Sarodgini Academy Administration Team
Tamara Grinshtat
Chief Operating Officer
She graduated from Lake Washington Technical College with a degree in Accounting and has more than 15 years of experience as a manager and accountant. She has been working in Sarodgini since 2012. Tamara also is a proud mother of two absolutely amazing children.
Olga Vlasova
Office Manager
Olga is an accomplished educator with a rich background in psychology and pedagogy, providing her with a deep understanding of child development and effective educational practices. Her expertise enables her to recognize and support the diverse needs of young learners, collaborate with parents for optimal outcomes, and foster a thriving educational environment alongside talented teaching staff.
With extensive administrative experience, Olga excels at managing daily operations smoothly and creatively solving problems. She is dedicated to building meaningful relationships with staff, children, and parents, ensuring a supportive and cohesive community.
Maria Levochkina
Principal Assistant Elementary School
Maria is a graduate of the Moscow School of Culture (specialty: choreographer, organizer, and leader of children’s groups). Graduated from the Moscow University of Culture and Arts.An instructor of folk dances and a teacher in Russian-language schools in the Greater Seattle area with over 20 years of experience.Director and choreographer of the dance ensembles “Ivan-da-Marya” and “Firebird.”
For over 5 years, she has successfully worked at Sarodgini School as an educator, teacher, event organizer, and producer. Starting in 2024, she has also taken on the role of Principal Assistant Director at Sarodgini Private Elementary School.
Director, producer, and choreographer of the “Classics” Theater Studio at the CLASS Sarodgini School.
Maria is a dedicated professional with a rich creative background. She has two children, a French Bulldog, and a strong passion for theater and floristry.Active actress at the “Chameleon” Theater in Seattle, showcasing her love for performing art.Skilled in floristry, combining creativity and precision to craft beautiful floral arrangements. Maria values her big, loving family as her greatest source of inspiration and support.
Victoria
Victoria was born and raised in St. Peterburg. She graduated from St. Peterburg State Electrotechnical University, named after Lenin.
Before moving to America, she worked as a senior manager of the state kindergarten.
Victoria is raising a son.
Oksana Sevastianova
Principal Assistant School CLASS
Oksana is a dedicated professional with a Master’s degree in Credit and Finance, extensive experience in management and strategic planning. Her passion for working with children and youth led her to volunteer with a Moscow sports organization, where she collaborated with Olympic champions and youth teams.
In August 2023, Oksana joined Sarodgini Academy and School “CLASS”, where she focuses on organizing academic processes, planning events, and creating a supportive learning environment. “Working with children inspires me and motivates me to improve every day,” Oksana shares.
Marina
Lead Teacher (Little Masters)
Marina graduated from the Yerevan Medical Institute as a laboratory assistant. She has raised two beautiful children.
She came to the USA in 2008 and has been working in Sarodgini since 2009.
"I really miss my kids on the weekend! They somehow very quickly became my family, and their new skills, new words, and achievements are a joy for me."
Nina Martyniuk
Teacher assistant (Little Masters)
Nina joined the Sarodgini family two years ago. She is a proud mother, Grandmother, and healthcare worker. Nina loves reading books, listening to music, and growing plants.
“I came from the land of blue fields, dense forests, and impassable swamps. From early childhood, I learned the beauty and greatness of our surrounding world, which lies in kindness, affection, compassion, understanding, and great love for everything around us. I have been instilling these values into my students every day for over two years."
Julia Dereviana
Lead Teacher
Yulia graduated from the Pedagogical University and has 15 years of experience working in primary schools. Her hobbies include reading, cooking, listening to music, and crafting.
“I am glad to be part of Sarodgini, because here is a truly comfortable and safe environment created for the development, upbringing, and education of children.”
Hanna
Teacher Assistant (Little Genius)
Hanna graduated from Pedagogical University in Psychology/elementary school teaching.
Then she got a Master's Degree in Management of Educational Institutions.
She also obtained a Pharmaceutical education from a medical college.
Hanna worked in a kindergarten as a nurse and teacher. Her hobbies include creativity, handmade crafts, theater, and travel.
