Our programs are designed to inspire young artists and foster a love for art through hands-on activities and projects.
Current Happenings
Our experienced instructors create a nurturing and supportive environment where kids can explore their creativity, develop their artistic skills, and build confidence. Join us for an artful journey where imagination and creativity come to life!
Our Teachers
We’re proud to offer classes and workshops in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where our amazing teachers bring our curriculum to life and help us refine it before we share it virtually. These dedicated educators lead hands-on, engaging sessions that spark creativity and inspire young minds. Want to meet the team behind our programs? Check them out here!
Kaila Piepkow
Executive Director / Lead Teacher
Kaila is the full-time Executive Director of Doodles Academy and a part-time preschool art teacher at her daughter’s downtown school. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a background in business, she brings a unique blend of creativity and strategy to arts education—working to expand access to high-quality, process-based art experiences for kids everywhere.
She believes in the power of art to inspire, teach, and connect. Whether leading Doodles Academy, creating just for the joy of it, or learning from the imaginative minds of young artists, Kaila finds endless inspiration in the creativity of children. For her, art isn’t just a subject—it’s a way of thinking, exploring, and bringing a little more magic into the world.
Gabby Peck
Gabby is a passionate Visual Arts Educator with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in K-12 Visual Arts Education from Eastern Michigan University. Her teaching approach focuses on hands-on learning and connecting art to other disciplines, like music and dance. She’s worked with K-12 students, using various materials to inspire self-expression and creativity. With a background in Earth Education, she also integrates outdoor exploration and team-building into her lessons. Gabby is excited to bring her creativity and experience to a dynamic, supportive learning environment.
Lead Teacher
Andrea Peña
Lead Teacher
Andrea earned her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from California State University, Northridge. With over six years of experience in classrooms, youth programs, and family settings, she brings a deep understanding of child development to her role as a Montessori teacher in Ann Arbor. Andrea is passionate about nurturing young learners' independence, creativity, and curiosity. She finds joy in supporting each child’s unique goals and loves watching their excitement as they explore, experiment, and grow through hands-on learning.
Kristen Holsworth
Kristen is currently enrolled at Eastern Michigan University studying Visual Arts Education. She has a passion for helping all students believe they can be artists. Outside of teaching Kristen is a 3D artist with a focus in 3D printing.
Lead Teacher
Party With Doodles!
Host a joyful, art-filled birthday party that sparks imagination and creativity. At Doodles, kids dive into hands-on projects led by our enthusiastic teaching artists—no art experience required, just a sense of wonder! Parties are fun, engaging, and completely unique perfect for kids who love to create & be celebrated.
🎨 Magical Creature Houses: Build whimsical homes for fairies, dragons, and more using recycled materials and endless imagination.
🦸 Superhero Puppets:
Design and assemble your own superhero puppet, complete with a cape, mask, and heroic backstory.
🌍 Celebrate! (Around the World):
Explore global celebrations through vibrant, multicultural art projects.
🎶 Musical Murals: Get moving and messy as we paint to music in this energetic, process-art favorite!
