I have known of Ms. AeJa Mortensen since 2009 when she came to work for Action Day Primary Plus, Primary Plus Elementary and West Valley Middle School as our head music teacher. I had the good fortune to work closely with her roughly 7 years ago while she produced musicals for West Valley Middle School.  I work for the Corporate Office and was asked to assist “Ms. AeJa” with the lighting elements of the performance.  Because of my role, it required me to become familiar with the musicals, thus sat through many of the rehearsals learning the cues.  I had the privilege of observing Ms. AeJa in her interactions with the children; her kindness, patience, and humor as she encouraged them, taught and guided them and really built them up. In addition, she was a creative genius with the props and set up of the show.  She had a drum dance that brought the whole audience to their feet, using large exercise balls as drums, neon colors and black lights. She produced super successful, entertaining shows, really bringing out the best in the students.  Such a gifted teacher, and so beloved by all.

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In 2013, Ms. AeJa started working as a vocal coach with my daughter Alexis Nicosia, who had no musical background, just a love for music and singing.  Initially when Alexis began with Ms. AeJa, she did not wish to sing solo.  Ms. AeJa has such a way with her students. She encourages, rather than pressures them and definitely brings out the best and creates situations to allow each and every one of them to grow.  In my daughter’s case, Ms. AeJa created a musical group “Glo” and my daughter thrived.  She then found local events for them to “shine” at and built their confidence in the process, singing the National Anthem at Tree Lighting Ceremonies, San Jose Giant’s game, and National Fencing Championships to name a few.  From there, she had the group participate in local competitions.  Once the comfort was there, Ms. AeJa asked my daughter if she would go to Los Angeles with her to compete in the Big Talent Showcase.  Because she had developed such a relationship of trust, my daughter jumped on the opportunity, regardless of the fact she had never sang by herself.  The President at Nova Talent International who was heading up the “Showcase” wanted my daughter to participate in more than just the singing component, so Ms. AeJa worked with Alexis weekly to prepare her.  Together they created an acting commercial, a monologue, 2 songs to perform and taught her how to walk on a stage.  Watching her from the audience in front of all of the talent scouts and specialists in the music industry, my daughter definitely stood out.  She sang like she had done it a million times, acted, modeled, and even took home a trophy for top model, and signed with a recording producer; having the opportunity to create music that is on spotify and itunes.  There is NO DOUBT in my mind that this incredible growth, confidence, and newly discovered talent would not have happened had it not been for Ms. AeJa Mortensen.  I share our experience to emphasize the extra steps Ms. AeJa will go to help a child grow, develop and shine.  She does not reserve this energy she invested strictly for my daughter – she goes above and beyond for EVERY student who has the privilege to work with her, which is why she has the remarkable reputation she does within our community.   I would highly recommend her for any post in which she can share both her musical talent, and gifts in bringing out the best in her students. 

Kathie D'Avolio