Why choose SAA? by: Teri Miller The [...]
Is my child ready for Nutcracker Auditions? by: Patty Etherton [...]
Dance Class Etiquette by: Bernie Bock Davis [...]
Parent Hub
395 Brogdon Road, Suwanee, GA 30024
678.482.6333
contact@suwaneeacademy.com
Created by Veugeler Creative
Voice
A Juilliard Graduate, Helen Yu Park made her New York debut with the New York City Opera singing the role of Cherubino (The Marriage of Figaro) followed by Rosina (Barber of Seville) and Suzuki in Madama Butterfly which she toured with extensively across the US and Canada. Metropolitan opera followed in Wagner’s The Ring cycle along with her Broadway debut as the first wife Lady Thiang, in the show The King and I. Ms. Park’s credit also include giving master classes across the country and private lessons to all ages in opera and musical theater. Her teaching engagements span New York City, Toronto, Michigan, New Jersey and now Georgia!!
Dance, Ballet, Contemporary, Acrobatic Arts
is a 19-year-old Honduran-American dancer and business student at Georgia Gwinnett College. Her passion for dance began at the age of three and has remained a central part of her life ever since. For the past three years, she has danced with Suwanee Ballet and is currently in her second year teaching Acrobatic Arts classes at Suwanee Academy of the Arts. Alejandra specializes in contemporary dance, a style she loves for its ability to convey emotion and tell stories through movement. In addition to her academic and artistic commitments, she works as a server at a golf club, effectively balancing her education, professional development, and creative pursuits. She is also an entrepreneur, offering custom choreography services for quinceañeras, sweet sixteens, and weddings.
Kindermusik
Licensed Kindermusik Educator, Annette Mechling, recently relocated to Cumming from San Diego where she ran a thriving Kindermusik business for 27 years, serving hundreds of families, teaching 14 classes each week. She has been designated a Top Program by Kindermusik International for many years. Annette received a Bachelor of Music from the University of Redlands and a Master of Music from the University of Michigan, both in Flute Performance. She is a free-lance flutist and taught flute for many years before starting her Kindermusik journey. Annette began teaching Kindermusik in 1998 after falling in love with the program while attending classes with her daughter, Lauren. She is excited to join the team at Suwanee Academy of the Arts as our philosophies for teaching children and their parents couldn’t be a better fit. Her goal in class each week is to show you how to use music throughout your day to make life easier and more fulfilling as well as to instill a lifelong love of music in your children.
Classical Guitar, Fingerstyle Acoustic, and Accompaniment Stylings
Even as a young boy, guitarist Keith Gehle knew he wanted to be a professional musician. Today he enjoys a busy career as a performer, recording artist, composer/arranger, and teacher. His many musical experiences (from rock to classical, folk and New Age) have produced an artist with a perspective and style unique in the community of classical and steel string fingerstyle guitar. A classically trained musician, Keith earned his Bachelor of Music degree in guitar performance from The University of Georgia under the guidance of the late John Sutherland, a protégé of Andres Segovia. In addition to his collegiate studies, Keith was selected to participate in the Master Class of Grammy nominated guitarist Christopher Parkening at Montana State University and was recognized for his outstanding musicianship by the Georgia Council for the Arts by serving for many years on their prestigious Touring Roster.
His recording credits include Keith Gehle – Guitarist, Winter Song, Nocturne, Songs of December, and Space and Time as well as a half dozen singles released on streaming platforms in recent years.Many of Keith’s original compositions and arrangements for solo guitar have been published by Hal Leonard Publications and Mel Bay Publications as well as close to 200 works through Hal Leonard’s ArrangeMe program. A notable project of Keith’s was the creation of the musical score for the award winning short film Caterpillar by David Field which was featured at numerous film festivals, including a screening at Dragon Con in 2013. Keith’s extensive training with master guitarists has helped him become a sought-after teacher. For over 20 years, he directed the undergraduate guitar and music technology program for Toccoa Falls College in Northeast Georgia and currently teaches privately for Suwanee Academy of the Arts in metro Atlanta. Past teaching affiliations include Augusta University Conservatory Program, Brenau University Preparatory Music Program, and Georgia State University Community Music Schools.
Office Manager
Nadia Khan, the new Office Manager at Suwanee Academy of the Arts, is a hometown talent blending artistic roots with a decade of data analysis expertise. Having grown up here, Nadia’s journey from taking dance, drama and voice lessons, to Broadway in the Park participant, to Rainbow Fairy at Princess Camp reflects a deep connection to the academy. You might also recognize her mom as the one and only Fairy Godmother, Teri Khan! After a detour into data analysis and process improvement, Nadia returns to seamlessly merge technical business skills with a profound understanding of our students’ experiences. Her unique perspective promises to elevate Suwanee Academy of the Arts to new heights, where the data becomes a canvas for artistic growth.
Finance Manager
Kristi graduated from Florida State University with her degree in Accounting. She has many years of accounting, bookkeeping and payroll experience. Kristi enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids, enjoying the outdoors and volunteering at her church.
