Meet our Teachers & Equippers
Teachers and Equippers Appear in Alphabetic Order
We are in touch with many Teachers and Equippers.
Every day we are adding to the list!
Every day we are adding to the list!
Ashley Allen
As a vocal coach Ashley also coaches worship leaders. She has worked in the educational system, training over 400 children in music and theatre. For 20 years she has worked as a vocal professional, leading community choirs for youth and adults. She supports "creatives", and enjoys equipping musicians in her leadership master classes and creative-artist date classes. A native of Atlanta, she has a Bachelor of Science degree in music with a focus on Voice Pedagogy and Performance. She travels internationally to develop music departments as she disciples and trains worship leaders. Ashley taught in the Atlanta Public School system from 2012 - 2017 and taught in a Home School Cooperative as a teacher, assistant director and culture coach from 2017 - 2019. She loves pulling the potential out of all her students.
Steve Coffey
Steve is a retired Master teacher in the Fulton County Schools. He taught at Georgia Southern College - TA, Brewton Parker College and The Light House for 43 years. Steve is a 5 time Teacher of the Year in Art Production, with BFA in Drawing and Painting, with an MFA in Ceramics and featured with Don Reitz's work during the '96 Olympics in Atlanta. Steve plays and teaches guitar and trumpet He is currently teaching Elementary, Middle and High School in addition to Adult - Art and Art history. Steve captures the attention of kids and adults alike with his bigger-than-life art adventures.
Briana Cramer
In addition to being a wife and the mother of 3 daughters, Briana has been a piano teacher since 2005. As an early childhood/preschool music teacher, Briana has taught piano, general music and movement since 2008! She has an Associates of Arts degree with an emphasis on piano performance. Beginning her training in 1987, Briana has been classically trained in music theory, music history and piano. She has been in school choirs since elementary school and all the way through college, getting to tour with her collegiate chorus throughout Italy! She plays guitar, leads vocals and plays keys for worship as well as singing in church choirs.
Pam Criswell
Pam Criswell, better known as 'Pammie Lynne", has been sewing one way or another since childhood. She learned machine sewing in Home Economics in Clayton County Public Schools in the 70's. During the 80's and 90's she gave time and talent to her family, friends and church, sewing garments for the choir and children's ministries as well as items for the sanctuary and nursery. She also found herself doing alterations on wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses, and recently started an alterations business out of her home. She was a part of the homeschooling community when her children were young, and wants to share her passion and skills with children as well as adults. Her favorite quote about teaching is, "education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire"!
Youlanda Davidson
A servant of servants,, Youlanda is often found coming alongside, to assist. If there is someone in need, Youlanda will be there helping and providing. You might also find this multi-gifted creative in the spot light, entertaining or worshipping with grace and eloquence. She has been crocheting for over 40 years, but, she says jewelry making has become a passion Though a long story, jewelry making came into her life as a result of an act of kindness. Two years ago she was inducted into an art gallery in Lexington, Kentucky, where her jewelry and crochet pieces are on display.. She is currently a creator where pieces are displayed in the Funky Shack Mercantile in Tyrone and Trilith locations ,and currently teaches jewelry making at Heart Encounters.
JoDette DiDomizio
For 30 years, JoDette and her husband have had an art studio in Roswell Georgia where they teach classical art. Their passion is to use their God-given gifts to touch the hearts of others. A teacher in other schools around Atlanta, Jodette is excited to be a part of a growing center for artists in Tyrone. JoDette teaches, art, painting and drawing. Because classical Art has been the main direction for teaching students, adults classes have been part of a growing experience using oil and cold wax with expressionist effects. JoDette started a non profit called "Art with a Mission” in Haiti. Their mission is to raise art funds for orphans who want to attend college.
Silvi Erwin
Trained in Music Theory, Silvi has been a worship leader and has been working in missions and the arts since 2016. Silvi plays guitar, piano, sings, designs and creates jewelry, paints and draws. Silvi has experience teaching in public schools, at Operation Mobilization and in her local church. .Wanting to see artists become all they can be, Silvi and her husband Rich, along with Chuck Tryon have taught "Hero's Journey" both overseas and in the U.S. Silvi and Chuck will be offering this amazing 14-week class to our community. This teaching will revolutionize your life, whether you are an artist or someone who wants to live life to its fullest.
