MEET OUR TEAM
Karen Avital , Program Director & Early Child hood Specialist
Growing up in LA, and living abroad many years is where my passion and value of building community takes precedence and began. My background and specialization in Early Childhood Education inspired me to deepen my passion for children. My journey in education began at the University of Bar Ilan, Israel. Where I studied Behavioral Sciences and Business Management. I followed my passion which led me to study ECE at UCLA, and when I understood my passion is my purpose I flew to Reggio Emilia, Italy, and studied the Continuity of Education in upper grades. When my first son was born I wanted to know more, I found the RIE/Pikler approach to education and expanded my studies and joined the movement. In addition, to running Barefoot Atelier I enjoy painting, photography, yoga, coaching parents, and spending time Barefoot in Nature.
Alexandra Aber , Music Teacher & Learning Facilitator
Originally from Maryland, Alix has been an Early Childhood Educator and Music & Arts Educator for eight years. Having spent the past six years working in Reggio Emilia-inspired schools, her educational philosophy is strongly rooted in her beliefs in the rights of the child, constructivism, and experiential learning. She studied music performance and music education at Lawrence University Lawrence Conservatory of Music. She has been trained in the Kodaly and Orff pedagogical methods and passionately focused on a decolonized educational perspective, integrating arts, science, math, and humanities curriculum, using folk music and theatrical world traditions. She has performed opera, musical theater, liturgical music, spirituals, folk, and choral music around the world. Alix has led Barefoot’s children’s musical Shabbat since 2017 as well as Barefoot’s spring and summer music camps. She has a private music studio, Ali Allegre, which includes voice and piano lessons for individuals and small groups of all ages. From a multicultural family, and as the daughter of civil rights activists and educators, she has participated in social justice and antiracist activism, as well as educational outreach, since her youth. She has continued this legacy by incorporating social justice and diversity education in her arts and early childhood education curriculum, throughout her career.
Morgan Birdsong, Learning Facilitator
Born in NY, and now happily living in Los Angeles. After getting her BA in Literary Studies, with a foundation in the world of Waldorf, it has long been Morgan's goal to harness the progressive, inquiry driven education of Early Childhood Education and apply that approach in an Elementary setting. Having recently earned her multiple subject Teaching Credential through CSUDH she is putting that plan into action. With over 8 years of experience working in the classroom and just over 2 as a parent. "Education and child development provide endless fascination and motivation for me to learn more and work harder. " -Morgan
Iwalani , Music Teacher
Iwalani Venerable is a musician, artist & early childhood educator. Iwalani began songwriting and performing in the early 2000’s and soon after she began working in Early Childhood Education as a preschool teacher. It was at this time she began her journey as a music & movement teacher. Iwalani weaves her love of kids, musical expression, rhythm and community building into her energetic music classes and has the ability to connect with children easily with her fun, warm and loving nature. In addition to working with children, Iwalani is also a performing artist, music producer and songwriter and often plays guitar and sings vocals with a live band for her shows. Iwalani’s mission is to inspire confidence in children and adults through creative expression, song and movement. Iwalani has performed at many schools, venues, events and festivals in Northern and Southern California. Her goal is to inspire positivity and happiness with uplifting music and impactful educational content.
Website: http://www.thesunflowerlioness.com
Stephanie Ruiz, Early Childhood Learning Facilitator
Hola! I am Teacher Stephanie and I am beyond excited and feel so blessed to have join the Barefoot Family. I have worked with children for over eight years and now working to obtain my Bachelors Degree in Child Development. Prior to Barefoot I was an Assistant Director Family Childcare Center, I loved every minute of it. I am a volunteer for Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times as a counselor and love to take part in community activities like assisting with composting sorting during football games at the Rose Bowl with 301 Organics on my free time. My passion is to help children understand they have a voice. I love to learn new things and specially when it comes from children. The beauty, knowledge and peace children bring to our world is indescribable and I am obsessed with learning ways to understand them better. My dream is to one day run a young girl empowerment program to help girls as early as five years of age learn the beauty of helping one another, loving ourselves, taking care of our planet, and help make it a better place. I cannot change the entire world, but if I touch one heart, and or make at least one person feel loved and understood, I would have served my purpose.
Bendiciones ❤️ Stephanie