Our Artist-Educators

Magda has created the dazzling and magical world of Jump Into Art Studios with its open and inviting atmosphere, safe space to create with dozens of classes, workshops and camps for artists of all ages. A California native, Magda brings a peaceful vibe to the studio with an, "Everybody's an artist," philosophy. Teachers teach what they choose, students work at their own pace and everyone can just be in a creative space. With loving-kindness and compassion, all things are possible. Magda runs the studio with a great team of collaborative friends plus sells skincare and pottery - find out more at Magnus McKinney.

Welcome Miss Ashley to our studio leading Kids Night Out - she comes from the Goddard School with a Bachelors of Science in Education with a focus in Elementary and Special Education. Miss Ashley loves kids, arts and crafts and being of serviceIn her free time she likes listening to music, drawing, writing and crafting. Ms. Ashley's favorite part of her day is being greeted by the kids and being able to get to know each of them.

Alisa Meli, founder of Alisa Meli Studios and a seasoned potter and retired art educator with three decades of teaching experience. A McKinney resident since 1999, she dedicated most of her career to elementary Art education in Plano ISD. Alisa’s passion for ceramics shines through her decorative and functional wheel-thrown and hand-built creations, featuring vibrant glazes and textured surface decoration. Prior to her focus on pottery, she explored abstract themes with bold colors in oil painting. Alisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Texas State University and a Master of Arts from UNT. Her contributions extend beyond the classroom, having served on the board of directors for the Texas Art Education Association and earning recognition as Texas Outstanding Art Educator in the Elementary Division in 2005. Join her new class on Wednesday nights.

Ariel Bowman was raised in Dallas, Texas where her parents are both artists. Growing up, she spent a lot of time outside with animals. The undeveloped woodlands that surrounded her childhood home inspired her to create art that focused on the natural world. As a sculptor, Ariel works in clay using a variety of mixed media techniques. 

Clay is the most influential material that Ariel has worked with. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in ceramics from the Kansas City Art Institute in 2011, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Florida in 2018. She has studied abroad at the International Ceramics Studio in Hungary and was awarded the Regina K. Brown NCECA undergraduate and graduate fellowships. Ariel has been an artist in residence at the Armory Art Center and her work has been collected by the Belger Arts Center, the Florida Museum of Natural History, and the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts.

Beth is always a studio favorite with her gentle and engaging nature. She's a water colorist, crafter, and all around fabulous educator who works with various programs in the studio. She'll be offering a new spring-time water color basics program and Sip and Paint and Create on Friday Nights!

Betsy Tillett is a Certified Early Childhood Special Education through 6th Grade teacher, Trauma Informed Children's Yoga Instructor, and Social Emotional Learning Facilitator. She loves all things nature, animals, yoga, art, running, hiking, being outdoors, and practicing self-care and mindfulness. Her passion is teaching children to love and appreciate nature, to love and embrace themselves for who they are, to guide them in building their inner confidence, to encourage positive self-talk, to help them identify their unique strengths and equip them with the tools they need to practice self-care and mindfulness. She's teaching our new program Special Art geared toward young artists needing a slower curriculum.

Meet Celeste Seitz, a multidisciplinary artist who creates sumi-e, street art, murals, sculpture, and art installations, “I am a curator, educator, public speaker, blogger, and coordinator for several area arts nonprofits.”

Celeste has spent her formative years in Southeast Asia, deeply influencing her aesthetic. The daughter of artist Jim Seitz and interior designer Connie Seitz, so art and design have been a part of her life forever.

She enjoys adding punchlines and puzzles to her street art and sculpture. There is definitely an air of irreverence in some of her work; sometimes playful, sometimes poignant. Conversely, her sumi-e style art focuses on brush strokes, contrast, and mood. At first glance, her two artistic styles seem unrelated, but there are elements in every piece that are quintessentially Celeste. The collection she’s currently creating marries street art and East Asian art, with some pleasant surprises sprinkled throughout!

Meet Christie, a professional photographer for over 25 years, capturing families, high school seniors and events, while also exploring her own creativity through painting and ceramics. Says Christie, "Since becoming a mom, I’ve loved teaching summer art camps, inspired by the joy and growth that comes from giving young minds a hands-on creative outlet." Christie is now offering Story Time & Clay Toddlers - a family fun activity new to the studio.

Deanna, a retired elementary art teacher is engaging, artsy, fun, vivacious, and gives young artists new and interesting ways to think of creativity. Deanna offers classes in adult workshops in Glass Fusing 101 plus homeschool art and after school classes in our Art, Art and More Art program.

Dee Dee Mangum is a ceramics artist and educator living in Montgomery Texas. 

Dee is the potter-in-residence for Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library with work on display and in use in the museum's exhibits, historic homes, kitchen, and gift shop. 

