Our Team
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Ella Gormley - Co- founder & Art Director
Ella is the heart and creative force behind The Atlee Art Loft. A proud Hanover native and lifelong Kings Charter resident, she brings passion, patience, and an inspired teaching style to every class. Currently pursuing her degree in Art Education at the prestigious VCU School of the Arts, Ella blends academic excellence with hands-on experience as a Girl Scout leader, neighborhood swim coach, and longtime babysitter turned entrepreneur.
Ella believes that every child is an artist and that creativity blossoms in a safe, welcoming space. Her teaching draws inspiration from Virginia’s Standards of Learning but goes far beyond the classroom—encouraging students to explore, experiment, and express themselves through imaginative, outside-the-box projects.
At The Atlee Art Loft, Ella’s top-notch instruction helps young artists build skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of art.
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sarah faria - Co-Founder & Business Lead
A busy mom of four and lifelong art lover, Sarah brings 20 years of Business and IT experience to The Atlee Art Loft. While she leaves the art to the expert—Ella—Sarah handles the operations and strategy behind the scenes. She’s thrilled to help bring this creative space to life just steps from her home, where children from the Kings Charter neighborhood and greater Atlee area can explore their creativity in a safe, supportive environment. Under Ella’s top-notch instruction—rooted in state standards but designed to go far beyond—students are empowered to grow artistically in ways not always possible in the classroom.