Maria Navaratne BEd(Hons): Director of Play
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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 and her husband have since discovered the " Teaching for Artistic Behavior" movement and also guide Elementary aged children in a daily afterschool program. Maria was the Director of Arts14, the afterschool arts program in Manitou Springs School District 14 from 2016 to 2018. Maria and Alain have been 'dancing partners' since 1995 and they have 2 children, Agnes who is 20 years old studying Multimedia Design at PPCC and the Media Tech/Librarian at Manitou Springs Elementary School, and Jules who is 14 years old and a Freshman at Manitou Springs High School.
Alain Navaratne BA(Hons): Artistic Director
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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 also assists in Preschool and Afterschool. 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 creativeFREEchoice Assistant Teacher
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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 the Imagination Celebration and the “What If” festival. 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.
Dallo also teaches African drumming and dancing at UCCS , Colorado College and for ARTs14 in Manitou Springs School District.