Every teacher and team member at The Squid & the Whale is an artist, bringing a unique blend of expertise and experiences to create a rich, collaborative environment.
Gina Renee
Gina Renee holds a BFA in Art & Design Education from Pratt Institute, where she specialized in oil painting, still life, and portraiture, while also exploring printmaking and drawing with various mediums. She also received a Fine Arts Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, further enhancing her artistic foundation.
Over the years, Gina has worked extensively with children across diverse settings, including public and charter schools, music and art schools, and after-school programs, serving in both directorial and instructional roles. She has also been instrumental in developing and shaping homeschool co-ops, where she taught subjects ranging from visual arts to science and mathematics, creating and writing curricula for students from Pre-K through High School.
In addition, Gina has been an active 4H Leader and volunteer for several years, working closely with families and communities. She has led various 4H projects and events, further honing her leadership abilities and deepening her commitment to community engagement.
Driven by a deep passion for learning, creating, and sharing knowledge, Gina has devoted herself to roles as an instructor, director, and advocate for children. Her commitment to teaching and creating has fueled her ongoing evolution as an artist, always exploring new materials and refining her craft.
Therese Liffey
Therese Grant received her AAS from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a concentration in Photography and Related Media, before continuing her studies at Parsons, where she earned her BFA in Art and Design Education. Her focus included photography, bookmaking, fiber arts, as well as various drawing and painting mediums.
For fifteen years, Therese worked as a visual arts educator at Ditmas I.S. 62 in Brooklyn, New York, where she found great joy in watching her students’ creativity and artistic talents blossom over the course of three years. This transformative experience deeply influenced her approach to teaching.
During her time at Ditmas, Therese earned an MS in Educational Administration from Mercy College. She also trained as a yoga and mindfulness instructor, incorporating breathwork and meditative techniques for students of all ages. Currently, she is pursuing her associate-level certification as an Orton-Gillingham instructor while curating visual art curricula and other subjects for a homeschool co-op, where she teaches Pre-K through 6th grade.
In addition to her professional work, Therese follows a homeschool curriculum for her own child, always seeking new opportunities to enrich her child's life. As a passionate mom and educator, she is committed to giving back to her community by creating a nurturing environment where individuals can express themselves, grow, and explore their creative potential.