Our Educators
I have been with HCA for 15 years, serving as Art Director & Program Instructor in the Antelope Valley. I’m passionate about teaching art to help students reduce stress, enhance creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and experience its healing benefits. In addition to in-person teaching arts-based classes at Arbor Court and Essex Tower in Lancaster, CA, I also offer online classes through HCA Live in watercolor, cartooning (drawing), and tech help. Outside of HCA, I maintain my own art practice, focusing on illustration, design, and large-scale murals. My freelance clients include Disney, Airbnb, Uber, the National Geographic Society, Airstream, REI, and Bandits Bandanas.
- Favorite food: Kunefe
- Favorite animal: Baby Highland Cow
- Favorite movie: Children of Men (2006)
- Superpower: Flight OR endless paint
As an Arts & Crafts Instructor at HCA, I support residents across all levels by helping them integrate creativity into their classrooms in meaningful and accessible ways. While my specialty lies in visual arts, I work closely with residents in all content areas to build confidence in teaching through hands-on, engaging, and student-centered activities. My goal is to model how artistic expression can enhance learning, foster community, and support diverse learners—whether in the art room or beyond. I’m passionate about encouraging residents to tap into their creativity, even if they don’t see themselves as “artistic,” and I strive to make every session a supportive space for experimentation and growth.
- Favorite food: Pizza
- Favorite animal: Elephant
- Favorite movie: Ratatouille (2007)
- Superpower: Teleportation
I’m a Program Coordinator at HCA, where I get to plan and instruct classes in the areas of music, art, and all things creative expression. I’m passionate about cultivating spaces where creativity thrives and love bringing a bit of fun and structure to every project. I’m always looking for ways to make things smoother—and a little more playful!
- Favorite food: Italian! All things bread & pasta
- Favorite animal: Pygmy Marmoset
- Favorite movie: The Shack (2017)
- Superpower: Making tasks into a game
- Favorite food: Thai food
- Favorite animal: Bear
- Favorite movie: Payback (1999)
- Superpower: Strategic clarity under pressure
Coming soon!
Carla is the President and Owner of Healthy For Life Fitness Group and CALM Yoga for 22 years. Carla is a certified Senior Fitness Specialist, Yoga Instructor, Strength & Conditioning for Seniors Consultant & Specialist, Posture & Mobility Specialist, Certified in Mobility & Performance and Functional Fitness. The focus of all classes taught by Carla is to maintain independence as adults and seniors for as long as we can for the rest of our lives.
- Favorite food: Sea bass
- Favorite animal: Cocker Spaniel
- Favorite movie: Forrest Gump (1994)
- Superpower: LOVE