We are proud to share the teaching artists of The Creative Living Room ™, carefully selected, artistic by nature, inspirational, to whom we are grateful.

Jennifer Chipman Bloom began her training at age 6 in Pittsburgh, PA and at age 8 started serious study at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.  At 14 she performed with the Pittsburgh Ballet in adult roles in La Sylphide and the Nutcracker.  At 15 she was invited to study in New York City at the School of American Ballet where she trained with Suki Schorer, Stanley Williams, and Kay Mazzo.  In the spring of that year she was chosen by Jerome Robbins to be one of four women in his original work, 2&3 Part Inventions.  That fall at the age of 16, she would originate a principle role in a new ballet by Christopher Wheeldon.  Following that performance Jennifer was invited to join the New York City Ballet by Peter Martins and Jerome Robbins, where she would go on to originate roles for both estimed choreographers.  While at the NYCB she performed featured and lead roles in Agon, Serenade, Stars and Stripes and Westside Story Suite.  After leaving the NYCB she joined Eliot Feld’s Ballet Tech, and the Suzanne Farrell Ballet.  Before her retirement she danced for one season at the Pennsylvania Ballet performing a principal role in Apollo.  After retiring from performing, due to an injury, Jennifer earned a bachelors degree in Political Science from Hunter College graduating Summa Cum Laude, and earned an award for outstanding achievement in the study of Political Science.  Since recently relocating to PA with her husband, a fourth generation Swarthmorean, she has taken on a ‘new role’ – that of mother to her son Jackson.  Jennifer  looks forward to beginning classes at The Creative Living Room this fall.

Elizabeth Bromley is a native North American who has spent almost half of her lifetime outside of the United States. During her 12 years in Costa Rica, she co-founded the Language Institute, COMUNICARE, was elected director of The Costa Rican Association for Adults with Depression and co-founded a center for Group Psychology called Mundo Interno. She has a Masters in Group Clinical Psychology and is trained in Parent Effectiveness Training. She has led workshops, therapy groups, classes and support groups to both children and adults, in English and in Spanish since 1994 both abroad and in Philadelphia. At the same time, she has written and arranged music, and sung since she was a child. In 2005, Elizabeth rekindled her love of music and began writing songs in Spanish for children together with her family. Now with over 300 original songs composed, Elizabeth offers concerts and classes known as Cantemos Juntos (Let’s Sing Together) and is excited to have the opportunity to braid these different interests together with The Creative Living Room ™. She has three children all of whom she is raising to be bilingual. For more information visit     www.cantemosjuntos.com.

Lindsay Browning has been an artist, educator and a working photographer in the arts community in Philadelphia since 2005. Lindsay’s mission as an educator to young children is to simply open doors that lead to expression and movement. She aims to give children the tools they need to engage their imaginations and discover endless possibilities through movement. Lindsay has  worked with Wally Cardona, Brigitta Herrmann, Megan Bridge <fidget>, Danah Bella Danceworks, Ring Dance Theater, Tania Isaac Dance, Merge Dance, Chisena Danza, Visual Artist Jen Goettner, and independent choreographers Shannon Murphy and Jodi Obeid. Lindsay is currently a member of Scrap Performance Group, Group Motion Dance Company, Olive Prince Dance, and Idiosyncrazy Productions (Jumatatu Poe). Her work has been presented in Philadelphia and Virginia, as well as at the American College Dance Festival in 2005. She has worked with Princeton University and Temple University as a photographer and is currently displaying work in and around Philadelphia.

Allison DeSalvo is a professional actress/singer/songwriter/teaching artist and children’s entertainer. Immersed in the music, dance, theatre and art since childhood, Allison received her BA in drama from NYU, studied music at Mannis School of Music Extension Division and performed and toured professionally in numerous music-theater productions, operas and recitals on off and off-off B’way, regionally and in Europe. In 1992 she founded World of Song Productions (WOS) to unite her love of the performing arts with her love of children and to provide music concerts and classes that inspire creative learning, growth and expression. Allison has shared her 30+ years of training and experience at recreational centers, arts in education programs and private and public schools since 1991 during which she created and taught the Music, Art & Me Program (MAM) until 1998 when she was invited to be the head teacher of the ‘Twos’ Program’ at Grace Church School in Brooklyn. In 2004 she relocated to PA from NY with her husband and began introducing her programs locally while working as the children’s programmer at the Swarthmore Public Library. Happiness Is All Around You, Allison’s debut CD of children’s music, was the recipient of the 2002 Children’s Music Web award. Her two great teachers and mentors, continue to be instrumental in her artistic development, Cheryl Stoll Thygeson, an artist/healer she met in 1987 in London, with whom she has studied sacred dance, the healing arts and their connection to creativity and life, and Jim Carson, from whom she received her strong classical vocal training when she joined his studio in 1994.  Allison has been practicing yoga over the past 10 years and has enjoyed a variety of disciplies from Iyengar, Hatha, Bikram, Power and Restorative.  She is excited to have completed her children’s yoga teacher trainging through ChildLight Yoga, LLC this summer to receive certification to teach Kids Yoga at TCLR.  Allison’s programs encourage children to discover their own creativity, while nurturing their appreciation of the arts in a loving spirit of learning and joy. For more information visit www.worldofsong.com.

