About our garden...
Founder and Artistic Director
Mitsouko M. Pinon (Alvarez)
"Miss Mitze"
I was just 3 years old, when my mother signed me up for dance classes as an after school option. Little did she know that decision would seal and ignite a passion within. The love affair grew in intensity as I learned, developed and studied the art of ballet and flamenco.
I shortly thereafter stumbled upon my first acting role. While accompanying my ballet instructor to her rehearsal the director needed a "shy little girl" for two scenes; I fit the part and caught the bug.
At the young age of 16, I auditioned for the local and quite prestigious Ballet Concerto Company in Miami. I then became the youngest member of the company.
During my tenure with Door to the Arts, a non-profit organization co-founded by Alina Trueba, I discovered my calling and began my journey in after school enrichment. Over two decades later I have been blessed to continue to develop my mission for children and now expanding to adults throughout South Florida.
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Tiny Butterflies Academy is an extension of my years of experience teaching, building, growing and managing the arts for participating schools. My extensive experience in accounts management, strong client advocacy skills and love for the arts conspire to water, nurture and grow the butterfly garden.
My goal for this new venture is to continue offering students a safe and nurturing environment where they can explore their artistic potential while cultivating social-emotional skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, self-discipline, and creative thinking. At Tiny Butterflies Academy we will provide engaging activities that focus on developing each student's individual artistry whilst creating a sense of connection within the group. We strive to have all participants come away with a greater appreciation for cultural diversity as well as enthusiasm for the performing arts! I personally look forward to having your butterflies develop their unique talent.
Our Team... (and understanding our stages)
Master Instructors are crucial to our mission for elite guidance. We hand-pick each instructor to ensure our mission remains true and children are fed the right amount of artistic nourishment needed to allow them to grow and flourish in our garden through the four primary stages; starting with the egg (stage 1), caterpillar (stage 2), chrysalis (stage 3) and ultimately butterfly.
Paula Quesada
Art by Paula
Paula is a makeup artist, Registered Behavior Technician and full-time student at Florida International University, where she studies psychology with an Applied Behavior Analysis Track. She has been a Makeup Artist for the past 13 years and has done makeup for the runway at Milan Fashion Week. While working at the Miami Seaquarium Education Department, she participated in several camps teaching children the wonders of the ocean. Paula has a passion for teaching and inspiring young minds. Paula's experience as a Makeup Artist has allowed her to develop a keen eye for detail and an understanding of color theory, which she incorporates into her teaching methods. Additionally, her time at the Miami Seaquarium Education Department has given her a deep appreciation for hands-on learning experiences and the importance of fostering curiosity in young learners.
Kendall Ayash
Lead Cheerleading coach and cardio dance fitness
Kendall is our Cardio and Dance Fitness Master Instructor as well as our Head Cheerleading
Coach. Kendall has 15 years of cheer and dance experience and has been coaching for 6
years. She is a graduate student and sideline cheerleader at FIU, where she is completing her
master’s degree in Dietetics and Nutrition. Her goal is to become a pediatric dietitian.