Preschool & Pre-K at INSPIRE
2025-2026 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
Julie Buckley is happily married for 43 years with four boys and 6 grandchildren. Julie has taught the Preschool program here at INSPIRE for the past 5 years. Julie has 18 years of experience as an elementary instructional interventionist and teacher assistant in the Mesa Public Schools. She has worked in the Title 1 reading Lab with the most up to date researched techniques for reading development. She also has experience teaching Montessori preschool. She has certifications in Dibels Next State Testing; Phonemic Awareness; Group Comprehension and Fluency Strategies; and Diagnostic Intervention for Struggling Readers. She knows the importance of vocabulary and oral language in developing reading comprehension and math skills.
Julie has always had a love of music, gymnastics and art. As a youth she was in the Honor Choir, a State Gymnast, and Cheerleader. She grew up in Mesa and graduated top 20 in her class from Westwood High School. Julie has loved spending the majority of her life serving as a church primary music leader, teacher and choir director. She also was a Cub Scout den leader for 5 years. She performed for 16 years in a Community choir. Julie loves to sew, golf, play pickleball, sing, and play with her grandchildren.
She is a friendly and energetic teacher who enjoys helping children learn through music and movement. She loves to encourage her students with hands-on manipulatives while learning reading and math skills. As an educator and Grandmother, Julie is eager to guide your child in creative and fun ways so your child will beg to go to school!
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!