“Sarodgini is like a second home to me. The love, respect, and support present in the academy contribute to the formation of psychologically healthy individuals."
Ekaterina Goncharova
Teacher Assistant (Inventers)
I graduated from Moscow State University (Geology Department, Geophysics Department) with honors in 2012. I taught practical training to students. I worked in an interactive children's museum in Moscow. In 2022, I worked in a kindergarten in Montenegro.
I love children and their energy, dedication, and ingenuity. Finding a way to approach each child is a separate challenge for me.
Elina Babayeva
Lead Teacher (Professors)
Elina was born and raised in Baku, Azerbaijan. She has a degree in early learning and music. She has spent ten years teaching at an elementary school in Baku. Elina has also raised two beautiful children.
Dina Surachi
Teacher Assistant (Professors)
I am a dedicated teacher's assistant with a genuine love for children. My passion for working with kids shines through every interaction, making me a student favorite.
My attention to cleanliness and order is one of my strengths. I take great care in maintaining a tidy and organized classroom, understanding that a clean environment contributes to better learning experiences. This meticulous nature extends to all aspects of my work, ensuring everything is right.
I enjoy engaging children in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities with my energetic spirit.
Galina Korneeva
Lead teacher (Academics), - Master's Degree in Early Achievement Education
She has been working as a children's teacher of drawing and sculpture since 2010.
“ I love working with children because they always delight with their sincerity, energy, and ability to make wonderful discoveries.”
Elena Valkovskaia
Teacher Assistant (Academics)
I'm delighted to introduce myself as a child's teacher's assistant. With my education and valuable experience working with children, I bring a unique blend of skills and warmth to our classroom.
My Approach: I believe in fostering a friendly, welcoming atmosphere where every child feels at home.
Each child is a unique individual with special talents waiting to be discovered and nurtured.
I aim to support your child's development, helping them uncover and cultivate their innate abilities.
Jessica
Teacher (Inventers)
Jessica started teaching dance in 2008 and opened her own dance studio in 2014. After the pandemic, she moved to teaching children to help with her income and fell so deeply in love with it that she closed her dance studio to focus on teaching in the classroom full-time. She Is Montessori and STEM certified with a passion for making learning a fun experience. Her hobbies include reading, watching documentaries, and spending time with her two dogs.
Miss Vian
Lead Teacher (Experts)
My name is Vian Faraj and I’m a lead teacher at Sarodgini Children's Academy. I have been an educator for 24 years teaching kindergarten ages. For my education, I have a diploma in agriculture and a certification in Montessori teaching. I love teaching because I can make an impact on children’s lives and watch them grow and learn, and I’m happy to be a part of Sarodgini Children's Academy. We at Sarodgini work very hard to achieve the best and have high standards and expectations from all students. The school environments are educational, academic, challenging, stimulating, diverse, safe, supportive, inclusive, innovative, and engaging. Your support, kindness, and understanding means the world to me, and I am so grateful having the opportunity to teach at Sarodgini Children's Academy. My hobbies are cooking, traveling, and listening to Music and enjoying life.
Juliia Getman
Teacher Assistant (Experts)
Juliia graduated from Khabarovsk State Technical University and the Academy of Public Administration. Juliia has been working at Sarodgini Academy since 2022. She has two children. “I love being part of the Sarodgini family. That work gives me endless energy and creative inspiration, and I want to share the warmth I receive from children."
Ludmila Lomova
Teacher assistant (School “CLASS” – Weekdays)
Early childhood education is undoubtedly one of the most important professions. It is during the early years that the foundation of a child's personality is shaped, impacting their future development.
I graduated with honors from Kyiv Pedagogical College, in the field of Early Childhood Education and Psychology, with a Major of Educator – Methodologist, which helps me connect emotionally with each child I work with. Over the years, I have conducted methodical training sessions for preschool teachers. I believe in the crucial importance of physical activity for child development, as I am personally passionate about sports, seeing them as essential for both growth and well-being.
