Chara Dance Academy proudly employs professional, caring, and dedicated dance instructors who are active role models in the lives of their students.  Our instructors teach students technical skills, Christian values, and self-confidence that will guide them throughout their dance journey and within their everyday lives.  Many of our instructors have danced at a professional level and/or hold a university level degree in dance. Each instructor participates in continued education both within and outside of the studio to stay current in the field of dance.

Shanna Kirkpatrick Chara Founder

Shanna Kirkpatrick

Chara Founder

Shanna opened Chara Christian Dance Academy in 2008 with the intent of combining faith with excellence in dance instruction. She attended Texas A&M University, receiving a BS in Sport Management and Minor in Dance and Business. In 2017 she and her husband Bobby, Pastor of Friendswood Friends Church, started Part of the Art Foundation providing dance scholarships to deserving kids. Together they have three children. Shanna enjoys serving on the board of the FISD Education Foundation and Friends of Downtown Friendswood. She is a certified business and personal development coach with More Than Just Great Dancing!®, helping other studio owners create businesses that serve their students and communities with excellence!

Directors & Coordinators

Samantha Aguilera Apparel & Costume Coordinator

Samantha Aguilera

Apparel & Costume Coordinator

Samantha has 17+ years of administrative experience in which attention to detail, structure, and organization are crucial. Her family has been attending Chara since 2020 starting with her daughter dancing then a year later her son starting piano lessons. She is a homeschool mom who loves taking field trips and learning alongside her children. She and her husband have been married for 13 years and together serve in the children’s ministry at their church. She loves spending time with her family and traveling!

Cynthia Bonilla Office Manager | Pearland

Cynthia Bonilla

Studio & Sales Manager

Cynthia studied Business Management with a focus on Human Resources Management at Salem State University in Massachusetts. She has spent 8 years in Human Resources, and most recently transitioned from Health Care Management to Chara Christian Dance Academy, after relocating to Texas from Massachusetts. Cynthia is looking forward to welcoming Chara’s values and seeing students become more self-confident through Dance and Music. During her free time, Cynthia loves to spend her time with her daughter, Laurel, and her family, as well as read.
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Madison DeShane

Director of Studio Events, Classical Program Director & Dance Instructor

Madison began her dance training and performing in North Carolina. During that time she performed in works with Carolina Ballet, Graceful Expressions Classical Ballet Company, and Atlanta Ballet’s Centre for Dance in Georgia. She attended college at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi for Dance and graduated with a degree in Management. Madison loves teaching and working with our families at Chara Christian Dance Academy, and hopes to grow each of her students’ passion for dance! She is the Artistic Director for Friendswood Contemporary Ballet, and loves bringing ballet to the community of Friendswood!

Cindy Fletcher Music Department Director & Piano Instructor

Cindy Fletcher

Music Department Director & Piano Instructor

Combining a passion for teaching, children and music,  Mrs. Fletcher is an award-winning educator and musician who is thrilled to be sharing her love of fine arts in the Christian environment of Chara Christian Dance Academy.  Her goals are to motivate and encourage students while instilling a life-long appreciation of music.  She has taught piano lessons for 25 years, taught in public and private schools, and directed/performed with numerous choirs, singing groups, praise teams and musical productions.  When not teaching or making music, Mrs. Fletcher can be found with her other obsessions – reading, cross-stitch, fur babies and family.

Ashley Gilfoil Bloom Fine Arts Coordinator & Bloom Teacher

Ashley Gilfoil

Bloom Fine Arts Coordinator & Bloom Teacher

Ashley is known for her positive energy and her ability to connect with and inspire children. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Texas Tech University. She also holds a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and a Teaching Certification in Spanish from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. She has experience teaching in preschool, elementary and high school. When she is not working with the Bloom class at Chara, you can find her parenting her two active boys, smiling behind a camera, volunteering, struggling in a 5:00 am CrossFit class, working on a puzzle, or reading.
Lori Harvey Office Manager | Friendswood

Lori Harvey

Sales Manager | Friendswood

Lori has been married to her husband, Jim, for over 40 wonderful years and is a proud mom to two daughters and grandma to two precious granddaughters. She spent many years serving in Children’s Ministry at her church and was also a dedicated Chara Dance Mom—so she knows firsthand the joy and impact of the Chara community. Lori’s favorite part of working at Chara is helping our youngest dancers feel right at home and creating a warm, welcoming environment for all of our families. She loves spending time with her family and friends and exploring new places through travel.

