArtsWest. Her past endeavors include traveling as a tour guide through Canada, Alaska, and the states, volunteering with the Peace Corps, educating youngsters in a marine lab at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, leading environmental kayaking excursions for tourists and school groups, canoeing and climbing with outward bound students, volunteering with the Southern Idaho Region Nordic Ski Patrol, teaching ESL to native-Spanish speakers, and teaching Spanish as a foreign language to people of all ages.

She likes to write in both languages and speak Spanish whenever possible, and she enjoys being outdoors during her free time, especially in winter snow!

PHILOSOPHY

In my experience, both as a student and a teacher, the learner must feel comfortable and at ease in the classroom before effective learning can take place. It is important to me to foster a supportive environment for every student who crosses the threshold. Also, sometimes underrated, is FUN!!! Students need to have fun. Just ask any spanish student if they're having fun AND learning! They are doing a great job of both!

Russell Morgan will teach mathematics. Russell Morgan has a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Masters in Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He currently holds teaching credentials from both California and Idaho, and received an Associate of Arts from Ventura College. AP Calculus BC, Trigonometry/Pre-Calc, Algebra 2, Geometry, Algebra 1, and Pre-Algebra are classes Russell has taught. At Buena High School, Russ organized and participated in the first, second, & third Annual Calculus Camps in addition to teaching a computer literacy class for parents.

PHILOSOPHY

My ultimate goal as a teacher is to install a love for learning in my students so that they will be excited to learn outside of school and after receiving a diploma. I want my students to enjoy the same thirst for knowledge that I possess. A student with this passion becomes curious and aware of their surroundings. This student questions and analyzes, and develops a deeper understanding of ideas. The process of critical thinking becomes automatic. I believe creating this kind of mentality in students is the most challenging and rewarding part of teaching.

In my view, the first step towards getting students excited about learning and about mathematics is to demostrate my own passion for these concepts. Modeling, or leading by example, is one of the best ways to teach.

Application is another important aspect students must see to facilitate the desire to learn. The material needs to have relevance to the students, an application to their life. If students do not believe they need to learn what I'm teaching, then what is motivating them to learn? A common question in math class is "When are we going to use this?" I eagerly await the opportunity to answer this question. I have seen it applied in music, auto mechanics, computer science, sports, and many other real-life situations. By connecting with these applications, I believe a person develops a deeper understanding.

Even if students find the material relevant to themselves, they must be given opportunites to learn it. Students will have a chance to make conjectures about new concepts, brainstorm possible solutions, work in groups, analyze peer suggestions, and explore individually. I will use direct instruction to guide them in the right direction but not limit their ability to discover and connect to the material in their own way.

Keith Barnes brings a rich and varied experience to Arts West. In addition to his teaching credential, he holds a Bachelors degree in Physics from Carleton College in Minnesota, a certificate in environmental education from the Teton Science School in Wyoming, and a Masters degree in Raptor Biology from Boise State University. He has worked as a scientist on many projects, including studies of vegetative change, river otters, and wintering mule deer, as well as on investigations of the ecology of songbirds and owls. He has taught a wide range of students in settings as diverse as the forests of Belize, the wild of Alaska, and college biology laboratories at Boise State University. He loves sharing his wonder at the world and curiosity for its inner workings with his students.

PHILOSOPHY

One of my foremost goals as an educator is to inspire curiosity and wonder in my students. I see our world as an endlessly varied and intriguing place, and science as a tool through which we can explore and begin to understand that place. I believe that the context for learning is important: we learn best when the relevance of the material is clear. I try to encourage understanding of the familiar: the technologies we use every day, the physical environment that surrounds us, and the biology of ourselves and our fellow living beings.

Our actions as role models carry tremendous power to inspire others. I strive to be a daily example of energetic curiosity. Science is a process of discovery and understanding that opens windows into the mysteries of nature! My goal is to encourage a joy of learning and intellectual pursuit among students. I use a variety of teaching techniques to help build mastery of material, critical thinking skills, and foster academic excellence.

Michael Dimick has been a trustee of Marahishi International University for 22 years. He has an BS in chemistry from New Mexico Highland University, and a M.B.A. from Marshi University of Management.

PHILOSOPHY

"We create confidence and openness to learning by showing the student how the subject being learned relates to all other branches of knowledge.

