About The Instructors

Bobbi Leslie

I am currently a Kindergarten teacher at Nichols Elementary however I have loved art my entire life. I have completed many hours of art classes at Marshall and I also enjoy teaching and making art. My degree in Elementary Education is from Marshall University. I have been teaching in Cabell county for 13 years and love working with children. Keeping the Arts in school is my passion. Children need creative outlets, whether it be visual, musical or theatrical art. Currently our school system is not meeting the needs of our creative children. We all have gifts and when those gifts are not fostered and nurtured, we feel stifled. My mission is to provide children with the opportunities to explore and express themselves creatively.

Tonia Gray

I am currently an elementary art teacher in Cabell County WV in the city of Huntington, where I teach at Nichols and Barboursville Elementary schools. I have been teaching art for six years. I have a BA in Art Education preK-Adult from Marshall University and I am currently working on my Masters Degree in Elementary Education. I believe art can change the world and I believe it can touch lives. Children are creative beings who should be equipped with the tools and materials to excell as young artists. I whole heartedly love my job and enjoy every aspect of it each and every day. Everyone is an artist, sometimes you just need someone to reach deep inside you to find it. I feel strongly about the importance of the arts in childrens lives and how it can change the way they learn. I believe art is the foundation of education and anything can be accomplished with it.