Vanessa White is the Program Director for the Spokane Youth Suzuki Academy (SYSA). A talented musician and seasoned educator, Vanessa is passionate about fostering confidence and artistry in young musicians through the Suzuki philosophy of nurturing talent with joy and purpose.

Vanessa earned her B.A. in Social Science, Summa Cum Laude, from Colorado State University–Pueblo in 2004. She has nearly three decades of teaching and leadership experience, having directed Vanessa’s Violin Studio in southern Colorado for nearly twenty years, served as president of the Pikes Peak Suzuki Association, and worked as the Adjunct Instructor of Applied Violin at CSU–Pueblo. Vanessa also coached chamber and string ensembles for the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Association and has led community performance programs and workshops for students and parents alike.  

After exploring different music teaching philosophies, Vanessa found that the Suzuki method produced the most successful and joy-filled music experience for her students.  Having completed her initial Suzuki teacher training under JoAnn Bath in 1997, Vanessa went on to study advanced Suzuki pedagogy with internationally renowned instructors including Linda Fiore, JoAnn Martin, Timothy Durbin, and Michael McLean.  Vanessa enjoys teaching, performing and coordinating music for formal events in Spokane and North Idaho.

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Mary Beth Cullitan was introduced to Suzuki education as an undergraduate and has continued her education through a master's degree in Suzuki Pedagogy and over 60 workshops, Institutes, and international conferences. Dr. Suzuki's well-thought-out curriculum, the consistently welcoming and supportive Suzuki community, and the conviction that "Every child can learn!" to a high level are the primary features that attracted her to and have kept her involved with Suzuki education for over 40 years.