Nina Gabriele-Cuva

The arts can change the life of any student!  I love what I do and learn as much from students as I hope to teach them.  I am a professional actor, director, published author, theater company founder and artistic director.  Using theater and/or creative writing, I can design a program that will fit your special needs or in general to  1) incorporate or support in-place curriculum for social studies, history and language arts, further literacy and improve critical thinking skills, 2) teach general theater and creative writing knowledge while developing confidence, public speaking, leadership skills and the ability to work with others, and, 3) with a socio-drama and a theater therapy approach, help special populations develop a more positive way to view themselves and interact with others. I am also a teaching fiber artist, have been crocheting for 50 years and began Hope Cottage Creations 20 years ago.  I create original patterns and take into consideration the latest fashion trends to make stylish upscale garments that flatter a woman's figure.  Although the styling is modern, the craftsmanship is "old world style."  Hope Cottage Creation's which includes women's wear (camisoles. sweaters, vests, shawls, capes, skirts, hats, etc.) also produces scarves, baby clothes and blankets, afghans, purses, jewelry, greeting cards, etc., has sold in stores from New York to California and has been exhibited at the prestigious Washington Square Park Art Show in Greenwich Village, NY, Pelham and Rye Art Center stores and galleries, the Nyack art and craft show and many other venues.  Hope Cottage also does shows at house parties.  I can custom make garments and gift items.  I also teach crochet to groups of school children and adults and am available for private lessons.

B.A. from Lehman College in Performing arts and writing, M.S  in Communications from the College of New Rochelle.  Some of her training includes: Purchase Performing Arts Center's seminar designed by the Kennedy Center on combining the core curriculum and the arts, Literacy Through the Arts – Port Chester Arts Council, Blanton–Peale Workshop on theater therapy techniques.  Manhattan New Music Project’s seminar on Working with Special Needs Children with Russell Granet, Bronx Council on the Arts’ Professional Development in Arts Education seminar with Greg McCasin, American Place Theatre’s “Literature to Life” methodology course,  ArtsGenesis workshop- Using Theatre to Explore Historical Content and socio-drama techniques.