Michele Renae Worstell, Founder/Director, Lead Teacher in Junipers
I hold an Associate's Degree in Human Services, along with a Counseling Certificate with an emphasis on early childhood attachment. I have also earned the Early Childhood National Administrator Credential through the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation. My academic background includes coursework in Early Childhood Development, and I have served as both an Early Childhood Development Teacher and an Art Instructor for students in kindergarten through seventh grade. In addition, I have engaged in in-depth study under Dr. Gabor Maté through his Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner program, with a particular focus on early childhood attachment and co-regulation.
Patricia Pena, Lead Teacher Pinons Class
I am originally from Colombia, where I earned my degree in Theatre from the University of Antioquia. My background in the arts and education has given me the opportunity to work with children and communities through creativity, play, movement, and storytelling.
Since moving to Santa Fe, I have been grateful for the opportunity to become part of Shambala House Preschool. I enjoy accompanying children as they explore, imagine, create, and discover the world around them. I am also learning from them every day and continuing to grow in the field of early childhood education.
I feel very happy to be part of the Shambala community and to share a little of my creativity, culture, and love for the arts with the children.
Gabe Worstell, Co-Lead Juniper Class
I recently earned my Associate’s Degree in Film Production and joined Shambala House Preschool in December. Although this is my first experience working with young children, I’ve found it to be incredibly meaningful and deeply rewarding. Each day brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and connect in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I’m truly honored to serve as Co-Lead in the Junipers Class, where I get to support and witness the children’s development in such a vibrant, nurturing environment.
Allegra Lillard, Dance/Movement Teacher
Allegra Lillard is the creator and author of Dance for Joy: A Creative Movement Curriculum for Ages 3–5 Years.
She began her dance training in her home state of Texas and attended Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Massachusetts. Allegra continued her studies in New York City at The School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theatre summer programs, and in Canada at the Banff Centre. Her dance career has taken her throughout the United States, Canada, and Asia. Professionally, she performed soloist and principal roles with Atlanta Ballet, Ballet British Columbia, Ballet Hawaii, Hawaii Ballet Theatre, and Oregon Ballet Theatre.
From 1997–2004, Allegra worked with NDI New Mexico as Residency Director, Associate Artistic Director, and Master Teacher. She was the Founding Director of Dance for Joy, a dance school offering creative movement and ballet for all levels, from 2004–2011. In 2011, she returned to NDI New Mexico as Artistic Director of The Dance Barns, a position she held until 2018.
Allegra currently serves as Director of Early Childhood Curriculum at NDI New Mexico and continues to teach children and lead teacher-training workshops nationally and internationally.
