Allison currently teaches Ballet and Basics of Dance. She began her training at a small studio in Mexico at six years old. After moving to the U.S., she continued her training at Premier Academy of Performing Arts—a Salem studio. While dancing with PAPA, she performed in local productions of the Nutcracker brought to Salem by the Eugene Ballet Company and the Moscow Ballet Company. Along with Ballet, Allison also has training in Modern and African dance styles. At the age of 17, she attended the School of Oregon Ballet Theater dance intensive; upon completion, she joined OBT full-time for two more years. Working towards her early childhood education certificate, she is now a full-time student at Chemeketa Community College.

Greg Sykora is our English, Science, and Math education instructor and tutor here Kroc Center. He’s always saying “I love my job!” Before working at the Kroc Center, he earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Willamette University and spent many hours teaching art in local schools, community centers, and summer camps. Greg says “It is such a blessing to work for the Salvation Army, a Christian-based organization that allows us to talk about our faith while we teach. I love working with children because their creative minds are constantly thinking of new ideas.” In addition to teaching classes for the Kroc Center, he also rides bikes, scuba dives, and teaches at a local Christian school.

From private lessons, to a scholarship for the Kansas City Art Institute, Greg has enjoyed drawing, painting, sculpting, and other arts from an early age. He brings experience from working at Hallmark’s computer graphic headquarters, to making intricate stained glass designs—as simple as nightlights, to church windows. After taking a teaching job in Arizona, he found a way to share his love of the arts and show people how to reach their creative side. Greg specializes in Acrylics and Drawing here at the Kroc. He is also our Library attendant; so stop on by and say hi!

Malena is our piano teacher. She also teaches private lessons and is a full-time student at Oregon State University. Malena is a senior this year, studying Music Education. When she is not busy teaching piano, Malena loves to compete in triathlons, cook gourmet meals, and spend time with her family. Teaching piano has been her dream since she was a little girl and is excited to see it all come true!

Margie is our Fine Arts and Education Supervisor. Before joining the Kroc team, Margie earned her Bachelor of Arts in English/Creative Writing and a Master’s in Teaching from Western Oregon University; she substitute taught in the Willamette valley; and over-saw the Children’s Ministry of a local church. Margie has always loved Fine Arts: She began dance lessons at age 3 and hasn’t stopped since. Margie is a creator; she loves producing things from her imagination with her hands and feet. She teaches Tap and DIY classes. She loves what she does and believes everyone should have a chance to experience Fine Arts and the inspiration one can have.

Sara began taking tap lessons at age 10 and soon picked up hip-hop which would later lead her to Modern, Ballet, and African in college. She is currently seeking a double Bachelor of Science at Western Oregon University in Psychology and Dance; Sara would like to use her passion for these subjects to obtain a master's degree in dance and movement therapy. Sara teaches all of our Hip-Hop and Basics of Dance classes.

Shelley comes to our center having studied Fine Arts in various mediums for 33 yrs. At the young age of 11, Shelley set-up a crafts program for neighborhood children; it was there that she recognized her fondness for fine arts and children. Shelley's work and college experience includes teaching arts and crafts to children ages 2-ll with hearing impairments, helping them discover their hidden talents. Furthering her career in the field of Art and human services, Shelley pursues the long term goal of becoming a licensed Art Therapist. Look for future special workshops that Shelley may coordinate Shelley is also our Craft Time attendant. Stop on by the craft table by the rock wall to say hi!