John-Professional Drummer and Instructor/Works with handi-capped and senior citizens
Colleen-Aesthetician, Business Administration, Image& Wardrobe Consultant, Fitness Instructor, Dance-Flag Twirling Instructor

They have purposed to work together to fulfill their unique calling and united vision.  Through  using the creative arts, and practical fun lessons and teachings,  they work with young people to become leaders of excellence & integrity.   Colleen's background includes 28 years of teaching women and children self improvement, creative movement and fitness.  Before founding Spirit of Excellence, she worked for a Michigan based organization, overseeing 8 church's children's departments, and teaching their creative dance company.  She formerly owned two Aesthetic Salons, and Kosti Beauty Institute, training in Makeup Artistry and Nail Technology and Award Winning techniques in all the fore mentioned.  Colleen began her teaching career teaching Cosmetology at St. Clair College in the early 80's.  She combines her professional background with her care for children and strengthening families.  

John's background in safety prevention and working with the disabled and special needs gives him the compassion and experience to work with young boys, needing patience and guidance, and life skills.  Using creative means and disciplines in drumming and percussion, John provides a creative outlet for energetic young people.  His humour and wit gets their attention and is helpful for teaching important character building lessons.  

The new buildings they recently purchased in the Drouillard community are perfect to house all the Spirit of Excellence classes, and out of town students.  Students travel from afar to receive instruction, in addition to the community and neighbourhood children attending the programs.  

They are honoured to be pioneers in this unique teaching method and take seriously their mandate to be there as mentors and providers for young people to receive training and resources.  

 John and Colleen have been married 23 + years.  They are both ordained ministers since 2001, through EACM organization, and are graduates from WCFBTI., and also have completed Family Counselling courses at Tynsdale College, MI.   
They have two daughters, one son-in law, and one grand daughter age 5.
Together they oversee the directives of  Spirit of Excellence, Inc. with an excellent  board of directors, community partnerships, and advisory committees with expertise in needed areas.  Colleen actively instructs and administrates the daily classes, and John trains in the drums and the musical development at the centre.  

John directs Outreach and Family Communications/Visitations, and instructs the Spiritual Guidance classes.

Colleen administrates the daily operations and curriculum development, as well as instructing the Queen Esthers Women's Life Development program, Young Esthers Finishing School, Flags & Fitness and Lifestyle of Creative Worship School.  

SEWING 

DANCE, ACTING & PERFORMANCE 

Jacqueline Marchand - Sewing Instructor, Seamstress, Business Owner
Member of the Canadian Association of Professional Bra Makers

 At 16 years of age, Jacqueline started developing her career and building upon her passion and love of sewing.   In the dinning room of their family home, and under the watchful eye of her mother, Jacqueline discovered her talent and began to open to herself to a world of design and endless possibilities.

 Now Jacqueline is a successful entrepreneur in the sewing and Bra making industry, specializing in made to measure body fashions, bras, bathing suits, and now… teaching. 

Her career objective is to inspire as many sewers as possible.  From Beginners to Advanced, Jacqueline wants to teach those who wish to learn how to sew more often or to sew better.  She wants to teach the children the fun of sewing while building their confidence, their talent and their self-esteem

Jacqueline is a certified bra maker/instructor using the Beverly Johnson Universal Bra System, and runs her own business, Jacqueline’s Own.

 We are proud to have her at Spirit of Excellence.  

Actor/Playwright, Dancer/Choreographer, Singer
Finalist Canadian Chalmers Play Award 1999

Leslie McCurdy has been performing for many years in Southwestern Ontario and the Mid-Western United States as an Actor, Dancer/Choreographer, and Singer. Also a teacher, Leslie has been instrumental in creating programs which provide opportunities for children and youth, particularly from disadvantaged circumstances, to participate in high quality performing arts activities.

Leslie has been instructing at Spirit of Excellence since September 2006. 

Bianca Mahoney
Music, Dance, Flags & Esthers Finishing School Instructor:

Bianca Mahoney is 20 years old and aspires to be a teacher after graduating from the University of Windsor's Concurrent Education Program. She has many years of experience with children having volunteered for 7 years at her church in two different children's ministry classes: Little Blessing ( age 4 -5) and Nursery 2 ( 9 mos.- 2 yrs.). As an avid music lover, she sings and dances and is experienced in ballet, jazz, and hip hop. She is an acting member of the Windsor Christian Fellowship W.E.A.P.O.N.S. Dance team and is constantly adding moves, songs, and styles to her repertoire of entertaining skills. She is a friendly and outgoing individual, who loves to laugh. Bianca wants to share her love of dance and music with the children who attend SOE, and also have them showcase their talent and abilities!  Most recently at SOE, she has overseen the 'Kids Who Read' Library project, setting up over $11,000 in brand new book donations!  

Crystal Mahoney

                             Jaime Thor

Masters of Social Work

Student Intern

University of Windsor

 Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Jaime has recently moved to the Windsor area to complete her Masters degree in Social work at the University of Windsor.

 Jaime is currently completing her field internship at Spirit of Excellence. She has just finished teaching her first Young Esther’s Finishing School course focusing on self-esteem and the development of self. In the New Year she will be developing a 10 week Young Esther’s program to hopefully commence in early February. She also hopes to develop a Queen Esther’s program later in the spring focusing on self-esteem and skill development for women. Upon completion of her Masters degree, Jaime plans to establish her career in community social work.

Leria Elliott

SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE:  BOARD OF DIRECTORS

5. Al DeSimon - Director - Executive Pastor in administration and management -  Lakeshore St. Andrews Church

7.  Andy Root – Director - Educational Consultant/Music Instructor Academy St. Cecile, St. Leonard's Men's Halfway House - Shift Supervisor

Advisory (non board)  Reverend Kevin Rogers  - New Song Church Senior Pastor, 993 Drouillard Rd., Windsor