Who We Are
Meet the zany, spunky, passionate crew responsible for turning a vintage trailer into On The Move Art Studio!
Kathy Werking
Co-Founder, Executive Director
Brief bio: Kathy teaches art classes through her Kentucky Green Studio located in Paris, KY. In addition, she makes and sells natural candles and body care products under the Kentucky Green/Soapwerks label.
Why I am involved: I love to unleash creativity in children's lives.
My one wish for the kids we serve: I wish for our students to live a creative, fulfilling life.
Co-Founder, Executive Director
Brief bio: Kathy teaches art classes through her Kentucky Green Studio located in Paris, KY. In addition, she makes and sells natural candles and body care products under the Kentucky Green/Soapwerks label.
Why I am involved: I love to unleash creativity in children's lives.
My one wish for the kids we serve: I wish for our students to live a creative, fulfilling life.
Josh Nadzam
Co-Founder, Board President
Brief bio: A community activist and social worker, Josh is the co-founder of On The Move Art Studio and an instructor at the UK College of Social Work. A former member of the UK Track and Field Team, he eventually earned his master's degree in social work and since then has been a community activist and leader. In his spare time he loves running and being an avid fan of Malcolm Gladwelll!
Why I am involved: As a child who grew up in a bad neighborhood, I know what it is like to not have positive things to do in a rough environment. I don't want to just complain about how kids don't have anything to do--I want to give them things to do. There are no such things as bad kids--only kids doing their best to survive bad environments.
My one wish for the kids we serve: That for the time we are with them, they feel safe, encouraged, supported, valued, and loved.
Co-Founder, Board President
Brief bio: A community activist and social worker, Josh is the co-founder of On The Move Art Studio and an instructor at the UK College of Social Work. A former member of the UK Track and Field Team, he eventually earned his master's degree in social work and since then has been a community activist and leader. In his spare time he loves running and being an avid fan of Malcolm Gladwelll!
Why I am involved: As a child who grew up in a bad neighborhood, I know what it is like to not have positive things to do in a rough environment. I don't want to just complain about how kids don't have anything to do--I want to give them things to do. There are no such things as bad kids--only kids doing their best to survive bad environments.
My one wish for the kids we serve: That for the time we are with them, they feel safe, encouraged, supported, valued, and loved.
Gerri Botts
Board Member
Brief bio: With a profound commitment to social justice, I've devoted my career to creating inclusive spaces that empower and uplift those often overlooked, ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. Personally driven by a passion for equity, my journey revolves around fostering access and inclusion for the underrepresented and marginalized, aiming to alleviate the impact of trauma on individuals and communities.
Why I am involved: Engaged with OTMAS, I advocate for the belief that art, as a universal language, serves as a therapeutic instrument for expressing a spectrum of emotions. My involvement reflects a commitment to harnessing the healing power of art for emotional expression.
My one wish for the kids we serve: I wish for the children we serve to discover art as a safe haven for both expression & healing.
Board Member
Brief bio: With a profound commitment to social justice, I've devoted my career to creating inclusive spaces that empower and uplift those often overlooked, ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. Personally driven by a passion for equity, my journey revolves around fostering access and inclusion for the underrepresented and marginalized, aiming to alleviate the impact of trauma on individuals and communities.
Why I am involved: Engaged with OTMAS, I advocate for the belief that art, as a universal language, serves as a therapeutic instrument for expressing a spectrum of emotions. My involvement reflects a commitment to harnessing the healing power of art for emotional expression.
My one wish for the kids we serve: I wish for the children we serve to discover art as a safe haven for both expression & healing.
Faith Calhoun-Louden
Board Member
Brief bio: Originally from Lebanon, KY, Faith earned her B.A. from Berea College and her Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky. She has over 20 years of experience serving youth and families. Along with her husband, their blended family consists of three children and four grandchildren.
Why I am involved: Art and art appreciation has been a significant part of my entire life. My mother is an artist and ensured our exposure to art and to be creative. I genuinely believe in the power of art and artistic expression for all people.
My one wish for the kids we serve: That they are positively impacted by expressing themselves artistically and by the human interactions with the staff and volunteers of OTMAS.
Board Member
Brief bio: Originally from Lebanon, KY, Faith earned her B.A. from Berea College and her Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky. She has over 20 years of experience serving youth and families. Along with her husband, their blended family consists of three children and four grandchildren.