Her works focus on how art and functionalism intersect. Dee utilizes classic forms in conjunction with surface design and firing techniques reminiscent of the southern alkaline-glazed stoneware tradition influenced by Edgefield Pottery names as Landrum, Chandler, Rhodes, Dave Drake, Miles, and C.A. Haun. Her work blends functional forms with historic decorative patterns and motifs combined with elements of nature ranging from period utilitarian ware to ritualistic objects, funerary vessels, and for worship and meditation.

Emily is a joyous and light hearted educator and artist who engages with her students on many levels. A native of Maine, Emily enjoys travel, hiking, camping, the great outdoors as well as playing in the clay studio with her friends and students. Emily teaches artists of all ages in Homeschool Art Art and More Art, The Clay Classroom, Sip and Throw and our ever popular adult pottery classes.

Heather is a full time project manager who balances out her week (and her brain) by stepping into the studio to teach and create. A Texas native and mom, she is a self-taught, multi-media artist who dabbles in all things creative - but is absolutely passionate about resin art in all forms. "There is something about bringing the dimensions of a piece to life through the use of resin, sketches, and paint that fulfills me. And being able to guide others to just let go, create and embrace the imperfection of art - well, that is an incredible feeling." 

Heather currently teaches Art Drop In, has tons of fun hosting parties, and is teaching a Multi-media & Resin workshop. Check out her work and connect with her on Instagram - @heddlemon_art.

Meet Jen Land, a jewelry designer, metalsmith, and certified Therapeutic Arts Practitioner, trained in metalsmithing, jewelry design, and fabrication from the Creative Arts Center and Craft Guild of Dallas.

Teaching is at the heart of what she does, "I love creating a space where people can explore metalsmithing and jewelry design with curiosity, confidence, and joy." Her classes are classes are hands-on and designed to help each person discover their own creative voice, encouraging them to express themselves and walk away with both creative skills and a sense of accomplishment.

At the core of everything, Jen has a simple belief: that everyone has the power to create, and that creative expression is not just a gift, it is essential to living fully. Join her classes Silver Smithing classes

Meet Kara, an artist and creative at heart with a background in advertising and social media, where she developed a strong eye for visual storytelling and connection. Outside of teaching, she spends most of her time exploring different artistic outlets—from painting and crafting to learning the art of tattooing. She loves to cook and being creative in everyday life. Kara says, "I'm passionate about helping others tap into their creativity and express themselves in ways that feel fun, meaningful, and uniquely their own." Kara teaches kids Sunday art classes, adult watercolor classes and more coming soon.

Katey brings the fun to functional art! As a passionate potter, wood worker, painter, business design consultant, interior and web designer, she sees the beauty of art in many different spaces. She leads by creating warm and inclusive spaces for all to let their inner creative shine. Join Katey for a Sip and Throw Pottery Party, Private Pottery Party, Fairy House Workshop and other fabulous things.

Meet artist, Kathy from URBAN ALPACAS, a local Alpaca farm in Royse City. Kathy teaches classes in all things felted wool and we're excited to offer her programs at the Studios. Some classes and camps have Sawyer, the alpaca mascot tagging along -  Kathy has run Urban Alpacas since it was established in 2013.

Urban Alpacas is a fun, fiber farm that loves to share its alpacas with the world!

Urban Alpacas offers farm tours, educational fiber classes, and alpaca experiences. They also share info about how to care for these gentle creatures and processing their fiber. Located on two acres in Royse City, Texas, the farm has expanded over the years to include 10 alpacas, 31 free-range chickens, and 3 barn cats.

Like others on our teaching staff, Kay is super creative with fiber arts,  metal smithing, jewelry, cloisonné, photography, framing, stained glass, etching, mosaics and pottery. Clay is her favorite medium and she's been teaching and inspiring others for more than a decade. We are lucky to have found Kay with her peaceful and warm spirit, know-how and easy to follow guidance. Join her Tuesday Pottery 6:30-9pm class, you won't be disappointed!

Kimberly is a joyful artist and Mom of three, who loves to create in all kinds of paint and mediums. She is a seasoned artist and teacher, who has over 30 years experience in art. She has a special place in her heart for homeschool and loves helping students find themselves in their art. You can find her painting murals, creating fantastical storybook type scenes, or creating whatever whim comes across her mind. She is inspired by nature and the wild ideas her imagination brings her. Kimberly is passionate about creating art and enjoys sharing it with the community. You will see Kimberly's smiling face here leading many different art classes including crochet, soft pastels, kids workshops, birthday workshops and so much more!

Linda Ballesteros is a transformational guide, speaker, and international best-selling author who helps women reconnect with their purpose and

create lives filled with joy, clarity, and impact. Through her podcast, books, and one-on-one work, she shares stories and insights that make big shifts

feel not only possible, but exciting.

Lisa is a studio artist and teacher that brings so much to the house including a love of all things multimedia plus mosaics, jewelry and painting; "I love creating and inspiring others. There is something very gratifying in making something beautiful out of bits, pieces and ingredients. I enjoy time in my kitchen, my garden, and my art studio. It makes me so happy." Her background is varied with singing, theatre, acting, producing and she's even a playwright! And recently she's become a master gardener, too and readily admits that she enjoys playing in the dirt. Lisa leads Kids Create Workshops and Sip and Paint and Create , Landscape Paint Panels, and Multimedia 6 week class.

