Explorations

Founded by longtime educator Emily Knauer, Creativities Studio brings engaging, hands-on classes to schools and studios across the country. With over 17 years of teaching experience, Emily leads a team of passionate professionals—including dancers, artists, chefs, and educators—who make learning both fun and meaningful. Creativities Studio offers a wide range of programs, including dance, art, cooking, private tutoring, and more. Each class is designed to be upbeat, inclusive, and enriching for every learner. Their team is dedicated to helping children grow creatively while having a great time.

Brannan received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Louisiana Tech University in Advertising and Graphic Design. After graduation Brannan opened her own graphic design firm in Dallas which she had for 25 years. Her client list included national and international accounts including Neiman Marcus, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Southwest Airlines, and Mobil Oil Corporation.

In 2009, Brannan closed the design firm and returned to painting. She started working with a client who was building a home in Highland Park and wanted a few commission pieces. For years, they would meet weekly discussing art, reviewing comps, and delivering the final pieces. Overall, she painted 27 pieces for that home.

While starting this new career as a fine artist, Brannan taught painting classes to adults and children. She discovered how much she loved to teach the techniques, the history of art and the Masters. Brannan stated, “Teaching has brought so much to my own paintings. When you are teaching a Matisse, van Gogh or Kandinsky, you need to know their story, brush strokes, techniques, and palettes…I will forever be a student of art.”

Dr. Dakoli began her formative musical training at a young age in Durres, Albania and by the age of twelve she had performed her first solo recital and began performing concerts throughout Albania. At the age of 18, Dr. Dakoli was accepted into the University of Music, Tirana, Albania to study under Professor Anita Tartari and received her Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy. She has won many awards and has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. In 2003, Dr. Dakoli left Albania to study at Baylor University in Waco. She graduated with a Master of Music in Piano Performance in 2005. In 2017, Dr. Dakoli earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance degree from Louisiana State University. She serves as music faculty at Dallas Baptist University. Dr. Dakoli also serves on the Lamplighter Parents’ Association and coordinates The Lamplighter School’s annual Media Center Open House Student Recital. Dr. Dakoli is a Mason & Hamlin Artist and serves as the face of and is a recording artist for PianoDisc.

Terri Braun is an athlete, leader, teacher, and mother of three. Her programs keep children moving and active. The magic of Kidokinetics is that they’ve made sure achieving goals is an exciting experience — one that is so much fun, kids aren’t even aware of the fact that they’re learning.

Premier Martial Arts helps children build confidence, focus, and self-discipline through martial arts training. With an emphasis on character development and physical fitness, students learn valuable life skills that support them both on and off the mat.

Yogees Yoga 4 Kids was founded in 2006 by Taylor Gutow, who wanted to give children a space to move, breathe, and just be—with no competition, only connection. Today, Yogees teachers bring joyful, kid-centered yoga to schools, libraries, parties, and community spaces across DFW. Their guiding motto: Think good things. Say good things. Do good things.

Founder, Adrian Sanchez, Jr., has been in the field of STEM Education for more than 12 years; he has worked with other companies and has seen what is possible when you open the door to the world of tech for students. He believes everyone should be able to have the experience of learning new skills and having fun at the same time!

Adrian works very closely with his brother and lead instructor, Tony Sanchez. Tony ensures the staff are properly trained to their high standards. The Sanchez brothers work diligently to keep each student engaged and will often team up to teach camps and classes. They also work very closely in developing new material and camps.

The final member of the team is Olivia Sanchez, Adrian’s wife. She works closely with the brothers to develop new curriculum as well as recruiting new partners, developing marketing materials, and working on anything 8Bit might need. 

Nexplore fosters a love of learning through hands-on enrichment that sparks curiosity and confidence. Their programs give students the chance to explore interests while building key life skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, emotional awareness, collaboration, and global understanding, so they can thrive in and beyond the classroom.