Marlene Shilemat-Funk, teaching artist

Marlene Shilamat-Funk is from Ossining, New York, and graduated cum laude from Manhattanville University with a B.A. in Theatre and Adolescent Education, as well as her master's in Adolescent Education. At Manhattanville, she was president of the K-pop dance crew for three years. She also served as VP of the hip-hop team, Royalty Step Team, and as head choreographer of Latin Fusion. In her spare time, Marlene serves as choreography director for two non-profit dance crews in NYC and is the executive director of her own crew and YouTube channel, HINT Dance Team. Through these connections, she has had the opportunity to perform for Newbeat, Bini, and more. Currently, Marlene works as a public school teacher in Westchester County. She aspires to use her multifaceted talents and diverse background to teach English and the performing arts to underprivileged communities, hoping to cultivate a classroom environment that challenges her students while helping them feel great about themselves in the process.