Janet Morgan--Well, you're never too old to learn!  KidzArt turned me into a believer when I went to franchisee training in December of 2003.  When I finished my first drawing I thought, "Wow!  If this makes me feel so good, how will it make a child feel?"  As an empty nester, KidzArt has given me a great opportunity to work with kids again.  It has also provided a creative outlet for skills developed as a wife, mother, grandmother, administrative assistant, school volunteer and meeting planner.  In 2004, my franchise won "Meeting the Challenge."  While I am not sure exactly what that means, I can say that I approach just about every new challenge with a positive "can do" attitude.  I love being involved in this program.  KidzArt is a huge blessing in my life.  Seeing children develop their own artistic personalities gives me such joy.  It is always exciting to see what they will say or do next!

Michelle Schmidt--Hi!  My name is Michelle Schmidt.  I have been married for over 24 years.  I originally grew up in upstate New York but have lived in Raleigh since 1983.  I have two wonderful boys...my first is a junior at East Carolina and my second is now at UNC Wilmington.  While my degree is in business, I truly believe that you are never too old to learn something new.  My kids are amazed at what I can do through teaching the KidzArt classes.  I love working with kids and have volunteered many hours at my children's preschool, elementary/middle schools and church.  Since my boys are getting older and don't want mom around so much anymore, working for Janet at KidzArt provides the perfect opportunity to spend time with kids again.

Kerry Sznajder--My name is Kerry Sznajder.  I have always enjoyed art and design.  I received my degree in Interior Design from Meredith College in 1994.  Since then I have mostly worked in retail businesses selling furniture, flooring, wallpaper, etc.  When my daughter, Kaitlin, was two years old I decided to become a stay-at-home mom.  Kaitlin is now in high school.  Wow!  When I started with KidzArt, she was in 5th grade!  We discovered KidzArt when Kaitlin started fourth grade at Lynn Road Elementary.  We had been looking for programs that would challenge her artistic ability and we found it in KidzArt.  I was very impressed with what she came home with each week.  I believe that what kids get out of KidzArt can help them in all academic areas and teaches them that they CAN do anything they set their minds to.

Kim Bunton--My name is Kim Bunton.  I wear many, many hats. I have been married for 16 years. I have two wonderful kids; Jaxon and Hannah. I am a Real Estate Broker, a Pre-School  Teacher Assistant and now a Kidzart instructor!  I grew up here in Raleigh riding horses. It was my passion for many, many years. I am happy to say that my horse experience and my love for children and Jesus has brought me to volunteer at Hope Reins Raleigh. An Equine ministry pairing rescued horses with children in need. I am now enjoying KidzArt classes.  It’s amazing how creative the kids are at Kidzart! Watching a blank piece of paper come to life in so many creative ways is awesome! The kids really have fun and so do I.

Amy Fetzer-- Hi!  My name is Amy Fetzer.  I am an artist, married for 17 years, the mother of three very different kids between the ages of 8 and 13 and am so excited to be in a classroom again with creative minds!  My first degree was in Packaging Science but I really loved the Arts are so left Science for a time and went back for a BFA in Studio Arts.  I am so glad for these two experiences as I see that all of life is approaching problems and bringing the best that you have to the solutions!  As a mom I am grateful for the chance to see daily how each of our kids solves the same thing a bit different.  And isn't this true in Art too?!  In volunteering now in the schools to memories of teaching studio classes before kids, I think it is the BEST gift in the world to help a person bring their work to life and help them see all of the life lessons they took from that (patience, planning, allowing creative freedom in the process, managing mistakes). I so believe that KidzArt gives our kids, as well as us when we talk to our kids about their work, the connection to what makes them so special.  KidzArt will develop great problem solvers with awesome creative solutions all while having a great time making art!   

Tara Maples Torrence- Hello!  I just wanted to give you a small introduction.  Originally, I am from East Tennessee and grew up in the heart of the Great Smokey Mountains.  From an early age, my mother instilled in me a love of growing plants and caring for animals…just being a good steward of God’s creation and His many gifts to me.  Aside from working in my yard, flowers and garden, I love to read, sew and paint.  I often draw a fair bit as well and my favorite subject matter is flora.  I am an amateur photographer and have photographed animals, children and a few weddings.  I have been married for 4 years and now have 4 dogs that are all rescues and sweet loving mongrels.  By education, I have my Doctorate in Pharmacy and am currently working on my Masters in Business Administration.  But I must say while I love all of these things, I am excited to use my creative gifts with KidzArt and am thankful God has led me here!