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Meet Your Instructors

Julie Nation

Julie Nation

Julie Nation, Founder and President

Christina Savala

Christina Savala

Christian Savala is the Director of Julie Nation Academy.

Caylee Lamb

Caylee Lamb

Caylee Lamb, modeling instructor

Hilary Bucher

Hilary Bucher

Instructor & Licensed Esthetician: Hilary studied theatre arts at Playhouse West Academy in Los Angeles (whose graduates include Jim Carey, Ashley Judd, Scott Caan, James Franco, and more) where she studied the Meisner Technique. She also studied under Jeff Goldblum in their Master Class. Hilary is a passionate make-up artist and skincare specialist who believes in helping students to look their best on both sides of the camera.

Jeff Wentzel

Jeff Wentzel

Instructor of TV & Film Acting Programs: Jeff discovered Julie Nation Academy after participating in Showcase 2011 and signing a contract with Marla Dell agency. He has extensive training in acting of all types, including theatrical, film, TV, commercial, voiceover, character development, psychological realism, Shakespeare, and commedia dell’arte. He has appeared in a variety of theatrical productions, short films, and other on-camera projects.

Christina Fullmer

Christina Fullmer

Director of Advanced Modeling Runway Troupe: Christina has taught professionally in the arts since 1998, with an artistic career that includes singing, dancing, modeling and acting. She has been a choreographer and dancer for R&B artists, acted and danced for comedy TV shows, acted in commercials, participated in community plays, and has been lead make-up artist/stylist for top fashion photographers. It is Christina’s passion to help her students gain self-confidence through the arts.

Alana Cuthbert

Alana Cuthbert

Alana Cuthbert graduated from the Julie Nation Academy in 2013, completing programs in Personal Development and Professional Modeling. She has been an active model ever since, including a photo shoot for Ralph Lauren New York, modeling for international fashion show producer Eddie Cotillon, Ruby Red shows, and photography for Julie Schindler’s web fashion designs, to name a few. Alana has also graduated from the San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology.

Eddie Cotillon

Eddie Cotillon

High-fashion and commercial photographer Eddie Cotillon has been a leader in the modeling and acting industry for over 30 years. As Creative Director and Show Producer of Pande Productions, Eddie has produced fashion shows for Market Weeks in Paris, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas and has worked with designers such as Ralph Lauren, Oscar Dela Renta, Calvin Klein, and Michael Kors. He has offered Julie Nation students instruction and photography services for over 20 years.

Capri Quattrocchi

Capri Quattrocchi

Capri took her very first class with Julie Nation Academy at the age of 7. With the experience she gained from the Children's Modeling & Acting Program, Junior Modeling Troupe, and Julie Nation Showcase, she soon signed with Models Inc. Talent Agency. Capri has competed in numerous pageants, has experience in print work, voice over and commercials, and has walked the runway for Fashion on the Square-San Francisco, JCPenney, Catwalk for a Cure, Oakland and Sacramento Fashion Weeks.

D. R. “Papa Bill” Sawhney

D. R. “Papa Bill” Sawhney

Staff Photographer “Papa Bill” combines his love of photography and people to create commercial images for Julie Nation students and graduates. Papa Bill’s welcoming spirit invites parents and family members to join in his shoots, creating memories of not only programs and portfolios, but family photo albums. Papa Bill also shoots for a wide number of community businesses and non-profit organizations.

Jacqueline Hayward

Jacqueline Hayward

Director of TV & Film Programs: Jacqueline has a wide training in acting, improvisation, and voiceover and a master’s degree in Drama Therapy. She has been teaching acting, improvisation and speaking skills in numerous settings, including Sonoma State University and Santa Rosa JC, for 30+ years. Jacqueline has worked on both sides of the camera in TV, film, commercials and voiceover. She has been with Julie Nation Academy since 2002.

Sylvia Binsfeld

Sylvia Binsfeld

Sylvia began her career as an actress and joined the Screen Actor’s Guild. Her first attempt at writing, producing, and directing won her the first place Telly Award, and soon after her company, DreamWeaver Films, was launched. Sylvia’s recent short fantasy film, Dorme, has been shown at over 34 film festivals worldwide- premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival and winning several national awards, including another Telly and the Kids First! Quality Children's Media Award.

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