Heidi Hochstadt Heidi has lived in Olympia since 1994 and has worked at Mariah Art since the year 2000. She has her own Tax Preparation Business, and loves working with people and numbers. "I myself am not an artist, but enjoy seeing the wonderful works of art that the children create." Heidi is proud to be a part of the Mariah Art Family.

Nikki Ballentine Nikki was born and raised in Lacey and has been working at Mariah Art since February of 2009. Throughout high school she took many different art classes and enjoys having a job where she can apply those talents and abilities. Nikki loves children and always saw herself working with them. It is very exciting for her to come to work and be a part of their growing lives. Currently, she is a full time student at South Puget Sound community college acquiring her associates of business degree. Her future goal is to transfer the University of Washington's school of Business.

Donna Vogel Donna moved to Olympia from Oregon in the year 2002. Her roots are growing deep into the heart of Olympia, it is her home. She has a strong support system within her community. It all started when her daughter started pre-school at Mariah Arts in 2004. Her daughter started reading at age 3. As a parent of a gifted learner, she has needed to be a parent educator to meet her daughter's needs so she will not get bored; which led to the extensive research on the education of younger children. She has always loved working with children. Before coming to Mariah she was teaching Pre-School through 5th grade at Unity of Olympia for 5 years. On her off time, she enjoys traveling, gardening, biking, hiking and camping – being outdoors in nature. She is currently attending an Energy Healing school. She has always wanted to be in the alternative healing profession and a teacher. Seeing both of these manifesting in her life is so exciting. She is honored to be a part of your children's education and creative arts experience.

Kristine Whitson Kristine has lived in Olympia for 14 years. She has 6 years of child care experience, 9 years of dance experience and has 1 1/2 years of coaching gymnastics to Kindergarteners. Kristine finds a lot of enjoyment teaching kids and she seems to learn new things about the children everyday. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her growing family, going camping, going to the movies, dancing and just enjoying life.

Eva Saunders Eva graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Evergreen State College. There she focused on art, science, and the joining of the two. (Because she grew up in Chicago, the PNW landscape inspired and fueled her art and studies!) Finally she realized that the heart of what she hopes to share with the world begins with children and their education. Art and creative expression have been a major part of her life so she is so excited to be able to combine these things that she loves in such a stimulating and nurturing environment where everyone is learning from each other!

Diane Gaile Diane Gaile is the founder and owner of Mariah Art School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Western Oregon College, Monmouth, Oregon and is certified in Art Education Kindergarten through grade twelve. Mariah Art is celebrating its 26th year in business. Diane has taught well over 25,000 students in Olympia and surrounding areas. Diane has a passion teaching children through all the arts. "I find the children who have learned through the arts at an early age are confident, well organized, and ready for new experiences."

Stephanie Kuttel Stephanie has lived in Washington State for about 15 years. She graduated from North Thurston High school in 2005 and continued her education at South Puget Sound Community College where she received her Nurses Assistant Certification and also completed several courses in Art. After working in the medical environment for a few years, she sought out her desire to express her creativity and artistic side. Stephanie joined the staff here at Mariah Arts in 2007 and has developed a great love of working with children and helping them express their true creativity.

Gail Allender Gail has worked at Mariah for the last three years and has become part of a loving and caring Mariah family. After working as a director in a traditional day care, Mariah became a breath of fresh air. Gail worked for Olympia School District for ten years and earned numerous Early Childhood Development Certificates. In addition, she worked as a Preschool Teacher for five years with a number of success stories. Gail started out in retail management working for American Greetings for fifteen years and then had a beautiful daughter. She then decided to change careers so she could be a part of her daughter's school experience and that was sixteen years ago. Gail enjoys working at Mariah Art and watching the children grow through art and creativity.