Behind the scenes.



We're an eclectic mix of media, technology, and arts professionals who have a passion for unlocking the creative potential in kids . ODAEP instructors are leaders across their respective industries and are exceptional at delivering innovative content to students across elementary, middle, and high school programs.



Khalilah A. Webster



Executive Director, Co-Founder



Khalilah Angela Webster is a tireless advocate for arts education,entrepreneurship, and media literacy opportunities for young adults across NYC. Through her leadership ODAEP has become a leading education enrichment service provider delivering unique grghTechnology, Entrepreneurship, Arts, & Media) to more than 70 schools nationwide.



D. Bernard Webster



Chair/ Education Programs, Co-Founder



D. Bernard Webster is an artist, educator, entrepreneur, who has trained more than 10,000 entrepreneurs and received (2) Congressional Tec Champion Awards. In 2008 Webster launched ODAEP with the belief that arts, technology, and media education in schools are under-utilized vehicles for inspiring disruptive innovation in the mindset of 21st century learners.




Sarah Shah



Program Manager



Oversees, curriculums, program implementation, scheduling, and instructor training for ODAEP Programs citywide. Sarah, known in the entertainment world as TourNeSoul, is also a youth mentor, writer and creator with BondinFirst Productions, a performing artist, as well as an actress.



Anthony Clarke



Director of STEM Programs



Anthony Clarke brings more than 20 years experience as a technologist and product development manager and is a Professor at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. He is an expert in STEM Education and value engineering processes that allow students to make real-world connections to science and technology at work in their everyday lives.




Noreen Quadir



Social Media Manager



Noreen Quadir is an actress, social justice activist, and digital media professional with experience in video editing and social media management. Coming from a background in theatre, film, and media marketing, Noreen has a passion for working in education and with the youth community. She particularly loves to inspire young students on the positive impact they can have on the world. At ODAEP, Noreen teaches theatre arts and manages the social media accounts for an elementary and middle school in Brooklyn.




Suraiyah Ortiz



#SheWINS Instructor



Suraiyah Ortiz is a #SheWINS instructor and mentor for Junior High School-aged girls. Ortiz graduated from the CUNY Lehman College Theatre program, and holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts. She went on to become a Standup Comedian and Actress, and currently performs at numerous venues and events all over NYC. Additionally, Suraiyah is a Certified Fitness Coach. She uses her skills in public speaking, performance, writing, and coaching to encourage students to express themselves creatively, and with authenticity.



Ross Adam Cohen



3D/AR/VR Software Instructor Lead



Ross is on a mission to change the very fabric that weaves the education system. He fuses his limitless knowledge of the the development world with the current issues facing the education world thus creating web based platforms for students to use aiding their already complicated journey of learning the currently face. With the Help of Microsoft, ODAEP and The WebGuyz (the startup Ross created) - the future's looking bright for our future students!



Arianit Kukaj



3D/AR/VR Software Instructor



Arianit "Nick" Kukaj enjoys creating unique solutions for companies using open source methods with cutting edge technology. Nick spends most of his time coding and teaching AR, VR, MR and RR (Real Reality) for High School Students. Nick also supports ODAEP coding programs by using emerging technology to introduce new and more effective ways of learning.



Terrell "DJ Relly Rell" Roberts



Urban Block Party, Co-Host/DJ



DJ Relly Rell is a global artist and DJ who has been a featured DJ on Hot 97 (NYC), Hot 93.7 (CT), Shade45 & BET 106&Park. He is the lead DJ and co-host for ODAEP's Urban Block Party Anti-Bullying Concert Series since 2012, which spreads a message of tolerance, non-violence and respect for more than 6000 students across NYC.




Hala Maroc



Social Media Instructor/Host for UBPX



Hala Maroc is a multimedia professional and new on-air personality for Radio 104.5 FM (NC). Hala is also a social media influencer and instructor for ODAEP's "My1Change" Social Media for Social Justice Programs in Brooklyn.



Anthony Gray



Outreach Coordinator



Anthony Gray is a highly motivated professional that specializes in strategic marketing plans for 21st century consumers. He has 6 years plus of practical hands on experience as a marketer and manager producing results for clients. In addition communication is his passion. He firmly believes in fully understanding customer needs in order to achieve complete customer satisfaction.



Kevin Logan



Creative Director/ Outreach Coordinator



Kevin Logan aka "Kev Konnect" is the Creative Director of ODAEP's Urban Block Party. Kevin brings 10 plus years of live “BET” TV experience and event coordination to ODAEP with creative ideas and a vision to expand the brand natinwide. Kevin is also passionate and in tune with pop culture and boasts a expansive network to use to connect the dots for collaborative opportunity. ODAEP's platform gives Kevin opportunity to educate and entertain community youth throughout the NYC school system.



Emicia Parker



#SheWins/Hip-Hop Poetry Instructor



Emicia Yvette Parker is an artist, designer and poet from Brooklyn who was crowned "Miss New York Plus America" 2014, with a platform for empowering underserved youth and building stronger communities. She is ODAEP's Hip-Hop Poetry instructor in the Bronx and #SheWins Girls Mentor.



Coach Ted Gustus Jr.



Young Men's Mentoring Initiatives



Legendary basketball coach and educator Ted Gustus, Jr. has worked in some of the most challenging schools in communities in New York City for over 40 years.

Despite having to overcome his own personal obstacles and tragedies in life, he has accomplished his goals by transforming boys into men through applying his 12 Step Mentoring Game Plan called "One Breath."



Wade Bryant



West African Dance Instructor



Wade Bryant is a professional dancer and choreographer specializing is Ballet, African, Jazz, and Hip-Hop. Wade is also a skilled African Drummer facilitating ODAEP programs in the boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.




Von Middleton



Performing Artist/ Photography



Von Middleton is an entrepreneur and recording artist whose first independent release soared to number 1 for independent online music. Von is a regular performer for ODAEP's Urban Block Party.




Tanya Velardo



Photographer



Tanya Velardo is a photographer, storyteller and communicator at volunteer training programs. Tanya is passionate about not just capturing a photo but communicating a story through her artwork. Her photography has been featured in Ebony magazine and Harlem Fashion Week. Tanya has partnered with ODAEP to document its public school partners across NYC.


Copyright 2016, Open Door Arts-in-Education Project (ODAEP)