ABOUT OuR STAFF

STUDIO OWNER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Charity is an accomplished educator and director in theater, dance, and acrobatics with more than three decades of experience training and mentoring young performers. In 2011, she founded ZION School of Performing Arts with a vision to provide a Christian-centered environment where artistic excellence, strong character, and personal growth are developed together. Since its founding, ZION has become a place where students are encouraged not only to refine their talents but to grow in confidence, discipline, and purpose.

Prior to establishing ZION, Charity founded and directed several performing arts programs in the region, including The Children’s Creative Workshop (1993–1995), The Children’s Christian Workshop (1995–1998), and Lighthouse Productions Studio (1998–2009). During these years, she produced and directed numerous full-scale theatrical productions, including Annie, Babes in Toyland, Hansel and Gretel, and The Little Match Girl. She also created and produced Sunday School Rock, a children’s Christian television program that aired locally for four years. A defining hallmark of Charity’s career is the lasting legacy of her students. Over the years, many of those she has trained have gone on to become studio owners, educators, choreographers, and professional performers. Some have advanced to elite international performance organizations, including Cirque du Soleil, while others now serve as leaders within the regional arts community. This generational impact reflects Charity’s philosophy of building strong technical foundations, cultivating character, and investing in long-term mentorship rather than focusing on short-term achievements. Most recently, Charity wrote, produced, and directed her original musical Orphans, which was later adapted into a film. The cast recording is now available on major streaming platforms, including Amazon Music, Spotify, and YouTube. Charity holds two associate degrees from Broome Community College, one in Early Childhood Education and one in Theater/Liberal Arts. She also served for nine years in Children’s Ministry at Calvary’s Love Church. As ZION celebrates its 16th season, she remains deeply committed to inspiring and equipping the next generation of performers to use their gifts both on and off the stage.

BALLET DIRECTOR & INSTRUCTOR

This will be Miss Amanda’s eleventh year at ZION. She began dancing at age eleven and has loved it ever since. Her passion for ballet was nurtured at the Yvonne Chouteau School of Ballet (formerly the School of Ballet Oklahoma), where she trained under Artistic Director Bryan Pitts and Principal Dancer Victoria Page. During her time there, Amanda performed a variety of roles, including Clara and the Columbine Doll in The Nutcracker.

She also attended the Virginia School of Ballet summer program for two years and studied at the HARID Conservatory for one summer. Additionally, Amanda danced with the University of Oklahoma and took company classes with the Tulsa Ballet. Beyond dance, Amanda is a certified Pilates Mat Instructor, having earned her certification through Balanced Body. She trained with Zayna Gold at Boston Body Pilates and furthered her studies under Nitza Rotstein at Nitza’s Studio in Jerusalem, Israel. Amanda holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Oklahoma. She is happily married to her best friend, Shay, and they have four wonderful children, whom she considers her greatest gifts. 

BALLET INSTRUCTOR

Blessing’s ballet journey began at Ithaca Academy of Dance, where she first developed her passion for ballet. She further enriched her experience through lessons at community centers and several private sessions. At age 12, she began studying under Sara Chaffee at New Life Dance Ministries, where she received the majority of her formal ballet training.

Blessing served as an assistant teacher at New Life Dance Ministries for four years before teaching pre-ballet, beginner ballet, and private lessons for several additional years. She holds an associate degree in Applied Ministries from Davis College. Outside the studio, Blessing enjoys dancing with her sisters and continues to take adult ballet classes at Ithaca Ballet. A devoted mother of two, she met her husband through their shared love of dance. Blessing is passionate about inspiring her students by instilling a strong foundation in ballet, empowering them to achieve their dance goals and dreams. We are delighted to welcome her back to our ZION team for her fifth year!

STAFF INSTRUCTOR

Miss Abi has been a dedicated dancer at ZION for 13 years and brings 18 years of diverse dance experience across multiple styles. She began teaching at ZION at the age of 16 and has since instructed lyrical, contemporary, jazz, acrobatics, tap, and ballet classes. Miss Abi is thrilled to rejoin the ZION staff this year! Through her extensive experience, she has come to see dance as far more than just a performance or athletic endeavor. She believes that dance education should be an uplifting journey that nurtures self-confidence and self-expression. For her, ZION is a truly special place, a blessing within our community. “At ZION, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, build meaningful relationships, find joy in dance, and embrace kindness and honesty. Most importantly, they are reminded that they are fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Outside of dance, Miss Abi works as a Registered Nurse, is an active member of her church's ministries, and treasures time spent with her family, friends, husband, and their sweet baby boy. Dance has been her constant passion and source of joy for many years, and she is deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing her love of dance with all her students.

STAFF INSTRUCTOR  

This marks Alicia's 13th year as part of the ZION family. She began assisting classes at just 9 years old, developing a passion for teaching and investing in the growth of younger students.

Last season, Alicia successfully completed the ZION Teacher Training Program, where she assisted in multiple classes while also stepping into leadership as the primary instructor for one class and a private lesson. Throughout the year, she demonstrated exceptional dedication, patience, and a genuine heart for helping students reach their goals.

Alicia played a significant role in many of our students' accomplishments this past season. Through her encouragement, technical instruction, and countless hours of coaching and spotting, she helped numerous dancers achieve milestone skills, including walkovers, back handsprings, and aerials. We are incredibly proud of the teacher she has become and are excited to see the continued impact she will have on the next generation of ZION students.

STAFF INSTRUCTOR

Isabella is a second-year student at Binghamton University, where she is pursuing a double major in Theatre (Dance Concentration) and Environmental Science (Ecosystems Concentration). Her love for the performing arts began at just two years old when she performed in her first Nutcracker, and that passion has continued to shape her journey as both a performer and educator. Isabella teaches Tap and also specializes in Modern and Musical Theatre. She began teaching during her first year of high school while working with the Carolina Academy of Performing Arts and has since gained experience with the North Carolina Theater Conservatory, The Justice Theater Project, and the Studio of Keely Philips-Carter.

Isabella believes dance is more than movement; it is a powerful form of storytelling. She encourages her students to become expressive, authentic artists, using strong technique as a foundation for meaningful performance rather than as the final goal. Her classes are designed to be both encouraging and challenging, inspiring students to grow in confidence, artistry, and discipline. She is passionate about cultivating dancers who embrace five core values: purpose, craft, growth, discipline, and impact, while developing a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts. 

We are excited to welcome her to the ZION family.

ACROBATIC ASSITANT

Kate has enjoyed the performing arts from a young age, training in tap, jazz, ballet, acrobatics, and gymnastics. Her passion for working with children led her to earn a bachelor's degree in religious education with a concentration in Children's Ministry.

Kate has faithfully served her church community for many years, teaching the preschool class and serving as a youth leader for the past 23 years. She loves encouraging children to grow in confidence, character, and creativity in a positive and nurturing environment.

As a longtime ZION family, two of Kate's children have been students at the studio for the past five years. Through their experience, she has seen firsthand the positive impact that dance education can have on young people.

Kate and her husband are the proud parents of four children and share a deep heart for foster care and adoption. She is passionate about investing in the lives of children and is excited to be part of the ZION School of Performing Arts staff, where she can combine her love for children with her passion for helping them learn, grow, and thrive.