Shanna Kirkpatrick

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 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.

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!

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 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.

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.

Ashlee earned both her bachelor’s degree and MBA from Texas Woman’s University and has a background in administration and human resources across multiple industries. She currently serves as Chara’s HR Manager, where she is passionate about supporting the organization’s mission of investing in the next generation through faith-based work and helping children and families come to know and experience Jesus. Ashlee attends High Point Church with her husband and their three boys, ages 5 and 2 (twins). In her free time, she enjoys running, weightlifting, yoga, reading, and playing board and card games. She is also a member of multiple book clubs and a Mahjong club.

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 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 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 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!

Julia 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.

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 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 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.

Lindsey graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Management. She was a four-year member and captain of the Baylor Songleaders Dance Team, where she performed on the sidelines at NCAA football, basketball, and baseball games and competed at DTU Nationals. Lindsey grew up with a passion for dance, 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 is passionate about helping dancers grow in confidence, develop their technique, and discover the joy of dance in a Christ-centered environment. She hopes to create a space where every dancer feels seen, known, and encouraged while building skills that will serve them both inside and outside of the studio. Outside of dance, Lindsey enjoys spending time with family and friends, going on walks, and exploring new coffee shops.

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 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 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.

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.

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!

Alyssa studied dance at the University of North Texas and has over 20 years of experience as a dance instructor, choreographer, and performance educator. She has performed professionally at Walt Disney World and was a company member with Ingredients Dance Company and traveled with Dance Revolution. In addition to teaching, Alyssa owned Alyssa Beach Creative for over a decade, specializing in photography for weddings, headshots, branding, performers, families, and businesses. She has also served as both a worship leader and youth director for several churches throughout the Houston area. Alyssa strives to develop more than just skilled performers, she wants her students to become authentic storytellers. She believes the best growth happens when a rehearsal space has “good soil”: a culture where students feel encouraged, challenged, valued, and safe to take creative risks. By combining excellence with genuine encouragement, she hopes to help every student discover confidence both on and off the stage. Outside of Chara, Alyssa and Chris, her husband of 15 years, are raising their three children and are always looking for their next adventure. Their family almost never says no to Mexican food, a new adventure, or a game night.

Addilyn joined Chara in 2020 as a dancer 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 is one of the teachers who helped launch 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.

Kathy has been dancing since the age of 3 and has been sharing her love of dance with students since she began teaching at 14 years old. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and her Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University, and has been a dedicated 4th-grade teacher in Pasadena ISD since 2002. A former Colonel of her high school drill team and dancer/teacher at several local studios, Kathy has received numerous competition awards throughout her dance career and has choreographed many award-winning solos and competitive routines. Her greatest passion is helping each student grow in confidence and excellence through strong ballet training while cultivating a heart that worships and honors Jesus through dance. When she’s not in the classroom or studio, Kathy loves reading, practicing Pilates, and treasures time with her husband, her four adult sons, and her daughter, Peyton, who is a member of the Chara Elevate Company.

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 Sheriff. 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!

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 high school she became a Drill Trainer for the Friendswood Wranglerettes and was apart of the 9th grade Drill Ensemble at Chara! She is a proud member of the Friendswood Wranglerettes and currently serves as their Grand Marshall. 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!!

Georgia is excited to begin her 13th year dancing at Chara! She is a second-year member of Senior Elevate Company and serves as a second-year co-director for Petite Elevate Company. Georgia hopes to teach her students to love dance while learning to worship the Lord through movement. When she’s not dancing, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family!

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.

Kendall began dancing at the age of 5 and joined Chara when she was 7. At 14, she became a member of Friendswood Contemporary Ballet. Some of her most memorable performance experiences include traveling with Chara to perform in cooperation with Disney and dancing in FCB’s winter ballet, Alice Through the Looking Glass. Kendall hopes to inspire her students to develop a lifelong passion for dance while creating lasting memories. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting and curling up with her cat and a good book.

Arthur is a senior 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 in his second year 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.

Mekdes is thrilled to be a part of the Chara team as a 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.

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 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 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!

Kira grew up in Pearland and was a member of the Pearland Prancers for four years. After high school, she spent two years on the Lamar University Dance Team, where she competed at DTU College Nationals. Most recently, she served for two years as the Assistant Director of the West Fork Flairs Dance Team. Kira is passionate about helping her students build confidence through dance. Outside of Chara, she enjoys embroidering gifts for friends and family.

Allison received her education in Theatre with a Dance minor from the University of Houston BFA program and has over two decades of experience performing, directing, choreographing, and teaching throughout the Houston theatre community. Her favorite stage credits include Cabaret, Company, The Wild Party, Beauty and the Beast, Chess, Parade, and Thoroughly Modern Millie, among many others! Allison is also a seasoned voice over artist and has voiced hundreds of anime characters for film, tv, and video games. She hopes to encourage her students to explore the joyful spark of musical theatre while building the confidence, discipline, and artistry that will serve them both onstage and in everyday life. Outside of Chara, Allison enjoys spending time with her family, discovering new musicals, and creating unforgettable performance experiences for young artists.

Marin has been dancing for eight years and currently serves as the Marshal for the Friendswood Wranglerettes. She previously danced with Chara’s Competitive Company. As a dance teacher, Marin’s goal is to help dancers grow in confidence, find joy in movement, and use their gifts to glorify the Lord. Outside of dance, she enjoys serving at her church and spending time with her friends and family.

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.

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.

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.

Ms. Arlana is excited to return to the Chara music staff. She has taught elementary music in public schools for 18 years and directed after-school choirs for seven years. Arlana earned her Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Baylor University and has performed with the Dallas Symphony Chorus, Arlington Opera, and as a soloist with the North Richland Hills Symphony. When she’s not teaching music, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching dolphins from the ferry, attending exercise classes with friends, and singing with the Faith Choir at Webster Presbyterian Church.

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.

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.