Alexandra Stopchanskaya
Teacher assistant (School “CLASS” – Saturday)
Educational Background: Graduate of Odessa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Professional Journey: Since 2018, I’ve been passionately working in early childhood education
My Philosophy: I’m deeply inspired by children’s genuine emotions, their insatiable curiosity, and their joyful smiles. These motivate me to continuously create new, exciting projects and exploration experiments. For me, teaching is about nurturing these qualities and fostering a love for learning.
Mrs. Joan
Kindergarten Teacher
My name is Joan Henderson. I have been teaching grades K-6 in a variety of
settings for 34 years. I am Washington State Certified to teach K-8 th grade and have
an Advanced Montessori Certificate. I graduated from Seattle University in 1991. I
love the Montessori method of teaching and in my classroom, you will see a
variety of approaches to teaching.
I have high expectations for my students and challenge them to meet these
expectations by holding them accountable. I have a strong desire for each
student to learn and set up my classroom in a way that allows each individual to
grow and succeed. I can accomplish this by being dependable, highly organized,
flexible, and creative. I successfully build a positive rapport with children and
maintain open and honest communication with parents and peers.
In my experience, learners are most engaged when their day is filled with
inquiry and creativity. I have seen that when students are able to make personal
connections to a topic and are given choice in their learning, they progress on
their journey toward becoming intrinsically motivated, lifelong learners.
I love nature and the quiet solitude it offers. I enjoy reading, cooking and baking,
scrapbooking, hiking, and searching for beautiful rocks and beach glass. I spend
my summers sailing in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, from the Puget Sound to
the San Juan Islands and up into Canada.
Alicia Masiello
Teacher 1st and 2nd grade
"I have been an elementary school teacher for the past four years working in both private and public schools. I have my BA in Social Science/ Education from Ashford University. I am currently pursuing my MA in Education from the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky. I have a passion for sparking children's creativity through project-based learning. I feel children are able to reach their full potential when their strengths are recognized and learn best through hands-on experiences and through the magic of play."
Elena Veys
Logic Teacher
Elena graduated from pedagogical courses based on Gymnasium No. 63 for preschoolers. She studied at St. Petersburg State Polytechnic University and then worked at the Wildlife Center of Scranton Zoo, Scranton, PA.
Yaroslav Pitko
Programming Teacher
I have been teaching programming for two years in the United Kingdom and am now continuing my journey at Step Computer Academy. With extensive experience as a programmer, I am passionate about helping students develop their coding skills and creativity. I believe that programming is not just about writing code—it’s about problem-solving, logical thinking, and bringing ideas to life. My goal is to make learning programming engaging, accessible, and fun for everyone.
Specialist Teachers
Daria Artsybasheva
Russian Language teacher
- Master of Education and Linguistics, Kursk State University, Russia
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, UNLV (University of Las Vegas, Nevada)
- Associate Degree in Commercial Photography, CSN (College of Southern Nevada
Daria taught at Russian High Schools, the UNIC online college, and a Christian Private School. Daria loves hiking, skiing, playing guitar, and camping.
Anna Rodionova
Russian Language Teacher
I worked as a Russian language teacher in several schools in the USA. I try to make each lesson interesting for students and find forms and methods that can explain complex material in a simple and accessible way. I also try to add a twist to each lesson and make the kids interested in it.
Julia Mur
Russian Language Teacher
It is always difficult for me to find the right words to determine how I feel about my young students. I graduated from a magistracy at the university, taught students studying Russian philology, then taught Russian at the university, and then became a teacher for entrants of the Federal University, and now I am here in kindergarten. My whole professional biography is an ascent to children. They teach me and make me grow, and develop, rejoicing in the purity of hearts and pure love.
Anna Kotok
Russian Language Teacher
Anna Kotok graduated with honors from the Faculty of Philology at the Northern International University (Magadan) in 2003, specializing in Russian Language and Literature. During her university studies, she also earned a certification in "Artistic Speech Club Leadership." In 2020, Anna completed additional training as a Speech Therapist at the Federal Institute of Advanced Studies and Professional Retraining (Moscow).
Anna has experience as a Russian Language and Literature teacher in a Magadan region school. She has also served as an editor for educational publications at the Northeast State University Publishing House and worked on various editorial projects in a regional publishing house, including proofreading and creating corporate image books. Anna has been actively involved in organizing educational initiatives, such as “Total Dictation” and the All-Russian Geographic Dictation. Additionally, she has experience as a teaching assistant in an American kindergarten.
