Carolyn Franks
Studio Director

Carolyn is a lover of people and of the arts and Lifesong is the perfect place for her to express her heart for both. Carolyn's life has been preparation for Lifesong. Her formal music training began at the age of 8 when she started private piano lessons. Her musical gifts were encouraged by her school music teachers from elementary through high school, where she was the only accompanist for her school choirs from 5th grade through high school graduation. She also played piano weekly in her church from the age of 14 until the summer of 2006. Her love for theatre began in high school when she was cast in her first high school play and is inspired now by her daughter Maddie's love and talent for the stage. Her love and appreciation for the art of dance came when her daughter Taylor began dancing at the age of 3. She is inspired daily by her family, their talents and their shared love for the arts! Her passion for people and the arts took a new direction when she became the Worship & Arts Director at Highland Meadows Church (now Compass Christian Church) in Colleyville, serving in that position for 2 years from 2004-2006. Carolyn’s life experiences in the arts and in ministry as well as in the corporate world have all played a significant role in preparing her for her position as Director and Co-Owner of Lifesong Studio. Carolyn is thankful to God for the privilege of Lifesong and to her family for sharing in her passion and commitment to making Lifesong Studio a place where the arts are taught and experienced with the finest quality and utmost integrity.

Jay Franks
Executive Director

Jay has served our community as a minister since January of 1992. After leading worship at Compass Christian Church in Colleyville for 15 years, he transitioned into the position of Campus Pastor in the summer of 2006, just as Lifesong was getting ready to open it's doors for the first time. Jay's experiences in ministry, music, dramatic productions, architecture and construction have all enhanced and prepared him for his role as Executive Director and Co-Owner of Lifesong Studio. Jay is committed to people, first and foremost, and his influence at Lifesong is of utmost importance. Not only does he provide a supporting role in leading the staff, but he also manages the facility's needs, serves as the financial administrator and bookkeeper, builds sets and props for our dance and theatre studios and generally does "whatever it takes" to make sure everything runs smoothly and everyone has what they need. His "part-time" position has a "full-time" impact on Lifesong's commitment to excellence and "shaping hearts through the arts!"

Cody Franks
Technical Director

Cody is an original staff member at Lifesong. His primary responsibility is to manage the technical aspects of LifeStage Theatre's activities and needs. He is committed to providing the best possible technical support to our creative directors and performers. Cody has a wide variety of responsibilities at Lifesong and works behind the scenes to ensure that the atmosphere, facility and overall experience at Lifesong Studio and LifeStage Theatre is the best it can be. We are thankful for Cody's commitment and willingness to do "whatever it takes" to ensure that the productions, activities and overall experiences at Lifesong Studio and LifeStage Theatre are of the highest quality!

Paula Stevens
Dance Director

Paula is an original staff member at Lifesong. She joined the Lifesong staff with over 20 years experience in dance and studio management. Her experience includes owner/director of her own studio for 14 years, with honors of national titles and grand champion awards for her choreography. Paula has also judged various dance competitions including dance company auditions for different studios. Paula grew up in Texas and has been dancing since age 3. She was an L.D. Bell Raiderette for 2 years, serving as lieutenant her senior year. She began teaching at the age of 16, and studied from various teachers. Her passion for dance was not to perform, but to be a teacher. In the past 20 years, her students have performed in such places as Six Flags, Fiesta Texas, the River Walk in San Antonio, the Citrus Bowl, and Texas Stadium. Her choreography has been featured at several Cowboy games and her students have performed half time with the famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders along with such super stars as Clint Black, Creed, Leanne Rhimes, Billy Gilman, Toby Keith, Jessica Simpson, Destiny’s Child, and Carrie Underwood. Paula encourages her students to pursue their dreams. Some of her students have gone on to be professional dancers, choreographers, and studio owners. Paula is married to her husband, Scott and they have two boys, Chase and Brian. Paula is a valuable asset to the staff at Lifesong with her varied experiences and positive approach. She is an inspiration to students and staff as she works in consulting, teaching, and assistance with choreography development. Paula oversees all of the aspects of the Lifesong's Dance Studio from leading the staff to ordering costumes, coordinating the recital and everything in between. Season 5 added a new experience to Paula's impressive resume as she co-directed LifeStage Theatre's first annual production of The Nutcracker Suite. We are beyond thankful for the positive, encouraging leadership and depth of experience Paula brings to Lifesong!

Kari Anderson
Dance & Company Instructor

Kari joined the Lifesong staff in our 2007-2008 Season 2.  She is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Texas Christian University. Aside from her training in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, she has studied under scholarships at various performing arts studios in Los Angeles and under numerous instructors from the East to the West coast. She has been the recipient of many national choreography awards and her work has been featured on board the Star Ship Oceanic Tour, Festivals at Sea, in halftime performances and numerous theater productions and on competition stages throughout the United States.  Kari's performing dance company was also selected by the National Goodwill Ambassador Program to tour and perform in Russia as Goodwill Ambassadors of the U.S.   Kari travels across the country as a freelance Director and Choreographer and is the Owner and Director of Dupree Dance, a dance convention and competition that tours the United States.  She is the proud Mom of two beautiful daughters, Avery and Presley and has been married to her wonderful husband, Zack, for thirteen years.  Her dynamic personality and enthusiasm, combined with her unstoppable energy and creativity, continue to be the perfect recipe for success both in the classroom and on stage. Kari is an inspiration to everyone, especially her students and we are thankful for her positive approach as well as all of the gifts and talents she brings to Lifesong!

