Meet Our Teachers
Sharon Cavanaugh
sharon@ct-artschool.com
Sharon founded Connecticut Art School, originally known as Monart School of the Arts, in 2003. Sharon recognized that many kids, including her own, were visual learners and art was an important part of their education, personal expression, and creativity. Her daughter Sarah was the main inspiration for starting the art school.
Sharon earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Medical Illustration from Rochester Institute of Technology and her Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology from Towson University.
Sharon has taught all levels of classes at CT Art School and she is responsible for overseeing and creating the curriculum. Sharon is a master problem solver with a can do attitude. The goal of Connecticut Art School has always been to engage kids in art and creative problem solving. Art provides a unique form of communication, a way to relax and unwind, and a way to connect with the world. Art truly is for everyone.
Sarah - the inspiration behind Connecticut Art School
Jena Maki
Jena was born and raised here in South Windsor, CT. She obtained her BFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design down in Savannah, GA. Before moving to Georgia, she attended Connecticut Art School as a student and began teaching classes here in 2014. After moving back to CT she continues her journey with us teaching Level 1 and Level 2 classes.
Jena's personal art career and love of painting is based in landscapes and the local New England scenery. She believes in artists (of all ages) finding what truly inspires them to create - and running with it! You can view her work on Instagram - @jenamaki.art .
Codi Alberti
Codi is from Somers, CT. She earned her BFA in Graphic/Information Design from Central Connecticut State University in 2013. She has worked as a Graphic Designer in the print industry for 6 years and has been a teacher at the Connecticut Art School since 2018. She’s always had a love and admiration for art and has traveled the world to see it. Along with travel, Codi loves to dance and go on hikes with her dog.
Cait Pomales
Cait has lived in CT with her family for 6 years. She studied elementary education and marketing at Edinboro University, and is also a certified yoga teacher. Art has always weaved its way into her life in some form. So when the opportunity to work at the art school came around, being able to combine her love of teaching children and getting creative was a perfect fit.
When she’s not at the art school, you can find her spending time with her husband and 2 daughters.
Cait joined the Art School in 2022. She teaches our Level 2 (8-10 year olds) and Level 3 (11-13 year olds) classes. She also hosts lots of birthday and paint parties at the school.
Megan Tonucci
Megan is from Wethersfield, CT. She earned her BFA in Jewelry & Metalsmithing from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston. She spent time in the sculpture department experimenting with 3D media until discovering her passion in metals. Her sterling silver jewelry is often forged with an emphasis on texture and connection.
Megan has been a nanny and loves to see children benefit from self-expression and creation. Watching things grow and change has always been of interest to her. This explains her appreciation for plants and vibrant sunsets!
Megan joined our teaching team in the fall of 2023. She works with our youngest artists teaching 6-7 year olds in Level 1.
Cathy Levesque
Cathy was born in Minneapolis Minnesota and grew up in Southern California and New Jersey before settling in Bloomfield, Connecticut at the age of 14. She has always loved to draw and paint. An important influence was her High School Art teacher. He gave her a firm foundation in the basics of art and inspired Cathy to go to The Hartford Art School where her art education included: photography, ceramics, drawing, painting, and Art History
In January of 2007 Cathy began teaching at Connecticut Art School. She teaches Level 2 and 3 students. She loves watching the students improve their art skills and is always amazed at how creative they are. She also takes credit for coining the phrase “done-ish” - ask her students, they all understand the meaning. Cathy also works as a paraprofessional in Vernon Center Middle School.
Cathy officially retired at the end of Summer Camp in 2022 after 15 years at the art school. She’s still on call as a substitute teacher so hopefully we’ll see her at the school.