Miriam Cruz
Riverdale,CA
Summary
Innovative educator and curriculum developer with extensive experience in bilingual instruction and community engagement. Skilled in designing and implementing performing arts programs that promote emotional well-being and self-expression among diverse youth groups. Proven ability to foster collaboration and inclusivity, enhancing learning experiences through creative arts.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Lead Instructor
Starlight Studio
Visalia, CA
01.2024 - Current
- Faith-Based Youth Empowerment: Direct a faith-based studio serving adolescent groups (ages 5-14) and minority communities, using music to inspire hope, healing, and creative self-expression.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Design curricula grounded in key SEL pillars to build self-confidence, resilience, and perseverance as students overcome stage fright in community performances.
- Utilized vocal, instrumental, and dramatic arts as therapeutic outlets, reducing anxiety and enhancing emotional self-awareness to support youth mental health.
- Delivered bilingual music instruction (English/Spanish) and managed travel to regional schools and homeschool networks, expanding access to music education.
- Fostered an inclusive environment promoting mutual respect, teamwork, effective communication, and healthy group dynamics among diverse student backgrounds.
- Managed daily operations of the studio, including client relations and billing.
Piano/Voice/Theater Instructor & Outreach Specialist
PATY'S Studio
Hanford, CA
01.2024 - Current
- Conducted group piano lessons and directed outreach efforts to provide accessible music programs in local schools and community settings, fostering inclusivity and engagement in the arts.
- Led faith-based theater and piano classes for adolescent groups (ages 5-14) and minority communities, guiding students to create collaborative musical pieces that enhance teamwork and artistic expression.
- Standards-Based Curriculum Design: Develop original music and performing arts curricula aligned with California Arts Standards and integrated with Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) frameworks to foster artistic literacy and personal growth.
- SEL & Confidence Building: Cultivate student self-confidence, resilience, and perseverance by supporting youth through stage-fright management and performance preparation for live community productions.
Homeschool Educator & Group Leader
Local Homeschool Community & Networks
Visalia, CA
01.2021 - Current
- Small Group Instruction & Leadership: Actively design and lead small-group instructional classes and collaborative learning cohorts for homeschooled students across varying age levels.
- Built partnerships with homeschool families to deliver customized, interest-based curricula supporting unique academic and social-emotional goals.: Build strong partnerships with homeschool families to deliver customized, interest-based curricula that support unique academic and social-emotional developmental goals.
- Facilitated group activities that nurtured creativity, critical thinking, mutual respect, and student self-advocacy.
Theatre & Vocals Instructor
Clip Arts - Christ Lutheran Church
Visalia, California
08.2025 - 01.2026
- Cultivated safe, encouraging environment for children to foster creativity and develop social-emotional skills through theater and vocal education.
- Performance Instruction: Teach children core fundamentals of acting, vocal technique, confidence, and stage presence, seamlessly integrating music education into theatrical productions.
- Bilingual Curriculum: Develop tailored, accessible learning materials and deliver bilingual instruction (English/Spanish) to enhance engagement for diverse groups.
- Participated in non-profit performing arts program supporting at-risk youth through artistic expression, providing meaningful engagement and community connection.
Instructor & Administrator
Rob’s Music Lessons |
Visalia
01.2019 - 08.2025
- Delivered private and group piano instruction, enhancing collaboration with local school districts.
- Managed administrative operations, including student scheduling, invoicing, and billing.
- Coordinated community outreach programs and organized seasonal recital events, fostering community engagement and student performance opportunities.
- Curated specialized educational content while maintaining membership with NAMM.
Expanded Learning Educator
Fresno County Superintendent Of Schools
Riverdale, California
10.2018 - 2021
- Delivered performing arts enrichment instruction, fostering creativity and engagement in expanded learning program.
- Designed lesson plans and taught classes while coordinating school-wide events to enhance student experiences.
- Provided one-on-one academic tutoring across subjects, supporting individualized learning and improving student performance.
Paraeducator
Pioneer Middle School
Hanford, California
09.2016 - 2020
- Delivered small-group instruction and multi-subject tutoring support, fostering individualized learning and engagement.
- Assisted students with special needs in daily learning tasks.
- Supported teachers in classroom management and instructional activities.
- Facilitated small group activities to enhance student engagement.
- Supervised students during breaks, ensuring safety and cultivating a supportive school environment.
Veterinary Technician Intern
Lacey Animal Clinic
Lemoore, CA
01.2010 - 12.2010
- Assisted veterinarians during routine examinations and surgical procedures.
- Prepared and administered medications under veterinary supervision.
- Supported clinical procedures, ensuring adherence to protocols under supervisor guidance.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of examination rooms and surgical areas.
Education
Master of Arts - Marriage & Family Therapy
University of Massachusetts Global
Irvine10-2027
Bachelor of Arts - Multiple Subjects
Brandman University
Irvine, CA01-2020
Associate of Arts - Teaching Assistant Certificate
West Hills College
Lemoore, CA01-2015
Associate of Science - Veterinary Technology
San Joaquin Valley College
Fresno, CA01-2010
Skills
- Curriculum Compliance
- Program development
- Bilingual English & Spanish
- Small Group Teaching
- Youth facilitation
- Responsive teaching
- Interest-based learning
- Community Outreach
- Event coordination
- Studio Operations
- Performance coaching
- Theater
- Youth Mentorship
- Group dynamics
- Student Well-being
- Homeschool Community Leadership
Professional Organizations And Memberships
- Member, NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) - Dedicated to advocating for and continuing music education advancement.
- Collaborator / Partner, Kings County Arts Council - Engaged in community arts leadership, programming, and local music advocacy.
- Active Member, Local Homeschool Associations & Cooperatives - 5+ years active participation and instructional leadership.
Internships And Clinical Training
Veterinary Technician Intern, Lacey Animal Clinic, Lemoore, CA, 01/01/10, Provided clinical support and clinical assistance under supervision.
Dissertation Thesis Capstone
Pending
Accomplishments
- California Legislature Assembly Certificate of Recognition for Service to Tulare and Kings Counties with Performance in the Arts 2024
Timeline
Theatre & Vocals Instructor
Clip Arts - Christ Lutheran Church
08.2025 - 01.2026
Founder & Lead Instructor
Starlight Studio
01.2024 - Current
Piano/Voice/Theater Instructor & Outreach Specialist
PATY'S Studio
01.2024 - Current
Homeschool Educator & Group Leader
Local Homeschool Community & Networks
01.2021 - Current
Instructor & Administrator
Rob’s Music Lessons |
01.2019 - 08.2025
Expanded Learning Educator
Fresno County Superintendent Of Schools
10.2018 - 2021
Paraeducator
Pioneer Middle School
09.2016 - 2020
Veterinary Technician Intern
Lacey Animal Clinic
01.2010 - 12.2010
Master of Arts - Marriage & Family Therapy
University of Massachusetts Global
Bachelor of Arts - Multiple Subjects
Brandman University
Associate of Arts - Teaching Assistant Certificate
West Hills College
Associate of Science - Veterinary Technology
San Joaquin Valley College