Brittany Bollinger
Dance & Company Instructor

Brittany joined the Lifesong staff in our 2009-2010 Season 4.  Brittany is a recent graduate from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Ballet Performance as well as Pre-Occupational Therapy. While at school she had the privilege to work with esteemed dancers and choreographers such as Violette Veridy, Paul Sutherland, Ginger Thatcher, Freddie Franklin, Steve Brule, Donn Edwards, and Mary Margaret Holt. She performed leading or soloist roles in Les Corsaire, Reflections, Glazunov Variations, and Les Patineurs. Brittany also performed in such well known works as Rodeo, La Bayadare, Pas de Quatre, and Serenade. She was fortunate enough to be the original Laurie in Steve Brule’s “People Will Say We’re in Love” from the Broadway musical Oklahoma. In student choreography productions Brittany performed Ophelia in “As I Gathered Flowers by the Brook” by Sarah Worden and danced the “Summer” pas de deux in Youn Kyung Lee’s South Korean fusion ballet. Throughout her four years at OU, Brittany received the Dance Partner’s Scholarship, the Euval R. Charles Scholarship, the Helene C. Lottinville Prize in the Fine Arts, and the Donald F. Clark Outstanding Senior in the College of Fine Arts award. Before attending college she trained with the Metropolitan Classical Ballet Academy, the Stanova Semikov Ballet Academy, and the Schaffenburg Ballet Academy. Brittany attended summer programs at the Harid Conservatory, the Joffrey Ballet, and American Ballet Theater. She recently joined Metropolitan Classical Ballet as a corps de ballet member and is excited to work with this unique and incredible company! She is also overjoyed to have the opportunity to teach ballet, modern, and pointe at Lifesong!  And we are very thankful and privileged to welcome Brittany to our dance staff with all of the training, talent and experience that she brings!

Kristianne Green
Dance & Company Instructor

Kristianne joined the Lifesong staff in our 2008-2009 Season 3. She began her dance career training in classical ballet with Pat and Tanju Tuzer in Richardson, TX. She then received a scholarship to the Houston Ballet Academy and began her professional career at the age of 15. Next she worked with Ballet Oklahoma and then moved to Dallas where she performed with Moonslice Dance Theatre and the Dance Consortium. In 1994, Kristianne moved to Arizona and was a principle performer with Center Dance Emsemble for 7 years, also functioning as an original member and rehearsal director for Scorpius Dance Theatre and Tribe Light Bizzare. She was the ballet instructor at Metropolitan Arts Institute for 4 years. She served as the Dance Department Chair from 2002-2004 as well as ballet and modern instructor at New School for the Arts & Academics. Kristianne became the first Ballet Mistress for Dupree Dance Expo conducting master classes throughout the country in ballet, lyrical and modern in 2002. She was on the faculty at Scottsdale Community College, Destiny Dance International in Phoenix and Classic Image Dance in Mesa, Arizona. Choreography residencies include Desert Vista, Dobson, Highland, McClintock, Red Mountain, Ironwood, Centennial, Central and Mesa High School in Arizona. She also conducted master classes in Kansas, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Canada. Kristianne moved back to East Texas in June 2005 and had her daughter Akiva in September. Since relocating to Plano, Kristianne has taught as KJ Dance, Academy of Dance Arts in Allen and The Dallas Power House of Dance. Kristianne danced in two feature films, Tank Girl and Anastasia. She has also appeared in national commercials, infomercials and print ads. We are thrilled to have Kristianne and excited about the experience, talent, passion and heart that she brings to the dance studio at Lifesong!

Jeff Hampton
Hip Hop Crew Director & Instructor

Jeff joined the Lifesong staff in our 2009-2010 Season 4.  Jeff has always been an encourager and uplifter of spirits and is passionate about what he does.  His positive and joyful attitude carries over into his personality, his lifestyle, and his dance.  Jeff is a hip hop dancer who began his dancing career in high school when he formed a break dancing performance squad, called the “Blue Krew,” for school pep rallies.  Since then Jeff has been to several bboy events and has become a part of a traveling and performing hip hop crew known as RyteSide.  Jeff has expanded his dance experience from merely break dancing to many and various styles of dance.  He has trained in LA in street jazz, latin funk, tribal funk, lyrical, and even house.  As a break dancer, Jeff’s creative style and optimistic character go hand in hand when developing character in others.  His greatest joy is to see others succeed, and his satisfaction comes from observing people who achieve their goals and appreciate how far they’ve come even through their struggles.  Jeff is a lover of people and his zeal is easily seen through his dance.  From the moment Jeff came into Lifesong, his positive energy, passion and talent were evident and we’re excited about having him here to share that with our staff and students!