Kyndal Kennedy School Director | Pearland, Competitive Director & Dance Instructor

Kyndal Kennedy

School Director | Pearland, Competitive Director & Dance Instructor

Kyndal received her Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations with a Minor in Theater from Texas State University in 2014. After spending 5 years in advertising and marketing, Kyndal returned to the dance industry full time as the Assistant Director of the Friendswood High School Wranglerettes from 2019-2024, all while continuing a position with Crowd Pleasers Dance Company as a part of their creative team. She hopes to bring her experience to Chara Christian Dance Academy to enhance the legacy that the staff has worked so hard to create. She is honored to serve students and teachers in her role as School Director, where she can prepare our dancers for a bright future, wherever their journey takes them. The only thing she loves more than an venti iced vanilla latte is spending time with her husband and two boys.

Jillian Marshburn Media & Communications Coordinator

Jillian Marshburn

Media & Communications Coordinator

Jillian started at Chara in 2016 working part time at the front desk while finishing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Ministry Leadership from Northwest University. After graduation, she shifted to a full time role with Media and Marketing being the focus. Growing up dancing herself and later becoming a member of the Deer Park HS Drill Team, she loves getting the opportunity to continue to be in the dance world while using her talents in graphic design & videography to showcase the culture and community of Chara to bring families into our Chara family! When Jillian is not at Chara, she enjoys reading, geeking out over Star Wars & Marvel, going to (& talking about) Disney and spending time with family & friends. Let them praise His name with dancing. Psalm 149:3

Jamie Minyard Community Events Coordinator

Jamie Minyard

Community Events Coordinator

Jamie brings a unique blend of experience to Chara, with a Sport Management degree from Texas A&M University and nine years as a dance team director. She also has a strong background in digital marketing and event management, which she gained after transitioning from teaching. A proud member of First Baptist Pasadena, Jamie’s own daughter has blossomed at Chara for the past five years, with her youngest joining the fun this fall! She’s incredibly passionate about inspiring other families to discover their love for dance, just as her family has at Chara. When she’s not at the studio, Jamie loves to bake bread from scratch with her girls.

Meghan Owen Director of Student Programs, Competitive Director & Dance Instructor

Meghan Owen

Director of Student Programs, Competitive Director & Dance Instructor

Meghan has been with Chara since 2014. Meghan grew up with a passion for dancing. She was captain of her high school dance team and danced competitively with her dance studio. She attended the University of Iowa receiving a BA in Dance and a BA in Performing Arts Entrepreneurship where she was a part of the university’s pre-professional dance company. Meghan then moved to Kansas City to dance professionally with Kacico Dance. Coming to Houston through Teach for America, Meghan previously coached dance and cheerleading teams at YES Prep Southwest and South Houston High School. Meghan holds a Masters in Physical Education from the University of Houston. Meghan hopes to give her dancers a well-rounded training experience that makes them versatile dancers for whatever dance journey they pursue! Meghan, her husband, and two children enjoy camping, hiking, and traveling throughout the year.

Madi Pack School Director | Friendswood, Performance Company Director & Dance Instructor

Madi Pack

School Director | Friendswood, Performance Company Director & Dance Instructor

Madi grew up dancing right here at Chara when it was still located in the gym at Friends Church. She danced competitively with Chara as a company principal for a few years before joining the National Champion Friendswood Wranglerettes drill team where she held a leadership position of President. Eventually she went on to teach dance at a fellow MTJGD studio in College Station while attending Texas A&M University and getting her degree in early childhood education. While she was there she coached a several companies and started a program for dancers with disabilities. She has been teaching dance for 10 years and believes wholeheartedly that all students deserve the opportunity to experience the joy of dance!

Nicole Reed Director of Student Services, Competitive Director & Dance Instructor

Nicole Reed

Director of Student Services, Competitive Director & Dance Instructor

Nicole received her Bachelor’s in Public Relations & minor in Business Management from University of Houston. She spent 3 years training with Ingredients Dance Company in Dallas where she had the privilege of touring the country with the Dance Revolution Dance Convention. Nicole manages our competitive and recreational dance companies, is the Administrative Director for Friendswood Contemporary Ballet and a dance instructor. She hopes to instill a deeper self confidence in her students as well as a drive and determination to push towards their goals. It is not about how you compare to your peers, but that you are better than you were the day before. She encourages her students to believe in themselves and to find one thing to grow in and improve on each day. Outside of dance, Nicole likes to spend time with her family, enjoys eating Mexican food and cheering on the Astros. She loves spending time with her family, especially her husband and son, Wade!

