MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
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RICHARD JENKINS
Founder & Licensed Master Tile Contractor
Hi, I'm Richard! From a young age, I’ve always had a curiosity for how things work. I was the kid who loved taking things apart just to figure out how to put them back together. That desire to understand, learn, and improve has followed me throughout my life and shaped my career in the trades.
I got my start helping my neighbor with his contracting business and quickly discovered a passion for building and problem-solving. Over the years, I continued to learn and grow, working for several companies before eventually becoming a licensed contractor and venturing out on my own. With more than 30 years of hands-on experience in the tile and remodeling industry, I’ve built my career on craftsmanship, precision, and a belief in doing things the right way.
As the co-founder of TradeWorx Academy, I’m proud to share my knowledge with homeowners, aspiring tradespeople, and professionals who want to gain real-world skills that make a difference. My teaching style is patient and practical — I enjoy breaking down complex concepts into lessons that anyone can grasp. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching a student gain confidence and realize they can take on projects they once thought were beyond their ability.
Outside the classroom, my passion for learning never stops. I spend much of my free time studying the latest methods, products, and materials in the tile trade because I believe continuing education is essential to staying sharp and providing the best instruction possible.
In addition to TradeWorx Academy, I own The Grout Genie, with my wife and business partner, Nicole. My experience running projects and training new technicians inspired me to create a space where education and trade excellence meet.
I’m methodical in my work and have an eye for detail that comes from years of experience — but more than anything, I believe in teaching others to take pride in what they build, to work with integrity, and to always keep learning.
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NICOLE JENKINS
Founder & Licensed Contractor
Hello, I’m Nicole! I have been a licensed contractor since 2011. My journey in the trades actually started long before that, helping my dad with his contracting business as a teenager. I spent plenty of weekends hanging drywall and painting, which sparked my love for hands-on work and the satisfaction of creating something from start to finish.
Even though most of my career has been in marketing, graphic design, and business management, I’ve spent the last decade immersed in the tile trade, working alongside my husband Richard through our business, The Grout Genie. Richard’s decades of experience in the industry (including his former company, Nova Pros) helped sharpen my skills and deepen my understanding of the craft.
My creative side definitely comes from both my grandmother and my mother. My grandmother, who earned her Master’s in Art from UCSB, was ahead of her time and taught me to see beauty in details. My mother has a background in interior design and home staging, and from her I learned how to bring spaces to life through color, texture, and thoughtful design. Together, they inspired my love of art and aesthetics — something I carry into everything I do, whether it’s designing a space, running a business, or teaching a workshop.
At TradeWorx Academy, you’ll usually find me managing the workshop, teaching our Creative Makers classes, or leading workshops like “How to Vet Your Contractor.” I’m passionate about empowering others to build confidence in their skills — whether they’re tackling a home project or just discovering a love for creating something new.
ALEX WALSH
Master Electrician
Hey, I’m Alex! I’m a lifelong Northern Virginia local who grew up in the electrical trade. I was wiring things with my family at Walsh Electric by the time I was ten, and it’s been a part of my life ever since. I’m a licensed electrician and have worked on projects that range from classified military installations all the way down to simple outlets and light switches. One of the biggest jobs I’ve tackled was a full renovation of 412 apartment units in Alexandria, which meant new services and brand-new electrical systems throughout.
These days, I’ve transitioned into doing more estimating and project planning. I spend a lot of time face-to-face with homeowners and business owners, and that daily interaction has taught me what the average person really needs to know about electricity to feel safe and confident in their own space.
When I’m not working, I’m usually hanging out with my wife, our three-year-old, our newborn, and 3 cats in Annandale — or sneaking in a movie or two (recent favorites have been A Touch of Zen and Sonatine). And when hockey season hits, you’ll probably find me watching the Washington Capitals like it’s a full-blown religion.
MARSHAL SPIVACK
Master Plumber
Hello, I'm Marshal! I was born and raised right here in Fairfax and Burke, Virginia, and from a young age, I was always by my father’s side helping him fix things around the house—usually holding the flashlight and learning the ropes along the way. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong interest in how things work and how to make them better.
At 18, I started working in construction, helping a friend with flooring projects. I quickly realized how much I enjoyed the process of building and problem-solving with my hands. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with several construction companies on both residential and commercial projects, gaining a wide range of experience in the trades.
Friends and family often came to me for help with their home projects, which eventually inspired me to start my own construction company in 2003. Since then, I’ve been proud to hold a Class A license for both residential and commercial work and to have built a solid reputation for quality craftsmanship and dependability.
Today, I work full-time for the Fairfax County Government as a licensed Master Plumber, bringing that same commitment to precision and safety to my work every day.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and staying active in the community I grew up in. I currently live in Centreville, Virginia, and still get just as much satisfaction from fixing or building something new as I did when I was that kid holding the flashlight for my dad.
CREATIVEMAKERS INSTRUCTORS
TRUPTI MORE
Paper Quilling Artist and Owner of Trupti's Crafts
Hi, I'm Trupti! I’m a dedicated paper quilling artist and instructor, and I’ve been sharing my passion for this intricate art form since 2016. With nearly a decade of experience, I’ve introduced countless people to the beauty of quilling through engaging workshops, after-school clubs, homeschool groups, and team-building events. My sessions are designed to be beginner-friendly while also offering valuable guidance for experienced crafters looking to refine their skills.
Specializing in seasonal themes, personalized gifts, and detailed quilled designs, I’ve led a wide range of workshops featuring mandalas, floral patterns, ornaments, pet portraits, and framed art. Through my step-by-step instruction, participants not only create beautiful handmade pieces but also gain the confidence to continue exploring quilling on their own.