Keri Halvorson
Dance Instructor

Keri joined the Lifesong staff in our 2010-2011 Season 5. She grew up in Omaha, Nebraska where she began her dance training at age 4. Keri has trained in a variety of styles including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical/contemporary, hip hop, and pom.  She received training at Erin’s Dance Studio, Dance Unlimited, Kitty Lee Dance Studio, and Nebraska Dance, and began dancing competitively at age 10. She began competing with tap solos at age 12, continuing through high school and earning Platinum and Category Winner awards at various local competitions.  She was a participant in the St. Louis Tap Festival in 2005, taking classes with several tappers including Prof. Robert L. Reed, Robert Reed III, Avi Miller & Ofer Ben, Dr. Jimmy Slyde and Dr. Harold Cromer.  Keri received a Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education from Texas Christian University in May 2010, where she was a member of the TCU Showgirls dance team from 2006-2008. Keri was also a member, choreographer liaison, lyrical/contemporary choreographer, and Manager of Calling In Action, Inc. Christian dance troupe at TCU from 2007-2010. She most recently participated in the Ad Deum Dance Company Summer Dance Intensive in The Woodlands, TX, taking ballet, modern, tap, and contemporary classes with various instructors including Betsy McMillan, Steve Rooks, Randall Flinn, Karen Castleman, Matt Dippel, and Dawn Dippel. Keri is excited to be a Trainee with Ingredients Dance Company for the 2010-2011 Season and to begin her first year teaching at Lifesong! We are thankful for sweet spirit and passion for dance that Keri brings to the staff and students at Lifesong!

Sarah Idziak
Artistic Company Director & Junior/Teen/Senior Company Director

Sarah joined the Lifesong staff in our 2010-2011 Season 5.  She has been dancing for over 25 years and teaching and choreographing for over 10 years. She is a Cum Laude graduate from Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Dance Performance, where she trained with teachers such as Jo Rowan, Lyn Cramer, Robert Reed, Pat Oplotnik, Kay Sandal, and more. She also had amazing experiences taking master classes from people like Al Gilbert, Avi Miller, Art Stone, The Rockettes and the cast of Fosse.  Sarah spent the last five years as a world renowned Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, where she spent three years as a group leader and four years on the show group. With the DCC USO tours she traveled to over 13 countries and had the honor of performing for our amazing soldiers in Iraq and Kuwait.  Her TV appearances include:  Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?, CMT’s Making the Team (4 seasons), 2010 NBA All Star Game, Pacquiao vs. Clottey National Anthem Singer, Good Morning America, The Today Show, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Good Morning Texas, Good Day Live, House Hunters, and the KTXA Coach Comedy Marathon. She also had the fabulous opportunity to dance in movies such as Disney’s “Invincible”, and “Tekken.”  One of her favorite experiences has been live performances with artists such as Sheryl Crow, Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, The Jonas Brothers, Daughtry, Neal McCoy, Jessie James, Prima J, and Los Lonely Boys. Sarah is excited to currently be a DCC All-Star Cheerleader which gives her the opportunity to represent the DCC organization with so much pride as an alumnus. Sarah also has been choreographing for dance studios and drill teams across Texas for over ten years, and has won numerous choreography awards and overall placements, in regional and national competitions. She judges for contests, auditions and try outs on both the high school and collegiate levels and is a yearly presenter at the Drill Team Directors of America National Convention.  She loves that her career includes both the studio and drill team worlds, since she is a product of both! Sarah is so excited to be a part of the Lifesong staff, not only to share her love of dance through the positive atmosphere that the original staff has created, but because she gets to work with HER dance teacher from growing up, Ms. Paula! And we are thrilled to have Sarah and all of the experience, passion and talent she brings to our staff and students!

Carly Kingston
Dance Instructor

Carly joined the Lifesong staff in the summer of 2011.  She is currently a 21 year old Senior at the University of North Texas. Her dance interest started at the age of 3 and progressed through the years of dance studio competition teams and high school drill teams where she was the captain for 2 years, and most currently the University of Oklahoma Pom Squad. Between studies, Carly returned to her high school alma mater as Assistant Drill Team Director for the 2010-2011 school year. She is currently a part of dance company called HTE where for the past 5 years she has been teaching drill team camps and creating competition choreography all over Texas.  She is excited for this new year and excited to be teaching at Lifesong Studio! We are thankful for Carly's positive attitude, enthusiasm and experience that she brings to Lifesong!

Vicki Miller
Dance Instructor

Vicki (known as Miss Vicki throughout the community) joined the Lifesong staff in August 2011 and has been dancing since the age of eight. She believes joining the Lifesong staff is surely an answer to prayer.  Miss Vicki’s passion for tap, jazz and drill team had her choreographing at age sixteen as a Robinette’s dancer, a Dulles Doll drill team officer and on to Texas A&M for the TAMU dance company and Dance Arts Society. While attaining her degree in Marketing, she instructed as a drill team choreographer for Dance Dimensions, a Texas-based company specializing in drill team and solo choreography. Vicki continued to dance in Houston as a member of the Praise dancers, a Christian dance company. Miss Vicki’s love for “her girls” and drill team has kept her “kicking” and choreographing for the past 15 years for teams and individuals in Grapevine, Colleyville, Southlake, Keller and Trophy Club where her dancers continue to shine as officers, soloist and overall exceptional technical dancers.  Vicki is a regular guest choreographer for Delmar College Dance Ensemble in Corpus Christi, Texas. She also can’t let a summer go by without attending Dance Teacher Conference in New York City where she gets to take master classes from the likes of Mia Michaels to tap with Antonio Lacasio to formations class with the world famous Rockettes. Miss Vicki has been married to her college sweetheart (Ron) for 24 years. They have 2 sons, Reid 19 and Riley 16, but Miss Vicki has many daughters thanks to sharing her love of the dance! We are excited to welcome Vicki to the Lifesong family and thankful for her experiences and passion as she shares her love of dance with her students!

