My name is Dr. Šara (“Sha-rah"), and I started Bilingual Birdies Asheville to increase diversity and language-learning for littles in Asheville. I’m a trilingual performer with a PhD in Performance and Cultural Studies. I’ve lived in France, Senegal, Brazil, Cape Verde, and toured on many international stages for both adult and children audiences. When I’m not performing, I love teaching kids to learn about other cultures through my years of experience as an arts educator with Bilingual Birdies and beyond. I speak French, Spanish, and Portuguese and teach alongside running this program at Bilingual Birdies Asheville. I’m also a teaching artist of other artforms, and have taught multiple arts genres with leading institutions like BAM, Lincoln Center Education, Urban Arts Partnership, and Bilingual Birdies in New York City.
About Global Grooves Kids
Meet the Teachers
Šara
My name is Dr. Šara (“Sha-rah"), and I started Bilingual Birdies Asheville to increase diversity and language-learning for littles in Asheville. I’m a trilingual performer with a PhD in Performance and Cultural Studies. I’ve lived in France, Senegal, Brazil, Cape Verde, and toured on many international stages for both adult and children audiences. When I’m not performing, I love teaching kids to learn about other cultures through my years of experience as an arts educator with Bilingual Birdies and beyond. I speak French, Spanish, and Portuguese and teach alongside running this program at Bilingual Birdies Asheville. I’m also a teaching artist of other artforms, and have taught multiple arts genres with leading institutions like BAM, Lincoln Center Education, Urban Arts Partnership, and Bilingual Birdies in New York City.
Director/Spanish & French musician-teacher
Melissa
Spanish & French teacher
Melissa Hyman is a musician, arts educator and mom, originally from the NYC area. She studied French for many years, has a BA in Spanish from the University of Vermont and has lived in Perú and Switzerland. Melissa currently teaches rock band at French Broad River Academy, is the Asheville Music Teacher for Arts For Life (an arts-in-healthcare nonprofit serving children and families facing serious illness), and coordinates the Swannanoa Gathering Children's Program at Warren Wilson College.
She also performs with several local bands including The Moon and You, Cowboy Judy, Tina & Her Pony, and Hannah Kaminer & the Wistfuls. Melissa is a longtime singer, songwriter and recording artist who plays and teaches cello, bass, ukulele and guitar. She is thrilled to become part of the Bilingual Birdies family - this program aligns beautifully with her interests, values and skills!
Dani
Spanish teacher
Daniela Risquez is a singer, early childhood educator specializing in outdoor education, and a children's book illustrator from Caracas Venezuela. She has worked in preschools, education organizations, and has a degree in behavioral analysis. She loves working with kids and performs as a professional singer when she is not making all the kiddos giggle! Dani currently teaches Spanish in Bilingual Birdies Asheville classes and performs in birthday parties, school, and community concerts as part of the program’s performing band of teachers.
Carla
Spanish teacher
Carla Orellana currently works with Bilingual Birdies Asheville in concerts and as a co-teacher in schools. She is a native Spanish-speaking artist, mentor and teacher. She was born in Venezuela to a Colombian mother and a Salvadoran father, with heritage that includes an Indian grandfather. Carla creates a welcoming atmosphere that fosters a deep appreciation for multiculturalism and diversity in all its forms. Her true magic shines when she works with children. She brings a loving presence and creates a contagiously playful and spontaneous atmosphere in her classes.