Our Team

Nadine Brooks, Receptionist

Nadine was born in Crystal River but has lived in St. Petersburg for 49 years. In addition to working at Creative Clay, Nadine attends St. Petersburg College. When asked what inspires her, she answered, “Being nice to everyone.” Nadine was hired at Creative Clay in 2018 after participating in the AARP Work Search Program.

In her free time, she enjoys watching television, spreading kindness and living up to her favorite quote: “Treat people they way I want to be treated.”

Joan “Joni” Buckley, Receptionist

Joni was born in Massachusetts, but has lived in Pinellas County for 43 years. Joni attended Greenfield Community College, where she studied painting, drawing, design. She also attended St. Petersburg College. Joni says she has “way too many” favorite artists, so she can’t name just one. In her free time, she enjoys the beaches, and listening to the rain and to music. Joni was hired at Creative Clay in 2011 after participating in the AARP Work Search Program.

Joni also enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, as well as her new home. Being on or near the water is another happy place.

 "Take care of you,” spoken by the actor who played Kit in Pretty Woman, is Joni’s favorite quote.

Amanda Allen, Studio Assistant

Amanda is from Richmond, Indiana, but has lived in St. Petersburg since 2009. Upon graduation from the Pinellas County Schools’ Transition Program, Amanda participated in a Vocational Rehabilitation “On the Job Training” and was hired following her completion of her training.

Amanda’s favorite medium is ceramics, and she says that she is inspired by life. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends and going to concerts. She is enthusiastic about fashion, makeup and music. Her favorite quote? “Don’t ever look down. Be comfortable.”

Julie Price, Teaching Artist

Julie is from Easton, Maryland. She moved to Florida in 2008 and has lived in St. Pete since 2013. Julie holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Syracuse University. She has been an artist-in-residence at St. Petersburg Clay Company and Craftsman House. Her favorite medium is ceramics. She has worked at Creative Clay since 2012.

 Julie enjoys spending time in nature, roller skating, kayaking, reading, movies, taking care of her cats and dog and growing plants. Her favorite quote, not spoken by Mahatma Ghandi, but one he alluded to throughout his life: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Jung In Kang, Teaching Artist

Jung In was born in Seoul South Korea. She moved to St. Petersburg in 2007. Jung In graduated from Sung Kyuen Kwan University in 1985 with a four-year degree in Art Education.

She taught middle school art from 1985 to 1989. She began volunteering at Creative Clay in 2011 and was a Creative Clay teaching artist from 2013 to 2020. She rejoined Creative Clay in October 2021.

Jung In’s favorite medium is oil painting in abstract and impressionism. She is inspired by music, and in her free time, she loves to play her cello and flute. Jung In cites her passion as teaching Creative Clay’s member artists.

Lisa Glaser, Teaching Artist

Lisa was born in Cincinnati, but grew up in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. She has lived in St. Petersburg since1986. Before becoming a teaching artist, Lisa was a studio manager at Creative Clay.

She holds a bachelor’s in fine arts from Ohio University, where she majored in painting and art history. Her artwork has been shown in galleries and outdoor art shows throughout Florida for many years.

Clay is her favorite medium, followed by painting and drawing. Lisa says her art is inspired by her travels, pets and hobbies. She enjoys sailing, diving/snorkeling, kayaking, biking and camping with friends. Favorite quote: “Well, if it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen out there.”

Summer Kluytman (pronounced KLITE-man), Teaching Artist

Summer notes that many have trouble pronouncing her last name, so she often goes by her artist’s name, Summer Elisabeth. She was born in the Panama City Beach in the Florida Panhandle, yet considers herself a St. Pete native, she has lived in the city longer than her hometown.

Summer’s background is diverse. She taught in public and private schools, worked as an au pair in Ireland and as a nanny for a dozen local families. She also taught at makeme DIY art studio. She also worked as a granny nanny and is a mom who loves glitter and laughter.

Asked about her favorite art medium, Summer says it varies depending on her mood. “I’m fluid like that,” she says. She also says her inspiration comes from everywhere and nowhere.

