Our programs are designed to inspire young artists and foster a love for art through hands-on activities and projects.
Current Happenings
Our experienced instructors create a nurturing and supportive environment where kids can explore their creativity, develop their artistic skills, and build confidence. Join us for an artful journey where imagination and creativity come to life!
Our Teachers
We’re proud to offer classes and workshops in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where our amazing teachers bring our curriculum to life and help us refine it before we share it virtually. These dedicated educators lead hands-on, engaging sessions that spark creativity and inspire young minds. Want to meet the team behind our programs? Check them out here!
Kaila Piepkow
Executive Director / Lead Teacher
Kaila is the full-time Executive Director of Doodles Academy and a part-time preschool art teacher at her daughter’s downtown school. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a background in business, she brings a unique blend of creativity and strategy to arts education—working to expand access to high-quality, process-based art experiences for kids everywhere.
She believes in the power of art to inspire, teach, and connect. Whether leading Doodles Academy, creating just for the joy of it, or learning from the imaginative minds of young artists, Kaila finds endless inspiration in the creativity of children. For her, art isn’t just a subject—it’s a way of thinking, exploring, and bringing a little more magic into the world.
Gabby Peck
Gabby is a passionate Visual Arts Educator with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in K-12 Visual Arts Education from Eastern Michigan University. Her teaching approach focuses on hands-on learning and connecting art to other disciplines, like music and dance. She’s worked with K-12 students, using various materials to inspire self-expression and creativity. With a background in Earth Education, she also integrates outdoor exploration and team-building into her lessons. Gabby is excited to bring her creativity and experience to a dynamic, supportive learning environment.
Lead Teacher
Vern Hapman
Vern received a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature as well as Psychology at Michigan State in 2015, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Women & Gender Studies from Eastern Michigan. She has a passion for youth work and art as therapy, and spent years in Chicago working as a nanny and with a children’s literacy nonprofit. Outside of school, they teach reformer pilates, DIY craft, and most enjoy spending time in nature or on the water.
Lead Teacher
Kristen Holsworth
Kristen is currently enrolled at Eastern Michigan University studying Visual Arts Education. She has a passion for helping all students believe they can be artists. Outside of teaching Kristen is a 3D artist with a focus in 3D printing.
Lead Teacher
Andrea Peña
Lead Teacher
Andrea earned her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from California State University, Northridge. With over six years of experience in classrooms, youth programs, and family settings, she brings a deep understanding of child development to her role as a Montessori teacher in Ann Arbor. Andrea is passionate about nurturing young learners' independence, creativity, and curiosity. She finds joy in supporting each child’s unique goals and loves watching their excitement as they explore, experiment, and grow through hands-on learning.
Krista Skytta
Krista is a passionate public artist dedicated to bringing color, creativity, and community together. With a focus on student involvement and collaborative murals, she has helped shape the visual landscape of Ann Arbor, painting murals downtown and inspiring young artists along the way. As a mom of two, she sees the world through a child’s eyes—full of wonder, play, and magic.
Her work reflects this joy, whether through collaborations with kids, pieces inspired by their observations, or playful designs that spark imagination. Krista believes art should be a part of everyday life, adding a little bit of magic wherever it goes.
Lead Teacher
Doodles in person
Want to see what Doodles is all about? You’ll find us hosting hands-on workshops, pop-ups, and community events across Southeast Michigan throughout the year. From museum collabs to school festivals, we bring our process-based curriculum to life in joyful, interactive ways that kids (and grown-ups!) love. Come say hi, make some art, and see how we’re building a community of young creators!
Arty Parties: Doodles Birthday Package
Make your child’s special day unforgettable with a Doodles art party! Choose from a menu of pre-selected art projects designed to spark joy and creativity for every age. Hosted in our colorful studio or brought to your location, each party includes a guided activity led by a Doodles teaching artist, plus time for imaginative free play. Want to make it extra special? Add on our goody bag option filled with fun, art-themed surprises every kid will love!
Doodles Academy Art Lab
We’re getting ready to open our doors for Open Studio sessions! These drop-in hours will offer families a chance to explore art together in a welcoming, process-based environment. With curated materials and inspiration stations, kids can create whatever they dream up—no right or wrong, just pure imagination. Whether you stay for 20 minutes or two hours, it’s the perfect way to connect, play, and make something meaningful—together. Stay tuned for our launch date!
