E11 Creative Workshop Staff
Maria Navaratne BEd(Hons)
Director of Play |
Alain Navaratne BA(Hons)
Artistic Director |
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Maria has been teaching since 1992 when she graduated from Anglia Ruskin University, UK with BEd(Hons) in Education Studies and Art. Maria began her teaching with Grades 3 and 4; Year 6 - 9 in a school for children with Moderate Learning Differences, followed by managing the Special Needs provisions in Elementary schools in Essex, UK. Maria opened e11 as a Reggio Emilia inspired Preschool in her home, in January 2009 with 2 pupils, having been inspired by the book, "The Hundred Languages of Children". Maria was the Director of Arts14, the afterschool arts program in Manitou Springs School District 14 from 2016 to 2018. She is the Manager of the Manitou Arts Center, responsible for the MAC makerspace and galleries. Maria and Alain have been 'dancing partners' since 1995 and they have 2 children, Agnes who is 21 years old studying Multimedia Design at PPCC and the Media Tech/Librarian at Manitou Springs Elementary School, and Jules who is 15years old and a Sophmore at Manitou Springs High School.
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Alain graduated from Middlesex University with a BA(Hons) in Fine Art: Sculpture. Alain is responsible for the beautiful environment that the children enjoy everyday at E11.
Alain is the Manager of the Manitou Art Center and is responsible for the MAC makerspace and galleries. Alain is part of the Outerspaces design and construction team behind The Earthroom at Manitou Springs Elementary School along with Daniel Romano and Wendy Fay of the Manitou Springs Arts Academy . Alain loves to play classical guitar, cook food from his father's homeland of Sri Lanka and mother's homeland of France, paint, print, and be with his family, preferably all at the same time! |
Safietou (Dallo) Goudiaby
Preschool Teacher Music Specialist I was born in the village of Thionk Essyl in the southern Casamance region of Senegal, West Africa. I grew up there living a traditional Diola life, fishing in the river, growing rice, gathering fruit and wild food in the forest. Dance is a central part of my culture. Every major event in the lives of our people is celebrated with dance. In early 2010 I began teaching weekly classes at the Casa Verde Common House near downtown Colorado Springs, and I have offered monthly dance workshops at the Marmalade studio at the Smokebrush. I have performed at several events on the Colorado College campus, for Imagination Celebration, the “What If” festival and Manitou Springs School District 14 World Culture Event. I love teaching African dance because it allows me to share the beauty of my culture with others.
Dallo also teaches African drumming and dancing at UCCS , Colorado College and for ARTs14 in Manitou Springs School District. |
Heather Van Eimeren
Preschool Teacher Art Specialist Bio coming soon!
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Robin Hinsdale
Preschool Teacher Dramatic Play Specialist Bio coming soon!
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