Bailey Stanfield Marketing Coordinator, Competitive Director & Dance Instructor

Bailey Stanfield

Marketing Coordinator, Competitive Director & Dance Instructor

Bailey is a Chara alum and former Friendswood Wranglerette Dance Officer. She holds a degree in Integrated Marketing and Communications from the University of Mississippi, with a minor in Business and a focus in social media. Chara played a huge role in shaping Bailey’s faith and values, and she’s passionate about helping the next generation grow in both dance and their walk with Jesus. Outside of work, she loves traveling and spending time with her favorite people.

Rachel Stonestreet Dance Instructor & Customer Care

Rachel Stonestreet

Sales Manager | Pearland & Dance Instructor

Rachel has been dancing for over 11 years, training in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre, and more. She has performed in multiple productions with the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre and as a paid artist with Juxtapose Arts Collective. Rachel also received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Minor in Human Development and Family Sciences from the University of Houston in Spring 2024. She hopes to use her dance instructor/Performing Group Director and administrative experience to provide students with valuable skills that they can use both in and out of the studio, and help create a welcoming environment for all Chara families. When she’s not working, Rachel can be found painting, singing in her church’s band, or spending time with family and friends.

Customer Care Team

Norma Garces Customer Care 

Norma Garces

Customer Care 

Norma has worked in the education field since the early 2000s, with experience spanning from charter schools to HISD and now Pasadena ISD, where she is entering her ninth year. She has been part of the Chara community since 2014 as a proud Chara mom to two beautiful daughters and now part of the Customer Care Team. Through their dance journeys, Norma has discovered a new level of love and inspiration—seeing the art of dance through her daughters’ eyes has been one of her greatest joys.

Lizbeth Kavadias Customer Care

Lizbeth Kavadias

Customer Care

Lizbeth earned her Masters of Law (LLM) from the University of Hawaii – William Richardson School of Law, after graduating from law school. Lizbeth moved to Friendswood from the island of Kauai with her husband and two daughters. She has participated in an abundance of Friendswood, PTO committees. Additionally, she has participated on the Leadership Team for a local Pre-Professional Ballet Company for many years. Lizbeth is grateful for the opportunity to serve, believing that every step taken in faith is a reflection of God’s grace and love. She hopes to comfort dancers and their families with the care and passion for dance that she has raised her own family. When outside of work she likes to read, play tennis and spend time with her family and friends.

Susan Mercer Customer Care

Susan Mercer

Customer Care

Susan enjoyed working for the State of Texas for over 30 years, 20+ years of experience in the public school district working in Student Services and 10 years working at Texas Department of Public Safety, retiring as a Facilities Manager. After retiring, she moved from the Waco area to be closer to family but still had a desire to work but on a part-time basis. Having two daughters that took dance classes growing up and now two granddaughters dancing at Chara, she thought Chara would be a perfect fit. She has enjoyed meeting and working with all the families at Chara and especially getting to know their sweet children. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family and fur baby, she loves reading a good book and baking goodies.

Angie Martin Customer Care

Angie Martin

Customer Care

Angie graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership—Go Coogs! She spent eleven years teaching middle school before stepping into a leadership role as a Senior Manager at Apple Retail. Angie fell in love with Chara after seeing her young daughter blossom into a confident little dancer, thanks to the support of the Chara team. Now part of the Chara family herself, Angie is passionate about helping other families discover the incredible programs Chara offers to help children thrive. Outside of Chara, Angie enjoys traveling with her family, catching a good movie, and winding down with a great book.

Chara Dance Instructors

Dylan Allen Dance Instructor

Dylan Allen

Dance Instructor

Dylan Allen is from Houston, Texas and attended High School for the Performing and Visual Arts as a dance major. While there, he performed works by Jose Limon and Troy Powell. He also was a part of the Houston Met Too Youth Company performing works by Marlana Doyle, Kiki Lucas, Terrill Mitchell, Sydney Skybetter, and Joe Celej. He Graduated Point Park University with a BFA in Dance. He has been able to perform works by Ruben Graciani, Matt Pardo, Kiesha Lalama, James Gregg, Douglas Bentz, Adam Hougland, and Jason McDole. Dylan has also worked with METdance company performing works with Kate Skarpetowska and Joshua Manculichand. He also worked with American Neoclassical Ballet Company, and is currently with Ad Deum Dance company and has performed works by Steve Rooks, Randall Flinn, Caleb Mitchell, and Durell Comedy. He has also been a part of the Ad Deum summer Missions tour, performing and teaching in France, Switzerland, and Finland.