Kristen Mitchell
Dance & Company Instructor

Kristen is an original staff member at Lifesong. She began her dance career in the DFW area at age 3. She has exclusive training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Lyrical, Clogging and Musical Theatre. By the time she had reached high school, she was receiving invitations and even some scholarships to take master dance classes all across America. She graduated from LD Bell in 2002 and served as Captain of the Raiderettes in 2001-2002. During that time she received several choreography awards in recognition for her hard work and creativity. Since that time she has done choreography for drill teams all across the DFW Metroplex. Kristen is a veteran live performer, having shared the stage with such acts as Clint Black, Jessica Simpson, and Creed. She was hired to be featured performer for the Miss Tennessee pageant, a preliminary to Miss America in 2001 and 2002. Kristen toured the nation with Dupree Enterprises, a nationally ranked dance convention for 6 years as a choreographer and teacher spreading her knowledge and love for dance all across America. We are thankful for the talent and creativity that Kristen brings to Lifesong Studio!

Julie Moulas
Dance Instructor

Julie joined the Lifesong staff in our 2008-2009 Season 3.  Dancing since the age of three, Julie has been a member of dance and drill teams throughout her life.  Most notably, she spent five years as a member of the infamous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders with whom she traveled and performed throughout the US as well as over 15 countries abroad with the USO, entertaining our troops.  She has performed on Saturday Night Live and several other TV shows and shared the stage with such celebrities as Wayne Newton, Jessica Simpson, Ricky Martin, Metallica, Reba McIntire, and Neal McCoy, among others.  Julie is the proud mother of three beautiful daughters.  We are thankful for Julie's commitment to her students and the talent and experience she brings to our dance staff!

Elise Nichols
Mini Company Director & Performance Group Director

Elise joined the Lifesong Staff in July 2009 after having just finished a year long tour with Feld Entertainment's Playhouse Disney Live show, touring the UK and the US. She graduated from Oklahoma City University in 2006 with a degree in Dance Management. During college she was a member of the American Spirit Dance Company and the Pep Dancers.  She also danced and choreographed for the OKC Yard Dawgz Dance Team. After graduation, she was sent to Seattle, WA by Silvertree Productions to choreograph Dance Party Extreme for the Wild Waves Six Flags Theme Park.  In July of 2006, she became the director of the Permian High School Panther Paws dance team in Odessa, TX where she taught dance classes as well as choreographed performances and competition pieces. The team won many awards at American Dance and Drill Team's Nationals competition and even had one routine recognized internationally. In 2007 she relocated to Los Angeles to further her performing career, dancing for the 2007 Christmas Fantasy Parade at the Disneyland Resort as well as the ABC Christmas Day filming. She was then hired by Feld Entertainment to tour with Playhouse Disney Live. During the tour, she had the opportunity to sing, act, and dance in 7 different roles. She is excited to now be teaching and choreographing for Lifesong.  We are thankful to have the experience, talent and fresh perspective that Elise brings to Lifesong!

Cara Switzer
Petite Company Director

Cara is an original staff member at Lifesong and is finishing her first year as the Petite Dance Company Director after 4 years as the Lifesong Dance Company Director. Cara is an accomplished dancer and singer who graduated from the University of North Texas in 2003 with a degree in Business Administration. She has been studio trained since the age of 4 and has loved performing from the beginning! Cara’s experience includes teaching in the DFW area since 1998. Cara's students have received numerous overall and top awards at both Regional and National competitions. Her choreography received 1st Overall at the 2009 & 2010 Dance Showcase USA Competition, 2010 Starquest, 2010 & 2011 Onstage NY, 2011 Thunderstruck, 2011 NexStar, 2011 Showstoppers and “Most Entertaining” award in 2009, along with many other prestigious top awards! Cara received "Best Choreography" at Hall of Fame 2011, Talent on Parade 2010, Starquest 2010 and International Dance Challenge 2008. Her routines also won the coveted “Critics Choice” award at both the 2010 & 2011 Onstage NY Competition. Cara also served as the choreographer for the Colleyville Heritage High School Ovation Jazz Choir from 2000-2005. More recently, Cara did choreography for LifeStage Theatre's 2007 production of Scrooge, the Musical and 2009's Seussical!. While being at the studio is her passion, Cara also has a lot of enthusiasm and experience with Drill Team working as an instructor, choreographer, and adjudicator for American Dance/Drill Team School for several years. She now judges exclusively for Crowd Pleasers Dance Company. She also judges drill team tryouts all over the North Texas area. In high school, Cara served as a Junior and Senior Lieutenant for the CHHS Panteras and was named 1st Runner Up National Solo Champion for American Dance Drill Team in 1999. She was also named All American for 4 straight years. In 2004, Cara was instrumental in the development of a dance ministry at Highland Meadows Christian Church in Colleyville, TX where she served as choreographer and dancer. Cara and her students have participated in many televised events such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, the FedEx Orange Bowl, and many Dallas Cowboys Halftime Performances with stars such as Destiny's Child, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Jessica Simpson, Billy Gilman, Toby Keith, Creed, The Jonas Brothers and many others. Cara married her husband Aaron on May 15, 2004 and they welcomed their son, Sawyer Gray into the world on July 9, 2008.They are expecting their 2nd baby in June 2011! We are thankful for Cara's enthusiasm and passion as she teaches her students and helps lead the Dance Companies at Lifesong!

