Preschool & Pre-K at INSPIRE
2024-2025 Programs
Where Performing Arts Meets Education
At INSPIRE Preschool, we are dedicated to preparing our students for Kindergarten by immersing them in a rich variety of performing arts, including music, dance, theatre, and tumbling. Our programs are designed to build character and confidence, ensuring academic and social readiness for school. Through engaging activities, children experience the joy and importance of learning, practicing, and performing.
Our structured learning environment encourages exploration and discovery through music, dance, and interactive centers focused on letter recognition, math, motor skills, reading, and art. Children also enjoy snack preparation, crafts, and group circle time, fostering a well-rounded educational experience.
Research consistently links music study to academic achievement and brain development. As schools increasingly remove arts from their curricula, INSPIRE is committed to reintegrating music, movement, and the arts into education, providing a strong educational foundation centered around creativity and expression.
Meet the Teachers
Julie Buckley
Preschool Teacher
With 18 years of experience in the Mesa Public Schools as an instructional interventionist and teacher assistant, Julie Buckley brings a wealth of expertise to our preschool. She has specialized in the Title 1 Reading Lab, utilizing the latest techniques for reading development and holds certifications in various educational strategies, including phonemic awareness and diagnostic intervention for struggling readers.
Julie, a Mesa native and Westwood High School graduate, has a lifelong passion for music, gymnastics, and art. Her involvement in Honor Choir, gymnastics, and cheerleading during her youth reflects her diverse interests. Beyond her professional life, Julie has been devoted to community service, including roles as a church music leader, choir director, and Cub Scout den leader.
Happily married for 38 years, Julie is a proud mother of four and grandmother of three. She enjoys sewing, golfing, singing, and spending time with her grandchildren. Known for her friendly and energetic teaching style, Julie loves to engage her students through music, movement, and hands-on activities, nurturing their reading and math skills. Her enthusiasm for playful learning inspires young minds to explore the world with curiosity and joy.
Kenzi Abalos
Preschool Arts Teacher
Kenzi Abalos has been a beloved instructor at INSPIRE for many years, where her passion for teaching the performing arts captivates preschoolers. Her enthusiasm and dedication make her a favorite among students eager to explore the arts.
Kenzi began her dance journey at the age of three with Safford Dance Academy, competing until her graduation in 2018. She then earned a scholarship to Grand Canyon University, where she studied dance performance and education, training in various styles including jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, ballroom, and modern dance from 2018 to 2020.
In 2019, Kenzi showcased her talents in "Breaking Ground" at the Tempe Center for the Arts, embracing the freedom of interpretive dance. Over the past three years at INSPIRE Entertainment, she has found her calling in teaching, working with both Dance Academy groups and recreational classes. Students adore Ms. Kenzi, and she is thrilled to bring her vibrant energy to the Performing Arts Preschool this year!