Julia Dereviana
Ukrainian Language Teacher
With a degree in education and 15 years of experience in elementary education, I’m thrilled to be part of the Sarodgini team. Here, we have created a truly nurturing and safe environment for children’s growth, development, and learning. Working with these young minds is a constant joy—they are curious, full of energy, kind, and wise beyond their years. Their boundless optimism and imagination inspire me daily, teaching me the joy of appreciating life’s little moments. Nothing compares to the excitement in their eyes as we explore the world around us together.
Mikhail Bagenov
Chinese Mandarin Language Teacher
Mihail graduated from the Army Institute of World Languages in 1983, specializing as an Interpreter in Chinese Language. With a strong background in the field, he has authored numerous reports and essays on the Chinese language and culture. Currently, Mihail works at the Chinese Information Service in Seattle, where he is passionate about teaching Chinese to children aged 6 and older.
Irina Khlynova
Italian Language Teacher
Marina
Cooking Class Teacher
Marina is a magician who effortlessly turns learning into an exciting adventure. She has nurtured generations of children, becoming a true legend in our community. Under her loving care, children feel confident, and parents gladly entrust her with their most precious treasures.
The culinary class created especially for Marina has become a true celebration of creativity and flavor. Her dishes are not just meals but little culinary wonders, easy to recreate thanks to her secret ingredients: love and imagination. Children learn to cook with joy and then delight their parents with delicious and surprising dishes made with their own hands.
Jayden Lee
Amity Fencing Club Coach
Jayden is passionate about both fencing and inspiring the next generation. As a dedicated fencing instructor, he loves teaching young students the discipline, fun, focus, and confidence that comes with mastering this dynamic sport. Jayden believes fencing is more than just a sport - it’s a way to build character, learn valuable life skills, and have fun while being active. He hopes that by teaching the young about fencing, they can use those skills to better themselves in the far and near future.
Education: Rain City Fencing Center - currently.
Work Experience: 4 years of national fencing experience as well as instructing students for 2 years.
Achievements: 7th Place Division III Men's Foil National Event, All-American & All-Academic Student. 2022 Junior Olympic Qualifier. Open Circuit '24 PTL OR Division II Regional Gold Medal.
Artiom Muravschi
Guitar, drums, No Name Band
Artiom musician who can play almost everything, composer, and sound maker. Artem joined
our team in 2021 and became so popular among students. As of now Artem teaches guitar, drums,
bass guitar, piano and saxophone, and also Artem creates youth band which performs every year at
our school and in multiple locations in Great Seattle.
Artem graduated from the School of Art in Kishinev.
In 2022 Artem and Sabina created a duet that became very popular around the Russian
Speaking community.
Sasha Schnitko
Speech therapist and Teacher for children with special needs.
She graduated with a degree as a speech therapist/teacher for children with special needs. Sasha has experience working with children in educational institutions in Ukraine, Canada, and the United States.
In 2014, Sasha began to work at the Children's Academy of Sarodgini, as a speech therapist. She has a teacher's certification and licenses for teaching in Washington State.
Alona Vornik
Art Teacher
"It is important to me to give all the warmth of my heart, the maximum support, and acceptance to every child when working with children."
Tatiana
Art Teacher
Tatiana is a dedicated educator and creative professional with over a decade of experience teaching “Visual Arts” and “Three-Dimensional Design” to children. A graduate of the Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts in Graphic Design, and the Kharkiv Art College in Design, Tatiana combines her extensive knowledge of design with an engaging teaching style. Known for her ability to connect with children of all ages, she fosters a welcoming, inspiring atmosphere that encourages artistic expression and creative growth. Tatiana’s innovative approach and passion for the arts help bring out each child’s potential in unique and meaningful ways.
Marina Mamedova
Competitive Gymnastic Coach
I started gymnastics at the age of 6 and I used to perform gymnastics on a TV show on Sundays.
At the age of 11 l was picked to the National Team of Azerbaijan.
