CREATIVE MINDS PRESCHOOL TEAM
CHRISTIE FINNEGAN
Owner/Teacher
Christie Finnegan has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Arts Management and a minor in Studio Arts from the College of Charleston. She is an experienced childcare professional, small business owner and mother of three daughters. Christie has a passionate understanding for children and has been a preschool teacher for 20 years as well as a skilled art instructor who loves introducing young children to a variety of media.
AMELIA MAHER
Assistant Teacher
Amelia Maher is a student currently enrolled at Oceanside Collegiate Academy, and Trident Technical College. She has been working with children from a young age, through babysitting and then later through teaching preschool age children. Amelia is passionate about working with children and creating a fun and safe environment for them to grow. When she’s not busy in the classroom, she’s busy at home with her two young siblings, Athana and Georgie, or in her free time, she’s painting and drawing.
VISITING TEACHERS
MELISSA DIRIENZO
Owner / Founder of Charleston Dance Works
Melissa DiRienzo is the owner and founder of Charleston Dance Works. Melissa has over 17 years of experience teaching all styles of dance to all ages. Melissa started dancing at the age of 2 and has continued to make it her life love and career. Her teaching motto/ mantra/ mission statement is all about bringing technique and fun together as one. Melissa received scholarships to Dance at both Adelphi University and Plymouth State University. She received prestigious dance awards from Plymouth State University as well bachelor’s degrees in Dance and Psychology. Melissa has performed with two professional contemporary dance companies in Boston, MA. She was also named Miss Lakes Region and Miss Winnipesaukee in the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship program. She went on to choreograph for many pageants throughout New Hampshire. She has directed many shows and managed many studios before opening her own studio. Melissa is overjoyed to have her own studio to teach future dancers. Her greatest joy is developing excellent technique as well as a passion and love for dance in her student’s.
SABRINA CLARK
Music Teacher
Sabrina Clark, MT-BC, NICU-MT has been a board-certified music therapist since March of 2020. She completed her bachelor’s degree in music therapy from The University of Alabama, completing her internship in Fairfax County Public Schools. Her primary instrument is voice, but she is also an accomplished guitarist, pianist, and ukulelist. Her clinical experience includes: working with infants in the NICU, children with Autism, pediatric unit patients, teens with
emotional and behavioral disorders, adult psychiatric intensive care unit patients, adults with varying disabilities, older adults with dementia, and hospice patients. Sabrina enjoys working with all who have a love for music! She is excited to provide music therapy for all in the greater Charleston area. She is First Aid and CPR Certified by the American Red Cross for both children and adults.
MEGAN MORAN
Yoga Teacher
Megan started her yoga journey in high school as a complement to the high-intensity sports she played. Over the years, her practice evolved, and now the mental and spiritual benefits of the practice are even more valuable than the physical benefits. After earning her initial teacher training, Megan knew something was missing, so she completed Kids Yoga Teacher Training. She instantly knew that was what she was meant to do. Her background in elementary and preschool education combined with her passion for yoga, made kids yoga the perfect fit. Her kids practice includes songs, games, props, books, and more. She combines physical activity with mindfulness instruction all in a safe and loving space. When Megan's not on her mat, she and her husband are trying to keep up with their three active kids.
ERIN PICKUS
Yoga Teacher and Reiki Master
Erin is from Cleveland, Ohio where she and her husband raised three amazing children, who have been the most important and influential “teachers” in her life. She recently relocated to Charleston, SC making it her new home for friends and family to gather and visit. So far, in the low country, she has been enjoying the sunshine, warmer weather, and a slower pace of life, which she is extremely grateful for. Erin began teaching yoga to children almost 20 years ago and has continued teaching yoga and meditation to a wide variety of students of different ages and abilities. She specializes in Children's Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, and Therapeutic Yoga. She has years of experience teaching yoga in a large group setting and to individuals in a private setting. Erin received her advanced yoga training in Therapeutic Yoga and Yoga Therapy in 2011. In addition to yoga, Erin studied reiki and has received an attunement at the reiki 3 level or master level. She offers Reiki sessions to her students privately but likes to give reiki to her students at the end of a yoga class to aid in healing and relaxation. As a kids yoga and reiki teacher, Erin’s intention is to work with each child in a fun-loving and gentle way. She believes they need to be surrounded by love and positivity, and that children learn best when they are free to express themselves through play, which sparks their imagination and creativity. Children also need to feel safe and connected to each other and the world around them. Yoga can provide children with these values, along with other useful tools and skills to build strength, confidence, kindness, and compassion. Erin hopes children will discover yoga and their own unique ability to heal themselves, others, and the world around them.
