Jessie Chalhoub Del Castillo, The Author:

Jessie Del Castillo is a strong advocate for early language acquisition, since she was educated in a bilingual elementary school from the age of three. Mrs. Del Castillo graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Marketing with credits in International Business, but she found her true calling in education when given the opportunity to teach Spanish and Pre-school at the Bartow Oak School.  She continued bringing her enthusiasm in bilingual education to St. Joseph School in Lakeland, where she taught Pre-K through 7th grade.  Her students were featured several times in the Ledger Newspaper performing in her annual Cinco De Mayo language program. Through the support of the Administration, parents and staff, her students eventually performed many of her bilingual songs in the Polk Theater.

Mrs. Jessie dedicates her books, CD's and language research to all of her former students who enriched her life. Her wish is to bring that enthusiasm to as many children as she can through her "Sticky" Program.

As a teacher, author, singer and guitarist she hopes her unique songs and creative teaching methods will continue to inspire students of all ages, both here and abroad.

Paul D. Curasi, Art Director: 

Mr. Curasi graduated from Florida State and for twenty years worked as a designer, animator, producer and director at the Walt Disney Company. He taught at the University of Central Florida designing a new series of curriculum entitled, "Visual Language", an area of study emphasizing visual storytelling. Though retired, he spends much of his time writing. His first novel, "The Angel of Maryville" is now available at http://www.Amazon.com

 

Maria Del Castillo, Graphic Artist & Singer:

 (Mrs. Jessie's Daughter):  Maria works under the direction of Mr. Curasi and collaborated in album design and the graphic art that will be featured the course manuals. She also serves as the voice of "Skip" the dancing frog which is featured in the songs Piñata Paradise, The Fox, Little Angels Dancing & It's time to Learn. She enjoys singing and playing guitar.  Maria attends Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta where she majors in Motion Media Design and aspires to create stop motion animation.

 

Daniel Del Castillo, Vocal Artist:

(Mrs. Jessie's son): Voice of "Stick" the walking stick bug character. Featured in Piñata Paradise, The Fox, Little Angels Dancing & Greeting Songs. An accomplished runner and athlete, Daniel also enjoys playing guitar/singing and will be entering high school this coming year.

 
Lannie Battistini, Music Director & Producer:

Mr. Battistini is an accomplished producer, songwriter, composer, arranger, and pianist/keyboardist. Producer of over 8 Children's albums and more than 28 CD albums for independent recording artists, he was a participant in a Grammy Award winning CD album in the 2001 Pop Category. After years of producing for other artists, he debuts his own Latin Jazz CD Album "Hands in Motion", in 2009 under his own indie label, HIMMUSIC. Available on itunes or go to http://www.tunecore/music.lanniebattistini.