About Fein Academy
Our mission is to facilitate children’s comprehensive development through Fitness, Art, Music and Languages classes and programs.
We are unique in offering small groups, personal attention to each child, and in our use of art and music to focus on each child’s physical and social development.
We have structured our programs such that children learn as much as they want, and as much as they can, but at the same time we do not overload them with information. We keep learning fun.
JULIA FEIN
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Julia is a Lead Teacher, Certified Children’s Fitness Specialista and Infant and Toddlers Yoga Instructor.
She has over 15 years of experience working with children in private and public organizations organizing Enrichment Programs, Summer Camps, and Sport activities.
Julia is a Certified Principal Personal Trainer. She provides basic nutrition guidelines and diet recommendations to enhance performance, energy level, and physical development.
Julia is a former Contact Combat (Krav Maga) Instructor.
JASMIN KONJOYAN
Music Director
Has graduated with honors diploma from the Yerevan State Pedagogical University, the Music Department of Aesthetic Education.
She sang in the Vocal Instrumental Ensemble Arevik of the State Radio and TV, later in “Elegia” and “Ave Maria” Chamber Choirs, as well as in the Chamber Choir of the Armenian National Radio.
She was a singer, co-founder and manager of “Luys” Vocal Quintet, which has recorded and produced “Light to the World” (2003) and “Come to Light” (2004) CDs in Germany. Later, “Luys” CD (2009), produced in the USA, was nominated as a “Best Choral Album of the Year” in numerous competitions around the world.
She was a conductor of the Children Choir, a winner of a Golden Prize in the Pupil Art Competition-Festival in 2006. This was followed by “Children to the World” CD production in Germany (2007). Jasmine Konjoyan was awarded a “Model Teacher” (Youth Centers, Yerevan, 2007), as well as a “Leading Teacher” designation (Youth Centers, Yerevan, 2009). She has had concert performances in Italy, Canada, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Great Britain.
UNA BELAU
Science teacher
M. Ed. in Middle School English and Reading K-12, Lesley University, in progress
M. A. in Russian Literature, Yale University
B. A. in English and Rhetoric, Binghamton University
Una has taught children of all ages. In the US, she has worked with pre-school children, taught reading to elementary school children, and Russian to college students. In Italy,
Una has taught English to children, students, and doctoral candidates. Una is keen on recognizing her students’ individual learning styles and aims to find fun ways to help each student succeed in the learning process.
KATJA SWIFT
Natural Health teacher
Katja Swift is an herbalist and a teacher working to help adults, children, and families rebuild their relationships with their bodies and with their own ability to heal. Katja grew up the daughter of a nurse, and started working with the plants as medicine in the 90s. After training with Rosemary Gladstar, and Guido Mase, she ran a family practice herbal clinic in central Vermont for six years. During that time, she owned and worked a 150-acre certified organic farm, raising heritage breed livestock and market and herb gardens. She taught monthly at the local coop and acted as a guest lecturer at Dartmouth Medical School and the UVM Medical School. She presented annually at the Northeast Organic Farming Association conference. Katja worked actively to help pass anti-GMO legislation in Vermont: the Right to Know Seed Labeling Bill, which became the first such law in the nation, as well as the Farmer Protection Act. She also worked extensively with the Weston A. Price Foundation, publishing several articles in their quarterly journal. Since returning to Boston in 2007, Katja has taught regularly at the Boston School of Herbal Studies. Currently she is currently practicing in Brookline, Massachusetts, and teaching all around the city.
ALEXANDER BROOK
Math teacher
Alexander holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the Technion in Haifa, Israel. His teaching experience ranges from first graders to graduate students and includes advising and training other teachers. His mathematical education started in Moscow’s 91st experimental school. He later tutored there while being a student in Moscow University’s Mathematics department. Alexander’s teaching emphasizes deep understanding over routine manipulations. He seeks to inspire his students with the intrinsic beauty of his subject, and install confidence, intellectual independence, and critical thinking skills. .
ELENA SIROTA
Art teacher
Elena graduated from State Restouration University of Saint-Petersburg. She worked in several schools of Saint-Petersburg. Elena participated in restoration of Saint-Petersburg and Pushkino palaces. She teaches Art classes in US from 2001. Elena has participated in several local and international exhibitions.
TONY Wolff
Music Teacher
Tony has been working with children for over 30 years. A graduate of Brown University with additional studies at Berklee School of Music, Tony blends a personalized teaching style with a developmental approach designed to encourage creativity and individuality. Tony developed and ran an innovative music program at Suzan’s School in Brookline for over 25 years, and has extensive experience teaching children from preschool ages up through grade school. Tony is excited to be teaching at Fein Academy, offering music classes which emphasize the development of an individual musicality and creativity. Tony also teaches music at Salem State University, and is currently in his 8th year there. A professional jazz guitarist as well, Tony performs at venues throughout New England, as well as offering private instruction on guitar.