The Martine Cotillions
- since 1857 -
Our Team
At The Martine Cotillions we have put together a team of talented and caring professionals who all have backgrounds and education in working with children. Each member of our team consistently strives to make the experience of Cotillion fun and comfortable for the children because we believe children learn better and retain more when they are having fun! And since many of our team members also have backgrounds in performing, Cotillion is not only fun and entertaining for the children, but for visiting parents, family members, and friends as well!
Gena Martine Santoni - Owner/Director
"Miss Martine" is the 5th generation to carry on the family's Cotillion. Having learned to Cha-Cha at age three, her expertise in manners and dance blossoms from growing up in the family business. She literally started in the "mail room" stuffing envelopes in the Cotillion office, then at age eleven went on to help the children as a Cotillion Mentor. Over the years she progressing to co-directing with her parents, Kurt and Suzy Martine before becoming Director of her family’s Cotillions in 1991. Miss Martine is also a writer, and holds degree in English Literature from UCI, and a singer who gained a great deal of performing experience in theater workshops and local repertory groups. She married commercial and fine art photographer, John Santoni, in 1995. Her specialty is inspiring the children, helping them to learn while having fun.
Adam Sokolowski - Event Manager/Instructor
Mr. Sokolowski has been an integral part of our team since 2001. He earned his degree and teaching credential at California State University Long Beach in 1996, and has experience as a teacher of both elementary and middle school children, and also as a junior high volleyball team coach. Adam and his wife are blessed with two sons. When not spending time with his family, Adam loves to play golf, and is a very patient golf coach! Mr. Sokolowski has a gentle manner that belies his tall frame. At Cotillion, he has an eye on everything, so you will see him instructing the children on the dance floor and then slyly slipping away to supervise the activity “behind the scenes.”
Julie Sweany - Lead Hostess and Office Administrator
Mrs. Sweany has been an invaluable part of the Cotillion Team for two decades. She holds a degree in Psychology from California Lutheran University, and has worked with children in many different capacities prior to joining the Cotillion Team including Directorships of both Physical Education for the YMCA and of Children’s Programs for the city of Irvine. Julie works closely with the Grade Chairs at Cotillion and is indispensable to the parents who volunteer to Host each evening. Mrs. Sweany has a wonderful touch with the children and knows every facet of Cotillion, so if you have any questions while you are there, she is the one to ask!
Devin DeLozier - Instructor & Co-Director
Mr. DeLozier is a man of many talents and an impressive resume of work with young people over the last 25 years. He has been a speaker for several youth organizations, and been involved with Youth Works in partnership with Habitat For Humanity, among others. In recent years Devin has spent much of his time away from Cotillion as a youth leader and mentor with Mariners Church. Devin attended college in Vancouver Washington, and is a talented singer-song writer. He and his wife, Kimberley, are kept quite busy with three young gentlemen of their own. Devin has a dynamic way of engaging the children in learning that is truly unique.
Nathan Robertson - Instructor/Director
Mr. Robertson has been a part of the cotillion team for over 20 years, beginning first as a Mentor after graduating from our Mesa Verde Chapter. He holds a degree in Theater Performance from Chapman University and has a versatile background of experience working with children including mentoring youth through the Boys and Girls Club, teaching martial arts, and working with various youth sports leagues. When not on the dance floor, Nate enjoys spending his time outdoors and in nature. Now stepping into the role of Co-Director, he is a positive role model for the children with a sincere desire to to help them reach their highest potential.
Shaena Singer - Instructor
Miss Singer is a graduate of our Ventura Chapter and assisted as a Mentor for four years. She earned a degree in Dance from Muhlenberg College and has over two decades of training in classical ballet and modern dance. Shaena has more than 12 years of experience teaching various dance styles to children and joined the Cotillion Team as an instructor. While dancing is her passion, she also has a diverse background working with children in many other venues ranging from youth sports to the foster care system. Shaena enjoys traveling and exploring hiking trails off the beaten path with her goldendoodle. She brings a lightheartedness to helping the children be their best on and off the dance floor.
Rebekah Keller Negrete - Director/Instructor
A multi-titled and very down-to-earth beauty queen, “Miss Keller” is happy to focus on the three girls she and her husband have adopted. Rebekah has been with us since 2001 and has become skilled in directing the children both on and off the microphone. She is a wonderful ambassador for the importance of manners as well as the needs of foster children. Rebekah earned her degree in Liberal Studies from Azusa Pacific University. She has taught elementary and junior high school and created a popular etiquette class for Lakewood’s Valley Christian School as well as a custom series for Yorba Linda’s Heritage Oak School. Rebekah still occasionally performs as a singer and M.C. and also appears at speaking engagements around the country.
Nicole Lindsay - Instructor
Miss Lindsay hails from San Diego, and has studied performance and dance for much of her life. Nicole believes strongly in the importance of mentoring youth, and is a very conscientious instructor at Cotillion. Nicole earned her degree in music from Azusa Pacific University, and is an accomplished classical and operatic vocalist currently pursuing her Masters. With years of experience in youth theater as an instructor and production leader, she founded the San Diego Vocal Academy. Nicole strives to instill in her students a strong sense of personal integrity and confidence that will help them achieve their dreams.
