Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Saltalamacchia.
Amy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I hold two undergraduate degrees from the University of Akron, and Masters in Education from Curry College and have been an important part of the Needham Community since 1996. I am active within my church (Carter U.M.C.), the Needham Community Council, and many other arts and humanities organizations within the Boston area. In addition, before I opened Expressions, I worked in the non-profit sector as a consultant on Arts and Humanities and piloted a successful new initiative, Creative Arts Camp and the “Art meeting Education” program. My career in child care spans over 11 years. I am a unique hands-on business owner who is involved in the day-to-day activities with Expressions children. In my free time, I am a wife and mother to two daughters.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I made a life changing decision to leave my corporate job after finding my true passion was working with children. I come from a family of professional artists and have always had the arts at the core of my foundation and values. After having challenges with school and being diagnosed with learning disabilities early in my life I found that the arts both visual and performing were my vassal for success. People in the community approached me and asked me to open up my own business. I started the business on $900.00 and a prayer. I believe that all children no matter what educational, social or emotional challenges they have should be able to express their talents through the arts.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Expressions After School, Inc – what should we know?
Our kiddos start every day with a group meeting and a group quote. “Every individual matters, every individual has a role to play, Every Individual makes a difference.” All of the kids take turns leading the group in the quote and everyone joins in. It unites all of us as one big Expressions family.
I pride myself on creating an “extended family” within Expressions allowing children to explore the arts by allowing children to pick clubs from Lego’s, Sewing, Theatre, Movie Making, Visual Arts, Book Illustration and Sports. I am proud to have staff that have been with me over 10 plus years and exceptional staff that have degrees in the areas of interest that they teach. I started the program with ten students back in 2006, K-8th grade, and currently have over the years moved up to about 90 students a day from Needham, Wellesley, and Dover. I want to create an environment that “kids want to be at” and where kids have a choice in the programing. That is what has worked and helped Expressions become the largest after school and teen club in the Needham community. One unique attribute about Expressions is that we provide extended driving for children taking them to Hebrew School, C.C.D, dance , hockey , and doctor appointments just to give a few examples .Expressions hosts two art shows a year, Lego shows, and a big end of the year production of the performing arts department both the theatre and dance. In the past the company has hosted their Movie Premieres of the films they made at the Dedham Community Theatre, Directed by Josh Burdett: Theatre Director and Owner of Boston Freelance Media, LLC, you can check out on YouTube “Honey I think our neighbor is a vampire”, or “the Boonies”. Other outsourced clubs that make Expressions stand out include partnerships with Connor’s MMA, BSC, and Blue Hills (Ski and Snow Boarding Club). Expressions kids also have toured each semester the MFA, with their Visual Arts Director, looking at the types of art work they have studied over the semester.
Expressions is hoping to expand on their performing arts and sports programs. I am hoping to add different sports clinics and revamp our dance program. We are also thinking of adding some “Mom and me”, or “Dad and I” classes including sports and sewing. This will get the parents more involved in the programs and give them a chance to meet other families in the area.
We are also expanding our teen program. The teen program was new for the 2017-2018 school year and, because of its success, we are hoping to add more activities specific to our teens and their interests.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents Tony and Charlene Galose always believed in me and my company. Dr. Vito Palombella’s and Dr. Nancy Jo Soporowski for their support and for being amazing clients. My entire church family at Carter United Methodist church in Needham. Reverend Skip Windsor for his belief in my work towards helping the Needham children. I would also like to thank Charlie Steele and Needham bank for believing in my company. Frantz and Zoppo Families for believing in me. Bob Beagan for his support. And a special thanks to my amazing staff over the years and the parents of our wonderful students.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.expressionsafterschool.com
- Phone: 7815593324
- Email: amy.saltalamacchia@expressionsafterschool.com
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