Bethany Armistead Dance Instructor, Bloom Fine Arts Teacher & Performance Company Director

Bethany Armistead

Dance Instructor, Bloom Fine Arts Teacher & Performance Company Director

Ms. Bethany graduated from Towson University with a B.F.A. in Dance Performance and Choreography. She is currently a member of Ad Deum Dance Company Collective and has performed with Kinetics Dance Company and Open Sky Arts Collective. She hopes to give her students a community where they feel seen, heard, loved, and accepted by their peers and teacher. Something unique about Ms. Bethany is that she grew up in China!

Addilyn Boysel Dance & Acro Instructor

Addilyn Boysel

Dance & Acro Instructor

Addilyn joined Chara in 2020 after winning many championships titles as a competitive gymnast for six years. She danced with the Friendswood Contemporary Ballet company for four years and has truly fallen in love with the art of dance. She looks forward to sharing her love of Ballet, Tap and Acrobatic Arts with her students this year at Chara. In her 3 years of teaching, Ms. Addilyn strives to encourage her students to try new things and better their technique. When she’s not at Chara, she is with her dog or attending adult dance classes to further her experience.
Tanya Fenier Acro Instructor

Tanya Fenier

Acro Instructor

Tanya is one of the teachers who will be launching the AcroDance program at Chara. She started her gymnastics training at the age of 7 and competed until she was 15. In high school, Tanya utilized her acrobatic skills and flexibility as a cheer leader. In college, she continued to cheer on the school’s co-ed cheer squad in addition to being on the girls dance team. Tanya began her coaching career in college and today, brings with her 20 years of coaching experience. Tanya finds joy in encouraging students to challenge themselves to develop new skills, increasing confidence in themselves and their abilities. Tanya is blessed to continue to homeschool 2 of her 4 children. Tanya has been with Chara as a parent since 2014 and loves being able to wear title of “Acro Instructor” as well at Chara.
Arthur Leiman Junior Dance Faculty

Arthur Leiman

Junior Dance Faculty

Arthur is a junior at Friendswood High School who began dancing in his birthplace of Switzerland in 2015 and joined Chara Christian Dance Academy in 2017. As one of the original members of Boys’ Crew in 2018, he has grown with the team through its transition into a co-ed group in 2022 and has developed a deep love for hip hop performance. Some of his most meaningful moments have been sharing the stage with his lifelong Crew friends, experiences that strengthened his passion for dance. Now serving as a Junior Faculty teacher, Arthur is excited to pass on the discipline, creativity, and joy he has discovered at Chara, inspiring the next generation of dancers both in and out of the studio.

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Mekdes Lenth

Dance Instructor

Mekdes Lenth is thrilled to join the Chara team as a new Hip Hop teacher She completed her education online through the Acellus Academy program and has since continued to grow her passion for dance and performance. One of her favorite experiences was performing at World of Dance Houston 2024 with her adult competitive team, Soreal. At Chara, Mekdes hopes to inspire young dancers to draw from their technical foundations while developing their own unique voice and style within hip hop. Outside of the studio, she enjoys spending her free time baking—a creative outlet that brings her just as much joy as dance.

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Ava Kate Harrison

Junior Dance Faculty

Ava Kate started her dance journey when she was just two years old in Houston and at 4 years old she came to Chara and danced competitively for many years. She cherishes the love and growth she experienced during her time at Chara. Ava Kate is currently a proud member of the Friendswood Wranglerettes, where she serves as a Dance Officer. Her hope is to make a positive and loving impact on her dancers while she teaches at Chara. Outside of dance Ava Kate loves to swim, shop, and travel!

