Angela De Vincenzo
CO-FOUNDER / LEARNING SPECIALIST / EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT
Angela studied at NYU and Bank Street College of Education. She has worked in NYC independent schools for the past 20 years. Most recently, she served as Packer Collegiate Institute’s Lower School Learning Specialist. In addition, Angela held teaching tenures at The Chapin School and City & Country School - the pedagogy/teaching philosophies of these schools range from the most academic to the most progressive. Angela’s methods combine direct instruction with open-ended learning opportunities. A proponent of life-long education, Angela regularly attends as well as speaks at conferences and workshops around the country, offering professional development to educators.
Jeff Mayer
CO-FOUNDER / CREATIVE DIRECTOR / BIKING INSTRUCTOR
A pioneer in BMX with 25 years as a Pro BMX rider, Jeff ranked in the top 10 in the US. Jeff built the dirt bike tracks / indoor ramps in Bridgehampton, NY, where he spearheaded the instruction of Blocks, Trucks + Art’s biking program for the past 6 years. Jeff has DJ’d in NYC for over 25 years, and so music remains an instrumental part of the programming. Jeff Mayer has over 20 years’ experience in design, in NYC. His work has been featured in numerous publications, such as The New York Times, Interior Design Magazine and The Wall Street Journal. His most prolific work: Jeff conceptualized and designed the vibrant mobile Blocks, Trucks + Art 18-wheeler, known fondly as “Big Mama,” which housed a mobile workshop for kids. Jeff will bring the same magic from the rig, to Bikes, Boards + Books’ dynamic and original interior.
Luca Mayer
THE INSPIRATION / SKATEBOARDER + BMXER
Luca’s intense admiration of trucks was the reason his parents chose to purchase a semi. The 18-wheeler, which they christened “Big Mama,” was used by their family as a source of inspiration and learning for their son, and now, for children everywhere. Luca is a sponsored skateboarder with Shut Skates NYC (since the age of three), and he also loves to ride BMX. Luca’s passions and interests continuously inform and inspire the moves and next steps that take shape in their family business. He is the reason skateboarding has been added to Bikes, Boards + Books program offerings.
Big Mama
MASCOT / INSPIRATIONAL MOBILE CHILDREN’S WORKSPACE
Big Mama set the stage for Blocks, Trucks + Art’s summer pop-up in Bridgehampton, NY, launched 2015. Inside and around this family-owned rig, children were given opportunities to grow socially by building block structures, academically by receiving learning support, and physically by biking on the pump track just outside the truck. Big Mama’s larger-than-life presence inspired all who visited - from artists, to teachers, to parents, and children alike!
Video of our 18 Wheeler: The Luca 718 Rig aka “BIG MAMA”
Video of the Bridgehampton, NY Program: Blocks, Trucks + Art