Executive
Don Jones - Owner/Director
Education
Long Island University, Bachelor of Science in Music (Piano Performance), cum laude, 2003
Georgia State University, Master of Business Administration, 2015
Don developed his passion for music at a young age. He was accepted into the world renowned, Interlochen Arts Academy at age 16. He then moved to New York City and soon became a rehearsal pianist on Broadway while he also performed in dozens of recitals throughout the Northeast. At age 23, he was the featured pianist for Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue at Tilles Center. He has performed as a sub keyboardist for multiple Broadway shows, including Wicked and The Little Mermaid, and has been a requested pianist in masterclasses with Academy Award-winning composers, Marvin Hamlisch and Stephen Schwartz, and accompanied opera legend, Renee Fleming in a NYC workshop. Don has music directed and conducted over 120 different musical productions and has taught hundreds of piano students of all levels.
In Atlanta, Don is the owner of The Studios Brookhaven, Founder and Co-Director of The Atlanta Institute for Musical Theatre, a sought after music director, accompanist and voice coach, and advanced piano instructor. Don has worked closely with The Alliance Theatre, City Springs Theatre Company, Atlanta Lyric Theatre, and Oglethorpe's Theatre Department. He is a past adjunct instructor of Musical Theatre at Brenau University and Don is also the Director of Music for Brookhaven United Methodist Church.
Don has been featured in The New York Times, The Daily News, and locally in Simply Buckhead Magazine as a Culture Tastemaker and in the Voyage ATL publication multiple times.
Class Instructors
Jewel Ellis- Ballet
Education:
Kennesaw State University, Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education with a minor in Dance, 2022
Jewel Ellis began her dance career at the age of 3 with Lilburn School of Ballet. Today, Jewel is nationally known as the “Flowerina™” or ballerina flower-girl. She is also CEO of Jewel Ballerina LLC, an event entertainment company that specializes in classical ballet performances for luxury weddings and events. Jewel has acquired over 36 million views on TikTok alone for showcasing her talent across the country. She has been recognized by Good Morning America, NBC LX, FOX 5, ABC, and many more for her unique spin on a timeless tradition. Jewel strives to continue exposing the art of classical ballet to the masses and educating the next generation of ballet dancers.
@Jewel_Ballerina (Instagram & TikTok)
Deli Ortiz - Ballet, Tumbling, Hip Hop & Cheer
Training:
Garth Fagan (Tony Award-winning choreographer for The Lion King on Broadway), Exchange Dance Academy, Motive Dance & Xcel Studios
Deli's love for dance stems from her unique culture and natural love for music and the arts. She began dancing at five years old and her family quickly realized she had a gift. Deli attended School of the Arts in New York as a dance major, where she specialized in Ballet, Jazz and Tap. She was mentored by Tony-winning choreographer, Garth Fagan (The Lion King on Broadway) and he helped her further develop technique and discipline.
Deli is excited to be part of The Studios Brookhaven and teach the kids in the community, something she has been doing in New York and Orlando for years.
Megan Gallacher-Wells, Acting
Education:
University of Miami, Bachelor of Arts, Broadcast Journalism and Sociology, 2006
Megan's acting career has spanned decades in the industry beginning as a child actor herself at the age of six. Growing up, most of her work was right here in the Southeast and New York before moving out to Los Angeles after college. Her credits include 90210, Criminal Minds, Burn Notice, and multiple films and national commercials. In addition to acting, behind the scenes she has worked as a talent agent in Los Angeles and casting assistant in Miami. But her biggest role of all is that of a wife and mom to a 7 year old daughter and 10 year old son here in Brookhaven. She is thrilled to be bringing her love and appreciation for acting and the arts to the next generation.
Christie Lamb - Broadway Kids
Education:
Columbus State University, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance with a certificate in Musical Theatre, Summa Cum Laude, 2022
Christie began pursuing musical theatre at a very young age because her mother was a music teacher. She instantly fell in love with theatre and knew she wanted to make a career out of it. She has an extensive background in voice, acting, and dance training. Before she was 18, she worked with Broadway Artists Alliance for numerous intensives in New York, worked with MTI in the first cast of Peter Pan Jr. and was an Honor member in the National Thespian Society. She placed 1st place several years in a row for the GA NATS Musical Theatre competition, and was a Finalist in the National NATS vocal competition. Throughout the years, her favorite roles include Catherine in Pippin (Columbus State University), Wednesday in The Addams Family (Newnan Theatre Company), LuLu in Cabaret (Columbus State University), and ensemble for Spamalot (Springer Opera House). Recently, she was also able to originate the role of Claire in SATB: A New Musical (Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival- Jennie T Anderson Theatre). Now, she is still pursuing theatre in Atlanta!
