Our Story
When Covid shut down the world, traveling quilt and craft teachers either climbed on board the virtual technology train or were left behind.
As co-founder of the Global Quilt Connection, a service connecting teachers with the guilds who wanted to hire them, Lyric helped keep the quilting world alive through virtual technology. Teachers were able to continue their careers, sharing their creative joy with students around the world.
She quickly realized there was a great need for further technical training, helping the quilt, craft, and art teachers she loves to grasp and master the technical aspects of online teaching.
And thus, The Academy for Virtual Teaching was born. Together we have built a supportive worldwide community of quilters, crafters, and artists, working to become more proficient, profitable, and professional online educators.
Our Team
Lyric Kinard: Dean (head cheerleader!) AVT & GQC
Lyric Montgomery Kinard is a serial entrepreneur and loves nothing more than seeing the people she teaches succeed in their business endeavors.
She is also an award winning artist, author, and educator, with a passion for sparking the creativity that she knows each of her students posses. She has been recognized for her talents as an International Association of Professional Quilters Teacher of the Year and has travelled the world sharing her love of design, composition, and textile art. You can see Lyric’s art at www.LyricKinard.com.
Tori McElwain: Coach, Marketing and Curriculum Development Specialist
Tori is a marketing coach and digital strategist empowering quilters, crafters, and creatives to simplify and scale their online businesses.
As the author of Workshops Unleashed and founder of the Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program (DMMC), she combines her background as a quilt pattern designer and teacher, and former tech trainer with a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, to help clients design impactful virtual workshops and digital courses. Specializing in online course design, digital marketing, and AI Tools, Tori equips creative teachers with the technical strategies and confidence needed to build thriving online businesses.
Beth Ann Williams: Coach, Zoom Teaching & YouTube Specialist
Beth Ann Williams is a quilting and fiber arts instructor, designer, and author known for her warm, clear, and encouraging teaching style. She helps quilters of all levels build practical skills, gain confidence, and discover their own creative voice. Drawing on decades of professional experience, she specializes in making complex techniques approachable for beginners while still offering depth and creativity for more experienced makers.
Since shifting her teaching online in 2020, Beth Ann has built a thriving digital presence through live workshops, online classes, downloadable patterns and resources, and her growing YouTube channel, YouTube.com/@BethAnnWilliamsQuilts. She finds deep joy in helping creative educators strengthen their skills, expand their teaching possibilities, and confidently share their work with the world.
You can find her blog at www.BethAnnWilliams.com.
Our Sister Company
The Global Quilt Connection
Where we put teachers in front of the people who want to hire them.
Our sister site where we connect quilt teachers with the students and guilds around the world that are seeking virtual workshops and programs.
Live-streamed Quilting Sampler Platters: Learn from our best teachers!
Teacher Listings
Online Workshop Listings
Virtual Programming for Guilds
Let us help YOU build your business!
Interested in how
VIDEO EDUCATION
can fit into your business?
You are in EXACTLY the right place!
Sign up to learn more.
Learn how we can help you build a sustainable and profitable business, sharing what you love to make through video! Social media, Youtube tutorials, On-Demand or Live-Zoom workshops - all require proficiency with video technology. We can teach you the tech!
I have read and agree to the terms & conditions.
