
FINE ARTS EXPRESS EDUCATORS

Director and Lead Educator
Nikkie Ruud Ripka
Nikkie Ruud Ripka is a Certified Early Childhood Educator with over 30 years of experience working with young children. She is the former Director of The Preschool Fine Arts, a certified dance and yoga instructor, music educator, and published children’s author. In addition to her early childhood work, Nikkie is a seasoned dance professional who has owned and managed her own successful dance schools.
As both an educator and a mother of two, she is passionate about fostering creativity, confidence, and self-expression in young learners. Her unique blend of arts and education creates enriching, meaningful experiences that support children’s growth across all areas of development.

Educator Extrodinaire
Anna Foord
While working as a student teacher and assisting with multiple dance classes at Diversity Dance & Performing Arts, Miss Anna discovered her passion for working with young children—especially those under the age of five. This calling inspired her to pursue and complete a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Development from Bow Valley College.
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Miss Anna continues to share her love of dance by teaching a variety of classes at Diversity, with a special fondness for her under-5 students. Her deep interest in early learning led to an invitation from Miss Nikkie to join the team at Fine Arts Express.
Miss Anna is passionate about nurturing each child’s growth and confidence through the diverse experiences offered in the Fine Arts Express program.