I grew up in Iowa, where my childhood was shaped by a love for music and athletics.  From a young age, I developed a deep passion for the piano, dedicated eight years to studying classical piano.  The melodies I learned on those keys still resonate with me today, a reminder of the discipline and creativity that shaped my early years.

Alongside music, I also excelled in athletics, specifically in track and field.  Running was more than just a hobby; it became a competitive outlet for me.  I had the incredible opportunity to compete in the Junior Olympics, which took me across the country to race against the best.  Those experiences not only tested my limits but also opened my eyes to the wider world beyond the fields of Iowa.

After spending my formative years in Iowa, I moved to the Bay Area, where I completed high school.  There, my athletic career continued to flourish, and I competed in both track and field as well as cross country.  The vibrant energy of the Bay Area and the competitive spirit of my coach and peers motivated me to push myself even further.  

My journey led me to UCLA, where I became a proud member of the track and field and cross country teams.  Being a student-athlete at UCLA was an exhilarating challenge that taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and balance.  During my time at UCLA, I earned a BA in Philosophy, a subject that deepened my curiosity about the world and the complexities of human thought.  

After college, I embarked on a career in the medical device and pharmaceutical industries, working for some of the top companies in the field.  It was a demanding but rewarding experience, giving me valuable insights into the world of healthcare and innovation.  However, after some time, I felt the need for a change.  I decided to pursue a long-held passion for cooking and enrolled in culinary school at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, now known as Le Cordon Bleu.  This decision opened up a new world of creativity and flavors for me.

After completing culinary school, I had the privilege of working in Michelin-starred restaurants such as Spago in Beverly Hills, California.  It was an incredible experience to work alongside talented chefs and be part of a world renowned culinary scene.  However, life took a new direction.

After getting married, I embraced the role of a full-time mom, raising three wonderful boys who now attend our local elementary school.  My life as a mother has been one of the most fulfilling journeys, and through it, I discovered a new passion - working with children.  I've become deeply interested n the different philosophies of teaching, and I find immense joy in helping kids learn and grow.  

Looking back, my journey has been diverse and unexpected, taking me from the fields of Iowa to the kitchens of Michelin-star restaurants.  Today, my heart is full, knowing that each experience has brought me to where I am now - a mother, a lifelong learner, and someone who finds joy in nurturing the next generation.  

Miss Niki grew up in the scenic Conejo Valley and attended Thousand Oaks High School.  Her passion for martial arts began at a young age, and in the spring of 1998, after years of dedication and hard work, she proudly earned her black belt.  

Her pursuit of knowledge continued as she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Management from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) in 2008.  With a commitment to health and fitness, Miss Niki further expanded her expertise and became a NASM- certified personal trainer in 2021.  

With 30 years of martial arts experience, Miss Niki has dedicated much of her life to mastering her craft.  When she's not teaching or training, she enjoys spending quality time with her friends, family, and her beloved French bulldog, Maui.  Miss Niki has a deep love for nature, and you can often find her hiking, capturing moments through photography, camping, traveling, or engaging in a good workout.  Through all her passions, Miss Niki remains committed to a life of health, adventure, and growth. 

Mrs. Anna is a violinist residing in Camarillo, California.  She is soloist, chamber musician and teacher.  Anna studied at the Academy of Music in Krakow, Poland Azusa Pacific University and Pepperdine University.  Her primary professors and influences include Alexander Treger (LA Phil, Pepperdine) and Min Jung Park (APU).  She has won multiple significant competitions such as Henry Schwab Violin Competition in Ventura, CEU auditions in Poland, and the National Competition of Young Instrumentalists in Jaslo.  

She has been a member and substitute with many orchestras like American Youth Symphony, Los Angeles Sinfonietta, and Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra in the United States.  She also performed with European Spirit of Youth Orchestra in Italy and Slovenia, and Krakow Young Philharmonic Orchestra in Poland, Austria and Germany.  Anna has been teaching since 2018 and she enjoys sharing her knowledge with her students.