Gigil | Stem Activities For Kids

Cherie Sola is from Colorado and studied music at the University of Colorado at Denver. After graduation she moved to Los Angeles where she worked in the entertainment field for over 10 years, before starting her own business. Cherie loves all things creative and has studied acting, painting, and dance. Aside from creating songs, Cherie writes children books and designs apparel all based on her favorite thing, music! She believes that music provides the perfect framework to explore genres and learn about any topic imaginable. Cherie has completed coursework in early childhood development and has worked with babies to elementary aged children. She plays guitar, violin, and piano and sings in two bands. Cherie loves to dance and you can always find her sliding around her house in her socks.

Robin Giesen is a Licenced Marriage and Family Therapist and Bringing Baby Home Educator practicing in Long Beach, Ca who specializes in the treatment of post-partum mood disorders and couples counseling for expectant and new parents. Robin completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Tulane University, her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University and post graduate work at Newport Psychoanalytic Institute where she received her certificate in Dynamic Psychotherapy. Robin has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health clinics, the Los Alamitos and Brea school districts, and group and private practices. Today Robin’s office is located in Bixby Knolls. Robin has received specialized trained in Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamic and Interpersonal psychotherapy models and draws from these models to assist clients in meeting their goals. She has also received additional training in couples counseling from the Gottman Institute. After the birth of Robin’s first child she developed postpartum anxiety. This experience as well as the profound and life changing experience of becoming a mother have inspired her to focus much of her clinical training and work on hopeful, expecting and current mothers and their families. Robin has completed advance maternal mental health training thru Postpartum Support International, the Seleni Institute and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicines Asher Center for the Study and Treatment of Depressive Disorders.

Melissa is a Long Beach local mama! She's always been interested in health and fitness. Drawn to yoga because of the physical benefits. Melissa received her 200-hour teaching certificate from Cloud Nine Yoga and her YACEP Kids Yoga Certification from Imagination Yoga. She studied Studio Art/Art Education at Cal State Long Beach. She also coached youth sports for Long Beach Parks and Rec for 7 years. She shares her passion for yoga with adults and children alike, always striving to keep her classes creative and fun! Melissa guides her students through a well-rounded practice, showing them how yoga and mindfulness reconnects us to our true authentic self!

Kylee was first introduced to a yoga class over 10 years ago, and currently practices yoga daily for clarity, stability, and the joy it brings into her life. She has completed 500 hours of teacher training through YogaWorks, and continues to expand her education through additional workshops and classes regularly. Kylee teaches all styles of yoga, but especially enjoys working with kids because of the curiosity for learning and the fun they bring into the yoga studio. Natural instruments, chanting, singing, and dancing, are some of the various yoga practices she incorporates into her kids yoga classes. She is inspired by creating a friendly and engaging yoga class room environment that all young yoginis can connect and learn in together.

Stella Dean grew up all over Southern California. She has been practicing yoga for over 5 years now. Stella has her 200 hour certification from CorePower where she specialized in hot yoga, and is now continuing her education with YogaWorks and will be 500 hours certified soon. Before yoga, she had 4 years experience in competitive cheer and hip hop dance. She loves to teach a high energy class, and wants to provide a safe space for her students and give them an outlet to clear their thoughts. When she’s not teaching yoga she loves to spend time with her cats.

Kayley Davis is a Long Beach native and recently received her multiple subject teaching credential from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. STEM is one of her favorite subjects to teach because it applies in all aspects of life and allows children to explore their natural curiosities of how the world works. Ms. Kayley supports the idea of letting children take control of their learning and using their curiosity to drive activities. She strives to help children grow in confidence and develop a passion for learning. Ms. Kayley will be leading our STEM Summer Camps and you may see her pop in for other classes from time to time! "I’m so excited to work with your little ones and let their creativity flow!" - Ms. Kayley