Early Childhood Education

Education:

Valdosta State University, Bachelor’s of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies- Psychology and Spanish    

Valerie has a passion for early childhood education as well as theatre and loves when the two of those get to intertwine. She has also taught in numerous preschools and learning centers and strives to help every child she encounters build their confidence and reach their full potential. 

Her love of theatre started in her early teens, when she auditioned for her local community theatre. As her confidence grew, so did the roles she landed. After high school, she discovered a children’s community theatre in her college town, and she spent much of her time collaborating with the theatre’s Board members and assisting with all of their productions. She has 5+ years of experience directing children’s theatre shows and teaching theatre, and she loves the visible confidence and excitement she sees when the children she teaches perform. 

Education:

Kennesaw State University, Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Spanish, 2010

Western Governors University, Master’s of Science in Curriculum and Instruction, 2013

Kashi Atlanta, Certified Yoga Teacher Training (200-hour), 2018

 Ashley is a Georgia native who found her love of yoga almost 20 years ago. Finding it to be a great way to alleviate daily stress and become more connected to herself, Ashley quickly became a lifelong yoga practitioner. She holds a 200-hour yoga teaching certificate from Kashi Atlanta and is registered with Yoga Alliance. Ashley has been teaching adult yoga classes in the Atlanta area for 4 years. Also certified as a classroom teacher (PK-5) with a background in early childhood education and curriculum and instruction, Ashley has spent the last 11 years teaching 1st-3rd grade at Dekalb Elementary School of the Arts and Pine Ridge Elementary. Combining both of her passions, Ashley is able to connect with kids and help foster their creativity using yoga as a tool for learning and exploration. From toddlers to seniors, Ashley is dedicated and motivated to make her classes fun and engaging for all ages to enjoy. When Ashley is off the mat, she can be found backpacking in the North Georgia mountains. 

Education:

University of Pittsburgh, Master's of Information Science with a minor in Chinese, Magna Cum Laude, 2021 

Teegan began her dance journey at the age of three and has 9+ years of competitive dance experience. Throughout high school and college she spent the summers training with the Radio City Rockettes in their Summer Intensive Program. She was a member of her college dance team where she served as captain in her final year. Teegan moved to Atlanta for a career in the legal field as well as to become a professional dancer. 

Teegan started teaching dance at her local studio at the age of 18. Teegan’s passion for teaching dance stems from her love of babysitting and her mom, who was a preschool educator for over twenty years. Teegan loves to encourage and help develop young minds to find their creativity and passion for dance!

Education:

Brown Mackie College, Associates Degree, Early Childhood Education, Summa cum laude

N'Kyna has a Associate's degree in early childhood education, Summa cum laude, from  Brown Mackie College. She is currently the lead infant room teacher at Brookhaven United Methodist Church Child Development Center. N'Kyna has been a teacher at the Child Development Center for nine years. 

Education

Long Island University, Bachelor of Science in Music (Piano Performance), cum laude, 2013

Georgia State University, Master of Business Administration, 2015

Don developed his passion for music at a young age. He was accepted into the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy at age 16. He then moved to New York City where he performed in dozens of recitals throughout the Northeast and was a featured soloist for Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue in 2003. He has performed as a keyboardist for multiple Broadway shows, including Wicked and The Little Mermaid, conducted dozens of orchestras, and has taught over 300 students in the past 20 years. 

In Atlanta, Don is both an in demand Music Director/pianist as well a cocktail pianist. Don has worked with City Springs Theatre Company, the Atlanta Lyric, and Pinch ”N” Ouch where he recently played piano for Rent at the iconic, Variety Playhouse. You can regularly find Don playing the piano at Parkers on Ponce in Decatur and for various private engagements throughout the metro area. Don has been the Director of Music for Brookhaven United Methodist Church for eight years and teaches weekly music classes to the Child Development Center at BUMC. 

Don specializes in all levels and ages of piano instruction and enjoys teaching all styles of music, from classical to pop and everything in betwee

Education

Shorter University, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, 2011

New York University, Master of Music, Musical Theatre, 2013 

New York University, Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy, 2013 

John has returned home to the Peach State after a decade of training and working in the Big Apple and he is thrilled and honored to reenter the thriving Atlanta theatre and music scene. 