“I can hear a sentence, and write an entire song about it,” she said. “I can see pink clouds and paint only pink clouds for a week. I look around Creative Clay and see so many busy hands and calm minds that it makes me emotional. I know I'm in the right place if I feel that good.”

In her spare time, she enjoys silence, or soothing sounds, mint or bergamot tea, looking at the art supplies that one day I'll have time to enjoy, watching the sunset, creating digital art, and making music.

Her favorite quote:  "You'll never get anywhere if you go about what-iffing like that."  - Roald Dahl

Shane Hoffman, Development Coordinator

Shane was born in Baltimore and moved to Largo when he was eight years old. He lives in Clearwater but loves working and spending time in St. Pete.

Shane has a Master of Fine Art from University of South Florida and has been working with artists with disabilities for 12 years. He enjoys the work of many artists, but two stand out: Henry Darger and Daniel Johnston. Both artists were compelled to make art by an inner drive; they were not out to impress anyone. Darger made massive fantastical drawings colored with brilliant watercolors to illustrate his 15,000-page manuscript. Nobody saw any of this work until he was on his death bed, where he asked that it all be thrown away. Johnston became known as an influential songwriter. His recordings were primitive, created recording from tape recorder to tape recorder so he could play along with himself. Shane is inspired by music. He says it moves him to draw or write his own music and songs. He’s also inspired by viewing intricate and colorful visual art.

Shane enjoys drawing, making songs, and watching movies with his family.

Emily Turnage, Director of Community Arts

Emily Turnage is a St. Petersburg native who attended St. Petersburg High School and graduated from University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Turnage joined Creative Clay in 2013 and became the Director of Community Arts in 2016. From 2016-2019, Emily also was the lead organizer for Creative Clay’s annual arts and music festival, Creative Clay Fest (formerly Folkfest St. Pete)

As an accomplished musician, Turnage brings a musical perspective to her leadership and direction of Creative Clay’s Community Arts Program.

Coral Walden, Studio Manager

Originally from Glenwood Springs, Col., Coral moved to Saint Petersburg in 2015. She attended Eckerd College, where she majored in Human Development and minored in Studio Art.

When choosing a site for her Human Development internship, Coral remembered touring Creative Clay through her Experiencing the Arts class and was selected to be an intern. After a highly productive internship, Coral joined Creative Clay as a teaching artist since fall 2019.

Coral also taught our 2021 "Around the World Summer Camp." In November 2021, she became Studio Manager.

Coral is primarily a 2D artist who favors drawing, painting, and collage. Her work is often inspired by myth, spirituality, and nature.

Jody Bikoff, Director of Exhibitions

Jody is originally from New York and holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University School of Fine Arts in Painting and Textiles. In addition to a first career in the fiber arts, Jody is the former owner/operator of a custom color and black & white photo lab in New York City. She also designed the interiors of sailboats and yachts, in Port Washington, NY, and Tampa, FL.

Jody joined Creative Clay in 2007 as a teaching artist, and then as curator and coordinator of the monthly ArtWalk events in Creative Clay's Good Folk Gallery. She also manages the Art in Offices leasing program. As Director of Exhibitions, since 2011, Jody oversees the performance of Creative Clay’s Good Folk Gallery, manages the collections, design and installation, and directs all aspects related to exhibits.

Jody is active in the St. Petersburg arts community, with more than 30 years combined experience as an artist, gallerist, curator, educator, and art administrator, promoting folk art through partnerships and public programs for all audiences. She enjoys swimming, music, film and photography, poetry, travel and her family.

Marcy Miller, Director of Artlink Vocational Services

Marcy was born in Largo but has lived in St. Pete her entire life. She holds a B.A. in Organizational Studies, and an M.A. Psychology. Marcy is also the former vice president of Davidson Fine Art.

Before joining Creative Clay in 2008, she served on Creative Clay’s Board of Directors from 1995 to 2008.

