Established Julie Nation's Academy in 1972, BA in Psychology
from Sonoma State University, Recipient of Senate of California
Rules Committee - Resolution for Outstanding Achievement in
Education, Past President of Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce,
Citizen of the Quarter, Rotary, Santa Rosa and Motivational
Speaker at National Conventions, Business and Service Organizations.
Sylvia Binsfeld Film Director/Writer Guest Workshop Leader
Sylvia began her career as an actress and joined the Screen Actor's Guild. Sylvia's
transition to writing and working behind the camera came after being cast as co-host in a short-lived,
offbeat TV show, called LiveWire. The producer/director gave the on-camera hosts quite a bit of creative power.
Sylvia found her passion in life, and started on a transformative journey. Frustrated with the content of many of
the scripts she read, Sylvia decided that she wanted to have a bigger say in regards to the messages being put out
into the world. She started writing her own scripts. While struggling to make a difference in a business where very
few people are actually able to break in, she started to take note of the habits and mindset that produced the best
results and the personal blocks that got in her way. Since then Sylvia has devised a step-by-step program to help
others live life to their fullest potential and fulfill their dreams, believing that each of us came in with their
own unique gifts to share with the world. Sylvia's first solo attempt at writing, producing and directing won her
the first place Telly Award and her company, DreamWeaver Films, was launched. Her most recent short, 35mm, fantasy
film, Dorme, has been shown at over 34 film festivals world wide - premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival, and won
the audience award, best film, and several national awards including another Telly, and the Kids First! Coalition for
Quality Children's Media Award.
Georgette Dorries
Instructor of Modeling
Georgette is a member of SAG and has been modeling and acting for many years now. She has appeared in movies such as “The Trip”, TV commercials
such as Macy’s and KGO news team, print work such as Dodge and Levi Strauss, and numerous runway shows for designers such as Oscar De La Renta, Tiffiany & Company, Levi Strauss
and so many more. She is also a licensed esthetician and a make up artist for models. Julie Nation Academy students appreciate an active model lending her expertise and experience into
the classroom!
Christina Fullmer Director of the Advanced Runway Modeling Troupe
Christina Fullmer has been involved in the arts for 24 years with an artistic career
that includes singing, dancing, modeling, and acting. She started out in cheerleading and gymnastics, earned the title 1995 Miss Hospitality of California, and it was
with her competitive cheerleading team that Christina began her work as a choreographer. Chrisitina has acted as a choreographer and dancer
for R&B artists, has been an actor and dancer for comedy TV show, acted in commercials, participated in community plays,
and has choreographed for musicals.Christina has directed and produced the production aspect of large venue Model/Talent
Searches,overseeing the choreography, make-up, lighting, music and production staff, and has done the same with large venueDance productions.
She is the Director/Choreographer for runway models that are a part of Julie Nation Academy’s Modeling “Troupe”.
Christina has continued her education, receiving an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences with Honors, Associates
Degree in Dance with Honors & Vocational certificates of Dance in Hip-hop, Jazz and Modern. She has also earned the rank of black belt
in Kenpo karate.It is Christina’s passion to contribute to the arts and help her students gain self-confidence through the arts.
Jacqueline Hayward Director of TV & Film Acting
Jacqueline did her early drama taining in her native England before receiving a full scholarship to study with ACT in San Francisco.
She has an Master's Degree in Drama Therapy, trained in voiceover work at Radio Magic. As the drama coach for the Santa Rosa Junior College's speech team for 8 years, her students won numerous medals.
She has worked-on both sides of the camera- in TV, film, commercials and voiceover. She has sung and danced professionally, and is an award-winning director. She has been teaching acting in various
settings, including at Sonoma State University, for more than 25 years, and been with Julie Nation since 2002.Her focus is on having acting be, first and foremost, a joyful and empowering experience for her students.
Ali L. Director of Modeling Webmaster
Instructor of Personal Development & Modeling Classes
Ali is in the process of obtaining a degree in Business Administration with concentrations in accounting and
marketing, currently enrolled at SSU. She is a Julie Nation Academy graduate and two time past Search participant. She was
previously signed with a top San Francisco agent that she was introduced to through Julie Nation Academy. She now models in her spare time, getting jobs
through the connections she has made through Julie Nation Academy. Some jobs Ali has had include a 5 page spread in a Japanese catlog,
a full page in a jewelry catlog, a Twin Pine Casino Commercial, and making it to the top 32 of about 50,000 girls from around the Nation
to be on the first episode of the 13th cycle of America's Next Top Model. Ali also participates in scholarship pageants, where she has won multiple local, state and National titles that
give her the opportunity to volunteer nationally and also provide financial support for college. When Ali is not at Julie Nation Academy or off modeling,
she is volunteering. She has been the Vice President of a Board of Directors for a non-profit organization for children with cancer. She is also an advocate for
childhood cancer, which is something she feels very strongly about, being a childhood cancer survivor herself.
Maureen Merrill Director of Women's Self Development and Finishing Program
Maureen is a Principal of Harris Merrill Communication Consulting, a motivational speaker,
communication seminar and workshop leader, a former elected city council member, an entrepreneur, and a communicty leader.
Maureen states: “My passion is to help participants find and express themselves through confidence in personal presence,
effortless communication and clarity of message and purpose. Every person is magnificent in his or her own way. Each of us brings unique gifts and a
particular contribution to our organizations, our world, and our relationships. What’s our job as leaders? To create a context in which the potential of these
gifts can be uncovered, developed, expanded and unleashed.”
Josh Richards Instructor of Acting and Career Basics
Josh helps oversee many Julie Nation Academy events and teaches some acting and career basics classes.
Josh is a Julie Nation Academy graduate. His portfolio includes video,
print and runway work.Josh has lived in Santa Rosa since 1980 and was born in San Jose, California.
He grew up with three brothers and a large extended family. Josh went to a private high school in Sonoma
County and was involved in many sports. Sports taught him how to play fair, take direction and to learn from
his mistakes; skills that he applies to all aspects of his life. Josh is pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice at Santa Rosa Junior College.
Tari Webber
Director of Personal Development
Tari Webber has been with Julie Nation Academy since 1990. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, specializing in community psychology, and Masters Degree
in Psychology/ Organizational Development, both from Sonoma State University. She has a prestigious list of skills and abilities, such as being modeling and personal development teacher, a certified
ICPT (physical trainer), a nutrition/fitness instructor, curriculum developer, grant writer, child activity facilitator. She is certified in domestic violence prevention, and neurological linguistic
programming. Julie Nation Academy is fortunate to have her teach and inspire our students!