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Brooke Hawkins

Junior Dance Faculty

Brooke has been dancing since she was 3 at Chara Christian Dance Academy. She then joined their Competitive Company at the age of 5 and was a Competitive Company member for 9 years. Her freshman year of highschool she became a Drill Trainer for the Friendswood Wranglerettes and was apart of the 9th grade Drill ensemble at Chara! She became a Friendswood Wranglerette the end of her Freshman year and became a Dance Officer at the end of her Sophomore year. Throughout her dance journey she has taken a variety of dance classes and masterclasses! She was also apart of a selective group of girls with the Wranglerettes called Legacy Elite where they competed for the first time ever at UDA! Brooke is also apart of our Birthday Party and Camp Staff! She is so excited for this opportunity and can’t wait for this season!!

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Sarah Hill

Dance Instructor

Sarah Hill grew up in the Central Coast, California. She performed with San Luis Obispo Movement Arts Collective for six years – training in a conservatory setting in Balanchine and ABT ballet styles, improvisation, and modern techniques such as Graham and Taylor. In 2023, Sarah located to Houston where she currently performs professionally with Ad Deum Dance Company. Highlighting her performance career, she has the incredible opportunity to tour to Europe and Costa Rica with Ad Deum in the summer of 2025. She has also toured nationally to Florida with Ad Deum as well as performing all over Texas. Sarah hopes to give her students a passion for dance and a deep understanding of the legacy of movement which God has entrusted to artists. Her hope is to help her students see what they have to give as an artist and their specific purpose and mission through their unique artistic voice. When Sarah is not dancing or teaching, she loves to backpack, swim in freezing cold lakes, or go to the beach!

Lauren Hurstell Dance Instructor

Lauren Hurstell

Dance Instructor

Lauren began dancing at an early age and studied at the Ruth Page Foundation School of Dance in Chicago, Illinois. She has performed with the Civic Ballet of Chicago working with choreographers from Hubbard Street Dance and River North Dance Chicago while there, then Ballet Magnificat!, Evansville Dance Theatre, and The Pilot Dance Project. Her desire is to come alongside each of her students in class to help them realize their full potential. Outside of the classroom, Lauren loves spending time with her husband, horseback riding, and going for walks with her dog Bella.

Tori Morin-Sistrunk Dance & Acro Instructor

Tori Morin-Sistrunk

Dance & Acro Instructor

Victoria started her dance journey in 9th grade with the EHS Red & Blue Sergeanettes which then led to the start of her private and competitive studio training. She began as an assistant instructor at age 17 and began leading classes independently by the start of her senior year of high school. She has taught both recreational and competitive dance for close to 9 years. Victoria is currently a student at the University of Houston pursing a bachelor’s degree in history and minor in Classical studies; she has an Associate’s Degree in secondary education. Victoria strives to provide her students not only with visible progress but to also instill overall confidence for her students to know that anyone is capable of doing anything they set their mind to with not only hard work but also smart work. Outside of teaching, Victoria enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, providing hairstyling for special events, and traveling.

Sarah Mueller Dance Instructor & Customer Care

Sarah Mueller

Dance Instructor & Customer Care

Sarah received her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology-Motor Behavior and a minor in Psychology from Texas A&M University in 2025. Her passion for dance began at a young age and led her to competitive experiences such as the Youth American Grand Prix and the Dance Revolution Convention. In high school, she served as Captain of her drill team and continued her involvement in dance at TAMU, performing and choreographing for the Dance Arts Society and teaching for Crowd Pleasers Dance during the summers. While these opportunities shaped her talents, Sarah is even more grateful for how integrating her faith with this art form, led her to be the hands and feet of Christ. She loved her moments helping for PALS, St. Mary’s Catholic Center in College Station, and Christ in the City.
Sarah hopes to bring this same love to her students, where they feel safe to learn and grow, and inspire them to use dance to connect with God, themselves, and others. Sarah is a big lover of sunsets, music, and an overflowing camera roll.

Alyssa Murphy Dance & Acro Instructor & Performance Company Director

Alyssa Murphy

Dance & Acro Instructor & Performance Company Director

Alyssa grew up dancing at Renee Johnson’s Dance Studios in St. Louis, Missouri and was a member of their competition team for 5 years, dancing at both regional and national events. After high school, she began her college education at Maryville University and was a part of their nationally ranked dance team. Alyssa then transferred to Missouri University of Science & Technology to pursue an engineering degree and joined the S&T Gold Miners Dance Team. During her time in college, she taught at local dance studios and was a member of the school’s dance company. Her favorite performance experience has been to play the role of Mufasa in her school’s dance company production of the Lion King! Alyssa is so excited to teach at Chara this year and to share her love of dance with others!

