MEET OUR TEACHERS AND LEADERS
Kristi VanKeersbilck
Crescendo Director / Handbells and Choir Chimes Instructor
Kristi VanKeersbilck has been the Director of Handbells at Camarillo UMC for 18 years. She currently directs five bell choirs, ranging in age from 4-years-old to adults, who perform regularly in church, in the community, and at our annual spring Bell Choir Concert. Kristi has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy from Arizona State University and is a member of the Handbell Musicians of America. She formerly worked as a music therapist at Camarillo State Hospital and Ventura County Behavioral Health. She has many years of experience teaching preschool music groups, flute lessons, recorder classes, and handbell choirs. Her greatest joy is sharing her love of music with others.
Dorrie Kelly
Singing Instructor
Dorrie Kelly is a pianist and music teacher in Ventura county. She currently teaches an after school music class at CAPE and teaches private piano lessons throughout Camarillo and Newbury Park. She received her B.S. in Music Education from Hofstra University and has taught K-8th grade general music, choir, and various other ensembles. In addition to this, she has also served on the music worship team for various churches across the country. Dorrie is excited to be a part of Crescendo this summer, and looks forward to sharing her passion for music with all of the participants!
Nayla Reynolds
Music Enrichment Instructor
Nayla earned her BA in Music from Cal State University, Northridge. A long-time educator, Nayla has over 15 years of teaching experience in both private and public schools and she currently teaches music at Mesa Union School. She has taught choir, piano and her favorite instrument to play is the steel drum! Nayla loves to sing and is very excited to share her passion for music with the kids at Crescendo Summer Music Camp.
Christina Delgado
Dance Instructor
Christina Delgado is a Southern California native who began her dance education at the age of two with Camarillo Academy of Performing Arts. Growing up she was trained in ballet, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre, hip-hop, tap, pom, and improvisation. For ten years, she competed in various dance competitions throughout California, receiving top category scores and scholarships. She attended summer intensive programs for The Joffrey Ballet School and modeled for their marketing campaigns in issues of Dance Magazine and Dance Spirit. Her modeling experience extends to dance wear apparel lines such as Covet Dance, as well as acting in music videos for Roman Empire Management. While attending Chaminade College Preparatory in Los Angeles, Christina served as a 4-year member, captain, and choreographer of the pom dance team and the dance ensemble. Upon graduation she serves as an assistant coach and audition judge for the Chaminade pom dance team. She currently attends the University of Utah, continuing her passion for dancing and teaching.
Connie Halpern
Onsite Coordinator
Connie Halpern, also known as Mrs. Figs (Faith In God Shows), is the former owner of The Bookworm in Camarillo, and a Registered Nurse by profession. She has also worked as a Substitute Teacher (Grades K-8) and was a Girl Scout Leader for 12 years. Connie is a beloved volunteer Sunday School Teacher at Camarillo UMC. Her many gifts include singing in the choir, storytelling, leading middle grade book clubs, and most importantly, making everyone feel loved and special.