Meet Katerina Pappas
Founder of Natural Talent Nurtured. Katerina holds a B.A. in Acting and Communication & Media Studies from Pace University, where she trained in theatre.
A former child actor who grew up performing while navigating a quiet, reserved, and introverted personality, Katerina is passionate about helping young performers build confidence, creativity, and self-expression through the performing arts.
Through NTN, she is dedicated to creating a supportive, playful, and skill-based environment where students can explore storytelling, take risks, and grow into confident, expressive individuals.
Meet Stella Pappas
Stella Vlamis Pappas, LCSW-R, ACSW is a senior behavioral health leader with extensive experience in treating children and families, clinical operations, care management, and mental health systems. She currently leads behavioral health operations with a focus on improving access, quality outcomes, and emotional wellbeing for children and adults.
Beyond her professional work, Stella has played a deeply formative role in the creation of Natural Talent Nurtured (NTN), helping guide its foundation through her expertise in child development, emotional health, and the importance of supportive environments for young people. As the mother of our founder, Stella has also been Katerina’s steady influence in navigating both the arts and the broader world and now in grounding NTN’s philosophy in care, resilience, and emotional awareness.
She holds a Master of Social Work Degree and an Advanced Clinical Certificate from New York University.
What Sets Us Apart
Evidence-Based Approach
Grounded in child development and emotional learning, our classes are designed to support real growth, not just performance.
Confidence Over Perfection
We prioritize bravery, self-expression, and risk-taking, helping students feel safe as they try, explore, and grow. We value the journey and process over the final result, focusing on personal growth and steady artistic development rather than perfection.
Individualized Support
Every child is met where they are, with coaching that honors their pace, personality, and creative voice.