Founder and Lead Teacher

Carla Ryan has always had a passion for design. Originally an interior design major, Carla switched to Elementary Education to focus her design mind on creating lesson plans that were engaging and fostered a growth mindset in her students. She loves working with children and hopes to share her talents and passion for design with a younger generation. 

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Mrs.Ryan has a B.S. and M.Ed. from Old Dominion University and an Elementary Art Certification. After graduation she taught 2nd grade for 8 years at Thoroughgood Elementary. She was honored as teacher of the year in 2017. 

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Since retiring from teaching to be home with her kids she has started a successful design business named Thirteenwinks. www.thirteenwinks.com  along with selling her designs she has been commissioned for design projects for the City of Virginia Beach, Amazon, and Sentara.