Why I am involved: Art and art appreciation has been a significant part of my entire life. My mother is an artist and ensured our exposure to art and to be creative. I genuinely believe in the power of art and artistic expression for all people.
My one wish for the kids we serve: That they are positively impacted by expressing themselves artistically and by the human interactions with the staff and volunteers of OTMAS.
Casey Harris
Board member
Brief bio: Casey Harris grew up in a rural region in Franklin County. She attended the University of Kentucky and graduated with a degree in Media Arts and Studies and minored in Art Studio. Casey has always had a passion for creating and helping others.
Why I am involved: With my job at KET I’m constantly helping tell the stories of great individuals who have made a difference in their community. I decided that I wanted start being someone who was also making a greater difference. I joined On The Move Art Studio because it was a perfect way for me to combine my love for creativity and helping others.
My one wish for the kids we serve: My wish is that they are able to reach their full potential.
Board member
Brief bio: Casey Harris grew up in a rural region in Franklin County. She attended the University of Kentucky and graduated with a degree in Media Arts and Studies and minored in Art Studio. Casey has always had a passion for creating and helping others.
Why I am involved: With my job at KET I’m constantly helping tell the stories of great individuals who have made a difference in their community. I decided that I wanted start being someone who was also making a greater difference. I joined On The Move Art Studio because it was a perfect way for me to combine my love for creativity and helping others.
My one wish for the kids we serve: My wish is that they are able to reach their full potential.
Mandy Wagers
Secretary
Brief bio: Mandy is a local Lexington artist originally from Ohio, she has been a practicing artist for 25+ years mostly working in mixed media painting, watercolors and drawing. She is also a proud cat mom to her 3 fur babies Walter, Maxwell and Juniper.
Why I am involved: My involvement with On The Move Art Studio comes from the belief that every child is an artist and that keeping art in the hands of kids is one of the best things we can do as adults.
My one wish for the kids we serve: That children will grow up to know that there is no limit to creativity!
Secretary
Brief bio: Mandy is a local Lexington artist originally from Ohio, she has been a practicing artist for 25+ years mostly working in mixed media painting, watercolors and drawing. She is also a proud cat mom to her 3 fur babies Walter, Maxwell and Juniper.
Why I am involved: My involvement with On The Move Art Studio comes from the belief that every child is an artist and that keeping art in the hands of kids is one of the best things we can do as adults.
My one wish for the kids we serve: That children will grow up to know that there is no limit to creativity!
Wendi Keene
Vice President
Brief bio: Born in Las Vegas, New Mexico lived in Texas for awhile. Had a 30 year career with the YMCA of Central Kentucky. My background is in education with a degree from the University of Kentucky. Married to Mike for 28 years and am a mother of 2 boys Travis and Austin. Have a dog named Petey.
Why I am involved: Love working in the community with families and children.
My one wish for the kids we serve: That every child has a chance to reach their full potential.
Vice President
Brief bio: Born in Las Vegas, New Mexico lived in Texas for awhile. Had a 30 year career with the YMCA of Central Kentucky. My background is in education with a degree from the University of Kentucky. Married to Mike for 28 years and am a mother of 2 boys Travis and Austin. Have a dog named Petey.
Why I am involved: Love working in the community with families and children.
My one wish for the kids we serve: That every child has a chance to reach their full potential.
Tom Schaub
Board member
Brief bio: Tom Schaub is currently the Vice President of Business Development for DecoArt, a paint manufacturer in the arts and crafts industry. He was born in New York and raised in Lexington. Tom has been happily married to a Fayette County art teacher for over 35 years. They have a daughter who is currently studying Biophysics in college.
Why I am involved: I strongly believe that having an appreciation for the arts can enrich one's life. It can especially help students in many ways, as the ability to think creatively is essential to a successful career, regardless of the profession one chooses to pursue. My goal is to ensure that the young people in our community are given the opportunity to expand their horizons through art.
Your one wish for the kids we serve: Our efforts have a positive and meaningful impact on their lives.
Board member
Brief bio: Tom Schaub is currently the Vice President of Business Development for DecoArt, a paint manufacturer in the arts and crafts industry. He was born in New York and raised in Lexington. Tom has been happily married to a Fayette County art teacher for over 35 years. They have a daughter who is currently studying Biophysics in college.