In addition to teaching, I create custom quilled artwork—including pet portraits, monograms, and decorative frames—each piece thoughtfully designed with vibrant colors and intricate details. My work has been recognized within the creative community, and I love sharing my art through social media and local events.
Driven by a mission to inspire creativity and mindfulness, I continue to build a community where people of all ages can discover joy and self-expression through paper quilling.
PATTI DURBIN
Fabric Artist and Founder of E.Y.A.Y.A.
E.Y.A.Y.A.—Embrace Yourself As You Are—is more than an art studio; it's a vibrant community that champions authenticity, diversity, and sustainability. Founded on the belief that every person and material has inherent worth, E.Y.A.Y.A. creates art with a soul, using an organic mixed media approach and upcycled materials. My mission is to empower individuals to honor their stories and express themselves fully, both in art and in life.
Creativity often flows organically and I combine traditional art techniques with innovative mixed media practices, often incorporating recycled and found objects into each piece. Old clothing becomes the foundation for hand sewn baskets; discarded paper and textiles are layered into expressive collages. This process is spontaneous and playful, allowing the
materials to guide the final form. I see beauty in imperfection and believe that art, like people, is most powerful when it embraces uniqueness.
My work is rooted in the celebration of diversity and the transformative power of self-acceptance. Every piece carries a message: embrace your quirks, share your story, and stand boldly in your truth. I use color, texture, and imagery to invite viewers into an experience of joy and affirmation. Through both abstract and representational forms, my encourages dialogue, reflection, and positive change.
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SHONA D'CRUZ
Mosaic Artist and Owner of Blue Hyacinth Mosaics
Shona D’Cruz, a Virginia artist is the owner of Blue Hyacinth Mosaics, LLC. Blue Hyacinth Mosaics began as a hobby in 2015, evolved into a passion and now, a business. Shona creates one-of-a-kind wearable and functional mosaic art from smalti, stained glass, millefiori, and found materials. Her work includes jewelry and fine art created with mosaics, fused glass and metal clay. Shona enjoys participating in local art events and is a member of the “Made in Fairfax” artist network.
A Special Educator with 17 years of experience and 5 years in the arts, Shona teaches fused glass, mosaics and art to children and adults.
I began working in glass in 2015 with mosaics. Over the years I have included metal clay and fused glass work into my sphere of knowledge. My body of work includes fine art, jewelry and functional objects made with mosaics and fused glass.
The permanence and the impermanence of glass is intriguing to me. Transparency in a piece of glass can be played with to reveal what’s inside and yet protect it at the same time. Seeing light dance through colored glass has the ability to create a childlike awe in the viewer, a sense of being bathed in it, while yet being separate. The ability I have as an artist to bend light, to make it dance, reflect and move and create a sense of intrigue in the viewer, is very powerful to me.
ALYSSA MARTIN
Interior Designer and Owner of Studio Martin & Co.
Alyssa Martin realized after 18 yrs in the industry that most homeowners want a beautiful, functional kitchen and bathroom but the process to get there feels overwhelming, expensive, and out of reach.
After years of working in kitchen and bath design, we saw a gap. There was custom design (costly and complicated), and DIY remodeling (confusing and often chaotic). We wanted to create something in between; A smarter, more sustainable way to renovate.
We’ve always believed in thoughtful materials, timeless style, and the power of a well-designed space to change how we live day to day. And we believe every homeowner deserves access to that transformation and not just the ones hiring full-service firms.
That’s why we created curated, pre-made design kits, curated digital and in person workshops to make beautiful, functional kitchens accessible to more people, without sacrificing intention or quality.
Because your Kitchen & Bath isn’t just a place to cook.
It’s where your life happens.
And it should feel like it was made for you. Because now, it can be.
HEATHER GRIMSTEAD
Paper Artist and Owner of Especially Paper
Heather is a paper artist and the owner of Especially Paper, an online design studio she started in 2012. She designs digital templates for paper crafts, mixing traditional hand-crafting with modern technology.
Known for her realistic paper flowers and intricate detailing, Heather’s templates have earned praise for their clear instructions and beautiful results. She creates comprehensive worksheets to accompany her designs, enjoying the process of breaking down complex projects into achievable steps. Whether teaching beginners solid techniques for success or encouraging experienced crafters to experiment, Heather’s goal is to help people feel capable and inspired.
On her approach to paper:
I’m drawn to paper because of its accessibility and incredible versatility. I love the engineering challenge of creating three-dimensional objects from flat sheets, exploring how folds and cuts transform into form. Paper allows for both precision and playfulness. I can create realistic flowers or reimagine nature with bold color choices and exaggerated sizes. I enjoy exploring texture and pattern, blending hands-on work with digital tools, and experimenting with various coloring techniques from pastels to alcohol inks. Paper is a democratic medium. It invites everyone to create, to experiment, and to discover what’s possible with something as simple as a sheet and a fold.
WENDY FROTHINGHAM
Junk Journaling Instructor
I’m a craft hobbyist and instructor focused on creative reuse and hands-on expression. I discovered junk journaling during the pandemic and found it to be a restorative activity after my day job.
Since then, I’ve created dozens of journals using reclaimed and everyday materials, including old books, scrap fabric, and even cereal boxes.
Junk journaling has its roots in traditions of personal journaling, collage, and memory-keeping, where people saved letters, receipts, and everyday paper items to document their lives. Over time, these practices evolved into a more experimental, mixed-media form that emphasizes accessibility and reuse rather than specialized supplies or rigid formats.
Today, junk journaling is about exploration and self-expression. It is not scrapbooking; there is no expectation of perfection. Instead, it invites makers to slow down, repurpose materials, and create something meaningful from what might otherwise be discarded.