John’s training and certification in Vocal Pedagogy has given him comprehensive insight into how the voice works and he is armed with an arsenal of tools, techniques, and concepts to assess the individual and elicit immediate and sustainable singing and speech habits. John has experience teaching singers from ages 6 – 65 and a wide background of skill levels and desired genres of music. 

Equal to John’s passion and experience in teaching, is his love of acting and singing. John’s favorite previous roles include: The Fantasticks (El Gallo), Forever Plaid (Smudge), Rocky Horror Show (Brad), Mr. Manningham (Angel Street), and The 39 Steps (Clown #2). 

Education:

Georgia State University, Bachelors of Music, Classical Guitar Performance

Adams State University, Masters of Music

Scott received his Bachelor's degree in Classical Guitar Performance from Georgia State University under the instruction of John Sutherland, a protege of Andres Segovia. Scott then completed a Master of Music degree from Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado. His book on guitar improvisation, "Creating Guitar Solos," is now being sold worldwide on lulu.com. 

Previous collaborations have included performances with members of the Atlanta Symphony and the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. Scott currently maintains a busy schedule as a performer and teacher in the Atlanta area.  He is Head of Guitar Studies at Gordon State College and Georgia Highlands College.  Scott teaches guitar online in India and the Middle East for The Metropolitan School of Music. Scott is endorsed by Augustino LoPrinzi Guitars, Peterson Tuners, Boveda (Guitar Humidifiers), and KNA Pickups. Scott is also endorsed by and exclusively performs with Hannabach strings.  

Scott is also a former voting member for the Grammy Awards. In 2017 Scott released a solo CD "Sacred Music on Solo Guitar.” Scott also performs in Duo Catanza and Atlanta Guitar Trio.

Education:

University of North Georgia, Associate of Arts in Music

Augusta University, Bachelor of Arts in Music

Lisa Pham began her formal music training at University of North Georgia as a pianist in jazz band and cellist in orchestra. She studied under Laurin Smith while at UNG where she received her Associate of Arts in Music. From there, she studied with Christine Crookall at Augusta University and received her Bachelor of Arts in Music.   

She has over 10 years of experience in performance and music education. Her background in teaching ranges from private lessons with students of all ages, coaching chamber ensembles, conducting youth orchestra, and was on faculty at the Augusta University Conservatory.  

Her performance experience includes music festivals such as the Westobou Chamber Music Festival and South Carolina Cello Choir to performing in the musicals Oklahoma! and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Her work has led her to perform alongside jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon and Christopher O’Reilly of NPR’s From the Top.  

In 2016, she co-founded Augusta Cello Society, a cello ensemble with the mission of bringing visibility to the diverse range of cello repertoire. Currently, she is a cellist in the Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra and Dekalb Symphony Orchestra.

Education:

University of the Arts, Bachelors of Music, Music Composition, 2006

Nate is a composer, producer, performer and educator with over 15 years of experience. He has composed and produced original music for nationally recognized brands, award winning feature films, and a wide variety of radio/tv ads. As a drummer, he has performed on stages all over the country, including The Apollo, The Bitter End, American Repertory Theater, and Rockwood Music Hall. 

As an educator, Nate prioritizes creativity and exploration. He hopes that each student leaves their lesson with a sense of accomplishment and confidence.

Nate attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and was awarded a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition in 2006.

Education:

Kennesaw State University, Bachelors of Jazz Performance, 2016

Devin Okey is an active Metro-Atlanta musician whose love for music in all forms inspired him to share his skills and knowledge with others. Whether he is in the classroom or on the bandstand, Devin brings top-tier work ethic and professionalism to every musical situation and is energetic and engaging with students of all ages. 

Devin has taught private lessons for over ten years, with many of his students going on to receive top accolades in the GMEA All State Honor Bands and in Georgia’s Governor’s Honors Program. Devin's teaching philosophy is quite simple: teaching students to make better music develops them into better people. He also believes that through both one to one instruction and education through collaborative experiences, students develop not only musical proficiency, but also effective problem solving skills applicable to the professional world. Devin's strengths and areas of expertise lie in teaching fundamentals on all woodwinds, improvisation, music theory, aural skills, and ensemble coaching. 

Devin received his Bachelor of Jazz Performance at Kennesaw State University in 2016 and was a featured performer in the KSU College of the Arts promotional materials. He has worked with artists such as Voodoo Visionary, Cody Matlock, David Rudder, The Hedonistas, Wild Adriatic and Sheilah Ray Charles of the Ray Charles family.