Sarah Tanner
Assistant Company Director & Tap Company Director

Sarah is an original staff member at Lifesong. She brings 19 years of dance experience including 4 years as an assistant teacher and 5 years of teaching. Sarah is a native Texan and began dance classes at age 2. Her training was with Doubletake Dance Studio, where she was a member of the junior, teen, and senior level dance company, moving on to become assistant instructor. Through high school, Sarah was a member of the award winning L.D. Bell drill team, the Raiderettes, being named captain her senior year. She has also been honored with awards for her tap and jazz solos over the past few years. Sarah has performed with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Clint Black, Jessica Simpson, Billy Gilman, Destiny’s Child and Carrie Underwood. Sarah remains current in her dance education through participation annually in dance conventions and master classes. Sarah is an extremely responsible and hard working individual.  She is very reliable and is always willing to go the “extra mile!”  She is an asset to this studio as her passion for dance is contagious among her students.   Sarah's knowledge and experience in teaching different levels of dance are a positive and energizing influence to our dance students. She believes in making each student feel valued and is excited to teach and help guide them in anyway she can. We are thankful for the bright spot Sarah is at Lifesong, for her enthusiasm and for her sharing her talents and love for dance with her students!

Ludo Baccherini
Music Director & Instructor, Drums, Percussion

Ludo is an original staff member at Lifesong. Ludo is originally from Italy and grew up in the south of France where he graduated from the Dante Agostini jazz school of Drumming and the classical conservatory of music and arts where he studied classical music. He started his career as a professional musician at the age of 16. After graduating, Ludo decided to make the big move to Los Angeles, CA in 1988 where he went on to graduate from the Percussion Institute of Technology in Hollywood and studied with Joe Porcaro, Ralph Humphrey and Steve Houghton. Ludo started playing professionally in the Los Angeles area with different recording artists and bands in all styles of music. After 8 years playing, recording and writing music in Los Angeles, Ludo had the opportunity to move to Nashville, TN to continue his career as a session drummer and music composer. In 2002, Ludo moved to Dallas, TX, to work with the most respected musicians in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area where he is the owner of "La Dolce Vita Recording Studios" and the independent record label "Luna Records." Through the years, Ludo has worked nonstop as a drummer on stages and in recording studios all over the world. As a drum teacher, he has taught and conducted drum clinics all over the world for over 20 years.  He is also a well respected music composer and producer for his work with various international artists, television shows and the motion picture industry. We are privileged to have Ludo’s talent, experience and professionalism at Lifesong as an instructor, musician and leader!

Rick Curcio
Music Instructor, Guitar

Rick joined the Lifesong staff in October of 2007. He is 28 years old and is originally from Baldwin, New York. He has been playing guitar for over 18 years. Rick graduated from Colleyville Heritage H.S. where he performed in many talent shows and various other events. He began teaching his junior year in the school cafeteria. He went on to college at the University of North Texas, where he studied jazz guitar and majored in history. Upon receiving his Bachelor’s Degree, he went on to Media Tech Institute where he studied audio engineering, and applied his love of music in the recording studio. Rick spent some time as a session guitarist and even made an appearance in a children’s toy that played the song My Sherona, and was sold at Target stores throughout the U.S. In the past 2 years he has taught guitar both privately and in studios. Rick pursues his passion in his band Ashmore, where he has achieved such goals as opening up a national tour for Jon Bon Jovi and Nickleback, as well as appearing on Fuse TV. Rick’s passion for music as well as his varied performing and teaching experiences make him a valuable asset to Lifesong’s Music studio. We are thankful to have Rick on staff and appreciate his talent and experience in teaching and performing!

Beixi Gao
Music Instructor, Violin

Beixi joins the staff at Lifesong in January 2012. She started violin at age six under the guidance of her father’s close friend, the concertmaster of a community orchestra in her hometown. She attended the affiliated middle school of the Sichuan Conservatory of Music in China and studied violin intensively. Later Ms. Gao completed her Bachelor of Music degree at Sichuan Conservatory of Music. During her freshman year of college, Ms. Gao was selected to attend the Pacific Music Festival, which is considered one of the most competitive music camps for professional musicians. After finishing the undergraduate study, she won the competitive audition for the violin section of Guangzhou Symphony, one of the few full time orchestras in China. In 2006, she went on to study abroad in the United States. Ms. Gao finished her Master's of Music in performance at the University of Colorado-Boulder with a full scholarship and a teaching assistantship. At CU, she studied with Professor Judith Ingolfsson, who is the prize recipient of several international violin competitions, such as Indianapolis Competition and Paganini Competition, and an active concert soloist in Europe and the United States. Recently, Ms. Gao earned Graduate Artist Certificate at the University of North Texas. During her study at UNT, she worked with Ms. Julia Bushkova while holding a teaching assistantship.  Starting in 1999, Ms. Gao has enjoyed teaching for years and accumulated a great deal of teaching experiences. In China, most of her students passed the Grade Test successfully. After coming to the U.S., she has assisted the professor to help other students to improve significantly. Also, Ms. Gao taught in independent school districts in the DFW area.  In addition, Ms. Gao is involved in orchestral playing and musical activities as well as working with students. She has worked with Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, Monroe Symphony Orchestra, Irving Symphony Orchestra and Greely Philharmonic Orchestra (Colorado). We are excited to have Beixi join the music staff and thankful for her experience, talent and excitement for teaching the students at Lifesong!