Lynn Falk is a modern dancer/choreographer with a passion for teaching movers of all ages and abilities. Lynn grew up studying ballet, jazz and tap dance and was introduced to her true love, modern dance while attending the Governor’s School of the Arts in NJ. During college, intensive study with third-generation Duncan dancer, Lori Belilove and African American dance artist Dianne McIntyre at the Bates Dance Festival inspired Lynn to pursue dance academically and professionally. Lynn received a master’s degree in dance from the University of Oregon and certification in Laban Movement Analysis through the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies. She danced professionally as a member of Washington D.C. based Deborah Riley Dance Projects and Baltimore-based Doug Hamby Dance, and she has also performed as a solo artist in Philadelphia. Her choreography has been presented at Dance Place and the Jack Guidone Theater in Washington D.C., at the Meeting House Theater in Philadelphia and at F&M College. While dancing professionally, Lynn worked in arts administration for Dance Place in Washington, D.C. and Group Motion/Kumquat Dance Center in Philadelphia. Lynn has taught on the faculty of her alma mater, Franklin & Marshall College and at the University of Oregon. Lynn completed one year of doctoral studies in dance at Temple University with a prestigious University Fellowship before becoming a mother. In 2007 Lynn returned to teaching with her children in mind.  She started a creative movement program, Busy Bodies and an introductory modern and ballet program called Little Dancers at the Swarthmore Community Center.  Lynn also taught grade-school children modern dance in the after school program at The School in Rose Valley.

Rosemary Fox is a professional actress, director and producer with over 25 years of theatre experience.  Born and raised in Springfield Delaware County, Rosemary began her career at Hedgerow Theatre and then earned a BA degree in Acting/Directing from DeSales University.  After College she continued her career in NYC where she studied with Betty Buckley. In NY she helped to establish the Hidden Signal Theatre Company. After three years in the big apple Rosemary returned to Hedgerow Theatre for another two year residency.  From there it was on to Philadelphia where she performed at InterAct Theatre Company and People’s Light and Theatre Company.  Rosemary also started The Fictitious Theatre Company where she directed and produced many shows two of which were nominated for Barrymore Awards.  She also began a career in the commercial world and appeared in numerous local television, industrial and radio commercials. Rosemary created the Creative Dramatics program in Swarthmore where she resides with her husband and three children.

Jean Fisher has studied and practiced Yoga for over 40 years. Her strongest influences come from Yogacharya BKS Iyengar, Himalayan Institute, Anusara Yoga and Kripalu. She completed Iyengar Teacher Training in 1996. Jean specializes in working with students who have physical limitations related to hip, back and knee mobility. She is well-versed in using props, enabling students to enjoy the benefits of yoga even with these limitations. Jean places her confidence in yoga for life extension, wellness & contentment, and enjoys sharing her knowledge with others. She teaches regular Hatha Yoga classes at Barefoot Yoga & Massage in Thornton and Awakening Wellness in Chadds Ford.

Judy Fowler has taught art for many years at Media Providence Friends School and Agnes Irwin as well as giving private lessons. She is a past director of the Community Arts Center’s Summer Spree. Currently she is very active with the Media Arts Council as a board member and was its first president. She has a B.S. Ed. from Wheelock College and has studied painting at the University of the Arts and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Her oil paintings are large color field abstracts that are based on memories of events, places and feelings.

