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."

Alicia Martinson Kindergarten / Elementary / Theater teacher Alicia Martinson is a new teacher at Mariah Art School. Alicia graduated from the Evergreen State College in the Spring of 2009. As a student Alicia focused on political and social studies, studying the relationship between art, education and activism. She has worked as a project coordinator for the Olympia-Rafah Solidarity Mural Project in downtown Olympia for the past 3 years. She has completed two murals in her hometown of Minneapolis, MN, and has experience in facilitating large workshops with students of all ages. In the spring of 2010 she lead workshops on printmaking and book binding with 100 7th and 8th graders in a Minneapolis public middle school. Over the summer she recently completed a mural project with residence at the Noah’s Ark homeless Shelter in Wapato, WA. Alicia believes strongly in the importance of arts education, and is enthusiastic about working with all of the great kids at Mariah!

Jessica Peluso Lead Preschool Teacher Jessica moved to Washington State from Ohio in 2007 after attending the Columbus College of Art and Design for painting. She joined the Mariah Arts Staff in August of 2010 after teaching at a French Immersion preschool and daycare, and has been working in childcare for almost 10 years. Jessica adores working with the kids and believes the use of art helps encourage well-balanced emotional and mental development. When not working, Jessica spends her time making all different kinds of art and wants to eventually own a gallery.

Nikki Ballentine Graphic designer / Art teacher 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 enjoys the opportunity to come to work and be a part of their growing lives. While working at Mariah Art, Nikki has been attending South Puget Sound Community College and has acquired her Associate of Art Degree. She plans to transfer that degree to the University of Washington and continue her education by working towards a bachelor degree in Communications!

Robin Seaberg Lead Pre-K teacher Robin has been in the Northwest for about 6 years, after moving from her home near Chicago, IL. She has been with Mariah Art School since Spring of 2010 when she came as an intern. Robin graduated from the Evergreen State College last June with a focus in art and psychology. About teaching Robin says, “Art has been a big part of my life since a young age, and it has always helped me. For a long time I have wanted to work with kids. I am excited to be here, putting these two joys together. I love learning right along with them.” In addition to working here, Robin loves doing art of all kinds, cooking, hiking, and traveling, having traveled around India, Nepal, Europe, and the U.S.

Stephanie Kuttel Lead Kindergarten Teacher Stephanie has lived in Washington State for about 17 years. She graduated from North Thurston High school in 2005. Stephanie joined the staff here at Mariah Arts in 2008 and has developed a great love of working with children and helping them express their true creativity.

Tess Ramsey Tess is wonderful. She grew up in Olympia and when she turned 18, she started working at Mariah Art School. A love for the outdoors and alternative lifestyle led her to study at Evergreen State College. Tess graduated in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies. Travel and life adventures took her away from Olympus for three years. She is back now for a short time painting, drawing and playing with spectacular children, while deciding what to do next.