Kristie Goodman
Music Instructor, Voice, Piano

Kristie is an original staff member at Lifesong! She brings to Lifesong many years experience as a voice instructor and early childhood music educator. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from West Texas A&M University, where she was privileged to study under the exceptional tutelage of Miss Elsa Porter, WTAMU Professor Emeritus. She obtained her teaching certification in music for all levels in 1990. Kristie is a member of NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing), and has been a member of Texas Music Educator’s Association. Kristie also has ten years of piano training, two of those at the college level. While attending WT, Kristie participated in many musical theater and opera productions, her favorite being the role of Casilda in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers. She also performed in the musical drama “Texas” in Palo Duro Canyon for four seasons. Originally from Amarillo, Kristie and husband Joel moved to the metroplex in 1991. Not long after, Jay and Carolyn Franks also moved to the midcities from Amarillo, and Jay promptly recruited Kristie for his church choir. Thus began Kristie’s many years of participation in the music ministry of Highland Meadows Christian Church, from the praise and worship team, to choir and dance ministry. Kristie served as vocal coach to the choir and helped direct two of Highland Meadows’ productions. Kristie has enjoyed teaching music to preschoolers since 2000. When Kristie first began teaching, she had no idea that she would love it so much! Committed to providing her students the best instruction available, Kristie continues to attend training seminars and workshops to stay informed on the best methods in the industry. We are thankful for Kristie's talent, enthusiasm and passion for music and teaching!

Belinda Johnson
Music Instructor, Voice

Belinda joined the Lifesong staff in January 2008.  Belinda has been singing since the 2nd grade, always involved in the top choirs and a regular soloist. She had the privilege of traveling to New Zealand in High Schoolwith the Elite Choir. She majored in Music/Vocal Performance in College at the University of Hawaii, where she fell in love with music theory, but her passion was singing so she auditioned and was offered a scholarship to Shenandoah University and Conservatory in Winchester Virginia where she graduated with a Bachelor's in Music/Vocal Performance and a minor in Piano. While at Shenandoah, Belinda had the opportunity to work on various opera's and musical theater productions.  She also traveled throughout Europe performing at Sunday Mass at the Vatican and all the major cathedrals in Italy, Germany and Hungary withthe Elite Choir. She remained at Shenandoah after graduation and started my Master's degree inVocal Performancewith an emphasis in Vocal Pedagogy.  After a year of further study, Belinda moved toDallas, TX where she started singing with the Dallas Symphony Chorus, even traveling to Jerusalem to sing with the Israeli Philharmonic. She sang with the symphony chorus for over 4 years. Throughout this time she was part of the worship team for her church in Plano as well as the leader of the youth band. In addition to her musical pursuits, Belinda has enjoyed a professional career in Television.  For years, Belinda has been teaching private voice lessons.  Belinda adores her students and loves teaching and inspiring them to be the best they can be.  We are thankful for all of the talent and experience that Belinda brings to her students and to the team at Lifesong!

Bryan Meggison
Music Instructor, Piano, Saxophone, Flute, Bass Guitar

Bryan joined the music staff at Lifesong in August of 2007.  Originally from McAllen, Texas, Bryan now lives in Lewisville and plays alto and tenor saxophones, keyboards and bass for local Dallas bands The Vince Lujan Project, Scarlet, and The B-side Trio to name a few.  Bryan earned his degree in Jazz Studies Saxophone Performance at the University of North Texas and enjoys playing and teaching piano, saxophone, flute and bass guitar.  Bryan is loved and respected by his students and fellow musicians and we are so thankful to have the diversity and passion for music that he brings to Lifesong Studio!

Lynda Meggison
Music Instructor, Piano

Lynda joined the music staff at Lifesong in September of 2010.  She started playing the piano at the age of 5 and soon discovered that she naturally played by ear. She has been playing for church from the age of 11 until the present. In her teens, she and her siblings formed a band to perform locally as an outreach to the community. In her twenties, she started leading worship from the piano. though she was self-taught for many years, she began to study the piano "by the book" while adding jazz piano lessons to the mix. She taught private piano lessons in her home and taught ear training at New Horizons School in McAllen, TX for several years. Her passion for music in the areas of worship and outreach kept her active playing at her church and performing at local restaurants until the spring of 2010 when she relocated to the Grapevine area.  We are privileged to have another member of the talented Meggison family on staff and especially thankful to share with Lynda in her love for people, music and the all of the arts!

Emily Olson
Music Instructor, Piano

Emily came to Lifesong in the summer of 2009 as Theatre Accompanist and Piano Instructor.  She also serves the Lifesong families at the Front Desk.  Emily grew up in Wisconsin and has played the piano since she was seven. She began accompanying her church choir when she was ten and was the regular church pianist and accompanist for Christmas plays for ten years. In high school Emily played for voice students and helped prepare them for Solo & Ensemble competitions. She performed at local nursing homes and co-led a youth group and children’s choir. Emily earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music at Hillsdale College in Michigan where she was involved in Sigma Alpha Iota, the Women’s Honorary Music Fraternity, accompanied students for various voice teachers, assisted with opera workshops, performed in numerous recitals and concerts, taught private piano lessons to local beginners, performed background music for dinners and events, and won the annual student concerto competition. During college, Emily had a summer job playing background piano music at a restaurant on weekends, and she was the pianist for her church praise band. In addition to performing, accompanying and teaching, Emily enjoys playing piano for weddings, memorials, recordings, improvisation and composition.  Emily is a wonderful asset to Lifesong in many ways and we are thankful for the excitement, talent and heart she brings!