Marcy is inspired by authenticity, enjoys long bike adventures that end in cold drinks, loves spending time in nature with family and friends, video chatting with her son and granddaughter, listening to contemporary folk music, reading about mysteries of the mind and the universe, playing with her cats Moira and Milo, watching "Nordic Noir" crime dramas and science fiction.

Marcy's passions are psychology and peanut butter. She also has a favorite quote, by Barbara Sher: “It’s only too late if you don’t start now."

Kim Dohrman, CEO

Kim Dohrman has a Bachelor of Arts with a Creative Writing major and Art and English minors. She also completed MA coursework in Montessori education and taught art at a Montessori school for 10 years. In total, she has over 30 years of arts education experience in integrated studio classroom settings. She is also an accomplished artist and was a volunteer programmer for North Dakota Public Radio for five years. 

Kim joined Creative Clay in 2007 as a volunteer, then became a Guest Artist, Program Manager, Associate Arts Director, and Director of Education before becoming CEO in 2011. During that time, she was named the Bank of America Neighborhood Builder Emerging Leader, and achieved certifications from the National Center for Creative Aging, Eckerd College Leadership Development Institute, Nonprofit Leadership Center in Volunteer Management, the Training Resource Network in Job Development for people with disabilities, Mental Health First Aid USA, and AARP’s Tampa Bay Caregiver Accelerator program. She also served as a board member for several local nonprofits, a panel speaker on topics of workplace inclusion and societal leadership, and a grants judging panelist for six years for the State of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs. 

Along with leading Creative Clay's teams and operations, Kim has created many partnerships with area businesses to improve opportunities for inclusion of people with disabilities in the arts.

Stephanie Roberts, Teaching Artist

Stephanie Roberts frequently works as a featured singer in Production Shows, Top-40 Bands, Jazz Duos & Trios, and occasionally as a session vocalist for recording studios. Her latest entertainment project involves bringing fun, uplifting & heartfelt music to senior citizens’ assisted living communities.

Melissa Buckley, Studio Assistant

Melissa Buckley, Studio Assistant, was born in Stoughton, Massachusetts. She moved to St. Petersburg in 1979, and she attended St. Petersburg College. Melissa is inspired by her family, particularly her nephews. She loves listening to music and spending time with her mom, Joan Buckley, Creative Clay receptionist. Melissa enjoys creating, and loves painting angels with acrylic on canvas. She also loves to vacation whenever possible. Her favorite quote: Seize the moment!

Rachel Saltzgiver, Community Teacher

Rachel Saltzgiver moved to St. Petersburg in 2016 from Falls Church, Virginia. She graduated from Eckerd College in 2019 with a B.A. in Psychology. In the spring of 2019, she served as a Creative Clay Eckerd College intern in the Community Arts Program. She returned as a Creative Clay Community Teacher in fall of 2022 and now specializes in community outings teaching life skills and assisting with member artist volunteerism. Rachel enjoys collaging, puzzles, and playing board games with friends.

Annie Pelucarte, Teaching Artist

Annie was born in St. Petersburg, but raised in Venezuela. She returned to the United States 10 years ago. After living in Miami for six years, she moved to St. Petersburg. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from University of South Florida and has taught for the Pinellas County Schools in many locations. She teaches ceramics and manages the ceramic studios for the City of St. Petersburg. Her favorite mediums are ceramics, photography and fiber arts. Annie enjoys traveling and learning about the art techniques of different cultures.

Ashton Sanchez, Teaching Artist

Ashton and her husband live in Clearwater, but she grew up in Gainesville, Florida,where she graduated from University of Florida in 2019 with B.A. in Music Performance,with a certificate in Music in Medicine. Ashton continued her studies at UF, and in 2021graduated with a master’s in arts in medicine. Her published research, Drum Circles and the Effect on Wellbeing in a Community Setting, can be found online.

Ashton is a percussionist, and she loves playing a large range of instruments. Her favorite is the marimba, but she also enjoys hand drumming in drum circles. In her free time, Ashton enjoys spending time with her husband and her Doodle, Winifred, taking long walks, and exploring the St. Pete/Clearwater area. Her passion is to continue to pursue how the art can impact the health and wellbeing of communities.

