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Hello! My name is Linda Richardson and I’m very excited to teach etiquette skills to your child. I have a bachelor’s degree in Communications and two adult children of my own. I’ve enjoyed working with kids most of my adult life, whether in the classroom as Room Mom, PTA board member running programs for the kids, as a Scout Leader or as a Team Mom. Now that mine are grown, I’m excited to join the team at The Etiquette Factory. We define manners as helping those around you feel valued. It’s my goal to help each child gain the self-confidence to navigate life in a meaningful way that includes showing respect for themselves and others and developing meaningful friendships.

Hi my name is Amy Pikula, I have a Bachelors Degree in the Art of Education and I am currently working on my Masters in Elementary Education. I am happy to be joining the team at the Etiquette Factory. We define manners as helping those around you to feel valued. I believe that as we use manners we can show others respect and develop meaningful friendships. "Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." -Aristotle

Hello! My name is Ariana Di Martino and I am a mom to three kids, aged 20, 17 and 10. I have a bachelor's degree in English and Art and I am a credentialed K-8 classroom teacher. For the past 14 years I have enjoyed working with kids from kindergarten through high school as a homeschool teacher, teaching science, art, literature, AP History, government, and speech and debate. Teaching our children good manners is so much more valuable than just making sure they "show well." My desire is to help children cultivate love and respect for one another and give them the tools to build their "character houses" in a way that will last their lifetime.

Michelle Highberg was raised in Larchmont, New York by a teacher and social worker. Mom ushered Michelle into charitable work by volunteering in thrift shops from age 3. By age 7, her dad taught her how to create a successful gala. At college, Michelle fundraised for the Alumni Foundation for the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Upon graduation, Michelle chose fashion for her career and worked as an assistant buyer in New York City. Within 3 months, a dream job offer offered her both to live and work in Laguna Beach, California where she currently resides. In 2015, after years of fundraising as a volunteer, she entered the nonprofit sector to Working Wardrobes as the Fearless Fundraiser Special Event Planner. Seeking more knowledge on best practices and ethics, Michelle obtained her CFRE in 2017. In 2020, Michelle partnered with Evelina Pentcheva to run Lido Paddle Project, a holistic wellness nonprofit serving first responders and veterans. In 2022, Michelle and Evelina co-pioneered a digital detox mental wellness nonprofit called Just Gather. Addressing the academic and socio-emotional deficits faced by all students, Just Gather is all about community inspired wellness, inter-generational mentorship, and a much-needed sense of purpose for those feeling lost. The arts, Nature and gratitude serve as bridges to inner peace. Based on the evidence and transformation seen through Just Gather gratitude curriculum, the team welcomed The School of Gratitude, Orange County as the nonprofit social enterprise and a mental wellness solution for all. Classes are offered in partnership with businesses. As a founder, fundraiser, teacher, author, mom, and budding artist, Michelle strives to live with gratitude, transparency, emotional intelligence and clarity. As a storyteller, Michelle appreciates the power of the word. As a CFRE, she is well versed in all fundraising modalities with strengths in major gifts, individuals, and donor affinity groups. A lifelong learner, Michelle is currently pursuing her neuroscience coaching credential before aspiring to create a master’s in gratitude practices curriculum. Her books seek to create more unity, mental wellness and emotional mastery. Michelle has three children and is married to Erin, a musician, composer and entertainer. She loves to hike, swim, beach, run, dance, ski, cook, play uno, scrabble, dream, pray, write silly poems, and feel gratitude, daily.