I've been teaching artistic & aerobic gymnastics gymnastics in Russia and the United States since I was 22. I hold a Bachelors Degree in PE and Teaching. I was the State Champion in Baku, Azerbaijan, and participated at the opening
ceremony for the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow. I earned "Master of Sport" title in USSR in 1977 at the age of 15. Since 2003 l have been coaching, first at Emerald City Gymnastics in Redmond and now at Alpha in Woodinville as a Team Coach.
Anna has also built a career in journalism, working for over 10 years as the head of the municipal press office. Her main responsibilities included covering various aspects of city life, organizing press conferences, briefings, interviews, and press releases, and managing official websites and social media pages. She has been a frequent participant and award recipient in the International Competition "City in the Mirror of the Media," organized by the International Assembly of Capitals and Major Cities.
Mikhael Tverskoy
Chess Club Coach
Mikhail has been teaching chess at Sarodgini since 2013. Each lesson begins with history and folk tales about kings, queens, elephants, and soldiers, how chess with the emperor could change historical events, and how chess and music are magically connected. Mikhail has been teaching chess sections for the last 25 years, and children always listen to his amazing stories and explanations of this sport with their mouths open. Later, they always try to play with the maestro and learn tricks until they develop logical thinking.
Nadya Dmitrieva
Computer Science Teacher
Svetlana Kuznetsova
Math Teacher
Svetlana graduated from Irkutsk State University with a degree in Mathematics (1987). She worked as a mathematics teacher in various educational organizations, such as Mathnasium Education Company, Da Vinci, and Doctor Tutor Education Company, and as a tutor for SAT/SAT-2, calculus, algebra, and geometry at Eastside Education and WyzAnt.
Tatiana Yegorova
After School Program teacher
My name is Tatiana Yegorova, and I have dedicated my life to working with children. I was born in the beautiful city of Sevastopol and spent part of my childhood in Cairo, Egypt, where I studied at the British Council. After returning home, I graduated from Sevastopol Humanities University with a degree in English Language and World Literature, and a focus on developmental psychology for preschool and school-aged children.
Throughout my journey, I’ve explored many paths—from guiding children’s mountain hiking tours in Crimea to working in real estate, running a small business, and pursuing art. But no matter where life took me, I always felt a deep connection to working with children. That calling led me to become a preschool teacher and nanny, caring for children from infancy through early elementary age. After moving to the U.S., I continued working in daycare and private homes, supporting young children in their early development.
I am also a proud mother of a teenage daughter, which has given me even more insight into the beauty and complexity of childhood and parenting.
In my free time, I love painting, hiking, rock and electronic music, photography and exploring new places. I’m passionate about creativity in all its forms and enjoy bringing imaginative, hands-on projects into the classroom. I believe that children thrive in an environment where they feel safe, inspired, and respected—and I strive to create that every day.
I’m truly happy to be part Sarodgini school and excited to share my experience, energy, and heart with the children and families I work with.
Danil Klimov
Self-defense Coach
Danil Klimov is a committed Sambo assistant coach with a unique focus on training young learners in self-defense. Originating from Tunda, Danil’s journey in martial arts began with Sambo, later expanding in Blagoveshchensk, where he dedicated 7 years to training in Muay Thai and swimming. Today, he brings his expertise and enthusiasm to children, helping them build self-confidence, discipline, and a love for fitness. Beyond coaching, Danil actively hones his skills and represents Jiu-Jitsu at the Orion Sports Club in Kirkland.
Vladimir Dmitriev
Judo Coach
Vladimir, active master of sport in Sambo and Combat Sambo, and a candidate for the master of
sports in Judo. He graduated from Ivanovo State University (IvGU) with a degree in "Physical Culture
and Sports"
Before moving to the United States, Vladimir worked for over 10 years at a children's and youth
sports school for Olympic reserve as a senior coach for children of various ages.
Vladimir has a total of 25 years of experience in sports and has repeatedly become a winner in the
Russian championships in classical Sambo and Combat Sambo.
Vladimir’s students have also achieved high results, becoming winners in national and international
tournaments.
If you want your child to develop physically, improve coordination and attention, learn self-defense
techniques, and be able to stand up for themselves and their loved ones, I would be happy to help.
