CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT Painting with Words: How Helena Guzman Brings Spanish to Life Through ArtHelena Guzman is the creator of “¡Hola!: Teaching Spanish Through Art,” a program born from her creativity, bilingual background, and love for children. While working at a daycare, her artistic classroom designs and Spanish fluency inspired her supervisor to suggest blending both talents. What began as an art project soon grew into a full program that now serves school-age children grades K-4 at through Jenks Community Education and beyond. Guzman’s bilingual experience taught her that language is more than vocabulary—it’s connection, culture, and joy. In “¡Hola!”, students sing, paint, and play in Spanish, allowing the language to come alive through movement and creativity. Each class is tailored to meet the group’s energy and interests, helping children feel seen, confident, and inspired to use Spanish naturally in daily life. The program’s success lies in its unique combination of art and language learning. Students gain vocabulary, listening skills, and cultural understanding while developing creativity, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. Through art, they find freedom of expression and pride in their progress. "I hope that what [ students] experience in class leaves a lasting impression." Guzman explains. "I want Spanish to be more than just a subject. It should be a tool for communication, a window into other cultures, and a source of pride in who they are and all they’ve accomplished while learning. It fills me with joy to think that, years from now, they might still remember songs, words, or moments that made them feel happy and safe while they learned." Looking ahead, Helena hopes to expand “¡Hola!” into more communities, offering creative bilingual education to children who might not otherwise have access. Her vision is to build a team of passionate, bilingual educators who share her commitment to making Spanish a source of connection, culture, and confidence. Above all, she hopes her students carry the joy of learning with them—remembering songs, words, and moments that made them feel proud, curious, and connected. MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS Charlotte Chalakee has loved theatre for as long as she can remember. Charlotte has had the joy of performing in everything from Shakespeare to sharing the stage with her own children in The Wizard of Oz. As the proud founder of River's Edge Community Theatre in Jenks, she is dedicated to creating a welcoming space where young people can explore theatre and discover the magic of performing. Through directing and producing shows for a wide range of ages, Charlotte aims to foster creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love for the arts in the next generation.Charlotte Chalakee, theater instructor With her daughter Fran, Amy is part of an organizing team passionate about what they do—helping you solve your organizing dilemmas. They provide professional organizing services to help you learn techniques and strategies to better manage your time, things and space. Amy and Fran provide a can-do, nurturing attitude—with lots of energy and enthusiasm!Amy Tuggle, professional organizer Kim Miller-Clark is the Jenks Premiere Pom and Cheer's Program Director and head instructor. For the past 12 years, Kim has been the technique coach for Jenks 7th and 8th, 9th, JV, and Varsity Pom Squads. She has taught dancers of all ages for over 25 years.Kim traveled the United States and Europe with Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago and the River North Dance Company. She also performed with the Radio City Rockettes for 3 years.Kim has coached at Sapulpa, Broken Arrow, Edison, and owned Extension Dance Academy in Broken Arrow for 17 years. In 2006 and 2020 Kim was awarded the OSDTDA coach of the year award for the state of Oklahoma.Kim Miller-Clark, JPS coach and Premiere Pom and Cheer Program Director Lori JanzenExplore in the STEM lab with JPS teacher Lori Janzen. Alecia FreistedtLearn to crochet with Alecia Freistedt. Torry NunneleePrepare for the ACT with certified teachers like Torry Nunnelee. Damon SullivanBuild skills in Windows 11 with Damon Sullivan. Rachel Gunther4th grade students learn archery with JPS teacher Rachel Gunther. Heather ThompsonDraw, paint, and create with JPS teacher Heather Thompson. Join our team! JCE offers a variety of full and part-time positions. Apply today! With childcare, Drivers Education, coaching, and more, the perfect position may be waiting just for you. Open positions can be found through Jenks Public Schools. Interested in teaching an enrichment course? Email Kimberly.Hoffman@jenksps.org or call 918-298-0340 to propose a class or find out more information. Our instructors include community members and JPS certified teachers.
