Amber Scardino is the founder and owner of Figment Creative Labs. She opened the process art studio Wee Warhols in 2013. Along with a name change has come huge growth, from a studio that doubled as a garage to our new location at 7809 Brodie Lane, which includes an art studio, makerspace, discovery lab, creative preschool and toddler art play group space as well as an outdoor play area.
A mother of two and coauthor of the book series STEAM Kids, Amber believes that art should be a stress-free process that promotes self esteem and confidence. She hopes that Figment will inspire creativity in people of all ages, bring families together through art and encourage learning through play.
Andrea “Andy” Martinez is Figment’s Business Administrator and Office Manager. She hails from San Antonio, but now calls Austin home. She graduated from Texas State University with a BA in Fashion Merchandising and a Minor in Business Administration. Along with years of experience working in administrative and customer service positions, Ms. Andy also has a background in preschool education. Her creative pursuits involve writing, photography, fashion and pottery. You’ll see Ms. Andy engaging with Figment students and families, answering questions, addressing business inquiries, and handling various organizational needs.
Brooke Andrews is a Creative Pre-K teacher at Figment and a home grown Austinite. She graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. Brooke has worked with children for the past 22 years in preschool settings, fine arts programs, as well as dance, gymnastics, and fitness. Her experience ranges from infants through Pre-k. Ms. Brooke enjoys facilitating children’s learning and development through play, art, music, and nature.
Kristen Evans is a Creative Pre-K teacher at Figment and a San Antonio native. She attended the University of North Texas before traveling all over with her dog and finally settling in Buda. Kristen has been working with children for 11 years, spending time as a teacher, private tutor, and nanny. In her spare time, she enjoys creating costumes for herself and friends, as well as practicing SFX makeup and painting. Ms. Kristen says her favorite part of working with younger kids is watching them grow, expanding their skills, and seeing them develop their creative interests and passions.
Melissa Stimac is a multidisciplinary artist from Southern California, who has spent several years teaching children’s art workshops. Additionally, she has extensive experience working as a Paraeducator substitute teacher for preschool and K-12 grade levels. Her favorite aspect of teaching visual art is helping children to bring their own creativity and vision to life. You can find Ms. Melissa teaching our younger Homeschool Group and assisting with Figment’s After-School Program.
Stephanie Gregory is a 3-D artist, Yogi, and avid roller skater from New Jersey. In 2010, she earned her art and design education degree from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. She has been pursuing various forms of teaching, art, and performance for the past 12 years. Her approach to teaching is one that encourages children to solve problems and experiment with various building and painting techniques. Ms. Stephanie loves to encourage creative and critical thinking in her students while giving them the freedom to explore their interests. You can see Ms. Stephanie’s skills at work in Figment’s Homeschool Group and After-School programs.
Debbie Tate is a childhood educator with over 25 years experience and a Certified Life Coach for kids & artists. She has a Montessori Certification and an Associate Degree in Child Development. She loves to bring lessons to life through children’s literature and creativity. Debbie grew up in Sugar Land, Texas and taught at schools throughout the Houston area, eventually opening her own children’s art studio. She has adopted the city of Austin as her new home, since moving here three years ago, and has enjoyed soaking up the local, creative culture. She lives with her dog Linus and paints in her free time. She creates Austin inspired art as well as abstract hearts that are part of her Emily Love Collection. You’ll find Ms. Debbie hosting Figment’s Art Birthday Parties and leading cool projects for our Home Visits.
Joy Cannon is a Figment Home Visit Instructor and Toddler Art Playgroup assistant from Buda, Texas. Her artistic journey began early at mom’s dining table where she left more than a few marks. Ms. Joy studied helping professions at Texas State University and has worked with children, from infants to teens, for 2 decades. She loves children’s literature, recycled art materials, and puppets. Joy has extensive experience and knowledge about child development, mindfulness, and mental health advocacy.