By giving a glimpse of the awesome scope of creation and how all of that, from the smallest of the small to the largest of the large, can be comprehended and contained within the students own mind, we create wonder and the conviction that anything is possible. We want our students to love themselves and their life and have the desire to reach for the stars."

Brendan Earle has been with ArtsWest since it opened its doors. He originally hails from San Jose, California. Brendan holds a BA with Honors in Political Science from San Jose State University; a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Davis; and a secondary education credential in Social Science from San Francisco State University. Brendan is currently pursuing a Masters in Educational Leadership from Boise State (because you can never have too many MAs). His teaching background includes sections of Political Science, and the History of Political Thought at UC Davis. He has also taught US History, AP World History, Honors Geography, International Relations, Government and Economics at the high school level. Brendan is also adjunct faculty at Boise State through their concurrent enrollment program in History and Political Science.

In addition to keeping up with the students at ArtsWest, Brendan enjoys reading, exercising, paying attention to the foibles of our leaders, and time in Tahoe when possible. He also enjoys spending time with his wife Ali, daughters Audrie and Maddie, two cats Jake and Mao, and Pomeranian Swayze.

PHILOSOPHY

Learning is participatory not passive. Students will reach their greatest potential in the classroom and as lifelong learners when they are actively involved and responsible for their education. A teacher ought to act as a facilitator, determining goals for the students to reach. However, it is incumbent upon the students and teacher to work in concert to reach this end. In order for true learning to take place, a teacher must create an effective classroom climate. This is accomplished through appropriate classroom management techniques, clear, relevant, well articulated objectives for students, challenging material, and stimulating discussions and projects. With students and teachers both striving to expand their knowledge, skills, and to reach their full potential, incredible results can be achieved.

Michele Adkison has been a dance instructor for 12 years. She has taught in schools throughout Idaho, Washington and Wyoming. Michele is a Boise native and studied Ballet, Pointe, and Modern with Ballet Idaho, Capital City Ballet, and at BSU with Marla Hansen. She then moved to Washington and studied at Cornish College of the Arts. She holds her BA in Fine Arts from UW. She has taken summer workshops with Marsha Fay Knight, DiAnn Moon, Kema Jamal, Monte Black and Motion Underground.

Michele was the senior choreographer for both junior and senior competition groups for Rocky Mountain School of Dance. She won many award including Best Choreographer award at both the NYCDA and Spotlight Dance Cup competitions. Her students have gone on to dance with The Ailey Company in New York, Larry Keigwin, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. She is excited to join ArtsWest School and looks forward to sharing the gift of dance with her students!

To introduce myself, allow me to first start by saying how simply amazing it is to find myself teaching here -- the kind of school I could only have dreamed of when I was the age of anyone attending here. I come to you from many fields, many places and a variety of experiences. My background is in theatre and art. Even though I majored in theater and art at NNU and PLNU in San Diego, much of my training and knowledge comes from being in companies and prooductions -- as well as starving to survive and learning from even the smallest roles in the most out-of-the way places. My well-rounded abilities in theatre and art as well as technical and productional theatre have allowed me opportunities to learn from some of the best. I spent two years working for the Jim Henson Company in Burbank, designing, building, puppeteering and doing voices for serveral shows and productions. I believe we all have the ability to take our dreams to any level we desire. I love what I do. I always have, and I'm honored to have the opportunity to share, teach and watch students explode with creativity and love for drama.

Also teaching in the music department, Jeff Romero brings 26 years of private teaching, performing, and adjudicating experience to the school. Jeff received his Bachelors degree in piano performance from BYU, where he studied with Paul Pollei and Robert Smith. In his college years he was a national finalist in the prestigious MTNA piano competition. He also performed with the BYU Philharmonic during that time. Jeff ran a large private studio in Boise. He has had the gratifying experience of seeing many of his students become musicians themselves. This is the core of Jeff's teaching philosophy. His goal is to help all of his students become musicians for a lifetime, understand the theory behind what they are doing, and develop enthusiasm for it in the process.

Jim O'Halloran is a northwest artist and educator. He earned his BFA from Boise State University and is currently teaching introduction and advanced visual art at ArtsWest. The last five years Jim has dedicated his time to his 'fine art side' especially in the disciplines of painting, printmaking, collage, and mixed media. When asked what medium or techniques he likes best, his answer would undoubtedly be "all of the above."