Frank Fortunato
After several years of teaching music courses in college in the middle west, Frank joined Operation Mobilization. Frank completed a masters in ethnomusicology and a doctorate in worship studies. Frank co-founded Heart Sounds Int'l promoting indigenous worship through seminars and songwriting events, recording non-western worship in restricted parts of the world. He is the Intn'l Worship Consultant for OM and recently co-authored "All the World is Singing - Glorifying God through the worship music of all nations". Frank teaches general musicianship, keyboard techniques and music theory.
Natasha Gibson
Natasha Gibson is an artist specializing in a combination of pop art, abstract art, and realism. Natasha has over 25 years of experience and is a self-taught artist who began drawing at the age of five. Natasha loves creating original art pieces that resonate with people individually, while adding color and captivating aesthetics that speak volumes in any room. Natasha incorporates artistic expression to help people encounter God's love through art. Using pop art, realism, and abstract art styles Natasha aims to capture wonderful ideas from the heart of God, to bring healing and wholeness. Not allowing herself to be tied down to one particular art style, Natasha gains inspiration from a variety of things spanning from people, nature, objects, social topics and cultural themes, As part of the Heart Encounters team, Natasha offers freedom and healing workshops in a group setting, equipping individuals to break cycles so they can fulfill their God-given destiny.
Janicia Gomez
Janicia moved to Georgia in 2022. Her love for children drew her into education. She is a preschool teacher. Passionate about investing in the lives of preschool and kindergarten children, Janicia became interested in Heart Encounters and the diversity of classes and activities we want to provide for preschool children. Janicia has innovative ideas that will enable her to invest in pre-school children - helping them begin their life's journey equipped with life skills and much more than academic schooling can offer. Through art, exercise and activities geared not only for physical but spiritual growth, Janicia will bring a unique take on "early-years" education and childhood development.
Misun Graeser
Misun Graeser has played the violin for over 25 years. She’s been a member of various orchestras and was the principal violinist for Incheon Arts High School in South Korea. She studied as part of a joint program at Kangnam University, Republic of Korea and Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt, Weimar, Germany, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Violin Performance. She has won a number of awards at violin competitions and was featured as the soloist in Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto No. 5. Misun has taught violin in both Korea and the US since 2008. Recently, five of her students passed various auditions including ones for Georgia Allstate Orchestra, Fayette Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, she has extensive experience working with other musicians in various performance groups and ensembles in 14 countries. She has done session work for 3 different musicians' albums and also plays for weddings and in church worship bands: https://youtu.be/5sDAL6GeQjo
Allie Haydon
Allie Haydon Is a multi-talented, teacher, artist and musician. As long as she can remember, Allie has been making things. Painting, singing, songwriting, piano, guitar, woodworking, sewing and making jewelry - you name it, she's done it. Educated at Carolyn Barron Montessori School, Allie is a graduate of Georgia Institute of Technology with a BS in Science in Industrial Design, with a minor in chemistry. Among her talents, Allie plays piano and guitar, is proficient in several art forms and is a gifted song-writer, singer and teacher. Allie will be teaching music, adult and children's art, children's play time and song-writing.
Chip Kirk
7 years a pastor, Chip has served as an international speaker, trainer, motivator, evangelists and missionary, with Operation Mobilization for over 35 years. Chip graduated from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte (B.A), and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div). Also a ventriloquist, Chip's dummies, Eugene and Kelly Sue can be found hanging out with Chip as he teach's Bible, shares wisdom and focuses on spiritual renewal. Whether it is with kids or adults, in a classroom, or a children's camp, a story hour with kids or a class on spiritual growth, Chip's heartbeat is the worship of God, relationship with Him and the transformed lives that come from worship and relationship
Stellise Kirk
Stellise has been a registered nurse for 40 years. She's experienced with all ages of disabled and medically fragile individuals. Fitness, health, exercise and running are among Stellise's many interests. She has a wealth of experience and skill in the creative arts field, including sewing, fiber arts (wool felting), embroidery, crocheting, gardening, antiques, history, travel and Bible memorization. Whether it is with a group of elementary kids, teens or adults Stellise shares her experience with many art forms that are not commonly available. She bundles classes with fun, wisdom, laughter and the things that matter in life.