Chris Robinson
Music Instructor, Guitar

Chris joined the Lifesong music staff in August 2007 as we began Season 2. Chris has always had a passion for music and has played the guitar for over 17 years. He got a B.B.A. Degree in Marketing at the University of North Texas with a minor in Music. He also took night classes and received a Studio Engineering Degree from The Dallas Sound Lab School for Recording Arts. After college Chris began working for Clear Channel Communications at KZPS, KDGE, and Fox Sports. From there he found an opportunity to work at a non-commercial station that he was very passionate about, 89.7 Power FM “The Christian Rock Station”. He is still currently employed there and also works in promotions for Monster Energy Drink. For the past four years, Chris was the Music Director for both the Junior High and Senior High students at Living Word Lutheran Church in Grapevine. He has also played guitar and bass in several bands over the years and currently writes and records all the instrumentation for his current band, Remnant Tribe. He also loves singing, playing bass guitar, piano, mandolin, and drums. We are fortunate to have Chris on our team and we're thankful for his passion for music and his genuine love for his students and commitment to teaching them with excellence!

Julie Shanks
Music Instructor, Piano

Julie joined the Lifesong music staff in September 2010. She began playing the piano at age 7 and spent much of her early years playing for her church. In the 5th grade she began playing French Horn and continued playing throughout high school. In Richland High School, Julie played keyboard for the Jazz Band under the direction of Jim Sharples. During her high school years, she received several awards including Outstanding Musician and placement in All-Region as well as All-State bands. Throughout her High School years, she continued playing piano at church and often was asked to play for weddings. In 1991, Julie was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. Shortly after graduating from college, Julie moved to Utah and began full-time employment as an Elementary School music teacher at Layton Elementary where she enthusiastically shared her love and appreciation of music. Julie has spent many years moving around and several years teaching private piano lessons from her home.  Julie credits much of her success to her mentor, hero, and former piano teacher - Marie Graham. Remaining profoundly influenced by Mrs. Graham, Julie incorporates many of Mrs. Graham's teaching principles into her curriculum. Her teaching style is centered around 5 foundational "blocks" of learning and is designed to systematically teach basic and advanced musical techniques and principles in an effort to create a working foundation for musical education, expression, and enjoyment.  We are grateful to have Julie's experience, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence and we're excited to welcome her into the Lifesong family!

Emily Alexander
Theatre Instructor

Emily joined the Lifesong staff in August 2009.  She comes to us with several years of acting experience and specializes in improvisational acting.  Emily has been performing professionally for the past ten years with the improv comedy group, Pavlov’s Dogs.  She can also be seen and heard in several toy and game commercials for Hasbro and Electronic Arts, including Gloworm, Littlest Pet Shop, Charm Girls Club, Cranium, and more.  Emily received a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication with a minor in Theatre from Texas A&M University.  She has also trained with acting and improvisational luminaries from The Second City and The Groundlings, including Charna Halpern, Gary Austin and the late Del Close. Over the past several years, Emily has taught improv workshops and theatre classes to children and adults, and she is excited to continue helping students develop their God-given gifts and talents at Lifesong.  Emily can sometimes be seen on stage or in video at Fellowship Church, where she is a member with her husband Dale and son Benjamin.  Despite several roles throughout her career, Emily’s most treasured performance was twirling her glitter baton in a home video known by her family as Christmas Video for Grandma, a hilarious must-see for anyone who still owns a VCR! We are honored and thankful to have Emily at Lifesong and thankful for her professionalism, her love for people and her passion for the arts and teaching!

Kristie Goodman
Theatre & Music Instructor

Kristie is an original staff member at Lifesong! She brings to Lifesong many years experience as a voice instructor and early childhood music educator. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from West Texas A&M University, where she was privileged to study under the exceptional tutelage of Miss Elsa Porter, WTAMU Professor Emeritus. She obtained her teaching certification in music for all levels in 1990. Kristie is a member of NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing), and has been a member of Texas Music Educator’s Association. Kristie also has ten years of piano training, two of those at the college level. While attending WT, Kristie participated in many musical theater and opera productions, her favorite being the role of Casilda in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers. She also performed in the musical drama “Texas” in Palo Duro Canyon for four seasons. Originally from Amarillo, Kristie and husband Joel moved to the metroplex in 1991. Not long after, Jay and Carolyn Franks also moved to the midcities from Amarillo, and Jay promptly recruited Kristie for his church choir. Thus began Kristie’s many years of participation in the music ministry of Highland Meadows Christian Church, from the praise and worship team, to choir and dance ministry. Kristie served as vocal coach to the choir and helped direct two of Highland Meadows’ productions. Kristie has enjoyed teaching music to preschoolers since 2000. When Kristie first began teaching, she had no idea that she would love it so much! Committed to providing her students the best instruction available, Kristie continues to attend training seminars and workshops to stay informed on the best methods in the industry. We are thankful for Kristie's talent, enthusiasm and passion for people, music and teaching!

