From Student to Mentor: Carleigh’s Full-Circle Journey at Hilltop Artists
From Student to Mentor: Carleigh’s Full-Circle Journey at Hilltop Artists
Like many of our other instructors and staff, Carleigh began her journey with Hilltop Artists as a student. “I’ve been a part of the program since I was 12, so 11 years now. [As a staff member], I started as a part time Teaching Artist in September 2024 and started as Outreach Services Coordinator in June 2025.”
That varied experience is one of the strengths of having alumni teaching students in the hot shop. “I think having gone through the program myself is so helpful for me now as a staff member because I’m so familiar with the way our programs run and the way our studio works. One of the most exciting things for me is that most of the other teaching staff members are also alumni of the program, and they’re people I’ve known for years now who I’m very comfortable working with. It’s one thing to have gone through the program myself, but the fact that the majority of the teaching staff also went through it allows us to work together in such a unique way, because we’ve grown up together or known each other for so long which is incredibly rare in a work environment.”
For Carleigh, teaching is as much about learning as it is about instructing. She sees one of her biggest successes as figuring out how to share her knowledge in a way that feels fun and engaging for students. Finding the right projects took some trial and error, but now she feels tuned in to their interests and curious energy. Teaching the students also involves pushing instructors to constantly grow and improve. “Something that’s really important to my artistic practice is making things that challenge me and that bring me joy. I try to share that with students when they’re struggling to come up with what they should make next by either suggesting something I know they love making, or encouraging them to find something new to challenge themselves.”
Beyond the technical skills, Carleigh holds deep appreciation for what Hilltop Artists offers young people. “Having opportunities like Hilltop Artists is so important for kids, especially in a time where we’re seeing art programming get cut and defunded.” She knows firsthand that art can be a lifeline, not just a hobby. “Hilltop Artists programs provide kids with a safe space to be themselves, and the Hilltop Artists staff are dedicated to helping kids get the resources they need to be successful not just in our programs but in their lives.”
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That commitment to care is why she believes the program matters so much. “Hilltop Artists is an organization run by people who are always trying to have the biggest, most positive impact on as many youth and community members as possible. It’s bigger than just a glass art program.”
Looking ahead, Carleigh is excited to keep growing in her new role, strengthen the programming she now helps lead, and return to her own creative roots—especially ceramics and fused glass. Her path from student to instructor to coordinator is a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are supported, believed in, and welcomed back as leaders.
Your support makes it possible for our students to learn from instructors like Carleigh. When you give to Hilltop Artists, you’re investing in more than glass art; you’re helping young people grow, succeed, and become mentors themselves. Donate today to keep the furnace burning for the next generation.