Belinda Lehmann
A native South African, Belinda also lived in Germany and then moved to the USA. The adventure broadened her passions. She enjoys sharing them as she teaches fun and enjoyable classes. Her life motto has always been, to do only her best in every situation and God will do the rest! At the age of ten Belinda had her first piano lesson. She completed her teaching degree with a music major, and has taught privately and in school environments in South Africa and in the USA. In 2022 she completed another certification in Ultimate Music Theory (UMT). She loves teaching music theory using the UMT program which builds step by step, teaching pitch, scales, chords, rhythm intervals, circles of fifths, cadences and analysis. Belinda also enjoys teaching sewing, handbells and piano.
Chrischele Madison
Chrischele was led to start a garden, over 14 years ago. A stay at home mom, she built her first raised bed with her nephew. With her first successful harvest she was hooked. With her love of nature and a Degree in Biology, adding gardening as a life skill was a perfect fit. Gardening quickly turned into her passion. Now she teaches others how to supplement their food source by growing their own gardens. In 2015 Chrischele spearheaded a community garden with the help of friends and donors. After consulting, volunteering and donating thousands of seeds to local schools and organization, home gardeners and groups, her purpose became more clear. Chrischele started "Sprouting Roots Consulting" with a goal to cultivate green thumbs and make vegetable gardening a life skill that anyone can learn and pass on. Healthy food should be accessible to everyone. Through workshops and camps, Chrischele is here to help gardeners achieve a bountiful harvest.
Gildelia Moromisato
Gildelia is from Brazil . With her family "Gil" moved to the US nine years ago to join Operation Mobilization (OM), in Tyrone, GA. For over 20 years Gil and her family have been connecting people with opportunities to serve oversees and supporting different OM projects. Gil's background is in Theology and Graphic design, She started making and selling jewelry 10 years ago to raise funds for Freedom Challenge projects that help free women and children who are enslaved in sex trafficking. Teaching Jewelry using clay and other materials is an opportunity to inspire creativity. Gil loves to connect with others, share life, create jewelry, grow in faith together and see people's lives transformed by the love of God.
Winkia Ofili
A playwright, singer, song-writer and musician, Wynkia is fulfilling a life-long dream. In addition to doing extraordinary musical theatre at Heart Encounters black-box-theater, Wynkia teaches musical theatre, directing, playwriting, acting and music. Educated at Tri-Cities Performing Arts School at Foundations Christian Academy, Wynkia is passionate about worship through the arts. As the Artistic Director of Prophecy Productions Theater Company, she taught others to use their gifts and talents in ways that make a difference. Character building takes front stage with Wynkia as she weaves it into performances and the classes she teaches. We are privileged to have Wynkia reaching out to our community and investing in each life she touches.
Daniela Podobea
Daniela Podobea is an International Operatic and Symphonic Soprano who grew up in a family of musicians and opera singers. As a child she played piano, then and voice following her admittance to the Gheorghe Dima Conservatory in Romania, obtaining her MFA in Performing Arts. After moving continents, Daniela developed a career as an operatic Soprano living in Los Angeles California performing as guest soloist to Rene and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall with California Philharmonic Chorale, Pasadena Convention Center, Global Musical Bridges in West Hollywood and more. Her Faith as a Christian has always been a central focus in Daniela’s life. She recently obtained a 4 year certification in Theology from Ekklesia Bible College. She's served as a worship leader throughout United States and Romania. Daniela taught adults and children Voice for more than 15 years. She managed and produced a girls worship band and was the children’s choir director at a private Christian school in Orange County, CA. As a Voice Teacher, her goal with Heart Encounters helping students understand and develop their vocal instrument to its highest potential. On this vocal discovery and development journey, Daniela will encourage the student through positive reinforcements, technical, emotional and spiritual support.
Andra Prowant
Andra is a Certified Life Coach, Emotional Intelligence Specialist, and CADC-1 Addiction Counselor. For 6 years, she has been in private practice at Arise Counseling and Coaching in Peachtree City. Previously, she's served as a life coach, at a residential program for women coming out of addiction and other life controlling issues. With over 12 years of experience, she is passionate about empowering men, women, and young adults, to breakthrough limiting mindsets, habits and patterns that keep them stuck, stale, and stagnant. Andra has extensive training in Biblical inner healing and ministry. Passionate about seeing her clients experience freedom from substance abuse, addiction, and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and ADHD, she understands the path to wholeness in spirit, soul, and body. Andra provides spiritual coaching for those who desire a deeper connection with God and a desire to mature in their God given identity and their potential to live a life with purpose.
