MEET OUR TEAM
TOM CAHILL
President of Studio Institute
Studio in a School Association (SIAS) has provided artist-taught visual arts programs in New York City for more than 45 years. The success of its programs under the direction of Thomas Cahill was the catalyst for the creation of Studio Institute in 2016, when he was appointed president, with the goal of expanding SIAS programs to other cities. A Brooklyn native, Tom credits his parents with instilling his love of the arts, starting with family outings to New York City museums and other cultural institutions at an early age.
“Studio Institute programs help both youngsters and adults to understand the rigor that’s involved in the visual arts, how essential the arts are, and how personal motivation when making, sharing, and responding to art could be the fundamental element that gets them to see their lives differently.”
Alberto Cordoba
Executive Assistant and Manager of Program Administration
Alberto lends his expertise in Administration, Operations, and Project Management to create and implement procedures and strategies across a range of different industries. Prior to joining Studio Institute, Alberto worked with Net Capital as a Consultant. Alberto has worked in Office Management and as Executive Support for over 15 years in Boston and New York City.
Alberto was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia and earned his BS in Business Administration from Javeriana University. In his free time, he can be found gallery hopping, exploring new museum exhibits, drawing, riding his bike in Brooklyn, and learning new languages.
“Working at Studio Institute, I've found that work and life seamlessly merge as we assist in the development of youth art skills. There is nothing more fulfilling than witnessing new generations embrace the belief that art unites multiple cultures and communities.”
Sejin Park
Manager for Teen Programs
Sejin brings an extensive background in museum education for teens and youth. She joined Studio Institute from The Noguchi Museum, where she led programs for all audiences, including internships for high school students. Along with her experience in administrative and teaching roles at institutions such as the Whitney Museum, the Guggenheim Museum, and NYC public schools, Sejin is invested in social justice and working with the local community to bring about equitable change. She is currently enrolled at CUNY City College as a part-time graduate student, working towards an MA in Art Education (K–12). In her spare time, Sejin enjoys exploring the city by taking long walks with her dog, Toby.
"As a former Arts Intern, I am grateful to join the Studio Institute team and provide incredible paid opportunities to students. I'm thrilled to be a part of an organization that brings equity to the arts and cultural field."
Jeannie Sharkey
Marketing & Communications
With a background in marketing and communications focused on second language acquisition, education technology, literacy, and visual arts education, Jeannie’s experience includes management positions in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors. In her role in Marketing & Communications, she works closely with Studio Institute staff to reach and engage Studio’s key audiences: students, parents, teachers, school and community leaders, and cultural partners; and highlight the accomplishments of the remarkable young people participating in Studio programs from Early Childhood to college. Outside of work, Jeannie enjoys hiking in the mountains, studying Italian and ancient Roman history, advancing her culinary expertise, and getting dirty in her perennial garden.
“Working at Studio Institute makes it possible for me to experience art on multiple levels every day—whether it’s talking to students about their art, discovering the work of new artists, or learning about the latest ‘must-see’ museum installations from colleagues.”
Adele Stroh
Editor
Adele has taken on several roles during her tenure at Studio in a School and Studio Institute. During the early years, she worked with the Development Department, Marketing and Public Relations, and the President’s office. Prior positions included teaching High School English; serving as Associate and Acting Director of Education at the Whitney Museum of American Art; providing vocational counseling for refugees; and working with unemployed professionals, all of which has provided her with experience and insights that contribute to her editorial expertise in guiding the production of Studio’s arts education program materials. Presently, she is spending time caring for the estate of her late partner, artist Russell Connor, trying to get his work exhibited and sold.
“After 18 years at Studio, I’m still eager to get back to editing much of the digital and print materials that leave our office. I’ve missed the camaraderie and personal interactions of being on-site with my Studio Institute colleagues.”
Judith Foster
Manager of Professional Learning
After starting a career in publishing, Judith realized that she would rather be among children in a school than adults in an office. She's been a teacher, principal, teacher educator, and curriculum specialist—as well as a founding teacher and principal of the Neighborhood School, a public school in Manhattan. At Studio Institute, Judith launched the visual arts component of CREATE, the arts-based professional learning track of the NYC Department of Education’s Pre-K for All program, and has worked with Studio teaching artists in Memphis, Newark, Greenwich, and Cleveland. In Judith’s professional practice, she has always sought to give children opportunities to express their voices and ideas. When her schedule allows it, she makes pottery, plays with her grandchildren, and putters in her garden.
