ART SPECIALIST

they/them

Initially a pre-med student with no formal art training, Gaby took a college art class for fun and quickly fell in love. During personal struggles, like dealing with concussions that left them unable to use music or screens for over a month, art became Gaby’s anchor through physical and emotional challenges, including homelessness, family abandonment, and grief. These experiences of grief and healing shape their art, where they explore themes of identity, transformation, and connection through surrealist-inspired techniques. Gaby's seizure disorder has further influenced their work, pushing them to explore alternative sensory experiences like sculptures, fine detail ink drawings, and vivid color palettes through painting and screen printing. Gaby aims to create art that invites others, especially those with disabilities, to reflect on their own lives and find healing through creative expression.

ART and MUSIC INSTRUCTOR

he/him

Josh Bhattacharjee-Pedregon is a seasoned music producer, composer, and audio engineer with over 15 years of professional experience, excelling in the genres of Hip Hop, R&B, and Funk. His expertise not only lies in crafting records but also in nurturing emerging talent. For nearly a decade, Josh has been a dedicated teaching artist, program coordinator, and mentor, guiding aspiring musicians between ages of 8-25 through the intricacies of music production and the challenges of the music industry. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration, Management from Western Governor's University. Josh's mission is to unlock the full potential of everyone he works with, meeting students exactly where they are and propelling them toward success.

PROGRAM MANAGER of ARTS and LEARNING

she/they/he

 Jasmine Lew is an artist, educator, and facilitator specializing in devised and experimental theatre making with a focus on social issues. She works in the theatre world as a deviser, director, writer, and producer. They have a B.A. in Theatre from Ohio Wesleyan University, where he also studied Spanish and Education. She has an Ohio teaching license for Theatre. Jasmine cares about consent-based, trauma-informed practices that center the client as an entire human with the autonomy and brilliance to direct themselves in the lives they want to live. They love consuming and telling thrilling, ruthless stories that challenge stereotypes and share new perspectives. Jasmine is excited to join Larkin Street as a part of the LSA, and they look forward to contributing to Larkin Street’s important work.  

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR of ARTS and EDUCATION

she/her

Vanessa first started her teaching career as a teaching artist in 2012 in Providence, Rhode Island. Since then, she has led art classes at non-profit organizations, schools and museums across the country. Vanessa's teaching practice is influenced by the Creative Youth Development framework, which encourages emerging artists to explore their identity, create authentic connections and enact social change through artistic expression. In 2018, she completed her Master’s degree in Art Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education. There she studied school, community and family partnerships, focusing on the importance of collaboration across educational spaces. Currently, Vanessa’s artistic practices include ceramic sculpture and textile crafts.