Artportunity Knocks "DREAM" Team
Ty Woods
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Ty Woods has been in the youth development & education industry for over 15 years. She has worked for agencies such as: The Jenesse Center, Family Resource, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assualt Council, Boys and Girls Club, City of Covina, and the Cobb County School District. Her experience has led her to receive recognition from local government officials and national agencies for her work in youth leadership, nonprofit development and Arts/Music Education advocacy.
Her education spans over a decade starting with an Associates in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelors degree in Business Management from Life University, where she graduated Valedictorian, and an MBA from Coles College of Business. Through her leadership, the organization's revenue has grown significantly, by over 300% in one year, and she continues to forge contacts that are beneficial to the organization. |
Chris "Alpha Knocks" Woods
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Chris has over 18 years of experience in youth development and empowerment for several non-profits across the globe. Having a background in Music Producer, Audio Engineering and teaching he has been able to bridge the two worlds by teaching kids and teens how to produce music, make beats, edit, compose, and record songs their own original songs.
He is the creator of Camp Beat Knocks and The Artrepreneurship Institute, designed to give students access into the Business side of entertainment. Chris runs our School of Technical Arts, which includes Video Production, Music Production, Audio Engineering and Robotics. As the Operations Director he is the point of contact for any structural solutions for all programs. He has a Bachelors Degree in Audio Production from the Art Institute of Atlanta and a Diploma in Theology from Word of Faith ICC. |
Ron Stebenne
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Ron’s students introduced him to bicycle freestyle. This introduction became a 30+ year journey into private business and social service. He may best be described as a ‘social entrepreneur’ including years working with youth and families as a counselor, youth minister, non-profit developer, talent manager, and business developer. In the early 90’s, Ron founded Youth Opportunities Network, Inc., a 501 C3 in San Diego working with thousands of underprivileged youth in Southern CA.
His business development experience includes the creation of Freestyle Promotions Inc., an action sports marketing company as well as a crowdfunding website. Freestyle Promotions has acted as a youth culture consultant and fundraising company for non-profits. His early days in action sports centered on bicycle freestyle events in the northeast region under the American Freestyle Association's umbrella and in coordination with the National Guard and the Boys Scouts of America. Ron used skateboarding in ministry by building a skatepark at one church with over 1000 skaters becoming members of the ‘Holy Chaos Skate Team’. This skate ministry provided an opportunity for him to cofound a skateboard company that specializes in eco-friendly materials. Ron has been a youth culture consultant for various media groups aired worldwide. He's worked with Hollywood celebrities and managed youth athletes in commercials, TV shows, and live shows with Ringling Brothers, Sea World, Vegas venues, and shows overseas. He, himself, has appeared on Regis Philbin and has done action sports TV and live event commentating. Ron is currently the Life Skills Education Manager for CCYA . Ron is a self-proclaimed ‘puzzle-builder’ and enjoys connecting resources to create win-win situations that have social value and improves the lives of others. |
Ariel Benton-Wells
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Ariel is a business professional with over 8 years’ experience mostly working in independent retail companies. She holds an MBA from Walden University and has held senior roles at Walmart, Queen Virgin Remy, and Indique LLC . Her areas of expertise include recruitment and brand marketing, employee training and development, and business and performance management. With a background in business and cosmetology, Ariel opened her own boutique salon business—Salon Ari LLC—catering to women and children, with a focus on vibrant, healthy hair and skin. Ariel is currently the Human Resources Coordinator at Artportunity Knocks Inc, located in Atlanta, GA.
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Jeanetta Ramsey
Executive Assistant to Executive Director jramsey@artportunityknocks.org |
Jeanetta Ramsey is an experienced Executive Assistant serving high-level executives of growth centered organizations.
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Nia Perry
Director of Marketing and Communications marketing@artportunityknocks.org |
Nia is a multi-certified and award-winning senior marketer, who blends creativity with business savvy, to develop communications and marketing strategies that convert. Her work has consistently created brand awareness and engaged with diverse audiences in over seven business verticals. Skilled at demonstrating excellence in storytelling, media relations, and connecting with global communities across digital/social media platforms, she also leverages data to develop and promote the success of marketing and communications strategies.
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Germaine Appel
Food Program Manager gappel@artportunityknocks.org |
Germaine is an impassioned chef and advocate of seasonal eating with 8 years of experience managing school food programs. After studying at the Art Institute of Atlanta, she began working in Farm to Table restaurants such as Cakes And Ale mentoring with three-times James Beard Award nominee Billy Allin. A desire to work in the education field led to her managing school food and nutrition programs, integrating local foods into scratch-based menus. She is deeply committed to changing the way children eat and how they learn about food.
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Our instructors are totally awesome! With industry experience and college degrees, Artportunity Knocks brings the best of the best to teach your little one how to succeed in life as an independent artist.
Specialty Instructors
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Ruben Royster
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Learning Pod Instructors
Crystal Jackson
Learning Pod Lead program@artportunityknocks.org |
Melinda Jules
Learning Pod Facilitator program@artportunityknocks.org |