PROGRAM MANAGER of ARTS and LEARNING

she/they/he

 Jasmine Lew is an artist, educator, and facilitator specializing in devised and experimental theatre making with a focus on social issues. She works in the theatre world as a deviser, director, writer, and producer. They have a B.A. in Theatre from Ohio Wesleyan University, where he also studied Spanish and Education. She has an Ohio teaching license for Theatre. Jasmine cares about consent-based, trauma-informed practices that center the client as an entire human with the autonomy and brilliance to direct themselves in the lives they want to live. They love consuming and telling thrilling, ruthless stories that challenge stereotypes and share new perspectives. Jasmine is excited to join Larkin Street as a part of the LSA, and they look forward to contributing to Larkin Street’s important work.  

ART SPECILIST

they/them

From a young age, Gaby enjoyed drawing and coloring, but it wasn't until college that they truly embraced art. Initially a pre-med student with no formal art training, Gaby took an art class for fun and quickly fell in love with it, especially during personal struggles, like dealing with concussions that left them unable to use music or screens for over a month. Art became their anchor through physical and emotional challenges, including homelessness, family abandonment, and grief. During this time, Gaby found meaning in objects they had clung to, which became symbols of abundance and memories amidst loss. These experiences of grief and healing shape their art, where they explore themes of identity, transformation, and connection through surrealist-inspired techniques. Gaby's seizure disorder has further influenced their work, pushing them to explore alternative sensory experiences like sculptures, fine detail ink drawings, and vivid color palettes through painting and screenprinting. Gaby aims to create art that invites others, especially those with disabilities, to reflect on their own lives and find healing through creative expression. Gaby is excited to contribute to Larkin's arts program, supporting youth in discovering their creative potential and exploring the transformative power of art.

MUSIC INSTRUCTOR

he/him

Josh Bhattacharjee-Pedregon is a seasoned music producer, composer, and audio engineer with over 15 years of professional experience, excelling in the genres of Hip Hop, R&B, and Funk. His expertise not only lies in crafting records but also in nurturing emerging talent. For nearly a decade, Josh has been a dedicated teaching artist, program coordinator, and mentor, guiding aspiring musicians between ages of 8-25 through the intricacies of music production and the challenges of the music industry. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration, Management from Western Governor's University. Josh's mission is to unlock the full potential of everyone he works with, meeting students exactly where they are and propelling them toward success." 

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ARTS AND EDUCATION

Vanessa (she/her) is a visual artist and educator living in Oakland. Vanessa began her career as a teaching artist in the Fall of 2012 in Providence, Rhode Island, and since then has led art classes at non-profit organizations, schools and museums across the country. Vanessa's teaching practice is built on the tenets of the Creative Youth Development framework, which encourages students to explore their identity, create authentic connections and pursue social change through creative expression. Outside of Larkin Street, Vanessa loves to work on her ceramics and explore quilting and clothing design.