Julia Padilla Dance Instructor & Customer Care

Julia Padilla

Dance Instructor & Customer Care

Julia Padilla started dance training at age 14 in her high school drill team where she trained in ballet, contemporary, jazz and hip-hop dance. In 2022, she graduated from the University of Houston receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a minor in education. She has been choreographing and teaching dance at her church dance ministry since 2017. She has performed in the “Emerging Choreographers Showcase” and “UH Goes to the MATCH”. At Chara, she hopes to lead and inspire lifelong dancers. Outside of Chara, she runs So Loved by Julia, a small business creating handmade polymer clay earrings and accessories.

Dominique Petrinko Dance Instructor 

Dominique Petrinko

Dance Instructor 

Dominique, a Lafayette, Louisiana native, developed her passion for dance under the mentorship of Sheridan Productions Inc., earning a full ride scholarship that allowed her to refine her skills in dance, music, and acting. She furthered her education at The University of Louisiana at Lafayette, graduating with a BFA in Performing Arts, concentrating in Dance, and enhanced her craft through prestigious summer programs like the Nashville Ballet, American Dance Festival, and Ballet Arkansas. As an active member of her university’s Dance Honor Society, she contributed to bringing dance to the Lafayette community. Dominique’s expertise spans ballet, jazz, and modern dance, supported by a certification in Progressing Ballet Technique. She continues to engage with the Houston community through performance and education, previously dancing with Ad Deum II from Fall 2019 to Spring 2020. Now, as a dedicated dance educator, Dominique is committed to inspiring the next generation of dancers.

Taylor Slaughter Dance Instructor, Performance Company Director & Customer Care

Taylor Slaughter

Dance Instructor & Performance Company Director

Taylor’s dance journey began at just 2 years old right here at Chara, with none other than Ms. Shanna as her very first ballet teacher! She quickly fell in love with dance and joined Chara’s Competitive Company at the age of 7, growing in both skill and confidence over the years. A 2025 high school graduate, Taylor plans to pursue a degree in child psychology, combining her passion for working with children and her heart for helping others. She is thrilled to step into a mentoring role and share God’s love with the next generation of dancers, just as her mentors once did for her. When she’s not in the studio, you might catch Taylor talking about her favorite animal—cows!

CJ Tehas Junior Dance Faculty

CJ Tehas

Junior Dance Faculty

CJ is a senior at Robert Turner High School who has been dancing at Chara Christian Dance Academy for 10 years. A proud member of Chara Crew, he has grown as both a performer and teammate, with one of his favorite memories being Ayden’s senior solo where some of the original Chara Boys Crew members came together to dance. Specializing in hip hop, CJ has developed not only strong technique but also a deep appreciation for discipline, teamwork, and creativity. Now stepping into his role as a Junior Faculty teacher, he is eager to share his knowledge and inspire the next generation of dancers with the same passion and lasting love for hip hop that has shaped his own journey.

Lindsey Witson Dance Instructor

Lindsey Witson

Dance Instructor

Lindsey graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Management. She grew up dancing at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts and Feijoo Ballet School, training in Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, and Musical Theater, and attended summer intensives with the Joffrey Ballet School and the Radio City Rockettes. Lindsey was a four-year member and captain of the Baylor Songleaders Dance Team, performing on the sidelines at NCAA football, basketball, and baseball games, as well as competing at DTU Nationals. She hopes to inspire confidence and create a joyful, Christ-centered environment where every dancer feels seen, known, and encouraged. Lindsey enjoys spending time with family and friends, going on walks, and trying new coffee shops.

Cassidy Woodcock Dance Instructor

Cassidy Woodcock

Dance Instructor

Cassidy is a Chara alumnus, having trained here for six years studying ballet, contemporary, and modern, and was a member of Friendswood Contemporary Ballet for four years. She is furthering her dance training by pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Dance at The University of St. Thomas. She has danced in pieces by Jenifer Mabus, Nao Kusuzaki, and Randall Flinn. In 2023, she was in the original cast of El Sueno de Ximena: A Contemporary Ballet, Choreographed by Fernando Racha. Cassidy wishes to offer the dancers at Chara the care and instruction that defined her time as a student here, as well as incorporating in her classes the fresh ideas encountered while active dancing and training with professionals in the field.