Betsy Gamble has a mission:  to teach children that “learning can and should be fun!”  By incorporating the arts, literature, hands-on projects, and real-world experiences, she introduces children to learning topics in an exciting and meaningful way.  Trained at Cabrini College, where she received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees, she began her career teaching third grade in the Upper Darby and Garnet Valley School Districts.  While teaching, she piloted the inclusion program for Upper Darby School District and served on the inclusion team for Garnet Valley.  Now a stay-at-home mom, she continues to work with children as a private academic tutor.  Her days are filled with those she loves most—kids!  She is delighted to teach at The Creative Living Room where she can contribute to making learning come alive for children.

Ellie Goudie-Averill, a 2007 MFA Dance Performance graduate of the University of Iowa, currently directs the Stone Depot Dance Lab (www.stonedepotdancelab.wordpress.com) and dances for Group Motion Dance Company and Movement Brigade in Philadelphia.  She has served as Visiting Assistant Professor of Ballet at Bucknell University and Artistic Coordinator of the UI Youth Ballet and is currently an adjunct at Temple University.  She began her training at Ballet Midwest in Topeka, Kansas and holds a BFA in dance from the University of Kansas.  Along with performing and choreographing, she loves teaching dance to people of all ages and jumping for joy!

Courtney Klinger has been dancing since the age of 5. She is trained in ballet, jazz, modern, and all forms under hip hop such as popping, locking, house, social dances, and breaking.  Courtney has worked with many Philadelphia companies and most notably is currently with Rennie Harris RHAW.  As a performer she has danced all over the U.S. as well as Poland.  She also won first place at B-boy Hodown’s locking battle in 2007 and has been featured in Young Dancer Magazine.   Courtney has worked extensively as a choreographer and instructor of hip hop around the tri-state area and enjoys spreading the love and knowledge of the dance form.

Joanie Landino has been practicing yoga for 8 years, is a certified yoga teacher as well as a Thai yoga Massage Therapist and Belly Dancer.  Her studies include lyenger, classical Hatha with extensive professional training, experience and practice in Hatha Yoga and Vinyasa flow.  She has studied at the nationally recognized White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara, CA under Yogi Ganga White, at the Vedic Conservatory under Michael Buck and Yoga Lifestyle Institute of Paoli while teaching regularly at the World Class Martial Arts Studio and also privately.  Joanie focuses on making it easy for participants to go at their own pace offering modifications as well as incorporating her knowledge of traditional Thai Yoga Bodywork into her teaching.  Her intuitive and easygoing nature will guide you through a flowing dance-like practice.

Gabrielle Miller has worked as a professional actress on stage and in film and television for over a decade. Most recently, she was Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at The Episcopal Academy. She was responsible for overseeing their drama curriculum from Pre-K through 12th grade, as well as Directing the Upper School Program. Since 1997 she worked for Living Voices Theatre Company and performed a one-woman show across America and England, educating and reaching thousands of young people with lessons of tolerance. A member of the Screen Actors Guild, Gabrielle has an M.F.A. in Acting and Directing from the University of Idaho and studied theatre as an undergraduate in Washington, The Netherlands and North Carolina.

Jeannine Osayande is committed to exploring art through all aspects of life. She is a performer, educator and choreographer of West African (Old Mali Empire) and Brazilian (Samba & Bahian) dance. She is founder and director of Dunya Performing Arts Company, specializing in Artist-In-Residence programs throughout the Tri-state area. From 1999 – 2006 Osayande was a principle dancer with Alo’ Brasil, a highly acclaimed Philadelphia-based Brazilian dance band. She has performed throughout the U.S. and internationally for over 23 years including; Lincoln Center OOD Festival, Dance Africa / Brooklyn Academy of Music, WXPN World Cafe Live, International Exchange Program; Dakar, Senegal, and as a touring/teaching artist with Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad, India. Osayande’s major dance education is based on a traditional mentorship model; she apprenticed with the Art of Black Dance and Music, Boston, MA. Her teachers include De Ama Battle, Bamidele Osumarea, Ibrahima Camara, Marie Basse- Wiles, Edir Passos and Eno Washington. Her Current mentorships are with Ibrahima Camara (24 years) and F. Nii Yartey (2 years). She has received numerous awards including: 2006 Independence Foundation Fellowship in the Arts, 2006 Picasso Grant, A 2005-2007 Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance Artist in Residence Grant, 2004 Asian Arts Initive; Artist for Social Change Fellow and a 2003 University of the Arts Faculty Grant to study in Mali. She has served as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of the Arts for 10 years, and Bryn Mawr College for 15 years. In addition to directing Dunya Performing Arts Company, Osayande is an Adjunct Associate in Performance at Swarthmore College, and a  Dale Carnegie Trainer. ..Osayande adheres to the African Proverb, “Good dancing restores the community to wholeness.” Dunya offers lecture-demonstrations, workshops, residencies, concerts and performances. For more information visit dunyapac@earthlink.net.