“I’m so happy to bring my previous experience to my work at Studio Institute as a manager of professional learning. I love teaching and collaborating with adults to offer children open-ended explorations in artmaking that excite them and inspire them.”
Michele Sossou
Associate for Teen Programs
Michele has a wide background in after-school, educational, and public program settings, including positions at Children's Aid, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and The New York Public Library that focused on literacy, tutoring, food justice, and recreation. Having worked with students from grades K–12, to provide experience in education, youth programming, and community engagement has allowed her insights and perspectives that complement her work with teens and college students in Studio Institute programs, including Bloomberg Arts Internship, the Teen Apprenticeship Program, and our Studio Intensives. Michele enjoys running, outdoor movies, cooking, and discovering new places to eat in New York City.
"Working at Studio continues to help me have an appreciative understanding and respect for the arts and see children and interns grow in many ways with their creativity and confidence."
Sophia Domeville
Manager of Arts Intern
Sophia brings several years' experience in program administration, art education, and professional development for students and educators. She holds dual master's degrees in educational leadership focused on education policy and arts education from NYU, where she was a fellow for NYU Social Sector Leadership Diversity Fellowship. In Newark, Sophia designed an immersive arts program centered on the impact of Youth Voice and the Social Justice Movement. Along with her experience in program administration and teaching, her focus is on the importance of art education and its development to increase a sustainable pipeline of access for all students. A Haitian American, Sophia is an Abstract Expressionist and a coffee aficionado who loves to travel.
“I’m passionate about providing diverse college students from regional cities with internship opportunities within the museum field. I find joy developing partnerships with arts institutions and college placement offices to enhance this wonderful program.”
James Azzaretti
Social Media and Video Documentation Manager
James is a graduate of New York University with a BFA in Film & Television. At NYU, he worked in various public schools in lower Manhattan for work-study, tutoring students, and teaching cooking classes.
Upon graduating, James has worked in the film industry as a sound engineer and videographer. He has worked on projects from independent shorts all the way to major studio features. James is excited to continue his work documenting the work of Studio Institute, its interns, and events through video and photos. Check out Studio’s social media to see some of James’ work.
“I have experienced firsthand the paid opportunities and adventures Studio Institute provides to emerging artists and young students. I am excited to continue my journey with Studio having seen the positive effects of Studio’s missions.”
Lenora Inez Brown
Director of greater cleveland pr
Lenora has worked professionally as a new-play dramaturg in many of the nation’s regional theatres and Broadway. As an arts educator, she has taught at The Theatre School at DePaul University and lectured at various colleges and universities and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Although she has spent many hours in rehearsal halls, she began her arts career studying art history in high school and college. Her first internship in the arts was at the Brooklyn Museum of Art as a high school junior. She is excited to combine her background in art history and dramaturgy and arts education here at Studio Institute. When she isn't working with arts educators, she can be found reading cookbooks and creating amazing gluten-free pies and other delicacies.
"Joining Studio Institute here in my hometown of Cleveland is important to me. My first internship during high school at the Brooklyn Museum of Art sparked my love for the arts and arts education. I have loved Studio Institute from 2017 when I learned about its model, and I cannot wait to grow the vital work of Studio Institute here.”
Malik Whitaker
Program associate, regional programs
Malik Whitaker is a diverse artist, illustrator, arts educator, and artist representative, whose mastery in the realms of fine art painting, book illustrations, and design has garnered him an amazing art career. With a decade of experience as a successful business owner, Malik's artistic journey has been one of relentless pursuit, unwavering passion, and a deep commitment to empowering others through the arts. Driven by his artistic ambitions, Malik is a self-taught artist fueled by an insatiable curiosity that breathed life into his creations through sheer determination and relentless experimentation. Guided solely by his passion and intuition, he has forged a unique artist path, unbound by traditional constraints. His work speaks volumes about the boundless potential of untamed creativity. He delved into various artistic styles and techniques, allowing him to cultivate a distinct artistic voice. Additionally, he supplemented his non traditional academic endeavors with workshops, seminars, and mentorships under established artists, further refining his craft and expanding his artistic repertoire.
"My work at Studio Institute is fueled by my passion to administer the best quality of work and consistency in support of Studio's mission to expose youth to art as a head start to life"