Marienne Thomas, known as Yen, is a multi-talented painter, playwright, actress, choir director, praise dance choreographer, and youth leader, bringing her passionate, outgoing, and energetic personality to all that she undertakes. Marienne came to Bailey’s Café as a volunteer in the fall of 2007, while she was pursuing her undergraduate degree, and quickly became our lead teaching artist. After a three year absence, Marienne re-joined Bailey’s team of teaching artists in 2010. Currently, she is the lead teacher for our fourth and fifth grade girls arts-based rites of passage after school program as well as the lead teacher for the girls and vocal teacher for our arts-based rites of passage summer program. Her experiences with Bailey’s Café continue to deepen her understanding of her own talents. Recently, painting has become the primary focus of her creative work. It is through her connection with Bailey’s that Yen learned about the Fulton Art Fair organization and eventually became a member. Marienne earned a degree in Communications from the College of Staten Island.
Summer 2021, Marienne became Bailey’s first Director of Youth Programs.