Babs Ipaye
Theatre Instructor

Babakayode "Babs" Ipaye joined the Lifesong family in January 2012.  He is a local professional actor, who graduated from TCU in 2008 with a B.F.A in theatre performance, with an emphasis in musical theatre performance. Babs grew up in the DFW metroplex and started in the Texas Boys Choir in the third grade. He stayed there throughout his high school career including the school's change to the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts. From there he matriculated into TCU, and also started to do professional theatre in the area. After graduation he did Texas Musical Drama in the Palo Duro in Canyon, TX. From there he was a Resident company member at the Know Theatre of Cincinnati's professional acting company and from there he went on a national tour of Calculus: The Musical. Since then he has returned to the metroplex and has joined the Actors Equity Association. Some of his favorite roles include; Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Sam the Snowman in Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, Claudius in Hamlet, and of course Daddy Warbucks in the recent LifeStage Theatre production of Annie. Babs is thrilled to be working with the budding minds of the creative Lifesong students, and hopes he is a blessing and inspiration to the next generation of music and theatre performers. We are thrilled to have the experience, passion and and excitement for sharing that Babs brings to Lifesong and LifeStage Theatre!

Tracy Levinson
Theatre Instructor

Tracy officially joined the Lifesong staff in the summer of 2009 as a Theatre Instructor. Tracy has a special desire to work with "the little people" and is excited to share her knowledge and experience in theatre with the students at Lifesong. Tracy earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the University of Texas in 1988 and earned her Masters of Fine Arts in Theatre from the University of Houston in 1991. She has a depth of experience as an Actor and Director having studied and worked in various places such as American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the Newport Theatre Arts Center in Los Angeles, Alley Theatre in Houston, School of Performing Arts in Chicago, and Stage West in Dallas to name a few. Kevin Harris, Morning Host and Creative Service Director of KWRD-FM in Dallas says "Tracy has a brilliant mind, a loving heart, and winning talent. She has both knowledge and humility - a combination not often found. an encounter with Tracy Levinson before an audience or one-on-one is a true blessing."   We are thankful for the heart, passion, talent and inspiration that Tracy brings to the Lifesong family!

Emily Olson
Theatre & Music Instructor

Emily joined the Lifesong staff in the summer of 2009 as Theatre Accompanist and Piano Instructor.  She will also be serving our Lifesong families at Front Desk.  Emily grew up in Wisconsin and has played the piano since she was seven. She began accompanying her church choir when she was ten and was the regular church pianist and accompanist for Christmas plays for ten years. In high school Emily played for voice students and helped prepare them for Solo & Ensemble competitions. She performed at local nursing homes and co-led a youth group and children’s choir. Emily earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music at Hillsdale College in Michigan where she was involved in Sigma Alpha Iota, the Women’s Honorary Music Fraternity, accompanied students for various voice teachers, assisted with opera workshops, performed in numerous recitals and concerts, taught private piano lessons to local beginners, performed background music for dinners and events, and won the annual student concerto competition. During college, Emily had a summer job playing background piano music at a restaurant on weekends, and she was the pianist for her church praise band. In addition to performing, accompanying and teaching, Emily enjoys playing piano for weddings, memorials, recordings, improvisation and composition.  Emily is a wonderful asset to Lifesong in many ways and we are thankful for the excitement, talent and heart she brings!

Staci Schuhmann
Theatre Instructor

Staci joined the Lifesong staff in July of 2011. She is a recent alum of Texas Christian University where she received her B.F.A in Theatre with an emphasis in Acting. Originally from Southern California, Staci likes to say she has been involved with Children’s Theatre Education her whole life! As a performer Staci has worked with various theatres all over the country including Stage Door Theatre Workshop and the prestigious South Coast Repertory where she was a part of the Professional Intensive Conservatory. Staci has studied abroad in London; spending a whole summer seeing great theatre! She also studied for a semester in Arezzo, Italy at the Accadamia dell’Arte where she focused on movement and acrobatics, voice, and Commedia dell’Arte. Staci has been teaching all ages since she was in high school! She spent the last two years as an education and company management intern at Casa Manana Theatre where she assisted and taught in both semester-long classes and summer camps. Staci is blessed to be at Lifesong learning and growing with this amazing group of talented and kind artists!.  We are thankful to have the enthusiasm, creativity, talent and fresh perspective that Staci brings to Lifesong Studio and LifeStage Theatre!

Mary Howe
Art Instructor

Mary is an original staff member at Lifesong.  She has been painting since the age of seven.  She received formal and private school education.  She attended Governor's State University/Chicago and received a degree in Advertising/Art History.  She traveled extensively throughout Europe and feels that her travel as well as her training and education are depicted in her murals and faux finishing work.  Her main artistry is shown in upscale residential and commercial properties.  She also enjoys teaches art lessons to people of all ages.  Mary's priorities in life are God, family and career.  She enjoys bringing creative people together to learn, share and tap into their own creativity.  Working professionally and with entrepreneurs has allowed her to increase her knowledge, stay of top of current trends, tools, ideas, and current research.  Mary resides in Grapevine with Jerry, her husband of 20 years.  They have two children; Bridget 18, and Megan 13.  Other than her love for art, she enjoys biking, swimming, and family vacations.  She regularly hosts workshops for homeowners, hobbyists, college students, painting contractors, future artists, and existing businesses.  We are truly thankful for Mary’s talent and genuine love for her students and for Lifesong!