“I am a strong believer that the arts play an important role in all of our lives to make us healthier and happier,” she said.

Ashton notes that it’s her family and friends who inspire her to continue to grow, love, and explore the world. Her favorite quote: “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” - Bob Marley

Jodi Lynne Chemes, CPA

Jodi Lynne was born in Rochester, New York, and moved to St. Pete in 2009. She holds a B.S. in Accounting, and a Master’s in Taxation. She has also had her own C.P.A. firm since 2011. Jodi Lynne is also an artist; her favorite medium is stained glass. Witnessing people being helpful, polite, and going out of their way for others inspires Jodi Lynne. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering with animals and working with stained glass. Her passions are animal rescue and art. Learn more about Jodi Lynne at www.jodichemescpa.com and www.glassoflife.org

Rosyln “Roz” Daniels, Maintenance

Rosyln was born in St. Petersburg, graduated from St. Pete High School, and has lived here all of her life. She worked at Robinson’s for 21 years and then the Pinellas County School Board for 11 years. Rosyln started with Creative Clay after being the contact for the Pinellas County School Summer Lunch Spot serving Creative Clay’s summer camp in 2017. She has been with Creative Clay ever since and says, “I enjoy the people, the staff and the students at Creative Clay. It’s a friendly place and I enjoy the work. It’s a blessing to come here.” Her favorite quote is, “God is good all the time.”

Todd Frain, Teaching Artist

Teaching Artist Todd Frain is a from Tampa but has lived in St. Pete for 17 years. He earned an Associate of Arts degree in Graphic Communications from St. Louis Community College. Todd’s favorite art medium is tattoo, and he owns Wolf and Flame Tattoo. He is also a freelance graphic designer. Todd is also a father to Lux and Royal, who inspire him more than anything else in his life.“Not matter what, they are my reason to push forward,” Todd said.

Work keeps Todd busy, but his free time is devoted to family. He also enjoys soccer, his dogs, stacking money, and weekend getaways.

Favorite quote: “Did you remember my ranch?”

Ryan Hill, Teaching Artist

Ryan Hill is a singer, songwriter, actor, music director, and private voice instructor. She is a Berklee College of Music alum where she studied Contemporary Writing/Production and Vocal Performance. During her time at Berklee, she discovered a love for composing, arranging, and music directing. She was heavily involved in the growing Musical Theater Performance and Writing Initiative at her alma mater.

After college, Ryan spent time performing in various cities in Ohio before moving to Chicago where she attended classes at The Second City and began teaching private voice. Since moving to St. Petersburg, she’s taught at American Stage and South Tampa Center for the Arts. She’s currently the music director/director and performer with sketch comedy group Dirty John’s; you can see her regularly at The Studio@620. 

Pat Grice, Creative Thrift Volunteer

Creative Clay Volunteer Pat Grice was born in Chicago, IL, and moved to St. Petersburg in 2014. She holds a MA in counseling psychology and BA in Industrial Psychology but worked in the computer industry for over 30 years.

Pat learned about Creative Thrift in 2018. She stopped by and found many items she could use in her fiber/mixed media artwork and decided to spread the word to her guild. She also noticed there was a need to help with the organizing the many supplies donated and soon after began to work to help keep the store categorized and tidy.

Besides volunteering at Creative Clay, Pat is a member of Tampa Bay Surface Design Guild and Studio Art Quilt Associates. 

Anamay Rossonando, Creative Thrift Volunteer

Volunteer Anamay Rossomando was born in Montclair, New Jersey, but has lived in St. Petersburg for 55 years. She enjoys keeping Creative Thrift, our store for repurposed art supplies, books, frames and more, in tip-top shape for shoppers. Previously, Anamay owned two hair salons. She proudly shares that she received honors in art and science at her high school graduation. Anamay enjoys paper crafting, working with watercolor pencils, making custom greeting cards and jewelry, and creating art from recycled materials. In her spare time, she also enjoys refurbishing old homes.