Cydnea Dean

Cydnea Dean (Squid) is a devoted educator specializing in supporting special needs children through the transformative power of music. Growing up in Northridge, California, with a Caribbean heritage, she was immersed in a rich tapestry of musical styles, further enriched by her brother’s role as a DJ. This eclectic exposure became a cornerstone of her teaching methodology and personal expression. A pivotal moment in her life was meeting musicians Swamp Dogg, Moogstar, and the late Guitar Shorty, whom she proudly calls musical mentors and dear friends. These relationships inspired her motto, often attributed to her friendship with Moogstar, which she passionately shares with her students: “We all need one person who believes in us. Just one person.”