My main objective in teaching the visual arts is to help students establish and develop their own personal aesthetic. Whether you call it your own voice or language, visual art is the ability to speak visually. The word aesthetic pertains to a sense of beauty and that sense is connected to emotion and “sens”ation more than intellectuality. To acquire a sense for aesthetics is to connect with an essential component of life. My mission as a teacher is to raise students’ awareness of beauty and to enjoy the process of critical thinking, and working with different kinds of media and materials to express themselves.

Much of the subject matter I select for student projects are things that inspire me. I see beauty and great design in a rusty old manhole cover. After I think or see something of beauty I begin to process a way to share that thought with someone else. Art is not a complicated or intellectual theory-its’ a language of visual form.

"I was extremely fortunate to work alongside many gifted colleagues, win numerous design awards, and jury national design competitions. In addition to the focused but frenzied lifestyle, I exhibited my art in several art venues in the Northwest."

Lorren Loveless has been "playing" with computers since 1985, when he got a Mac, then he moved into the PC world with DOS. He was the resident PC expert for many years and ultimately decided this will be his career. He went to a local trade school in 1999/2000 and graduated with a Network Administration diploma. He has many years of experience, CRI hired him as an instructor. He started training at CRI for about 6 months and then as the Chief Instructor for the Networking Administration program for 2 more years, in Boise, ID. He has been in the consulting world since 2003, working for several IT/Computer service companies.

Lorren comes to ArtsWest to run the IT and instruct the students on technology, everything from mastering Google, web technology, Digital Media, Social Media and Social Networking.

He is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator. He also is a standing member of the Boise Chapter of Information Systems Security Association (ISSA). In addition he was a speaker at the Boise ISSA yearly security conference, InfoSEC 7 (2009) about the security of social media and networking sites. In addition he is the Asst. Cub Scout Master for Pack 171 in Nampa.

PHILOSOPHY

"I believe that the Arts and Technology go hand in hand. You can leverage the technology to enhance and help your art and performance grow your audience. You can expand your performances to the web, via podcasting and streaming audio/video to reach the world. “The most important object in training is to educate, not instruct.” Sir. Robert Baden-Powell quote applies to my philosophy in teaching. I don't instruct, I help educate."

String Department Head of ArtsWest in Eagle, ID, Dr. Jennifer Sullivan, is a premier teacher and performer in the classical string discipline. Her students often gain entrance into higher educational institutions decorated with scholarships, awards, grants and placement in symphonies and chamber ensembles. Many of her students have won concerto competitions and performed as soloists with those symphonies.

Being highly educated herself, Dr. Sullivan has received performance degrees from the Eastman School of Music (commonly referred to as ‘little Juilliard’) and the University of Oregon, where her supporting area to her doctorate lies in Arts Administration. Her pedagogical heritage is one generation removed from the famous American teacher, Ivan Galamian. Some of her teachers include Curtis graduates and solo artists: Kathryn Lucktenburg (Concertmaster Eugene Symphony/Honolulu Symphony), Charles Castleman (Prizewinner in the Tchaikowsky and Brussels competitions). She has worked closely with Isaac Stern, Itzhak Perlman, Maxim Shostakovic, William Preucil, and members of the Kronos, American, and Juilliard quartets.

Currently, Dr. Sullivan performs with the Pan-American Trio with pianist Del Parkinson, and cellist Arturo Chavez. A former semi-finalist at the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, Dr. Sullivan has held residencies with the Golden Gate Philharmonic, Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, Chamber Music Albuquerque, and the Treasure Valley Community College. Dr. Sullivan has made solo appearances with the Lake Arts Council Concert Series, Treasure Valley Symphony, Eastman Philharmonia, Eastman Chamber Ensemble, Eastman Film Collaboration, Idaho State Civic Symphony, and the Idaho Falls Youth Symphony. An experienced symphonic musician, Dr. Sullivan has sat in titled positions with the Eugene Symphony Orchestra, Corvallis Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Concerto Orchestra, Pacific Chamber Symphony, Classical Philharmonic, North Bay Opera, West Bay Opera, Fredonia Chamber Players, Eastman Philharmonia, and the Erie Philharmonic among others.

Her current teaching experience includes serving as String Department Head of ArtsWest and the Sun Valley Summer Symphony and Conservatory. Formerly, she has taught at Oregon State University (guest), University of Oregon (GTF position), Northwest Nazarene University, Treasure Valley Community College, San Francisco State University (guest), Golden Gate Philharmonic, Mountain View School of the Arts, and Eastman School of Music.