Our Teachers

 

 
Leslie Pratt

 

Leslie teaches Babies Only, Mixed Ages and Rhythm Kids® Classes.

She is the creator and visionary behind Soulshine Arts.  

When Leslie is not at Soulshine you can find her cheering in the stands at one of her son's sports games,  watching her little ballerina dance or enjoying some family time with her favorite people. 

 

Before starting Soulshine Arts Leslie recieved her BFA Musical Theater from Emerson College. 

She has been teaching Music Together® for  over 11 years. 

 

Her Favorite Music Together song is: Stick Dance "It sounds like vacation to me!"

 
   
Gina Hepp

Gina teaches Mixed Ages and Rhythm Kids® classes

Gina has been a part of our Soulshine Family forever... since September 2017!

Looking for a violinist for your next event.... she's your girl!

 

When Gina is not in the studio you can find her teaching music at Litchfield Montessori School. Gina and the family love traveling to new places and adventuring in the great outdoors.  Gina also enjoys cooking, hiking and listening/playing to music.

 

Before jioning Soulshine Arts Gina received her Masters Degree in Musical Education

 

Her Favorite Music Together and Rhythm Kids® Songs: The Water is Wide, Obwisana, and There's a Little Wheel a Turnin'

 

 
   
Shannon Niatopsky

Shannon teaches Babies Only and Mixed Ages Classes

Shannon has been a part of the Soulshine Family since January 2023

 

She is also our favorite Princess/Character and face painter party person ! 

 

When she is not teaching she enjoys going on walks with her daughter Eva, playing with toys, arts and crafts and watching movies. 

Her hobbies include: Cosplay, Renaissance faires, video games and being outside.

Before joining Soulshine Arts Shannon graduated from the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts in 2015.  Since graduating she continues to offer private vocal training and education.  As well as Drama teacher at various companies/schools.

Her favorite Music Together song: Singing Everyday

 
   
Michele Friedeberg

Michele the "Batman" behind the scenes.

You'll see her popping in during classes to grab some photos of our favorite little musicians.

When Michele is not at her laptop she keeps busy with being a Mom Taxi for her 2 kiddos.  Some of your older kiddos might recognize her from PES or subbing at GES.  She enjoys the outdoors and is always up for a family adventure!

Before becoming a SAHM, she was co-director of a learning center for 14 years.  As a SAHM she fell in love with the Soulsine family.   As her kiddos outgrew Music Togther she went from the classroom to the office.

Her favorite Music Together Songs: May All Children, Venga Ver, De Colores, and Arrorró, Mi Niño

Michadf
   
Leslie Pratt & Simone Rugless
   
Dustina Abbott
   
Kasi-Ragan Whathley
   
Emily Kean
   
Simone Rugless
   
Taylor Dembski
   
TBD