Vladimir’s areas of focus:
● General physical preparation (OFP)
● Special physical preparation (SFP)
● Learning self-defense techniques
● Studying the tactics of Sambo and Judo wrestling
Natasha Kiseleva
Music Teacher, Piano Teacher, Early Childhood Music Coach
She has worked at Sarodgini since 2018. Natasha is the mother of two children. She graduated with honors from the Samara Pedagogical School, specializing in kindergarten teacher, and also the Samara Pedagogical Institute, specializing in Preschool Pedagogy and Psychology. She graduated from the Samara State Academy of Economics. She used to work as a jurist for a short time. Then she realized that music is her vocation. Natasha taught children music, working in Russian kindergartens, organizing music competitions, celebrations, and performances for more than 10 years. She has a truly inexhaustible fantasy. All of our holiday events are her merit. Children enthusiastically look at Natasha, and she gives them a beautiful world of music, dance, and, most importantly, the desire to appreciate music, the desire to feel it.
Nadezda Kogan
Vocal, Piano, Choir
Nadezhda is a dedicated piano teacher and choir director with over 15 years of experience. A graduate of Yoshkar-Ola Music College, she has worked with adult and children’s choirs in both Russia and the United States. Since 2001, she has been teaching piano and furthered her education as a teaching assistant at Green River Community College from 2010 to 2013.
Passionate about community engagement, Nadezhda organized charity music festivals for children from 2010 to 2019 and served as the director of the cultural and sports club "Heritage" at the Spiritual and Educational Center in Bellevue from 2017 to 2019.
Olga Dadian
Piano, Vocal Teacher
Olga is a talented pianist and dedicated teacher with a degree in Piano from Music State University in Baku. In addition to her role as a concertmaster at classic ballet schools, Olga works with children of all ages, introducing them to classical music through a thoughtful, engaging approach. Her teaching method focuses on correct hand positioning—a fundamental skill for budding musicians—and incorporates rhythm exercises and games to develop a solid musical foundation. Many of Olga’s students build on this early training to pursue their own musical careers, a testament to her inspiring mentorship and expertise.
Artiom Muravskiy
Guitar, drums, band
Liudmyla Astremska
Head Coach of Sarodgini Dance Studio
- Choreographic degree
- Psychologist-Pedagogue, Ballet artist
- Specializing in choreography, coaching
- International Judge in Sports Ballroom Dancing
- Master of Sports in Sports Ballroom Dancing
Lyudmila worked at the Kyiv Children's Academy of Arts. Previously, she was the president of the dance group Rondo. Working as a nanny since 2022. Lyudmila loves to organize dance camps for children. She loves to sing, travel to the mountains and the ocean, and write affirmations.
“I love working at Sarodgini Academy because I love children. I enjoy working with the Sarodgini team and spending time with them.”
Adinai Zhumabekova
Modern Ballroom Dance Teacher, LaVida Dance Studio
Dance for Adinai is not only physical effort, perseverance and will, but also joy, a source of inspiration, a source of good mood and half of her life that cannot be taken away from Adinai! With dancing, I visited a lot of countries such as: China, CIS countries, Turkey and Europe.
Education: Folk, exemplary dance ensemble “Zhash-Kyyal” with the qualification of Choreographer-Tutor. Study period: from 2010 to 2022. Types of dances: Folk, modern, jazz modern. Work experience: 4 years, in the folk, exemplary dance ensemble “Zhash-Kyyal”. Children's age: from 4 years to 15 years. Achievements: “Ak Kogershin”, -1st place in the nomination Kyrgyz dance, Kyrgyzstan Championship of Kyrgyz Folk Dance and Central Asian Dances “BIYIKTIK-2021”, for taking 2 places in the nomination Kyrgyz Folk Dance.
Maria Levochkina
Youth Theater "Classics" Artistic Director, Character dance couch
Maria graduated from the Moscow College of Culture in the class of choreographer-director of children's dance groups and the Moscow Institute of Culture. Since 2008, she worked as a choreographer, founder, and director of the dance ensemble "Ivan-da-Marya". A couple of years ago, she began working on a youth folk dance project of the same name.
