Ms. Nena (Sonia) Van dalen
Art Instructor and Musical Theater Set Designer
Nena studied Graphic Arts and Advertising Design in Miami-Dade, FL. She worked at FIU (Florida International University) as the coordinator of the graphics department for 10 yrs. After having her first son she decided to stay at home and homeschool him along with her two other children. Her two older sons Jan and Jonathan are now at UCF and are also involved with our band here at Woodland Community Church. Her daughter, Nicole, is now in high school. As an artist and homeschool mom she continued developing her skills in Photography, Calligraphy, Cake Decorating, Face Painting, Jewelry making and many more techniques. She served for 25 years as the graphic artist and stage prop designer for The Rock Miami, taught Art and Calligraphy at Westchester Pioneers and mentored many mothers in homeschooling. She then moved with her husband and kids to Palm Coast, FL to help plant a church where she continued serving as a graphic artist and event coordinator. Nena became an avid runner where she got involved with many races. She has designed the logos for “Jack's Trail Race” a non profit race that benefits veterinary students at the University of Georgia for the last two years. Nena and her family moved to Bradenton during the summer of 2013 where they quickly connected with Woodland Community church. She then met Holly McAndrew and Jennifer Freeman and began helping with different projects around the church. Her biggest joy is seeing her children turn into mature adults and using their talents for His kingdom. She has been an artist for as long as she can remember and has a love and a passion for the arts and enjoys sharing her talents with children.