Why I am involved: I strongly believe that having an appreciation for the arts can enrich one's life. It can especially help students in many ways, as the ability to think creatively is essential to a successful career, regardless of the profession one chooses to pursue. My goal is to ensure that the young people in our community are given the opportunity to expand their horizons through art.
Your one wish for the kids we serve: Our efforts have a positive and meaningful impact on their lives.
Demetria Blair
Board member
Brief bio: Demetria is currently the Program Manager for CHI Saint Joseph Health's Creating Safer Neighborhoods Initiative. She earned an MBA from the University of Kentucky and a BBA from Middle Tennessee State University. After her time in the corporate arena, she adopted a love for education which led her to Fayette County Public Schools where she served for over 10 years. During the summer months, she served as the Director for the Consolidated Summer Enrichment Program where she sought to reimagine education by using the arts to teach reading, math and science curriculum.
Why I am involved: Art is a catalyst that moves young people from learning about the world around us to experiencing the world around us. As part of OTMAS, my hope is to show how the arts can engage the investigative mindset of young people so that they achieve academic, social, and emotional success.
Your one wish for the kids we serve: My one wish for every young person is to realize that they are already a success story.
Board member
Brief bio: Demetria is currently the Program Manager for CHI Saint Joseph Health's Creating Safer Neighborhoods Initiative. She earned an MBA from the University of Kentucky and a BBA from Middle Tennessee State University. After her time in the corporate arena, she adopted a love for education which led her to Fayette County Public Schools where she served for over 10 years. During the summer months, she served as the Director for the Consolidated Summer Enrichment Program where she sought to reimagine education by using the arts to teach reading, math and science curriculum.
Why I am involved: Art is a catalyst that moves young people from learning about the world around us to experiencing the world around us. As part of OTMAS, my hope is to show how the arts can engage the investigative mindset of young people so that they achieve academic, social, and emotional success.
Your one wish for the kids we serve: My one wish for every young person is to realize that they are already a success story.
Peter Mottas
Board member
Brief bio: Peter is an Assistant Professor in the field of Psychology.
Why I am involved: Peter just loves what OTMAS brings to young children and old alike. He has also been able to tie his Developmental Psychology students into having the opportunity to work with children at various events. It has been a great experience for all of them.
Your one wish for the kids we serve: For the kids we serve is to leave a better world for them and to always believe that you don’t have to be an artist to be creative.
Board member
Brief bio: Peter is an Assistant Professor in the field of Psychology.
Why I am involved: Peter just loves what OTMAS brings to young children and old alike. He has also been able to tie his Developmental Psychology students into having the opportunity to work with children at various events. It has been a great experience for all of them.
Your one wish for the kids we serve: For the kids we serve is to leave a better world for them and to always believe that you don’t have to be an artist to be creative.
Corissa Phillips
Treasurer
Brief bio: Corissa is the External Relations Director for GreenHouse17, a nonprofit committed to ending intimate partner abuse. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and holds undergraduate degree in studio art and masters degree in art history.
Why I am involved: I am involved with On the Move Art Studio because its mission reflects my understanding of art as a tool for well-being, justice, and community.
Your one wish for the kids we serve: My wish is for every child to have meaningful access to artmaking and the lifelong benefits of creating.
Treasurer
Brief bio: Corissa is the External Relations Director for GreenHouse17, a nonprofit committed to ending intimate partner abuse. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and holds undergraduate degree in studio art and masters degree in art history.
Why I am involved: I am involved with On the Move Art Studio because its mission reflects my understanding of art as a tool for well-being, justice, and community.
Your one wish for the kids we serve: My wish is for every child to have meaningful access to artmaking and the lifelong benefits of creating.
Brandy Davis
Board member
Brief bio: Employee of the Human Development Institute with UK who focuses on mental health and disability. Active community leader who focuses on the best quality of life for people of all diverse backgrounds.
Why I am involved: I want to contribute to children's development by providing them with opportunities for self-expression.
Your one wish for the kids we serve: To inspire children to explore their creativity and develop their artistic skills.
Board member
Brief bio: Employee of the Human Development Institute with UK who focuses on mental health and disability. Active community leader who focuses on the best quality of life for people of all diverse backgrounds.
Why I am involved: I want to contribute to children's development by providing them with opportunities for self-expression.
Your one wish for the kids we serve: To inspire children to explore their creativity and develop their artistic skills.