STAFF

  Emily Cassella has over 10+ years of teaching experience working with children, ranging from infants to middle school level. Emily values providing open-ended, explorative opportunities for children to pursue their personal interests and passions. She views self-expression and working at our own natural pace as being a crucial part of childhood development. Emily is currently finishing her BS in Psychology at CUNY City College.  She loves being active and in nature and is eager for further outdoor endeavors. She lives in Dobbs Ferry with her husband, 

Olena Nabatov has 35 years of experience working and communicating with children of all ages. She taught at the Kyiv School of Arts, the Children's Youth Sports School as a gymnastics coach, and at the Specialized School as the head of the Children's Modern Dance Ensemble. Olena studied and graduated from the National Pedagogical University and the Kyiv National University. She specializes in Classical Ballet, theatrical affairs, circus and acrobatics and is currently a PhD candidate. Olena enjoys sharing her knowledge and skills with children. Her main motto in order to learn something is the following: I can!  I want !  I will do!  Olena loves nature, needlework, and having an active lifestyle. She lives in Dobbs Ferry with her husband.

Bess Power is thrilled to be teaching piano and voice lessons at GaragePod. Bess is a member of Actors’ Equity Association as well as SAG-AFTRA. She earned a BFA in Musical Theater from Montclair State University and spent many years performing in summer stock and regional theater companies across the country. She earned her Masters in Education from St. John’s University and she has spent over a decade teaching private music lessons. She has also taught music at synagogues and various music academies as well as in the NYC public school system.

David Salter is a guitarist and music educator currently based in Dobbs Ferry, New York. David began teaching at the Northeast Conservatory of Performing Arts (Philadelphia, PA) when he was studying at The University of The Arts (Philadelphia PA), He teaches guitar, piano, electric bass, ukulele, ensembles, percussion, music production and songwriting. David is also a certified K-12 music teacher in the NYCDOE.   is excited to be joining GaragePod and to spend more of his time engaging with the community in Dobbs Ferry. He currently teaches music ensemble classes on Saturday mornings at GaragePod. 

    Sally Bertran is an Attorney Support Assistant at an international law firm where she provides administrative support to a team of attorneys specializing in Banking & Finance. At GaragePod, Sally wears many hats. She does Payroll/HR and provides administrative assistance to the GP team. Sally is a huge Pod fan and will never forget meeting Sam in the woods as he slid down a steep hill with a bunch of 5 year olds!