Founder & CEO

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Shasta Molnar is the owner and creative vision behind all of the after school, camps, classes -- and amazing ARRRTY parties at Sky Village NYC!

 

Shasta holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Her early career was spent working with children teaching art and theater at Rowland Hall Elementary School in Salt Lake City, Utah. After moving to New York City in 2005 Shasta worked for Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick as their family nanny.

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Before welcoming the arrival of her first daughter in 2013, Shasta enjoyed some success as an artist showing her work at the Provincetown Art Association in Cape Cod, Massachusettes and Mountain Trails Art Gallery in Sedona, Arizona.

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Compelled to share her passion for art with her children and community Shasta opened SHASTYE Art Gallery and Play Space in 2015. 

 

Shasta began development of Sky Village NYC in 2018, where she now paints and operates weekly art based educational classes for children.  

 

Future goals include painting "Flowers of Astoria", a passion project Shasta is excited to pursue. 

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Early Childhood Specialist and Lead Instructor

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Jasmina, is our Early Childhood Specialist and  Lead Instructor at Sky Village NYC. She also holds several certificates in trauma-informed yoga for children.

 

As an Early Childhood Education Specialist and Lead Instructor in our Pre-School Alternative, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Jasmina is also a loving mother to her child, Ayla, adding a personal touch to her understanding of children's needs.

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Head Caregiver and Security 

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Josue has been an integral part of Sky Village since 2022, contributing his skills and expertise as a caregiver and Jiu-jitsu referee to create a positive and engaging environment for the children.

 

Formally a Marine combat veteran, Josue studied at St. John’s and received a degree in Criminal justice with a minor in math. He has his IT specialists certification as well, and is a  Jiujitsu purple belt.

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Assistant Event Coorinator

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Tara is a valued member of the Sky Village team, and is currently embarking on her second summer with the organization.

 

Tara lives in Queens with her nine year-old son Deen. Prior to Sky Village she worked as a manager at a hotel in midtown Manhattan and has a BA in Communication Arts from Marymount Manhattan College.

 

In her spare time she loves to write, play music and spend time in nature with her son.​

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Art for Wellness Teacher

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​Frankie Marie Bartolomie, one of Sky Village’s "Art for Wellness" teachers and caregivers, who lives and works in Queens, New York. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, specializing in painting and printmaking. Currently, she is pursuing a master's degree in Creative Arts Therapy at Syracuse University. Frankie's philosophy with art making centers around guiding creatives in honoring art into their lives.

 

With her dedication and expertise, she has been an invaluable member of the Sky Village team for over two years.

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Art for Wellness Teacher

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​Kara Caroccio, one of our art teachers and caregivers,  holds a B.A. in fine arts, specializing in oil paint. Her early art education began at Cooper Union's Queens Council of the Arts programs, where she spent weekends honing her drawing and painting skills. With over ten years of experience as a trained art specialist, Kara has successfully worked with students who have learning differences, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to inclusive art education.

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Queens Jiu-jitsu

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Ryan C. Quinn is a Renzo-Gracie Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, he is also the Owner and Program Director at Queens Jiu-jitsu  (22-55 31st. St. Astoria, NY, 11105).​​

Securtiy and Caregiver

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Chris recently joined the Sky Village team this summer, bringing his experience from working in the film and TV industry.

 

In addition to his role at Sky Village, Chris is a dedicated student of Coach Quinn at Queens Jiu-Jitsu and has attained the level of purple belt. He plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of the summer camp kids while they travel outside.

 

Chris enjoys spending time with his nephews on weekends, further showcasing his caring nature.​

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Art for Wellness Teacher

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​Tara Klurman Genen is a formally trained artist and graphic designer residing in Astoria, NY.

 

Alongside her husband, a local artist, she is raising their two children, Violet (8) and Ezra (5).

 

Tara and her family have been actively involved in the Sky Village community since 2017, when they first started making art with Shasta at her studio.

 

Tara is thrilled to be working alongside Shasta, assisting in teaching the children and sharing her passion for art.

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