Jess Rodriguez
Jess calls herself a "true creative". She jumps into adventure at every turn, with energy to spare. With a GSU Bachelors in Fine Arts, focused on painting and printmaking, she also did a study abroad. Jess painted murals, learned Spanish and met her husband in Costa Rica. To continue her education Jess studied Vocal Performance at the University of Maryland and is a published singer/songwriter. A training director at Chic-fil-a, a worship minister, a Spanish teacher and a voice and art teacher for nearly all age groups including discipling teens at Trinity Christian Schools, Jess brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. With 5 children of her own, Jess makes it look effortless to straddle the world of music, coaching and teaching, while homeschooling and loving her husband and kids.
Monk Robinson
As a customer software designer and trainer, Monk excels at training and equipping. Whether it is computers, money topics or Bible teaching, Monk is the person you want to spend time with, to discover "what, where, why, when and how"! A graduate of prep-school and Dartmouth College, Monk and his wife spent a year overseas as a missionary. Monk has 45 years of personal Bible study experience and 1.5 years of college level Bible classes. As the primary computer programmer on four large projects, he's spent thousands of hours on the phone and internet doing software training and trouble-shooting. Well versed in Quickbooks and Quicken, he has run or helped others start and run several small businesses.
Nancy Spencer
Nancy was born and raised in Michigan with 6 siblings. She was brought up Catholic but came into her personal relationship with Jesus at the age of 22. She met her husband Paul at a church they both attended in Atlanta, GA. and were married in 1986. They have 3 daughters and 6 grandchildren who call her NaNa! Both Nancy and Paul have served in various ministry capacities including inner city missions. Nancy has done mission work also in Mexico and
Costa Rica. They have been a part of teams that have started new ministries in Georgia over the past 25 years. Nancy is a certified Life Coach and has a passion to see people come into complete freedom, to know their identity in Christ and find healing body, soul and spirit.
Costa Rica. They have been a part of teams that have started new ministries in Georgia over the past 25 years. Nancy is a certified Life Coach and has a passion to see people come into complete freedom, to know their identity in Christ and find healing body, soul and spirit.
Chuck Tryon
Chuck attended High School in New York, has been a youth director at Grace Church and a teacher at Operation Mobilization at Incarnate School for artists. Chuck has taught private art classes in studio to include clay, sculpture, painting and ceramics. As an IT and software developer with Operation Mobilization, he shifted to OM Arts / Inspiro Arts Alliance where he did short term trips related to the arts. As much as he loves to create, he experiences equally as much joy when teaching young people to create something of value - seeing art flow naturally from their imagination. Chuck will also be working with Silvi Erwin as they teach the incredible "Hero's Journey" class.
Ruth Willett
With her lovely Scottish brogue, there is no question that Ruth is an eloquent public speaker and communicator. A missionary with OM, Ruth is the Prayer Coordinator for Freedom Challenge, working together with like minded women who have a heart to stand against oppression and Human Trafficking. Ruth has discovered the value of worshipping and trusting God to fight the battles, and a part of this worship has become contemplative art. She believes that just as it has given her healing it will give artists and non-artists alike the opportunity to restore their soul and find direction for wholeness and transformation in their own lives and the lives of others. Ruth offers life and hope to the broken and skills that can help lead us into transformation and wholeness.
Currently Ruth offers Journaling Encounter classes as a way to stop, listen, discern and create, so that we can hear, see and sense God’s direction for wholeness and transformation in our own lives and the lives of others.
Currently Ruth offers Journaling Encounter classes as a way to stop, listen, discern and create, so that we can hear, see and sense God’s direction for wholeness and transformation in our own lives and the lives of others.
Autumn Yeager
A teacher for thirty years in the local homeschooling and private school communities, her love of reading and her heart for those with learning differences, created a passion for working with families to discover how each child can meet his or her reading, spelling and writing potential. Autumn is a certified Barton Reading and Spelling tutor which is an Orton-Gillingham based program.. She also uses the IEW program (Institute For Excellence in Writing) to help young people learn to write essays when they would prefer to be climbing trees. Cursive handwriting is a lost art, and Autumn has also enjoyed teaching students in preparation for state competition, producing one state award winner to date. She is an avid year-round vegetable gardener, chicken keeper, pressure canner, and food storage enthusiast in her spare time.