Lisa Palagruto-Grant has been teaching yoga for eight years. Since that time she has studied several styles of yoga including Iyengar, Power Yoga, Kundlini, and Ashtanga. In 2001, she attained her 200 hour yoga or RYT certification from Power Yoga Works. Lisa draws from the styles of yoga she has trained in when teaching her classes. She says, “I have students from ages 5 to 105 years of age. I support my students to find “their place” in the asana when practicing and encourage them to remember there is no place to get to in a posture, just to be present to their breath and safe with their bodies.”  She has taught at the Sports Club in Woodlyn for the past eight years and works with corporate and personal clients throughout the Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery Counties.

Satya Renay has loved dancing since she was a little girl. She started taking ballet when she was six years old, but she found her passion when she took her first hip-hop dance class in New York at the age of eight. The bulk of what Satya has learned has come from more experienced member in the dance troupes she has been a part of. She has danced with a number of hip-hop dance troupes from high school through college, such as: Precision Step Team, Wesstep, Isis: Women’s Dance Collective, and Xtacy Dance Collective. She took some time off from dance to teach high school English for a year at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School on the island of Oahu in Hawaii and has recently been enjoying her role as Mommy to two daughters.

Kristen Schilero is a native of Swarthmore/Wallingford.  She trained locally at Broadway Bound Dance Academy and Springton Dance Academy over the last fifteen years in the fields of tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, and modern.  Kristen is currently a dance major at Slippery Rock University where she works with a variety of master teachers.  She recently received her official Zumba Training and Teacher Certification and is excited to be sharing her passion for dance and fitness with The Creative Living Room.

Marc Shay
In 1978, Marc Shay, at the age of seven, along with his mother Nancy Shay, began their Martial Arts training in Kenpo Karate and Tai Chi Chung, Yang Style.  Marc trained under the head instructor Charles Francis Farrell and Shen Cheung at the Broomall School working their way up to being instructors.  Eventually in 1990 they acquired the school from their teacher, with only 26 students and a dream and established American Karate Studios. They now have over 150 students and offer a variety of Martial Arts classes adding Aikido and Chi Kung enhancing their already successful program.  They have trained with master teachers for over 30 years and from years of hard work and dedication Marc earned the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt in 2009 along with the respect and dedication of his students.  Nancy earned the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt in 2002. They strive to pass on their training to students who wish to improve their mental and physical health through a system of movement, meditation and breathing that can unblock, align and purify the body’s energy.

Elizabeth Streit is a certified instructor in Zumba Basic & Zumba Basic 2, Zumba Toning and Zumbatomic for kids 4 – 12 years. She was born and raised in Mexico, but has been living in the United States for the last 14 years. She says, “Discovering ZUMBA two years ago was the perfect exercise fit for me. Growing up in Mexico, my home was filled with colorful Latin rhythms. I tell everyone, ‘dance is an opportunity to forget about your worries and get connected with yourself through music”. Her passion for helping others along their own personal fitness journey derives from her experience of overcoming a lifetime of being overweight since childhood. Five years ago she lost all the extra pounds with healthy eating and Zumba in combination with a mix of other workout routines including Body Combat (cardio kickboxing), spinning, total body conditioning and yoga. She enjoys teaching kids and adults and says, “kids love to see their parents dance, and invites everyone to join the party!” As a mother, she is inspired by her three young boys and values the importance of setting an example, staying active as a family, and have fun while doing it. Elizabeth also teaches at the Rocky Run YMCA, The Center on Central and Lerooux School of Arts and is available for group and private lessons, parties, corporate events and performances. For more information about Zumba, visit www.zumba.com

Jeanna Vanni currently holds 2 certifications as a Pilates Instructor and is also certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Jeanna was originally certified through Phi Pilates in 2005 and most recently through Body Precision Inc. of Rosemont, Pa. She brings her experiences of personal training, dance, gymnastics, and athletics to her Pilates teaching and has worked with clients of all ages and sizes. Some of who include golfers, dancers, collegiate and high school athletes, pre and post natal, special populations including multiple sclerosis, arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and orthopedic issues. Jeanna currently teaches private clients using a Total Workout System combining the 3 primary pieces of Pilates Equipment, Reformer, Cadillac and Mat at her home studio in Swarthmore where she resides with her family.