Mr. Will has been hooked on chess since age three and brings decades of experience to the board (USCF rating: 1750). A talented musician as well — he plays both guitar and piano — Will blends strategic thinking with a creative spark that makes him an approachable and inspiring captain.

 

By trade, he’s a lawyer and tax professional, but his top priority is his family: his wife Heather and their two children, Bo and Ella. Want to connect over a game? You can find him on Chess.com under whdrath. Send him a message to let him know you're not a bot! 🤖

Courtney first learned to sew as a child in her home economics class, where she discovered the joy of creating with fabric and thread. Her passion for leadership and creativity grew as she went on to serve as a state officer for FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), inspiring other students to explore hands-on learning and family sciences.

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As an adult, Courtney enjoys sewing recreationally with her mom and sharing her love of creativity with others. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s in Educational Technology and Curriculum Design, combining her background in child development and curriculum design to create engaging, confidence-building learning experiences for children.

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A military spouse, homeschool mom, and teacher at heart, Courtney brings warmth, patience, and enthusiasm to every class, helping young makers discover both skill and confidence through sewing at the Neighborhood Creative Arts Center.

Benita L. Gibson has dedicated her life to the craft of acting, starting her professional journey at the age of twelve. With a deep passion for the theater, Benita has graced stages in Maryland and California, while also making notable appearances on television shows such as E.R., Grey's Anatomy, King of Queens, and One on One. 

 

Her extensive experience in acting is matched by her commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers. As the founder of BrightStar Entertainment, Inc., Benita has taught acting to children aged 4-17, guiding many of her students to successful careers in commercials and film. In addition to her teaching, Benita made a memorable appearance as the referee in the 2023 film Fidget King, produced by Upward Thrive Academy’s Actin' Up theatre troupe.

 

Currently, Benita shares her expertise with young actors in Charles County, fostering their growth both on and off the stage. While she plans to return to her own acting career in the future, her enthusiasm for teaching, along with her roles as an author, entrepreneur, and homeschool mother of three, remains her primary focus.