Via Goode shares stories with audiences of all ages, and specializes in sharing folktales which encourage lots of audience participation, and can emphasize components of Virginia's Foundation Blocks for Early Learning (VFBEL). Via is a former preschool teacher, teacher's aide, and Chesapeake Public Schools substitute teacher. A professional storyteller since 2011, she has been the headliner in more than 700 performances in public and private schools, museums, libraries, parks, and recreation centers. Via has been affiliated with Arts For Learning, Young Audiences of Virginia since 2012, and was named their Teaching Artist of the year in 2015. She is also a member of the Virginia Storytelling Alliance and the National Storytelling Network.

Performance Fee: negotiable
Workshop Fee: negotiable

Travel: Out of Region
Audience: PreK, Elementary, Teens, Families, Adults
Genres: Folktales, Personal Stories, Faith-based Stories, Humorous Tales

Awards Received: Teaching Artist of the Year - Arts For Learning, Young Audiences of Virginia

Testimonials:

"Via Goode is an exceptional story teller! She is clearly gifted with a talent for telling stories to young children that are engaging, age-appropriate, and educational. She keeps the children engaged through songs, movement, props, and a wonderful sense of humor and excitement as she tells the stories. She is very thoughtful about the stories she presents, making the experience one that is a true favorite of our preschool. We always look forward to having Goode Stories come to visit! It's one of our favorite days of the year!" -- Becky Miles, Director Great Bridge Presbyterian Church Preschool & Kindergarten, Chesapeake, Va.

“Ms. Goode recently returned to our school for the third year in a row to kick off Reading Month with our Preschoolers and Kindergarteners. Her background in teaching is immediately evident when you see the rapport she builds with the students. She is enthusiastic, creative, and does a fantastic job involving the students in each story to keep them connected and engaged. The students LOVED her stories and want to know when she can return. In addition to putting on a great show, Ms. Goode is very organized and efficient when dealing with scheduling and contracts, making the process very easy. I was also very impressed that she made a point to keep track of which stories she told at our school over the past two years in order to make sure she presented our kids with something new each year. I would not hesitate to recommend Via Goode for any storytelling needs you may have!” -- Kellee Kraft, Library Media Specialist, Arrowhead Elementary School, Virginia Beach, Va.

"My Red Hat Lady friends and myself had our monthly outing and the "highlight" of our outing was a "storyteller". Now why would a bunch of old ladies want to hear someone tell a story??? I didn't say it, but I sure thought it. Let me tell you!!! Via is her name, and she can really tell a story. She puts herself totally into the story: changing her voice from male to female to child, changing from deep South to up North, from Irish to Londoner or to whatever is called for. She is a joy to listen to and will make you want to hear more. NOW I SEE WHY WE WOULD WANT TO HEAR SOMEONE TELL A STORY!" -- Dora, member Red Hat Ladies Club, Virginia Beach, Va.