Meet Lisa Shepherd with over 35 years of teaching and art experience. She views herself as a life-long learner and sees art in everything. Lisa has a degree in art, a Multiple-Subject Elementary Teaching Credential, an Art Teaching Credential and a Masters in Effective Instruction. During her years in the public school system, she was recognized and awarded three times as Teacher of the Year.

Lisa’s passion is using art to connect learning and plans to use her experiences in engineering focused learning to offer STEAM-based and growth mind set learning opportunities.

Meet our newest educator, LuAnne Malnory, a leather smith, artist and educator working in the world of leather craft since 2019. She’s worked with master craftsmen over the years in learning to create wonderful hand cut, shape, mold, carve, stamp, stitch and dye amazing items and will be teaching the basics of leather art at the studio: bags, coasters, trays, journals and more - check out her Leathercrafting 101 classes in the studio.

Prior to leather working, LuAnne taught math and science, raised 2 boys and ran a landscape architecture business. A versatile human, the studio is excited to have LuAnne teach class with us.

Madhu is a watercolor artist and instructor with over 15 years of teaching experience. A professional Fashion Designer turned artist, she believes everyone is born creative and encourages students to paint with joy and a playful mindset.

Her art has been exhibited in numerous juried art shows including - the gallery 8680, Frisco; Blue House too, Allen; The Cotton Mill, Mckinney; The Other Art Fair, Dallas; and Irving art gallery. She has also had multiple solo shows. And you can read a feature about her in Voyage Dallas.

Students praise her patient, encouraging teaching style that builds confidence while making watercolor accessible and fun. As one student noted, "In just two hours I was able to notably improve my skills while feeling pure joy."

With over 15 years of experience as a certified art teacher, Marie is passionate about cultivating creativity and confidence in artists of all ages. Whether working with kids, teens, or adults, Marie creates a warm, encouraging environment where students can explore, take risks, and grow through the artmaking process.

She specializes in drawing, watercolors, oil painting, clay, mixed media, and more—always bringing a playful, process-focused approach that inspires both beginners and experienced artists alike. In addition to teaching in the studio, Marie is an avid plein air painter and active member of the McKinney Plein Air Society, often painting outdoors and capturing the beauty of nature on location.

Her goal is to help every student discover their creative voice while building strong foundational skills and confidence in their work.

Martha is our in-house art house manager, chief financial officer and the glue that keeps Jump Into Art Studios running - she's an artist, crafter, helper, healer, solver-of-problems, carpenter and accountant. Martha makes the art house a better place! She also handles billing so any inquires should be directed to her.

Meet Michele Beus, a seasoned educator; working with children ages 5 and up the past 34 years. She's teaching sewing and stitching, kids cooking, dried and framed pendant classes plus wax projects leading a Kindergarten class at a local museum in her own home town. They were all successful at dipping candles and Michele’s love of crafting with wax was born.

Michele retired as an elementary school teacher, music studio leader, drawing instructor, and summer arts and crafts director and moved to McKinney to enjoy her youngest grandchild’s infancy. After more than five years, that long long-term visit has become her permanent home. And while making art with grandchildren is still one of her favorite things to do, sharing her craft making talents with lots more children and adults has become even more fun!

Sarah is a semi-retired speech-language pathologist and full time homeschooling mom who has a lifelong passion for learning and all things crafty. Her hobbies include road trips with her family, collecting rescue animals, and learning to garden. A native of San Diego, Sarah has lived in Texas more than half of her life and now prefers her chili without beans. New Sewing 101 classes starting in September plus Wednesdays Art, Art and More Art with homeschoolers and afterschool sessions - yay!

Scout finds beauty in everything she touches from painting, pencils, body art, tattooing to her Dallas area murals. Her work is on display at the Bath House and Wright Art Twin Gallery.

​Scout joins us from Philadelphia, PA after attending art college for education and graphic design. Scout teacher various art programs including Drawing and Still Life, summer camp and more.

Sherri is a local and award winning artist and a professional educator for 20+ years. She is most known for her flowing, happy, bright, colorful and primitive art. Her art is shown throughout Collin County and is available for sale at McKinney Art Gallery on the McKinney downtown square. Sherri brings her enthusiasm into the studio with her Happy Art program as she leads students with joy. Sherri  is an avid photographer and creator of the Facebook group McKinney Photo of the Day. Her desire to inspire, create and touch the lives of those around her makes her a great addition to our art school! Be sure to check out her newest workshop, Wine Wednesdays and Art.

Wendy runs Caldwell Elementary School Art Department and is a breath of fresh artistic air - she can create anything! She's been an inspiration at our studio since we've started running art parties, summer camps, The Clay Classroom, pottery classes and more!