What our Clients Say About Dynamic Arts

Carla Zackson Heller (video producer and writer)

An inspired teacher whose deep dedication to her art, to her vision of creating a peaceful world through a profoundly healing connection to art and culture have been an inspiration to the community. Bringing her conflict resolution program into the school environment through the arts with Kate's magical touch brings healing inside and out and benefits the community at large. She is not only teaching the arts themselves but using them as an inspired vehicle to achieve great gains in strengthening the students' willpower and positive attitude.

Claire Deike (journalist Star-Ledger)

Kate is teaching lessons for life. The students have learned that... discipline, personal commitment and perseverance are necessary for success. The benefits of Kate's program are too numerous to mention. If you think of building self-esteem, teaching an appreciation of the arts, and developing an understanding of other cultures, you've only scratched the surface. Turning young lives around is what the program is all about.

Chris Rooney (former principal and superintendent)

Kate is an extremely thorough and highly professional educator. She is a team leader as well as a team player. She is both an artist and a teacher. For the most part the general public looks at what is directly in front of them and either sees obstacles or opportunities. She looks around her and sees endless possibilities.

Kelly Tyma (parent and teacher)

Her work with the students is particularly notable because she involves all students who are interested in dance, not just a gifted few, and with remarkable results. These students not only created marvelous interpretive dances but also felt confident to perform in front of the student body. That is a testament to her gift as a teacher.

Joan Kilcommons (principal of Cedar Drive Middle School)

Kate is an extraordinary arts teacher. She integrates many disciplines in new and exciting ways. She is careful to craft presentations that integrate a variety of disciplines and includes a broad spectrum of students ranging from special populations to gifted. She has initiated a variety of new programs to this district using the arts as a communication tool. She is a child advocate whose instructional style reflects new concerns for all children. She adopts and meets needs of students with varied learning styles.

Pamela Wood (parent)

I first met Kate in the fall of 1998 during a back to school night. Over the many years that I have known Kate, one thing is abundantly clear, she is an extraordinarily talented art and dance instructor. More importantly. She has demonstrated compassion and a steadfast determination to overcome any obstacles in achieving a child's educational goals. Ms. Havel-DellArnico dedicated many hours not only to my son but: to many of her students who may not have been academically or socially gifted, enabling them to participate and to truly experience many forms of art expression. She was the only regular teacher in my son's educational experience who not only wanted my son to participate in her regular art class with his non-disabled peers but actively requested that my son attend two periods of her art instruction a day. After my son's graduation from high school in 2012, Kate expressed interest in continuing to educate my son. In January of this year (2013), she, through her business, provides two hours of instruction per week to my son. The difference Kate has made for my son educationally, physically, socially as well as emotionally cannot be measured. Kate not only has a very caring heart but is truly a passionate, dedicated, and gifted teacher.

Susan Dimeo (parent)

I couldn't believe that my son was up there moving and talking about himself in such an open way. All the kids were great and surprisingly revealing. Jake is not particularly interested in sports unless it's baseball, which leaves a lot of school year without a structured physical outlet. Your program gave him that along with an emotional outlet. As our newspaper headlines scream at us of the dysfunction occurring in our schools, what a wonderful way to get at these kids at the earliest stages. I know Jake had a great time. Every Tuesday it was "Morn, don't forget I have dance".

Kathleen and John Walsh (parents)

The dedication, effort and expertise you put into your work shows every day in every way. This year has been an especially bright one for Bryce and we credit that to you. Your support of him in dance and theatre arts has made all the difference for him. He has begun to feel more confident in his abilities and is willing to take risks. You are an outstanding model of what every teacher should be.

David Claps (student)

Thank you for being, Miss Dell. You have changed us all. My experiences with you have only brought out the best of me. If you were not around, I doubt I would be where I am now. You possess so many great qualities. Courage, selflessness, risk and empathy are just a few. I have truly seen all of these within you. Thanks for sharing them with me and everyone else. You showed me that I could do things I didn't think possible. So many new gates have been opened with your help. My life is very rich with excitement, learning, and new things you have offered me.