Marisa Manion

Owner & Director

Marisa is the Founder and Director of The Pineland Arts Center. She has owned the ARTery Studio LLC since 2020, which was originally located on Main Street Medford. Marisa has a vision for creating a home for the creative arts (art, music, clay, and movement) in Medford. Together with her family and amazing team, Marisa has embarked on the journey of transforming an old Medford firehouse into The Pineland Arts Center. Marisa is a NJ state certified music teacher K-12. She taught PK-5  Music and Chorus in Marlton from 2014-2021. Marisa currently teaches children's music classes at Stepping Stones Nature School. She also has a private piano studio and enjoys helping children find joy in music!

Susanna Saluga Pannone

Director of Art Education

Susanna received her Bachelors of Science in Art Education from Kutztown University in 1985. Soon after, she was hired by the Pemberton School District. During her 34 years with the district, she has taught art to grades K - 8. Susanna also designed curriculum, instructed art in many after school and summer programs. She received the honor of Teacher of the year for her school in 2015. Susanna has instructed painting and private art lessons throughout the area for many years. She is a lifelong Medford resident and is so excited to continue her passion for teaching at the ARTery!

Jessica Phelps

Art Teacher

Miss Jess received her Bachelor’s Degree in fine arts from Moore College of Art and Design, graduating with departmental honors in 2006. She studied printmaking, textile design, & 3D sculpture, majoring in 2D painting, and drawing. She has taught private lessons, women’s retreats, and group lessons. Her work has been shown both locally and internationally. Miss Jess has been a Medford resident since 2018, recently has been working in the district as a substitute teacher. 

Wen Miller

Director of Movement

Wen has over 25 years experience as a personal trainer in exercise, nutrition, and health & fitness. Wen also has in depth knowledge of classic yoga and traditional Northern Shaolin style Kung Fu, Qi Gong, Bagua & Yang style Taiqi Quan. Her impressive career in martial arts began under the World-renowned Grand Master Anthony Goh of Baltimore and she has won several International level completions in forms, weapons and sparring. She instructs all ages and clients of varying levels and abilities.

Helen Driggs

Art & Clay Teacher

Helen is a Teaching Artist and a NJ State Certified K-12 Art Teacher. She has written two books on the jewelry arts and has more than 20 years experience teaching the craft of studio jewelry creation at art workshops across the country. She is skilled in many types of art making, including drawing, painting, printmaking, paper and book arts, fiber arts and ceramics, and loves learning and teaching new skills.

Kate Mathiesen

Art Teacher

Kate Mathiesen holds a Masters in Visual Arts Teaching from the University of the Arts and has been teaching elementary art education for 24 years. Kate has experience teaching grades pre-K-12.  Before becoming a teacher in a public school, Kate taught art to children ages 4-6 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she gained a strong love of art history. When Kate is not teaching or searching for new ideas, she enjoys time with her children and 3 legged Chihuahua, Frida.