Chara Music Instructors

Jeanette Gant Piano & Voice Instructor

Jeanette Gant

Piano & Voice Instructor

Jeanette Gant has been teaching at Chara as a voice & piano teacher since 2020. She taught Music & Choir in the public school system for 20+ years in HISD, Aldine, Conroe, and Pearland. She graduated from the University of Houston with a master’s degree in Vocal Performance as well as a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of St. Thomas. She has performed and traveled with the Houston Grand Opera and the Houston Chamber Choir performing in festivals in Scotland and Wales. She is currently a choral member with the Archdiocesan Choir of Galveston/Houston and the Houston All-Women’s chorus, Casulana. Along with directing several church choirs, she has performed as a paid soloist and choral member at a variety of churches in the Houston area and currently at St. Helen’s Catholic Church. When not singing or teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family (especially her two beautiful grandsons), friends, and fur-babies, along with reading, writing, traveling, and cooking.

Jimmy Garza Headshot Piano Instructor

Jimmy Garza

Piano Instructor

Mr. Jimmy Garza graduated from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX with a Bachelor’s in Music in 2008. Since then, he has taught piano lessons for over 17 years while organizing many piano recitals in the southeast Houston area. He always emphasizes sight-reading and music theory, giving the student a well-rounded learning, while also giving them the flexibility and room to grow through different genres of music. When not teaching piano, Mr. Jimmy tutors mathematics and enjoys playing board games, with his favorite being chess.

Cory Hopkins Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin, Bass Guitar, & Voice Instructor

Cory Hopkins

Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin, Bass Guitar, & Voice Instructor

Mr. Cory is a multi-instrumentalist and professional music instructor with over 20 years of experience specializing in guitar, bass guitar, vocals, ukulele, drums, mandolin, songwriting and music theory.  As a performer, he has been part of a guitar/vocalist duo, delivering acoustic renditions of classic hits and Top 40 favorites.  With a deep passion for both teaching and performing, Cory strives to inspire musicians of all ages and skill levels.  In addition to music, he is an avid bass fisherman with a passion for catch-and-release angling.  Dedicated and versatile, Mr. Cory brings energy, expertise and enthusiasm to very musical endeavor.

Alyssa L Headshot Piano & Voice Instructor

Alyssa Longoria

Piano & Voice Instructor

Ms. Alyssa received her Bachelor of Music Education from Southern Methodist University in 2022. She currently teaches Elementary Music and Musical Theater classes and performs as a soprano soloist in the Houston area. She has over 4 years of experience teaching voice and piano lessons and has directed multiple choirs and instrumental ensembles.
Ms. Alyssa is dedicated to cultivating a lifelong appreciation of music, empowering students with the skills necessary to achieve their musical and creative goals. In her free time, she enjoys watching classic horror movies, reading comics and feeding her chickens.

Arlana Peacock Voice & Piano Instructor

Arlana Peacock

Voice & Piano Instructor

My name is Arlana Peacock and I am so happy to be returning to the Music Staff at Chara. I have taught Elementary Music in public school for 18 years, and have directed after school Choirs for 7 years. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Baylor University and have performed with The Dallas Symphony Chorus, Arlington Opera, and was a soloist with The North Richland Hills Symphony. When I am not teaching music; I enjoy leisure time with my family, watching dolphins jump while riding the ferry, being with friends at my exercise class, and singing with Faith Choir at Webster Presbyterian Church.

Bret Williamson

Piano, Voice & Guitar Instructor

Mr. Bret received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition from the University of Houston in 2013. He has performed and composed music for all occasions and events, while teaching piano, drums, guitar, voice, and composition. In 17 years of teaching, he has worked with over 300 students of all ages in all styles and genres.  He focuses on incorporating classical technique and music theory in a practical and useful way in order to build a solid foundation, allowing each student to confidently walk their own path in their musical journey.

Ron Wilson Guitar, Ukelele, Bass Guitar & Piano Instructor

Ron Wilson

Guitar, Ukelele, Bass Guitar & Piano Instructor

Mr. Ron is a dedicated musician with over a decade of teaching and performance experience.  He specializes in contemporary worship, rock and acoustic styles.  His desire is to inspire and mentor students to be the best they can be at their chosen instrument and develop a lifelong and rewarding love of music in general.  When not making music, Mr. Ron enjoys being outside and writing fiction.