Kaiya Jones
Ballet teacher, Emerald Ballet Academy
Ballet has been a part of Kaiya’s life since she was a young girl, and it has shaped who she is. It has taught her to be hardworking and driven, and also to work well with a team. When she teaches ballet, Kaiya wants to help inspire young minds, just like she was inspired, to continue with the beautiful art and the virtues that come with it.
Education: Emerald Ballet Academy from age 4 to currently. Types of dances: Classical Vaganova Ballet, Character, Contemporary. Study period: from 2012 - currently
Work experience: 3 years, with the children’s beginning ballet and substituting for a variety of dance styles and classes. Children's age: from 2 - 9 years.
Achievements: YAGP 1st Place Ensemble 2024 Semifinals, YAGP 3rd Place Ensemble 2018 Semifinals, Scholarship to Ballet West Summer Intensive 2023.
Callie Moss
Ballet Coach
Callie has loved ballet since she was little and has always had a passion for it. Performing in nutcrackers, performances, and competitions has always been one of her favorite things. Ballet brings Callie so much joy and her whole life revolves around it.
Education: Emerald Ballet Academy since age 11
Types of dances: Classical Vaganova Ballet, Character, Contemporary, and Modern. Study period: from 2017 to 2024.
Work experience: 2 years, teaching children's beginning ballet and substituting for different classes. Children's age: from 2 years to 9 years.
Achievements: Character ensemble dance “Summer” - 1st place at Seattle YAGP semifinals. Callie has gone to three ballet summer intensives at San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Colorado Ballet.
Other Sarodgini Team Members
Anna Kotok
Public Relation Specialist
Anna Kotok graduated with honors from the Faculty of Philology at the Northern International University (Magadan) in 2003, specializing in Russian Language and Literature. During her university studies, she also earned a certification in "Artistic Speech Club Leadership." In 2020, Anna completed additional training as a Speech Therapist at the Federal Institute of Advanced Studies and Professional Retraining (Moscow).
Anna has also built a career in journalism, working for over 10 years as the head of the municipal press office. Her main responsibilities included covering various aspects of city life, organizing press conferences, briefings, interviews, and press releases, and managing official websites and social media pages. She has been a frequent participant and award recipient in the International Competition "City in the Mirror of the Media," organized by the International Assembly of Capitals and Major Cities.
Anastasia Kakurina
Substitute Teacher
I am 24 years old and a Biology graduate from the University of
Washington with minors in Neuroscience and Chemistry. Formerly a medical scribe, I'm gearing
up for a Masters in Neuroscience this September. Beyond work and academia, my life is filled
with moments spent cherishing my French Bulldog, experimenting with new cake recipes,
indulging in diverse coffee varieties, and immersing myself in captivating books. For the past
two summers, I had the delightful opportunity to impart the wonders of biology to eager young
minds at Sarodgini summer camp, and for the past year I worked in different groups as an
assistant. Now, I eagerly look forward to bringing my passion for learning to "Academics"
classroom.
Anahit Hamdilyan
Social media specialist
Anita previously worked at Sarodgini Academy for 5 years. She taught mathematics at the Russian Language School and worked as a mathematics tutor at Lake Washington Institute of Technology.
Yaroslava Tarkani
Cook
My name is Yaroslava, I’m 22 years old, and I now work as a cook in a kindergarten.
I’m originally from Vynohradiv, in western Ukraine. Since I was young, I’ve taken care of my younger sister, who is eight years younger than me, and I always cooked for her. It became a family tradition for us.
My grandmother taught me how to cook—she was not just a mentor to me, but like a real mother. She passed down to me not only recipes but also the understanding that food is a way to show love.
I’ve worked as a cook in a restaurant and have completed all the necessary training and certifications.
Now, cooking for children in the kindergarten, I feel like I’m passing on that same care and warmth—into every dish and every day.
I love children for their sincerity and spontaneity. They fill the world around them with bright colors, and I’m happy to be part of their lives.
Every day, I will share with you what delicious meals your children had, and please let me know what they liked the most, so I can take that into account and continue bringing them joy.
Wishing you all a good appetite!