Founding Director
Stacy Steyaert
Stacy Steyaert (she/her) specializes in arts experiences for ages 0-10, and firmly believes that play is the heart and driving force of all learning for the young. She has received local, national, and international recognition for her work and arts advocacy, including a Presidential Citation from American Alliance for Theatre and Education (AATE) and honors as a Steering Committee member of the inaugural American Theatre for the Very Young Digital Festival. Stacy has also mentored drama instructors and aspiring educators across the world, most notably working with educators from America, Canada, China, India, and Turkey. Prior to founding Soaring Starts, Stacy worked as the Early Childhood Program Coordinator at Imagination Stage, overseeing 20+ classes a semester, mentoring hundreds of artists and school educators, and teaching thousands of students in the DC area. Her work has also been seen at institutions such as Adventure Theatre MTC and Chicago Children's Theatre, spanning over a decade's worth of experience in teaching and program administration across the Denver, Chicago, Hartford, and DC Metro areas. She holds a M.Ed in Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University, and a BFA in Theatre Management from DePaul University. Now also a proud Arlington mom, Stacy founded Soaring Starts Early Learning & Arts in early 2021.
Faculty & Staff
V Cangelosi - Assistant Manager
V Cangelosi (she/they) has been working with children in recreational & educational settings for over a decade. With a BFA in Dance from Shenandoah University, V brings a unique, movement-based approach to arts integration in early education. She has been teaching dance classes for students of all ages for seven years, & she encourages an intellectual approach to movement fostering a lifelong mind-body connection. V is working towards a Master’s Degree in Arts Administration. When she is not working or studying, you’ll likely find her taking a dance class, performing with Conflux Dance Theater, or making delicious food for her family & friends.
Maria Santiago - Resident Teaching Artist
Maria Santiago (she/her) Maria’s passion for the arts and culture started at an early age, and led her to study and teach theater and fine arts in four countries across three continents. She holds a Master’s Degree in Theatre and has received recognition as a playwright and theater director. She has also given lectures on her work as a photographer and was featured in an expo in Europe. Maria loves sculpting, painting, and sharing her passion for creative expression with kids and young adults. Outside of teaching, Maria enjoys spending time in nature, being a cat mom, and continually developing her skills as an artist.
Guest Teaching Artists
Jamie Borris, Liv Dinter, Leigh Lolos, Madeleine Barry, Stania Shaw
Founders Circle
Soaring Starts would like to thank the below individuals for going above and beyond for us as we strengthened and solidified our organization in our inaugural year. We are forever grateful for the support and guidance this compensated committee of educators, advocates, and business professionals provided for us, and we cannot wait to show you just how far we will soar next.