About Us
“We’re on a mission to spark kids’ creative & entrepreneurial spirit and ignite a flame that will help transform communities – and possibly the world!”
Heather Shelby
Owner, Artist, Educator, Entrepreneur
Hi! I am Heather and I have been creative for as long as I can remember. I went on to college for architecture and switched to Graphic Design halfway through. I have owned my own small business for over 20 years doing web & graphic design for primarily wineries, breweries, and distilleries of Southwest Michigan. I taught Junior Achievement, coached Girls on the Run, was on the board for Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce, and the St. Joe Baseball Association, and am currently the Chair of the Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff.
I started Spark. Ignite. Launch! Learning Academy after helping my daughter, Sally, start her own business and seeing how much she learned and enjoyed the process. In 2021, I added art to the class mix! I had no idea how rewarding teaching would be and how much I would love it. Their creativity is inspiring and seeing their faces light up when they accomplish something they think they can’t is the highlight of my day!
LaDonna Gano
Art Teacher
Hi! My name is LaDonna and I cannot remember a time in my life when I wasn’t making art! I have an associates degree in art and studied graphic design in college. I am a mom to two wonderfully creative children, Sophia (9), and Austin (5). I love painting, clay, drawing, cake decorating, and really any kind of creativity. I love helping kiddos to explore new mediums and surprise themselves with how talented they truly are!
Patti Boersen
Teacher
I’m Patti! I am the elementary art teacher at Berrien Springs Public Schools. I enjoy making art with kids, hiking, reading, and traveling. I live with my husband, two teenagers, and two dogs in St. Joseph.
Interested in teaching a camp, crafternoon, or workshop?!
We’re looking for creative people who love to teach others (kids or adults) what they’re passionate about!
We offer great pay and a flexible schedule (YOU pick the dates and times you want to teach) and we help you market your class. If you’re interested, please contact us and let us know what type of class you’d like to teach. We look forward to hearing from you!