In addition to performing, her love for teaching began a few years ago as she helped choreograph the musical 42nd Street. Ever since, she has been teaching lessons and choreographing for children. She recently went on a children's theatre tour with Prairie Fire Children's Theatre and got to teach, choreograph, and perform with kids all over the Midwest! She is so grateful to be a part of this wonderful company because she gets the chance to share her joy with children and watch them fall in love with musical theatre!
Ashley Moore - Westminster Schools Hip Hop & Cheer
Education:
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Bachelor of Public Policy & Administration with a Minor in Dance, 2010
Ashley is a multi-talented singer-songwriter, dancer, choreographer & former NBA Dancer! Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Ashley developed her love for dance through music and videos as a child. It wasn’t until her late teen years that she let go of her fears, and finally embraced the world of performance.
Ashley has been teaching for over 15 years, has a strong passion for performance, and specializes in Hip Hop & Improvisation.
Ashley understands the power of music & community, and intends to keep reaching and inspiring others through her gifts!
Music Instructors
Brittany Smith - Piano & Group Piano
Education:
University of North Georgia, Associate of Arts in Music, 2012
Augusta University, Bachelor of Arts in Music, 2015
Brittany has a passion for the performing arts that she has cultivated throughout her life. At age eight, she began training in musical theatre, dance and music at her childhood dance studio, and began her training as a teacher in her teen years. Brittany joins The Studios Brookhaven after two years at Guitar Center, where she taught young children and beginners private piano lessons regularly. She has also been honing her skill with her personal music projects. With ten years of experience teaching children piano & dance, she’s excited to continue sharing her love for music with her students.
Christie Lamb - Beginner Piano, Ukulele, Violin, Voice & Group Piano
Education:
Columbus State University, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance with a certificate in Musical Theatre, Summa Cum Laude, 2022
Christie has a long history of music as her mother was a music teacher and taught her how to play several instruments. The first instrument she learned was the violin at the age of five. The she began playing the viola in her fifth grade orchestra class, while also learning to play the piano at home with her mother. Throughout middle school and high school, she was first chair and played in the top orchestra at her school. She also had the opportunity to play the viola for several advanced orchestra groups in Fayette County, performing alongside famous violinists Mark Wood and Bridgid Bibbins, and had several featured solos with her school orchestra at LGPE. She came back to playing the piano throughout her most recent years and teaches several private lessons throughout the week. She is very excited to teach at this wonderful studio and help her students find a passion for music!
Kate Phillip - Piano
Education:
Loyola Marymount University, Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts; Dance minor, Summa Cum Laude with Honors, 2021
Kate Phillipp is a local Atlanta musical theatre actor, singer, and dancer with a passion for music and the arts. She began playing the piano at 4 years old and took home lessons throughout her childhood. While in high school, she found opportunities to play for audiences at chorus concerts and transitioned to playing as a hobby. In college, Kate discovered a love for movie scores and now practices and plays them recreationally for technical improvement as well as for musical expression. She is excited to instill a love of music in the next generation of creative talents and help kids learn their musical abilities at a young age just as she did!
Kim Hillis - Piano
Kim has a passion for teaching piano. Having played piano and taken lessons throughout her childhood, she discovered a love for teaching when she founded and grew her studio in Louisville, KY. Kim’s philosophy of teaching is rooted in igniting a passion for music and she uses many tools to help every student find a way to make playing piano meaningful to them. She is a believer in fun, engaging learning and uses games and interactive tools to help students understand how all the tricky bits of music are put together. Building confidence and a deep love of the instrument is the ultimate goal. Kim is originally from Canada, lived in Louisville, KY for 15 years, and recently moved to Atlanta with her husband and their three boys.
Alina Chereshnya - Piano
Education:
Music School #2, Lutsk, Ukraine
Volyn State College of Culture and Arts, Lutsk, Ukraine
Originally from Ukraine, Alina moved to the US five years ago. She has a passion for music, specifically piano and singing! She has worked as a private piano and voice instructor for five years here in Georgia and is excited to be part of The Studios Brookhaven team. Alina enjoys teaching music to people of all ages and is proud of the quality of instruction she provides.
Anna Snider - Voice
Education:
Reinhardt University, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, 2023
Anna Snider is a recent Reinhardt University graduate with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Alongside performing, she has a passion for teaching young actors and singers. She has worked with young performers (K-12) through theater camps, voice intensives and vocal coachings. Anna is inspired by her past professors, voice teachers, and directors to divulge into a path of education in conjunction with her career as an actor. She can’t wait to work with you and make your vocal journey fun!
Josh Koepp - Guitar
Education:
Loyola University Chicago, Bachelor of Comparative Politics in International Politics in International Studies, Women and Gender Studies, 2016
Joshua Koepp is a gifted guitar player and teacher who has played across the Midwest for over 7 years. His experience playing in the US and in West Africa has taught him patience and an openness to different styles and traditions, something he carries into his teaching with every student.