Piano/Voice
Dave Wilson was born and raised in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. He began singing in church and at community events at the age of 4 and studied piano and organ with private instructors through high school. He continued his musical education at Cincinnati Christian University, majoring in voice and minoring in piano, receiving a Bachelor of Music degree in 1987. He has been a private instructor in both piano and voice since that time. He has spent many years singing with and directing church and community choirs. He served as director of the Tara Choral Guild, a community Choir based in Clayton County, GA until 2013. He began serving as director of the Henry Community Chorus in Henry County, GA in January, 2020. He and his family currently reside in Grayson, Georgia.
Kindermusik
Lacey Glancy began studying violin at age 5, piano at 7, and cello at 11. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Music from Brigham Young University. Most recently she was Principal Second Violin with the Georgia Philharmonic, and prior to relocating to Georgia she was the Principal Second Violin for the Houston Civic Symphony. She teaches private music lessons, Kindermusik, sings in her church choir, and plays with Bella Nota String Quartet. She is the mother to twin boys and loves baking, reading, and fitness.
Piano/Voice
InSook has taught music for over 25 years as a full-time Music Professor at University. She graduated from the University of Missouri and the University of Connecticut as a Music major in the U.S.A., having a Doctor of Musical Arts and a Master of Music degree. She has a Bachelor of Music degree from South Korea. And she also graduated from a Graduate School as Theater and Musical Theater major, having a Master of Arts degree. She would like to help children’s musical expression in Voice and Piano.
Piano
Tim’s natural love for teaching encourages and builds skill and musicianship in the students he works with. This includ es music theory, piano, composition, and audio production. Tim holds a BA in Music, a Master’s degree in Piano Pedagogy, from GSU and a Masters in Music Production from Berklee SOM. A teacher for over 40 years, Tim’s musical background is diverse and includes classical, jazz, and rock. He is a published composer, arranger, and song-writer. He owns DoubleSharp Music Recording Studio where he can be found recording, mixing, or producing a variety of music. Tim is also an adjunct faculty professor at American Continental University in the Audio Production program.
Piano, Violin, Viola
Mary graduated from Shenandoah Conservatory with a B.A. in Music Education, Major in Piano and Minor in Violin. She has performed in several operas and plays with her college orchestra including a performance at the Kennedy Center. Mary has worked with children for over fifteen years and has eleven years experience in private music lessons. She strongly believes Music is an important form of expression for children, and that music helps develop self-esteem, focus and artistic values that last a lifetime.
Advanced Voice
Justin started his career as a prodigy student and vocal arranger working alongside Robert (RAab) Stevenson, arranging vocals for artists like Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Pharrell Williams, Kelly Rowland, Austin Mahone, Rihanna, B5, and The Gardiner Sisters. Justin has worked as assistant vocal trainer on tour with Kelly Clarkson and has clients in three countries. Other artists blessed to have worked with RAab and Justin are jMarie, Roma Acorn, Zach Martari, Nate Larson, Diana Diez, Ashea, and he has also worked with Robert DeNiro, Zac Effron, Julianne Hough and Zoe Deutch on the set of Dirty Grampa. Justin has mastered the techniques necessary to safely develop the voice to its greatest potential. He treats each student – no matter their experience level – with the same focused commitment, and welcomes all genres of music.
Lessons are scheduled upon consultation directly with Justin
Call for pricing and availability 404-567-9433
Drama
Neftali Hernandez is a multifaceted actor, author, educator, and real estate professional based in Georgia. As a drama teacher, he is passionate about helping students develop their craft, deepen their creativity, and build the confidence to perform on the stage. He incorporates his professional experiences in television, film, and theater into the classroom, giving students real-world insights into the performing arts while also emphasizing skills that carry into life—such as communication, collaboration, and self-expression. Beyond teaching, Neftali is the author of the young adult fantasy trilogy Dragon’s Fire, which includes Rise of the Elementals, The Usurper King, and Whispers of Eternity. His writing combines high-stakes adventure with rich world-building and heartfelt character journeys, inspiring both young readers and lovers of epic fantasy. In addition to the arts, Neftali is also a licensed real estate agent in Georgia, where he helps clients navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives with dedication and care.
To learn more about his work, visit his website or follow him on social media:
Website: www.neftali-hernandez.com
IMDB: www.imdb.me/neftalihernandez
Instagram: @neftalihernandez
Drama
Kate is an artist, designer, and educator born and raised in Gwinnett County. She discovered the performing arts at a young age, which led to her involvement in school and community theatre programs throughout her childhood. After highschool, she went on to pursue a BA in Theatre at the Gainesville Theatre Alliance, where she performed in mainstage productions, original works, showcases, and staged readings while staying involved behind the scenes. Her passion for education and improvisation blossomed during her time at GTA and has stayed with her ever since. She is committed to creating a welcoming and inspiring environment for young performers while helping them explore their creative potential.
Musical Theatre Voice, Piano, Guitar
Teri is a professional vocalist, music teacher, choir and theatre director with 40 years of experience in both the private and classroom setting. She teaches all levels of Voice, Folk and Rhythm Guitar, and teaches beginning to intermediate levels for Piano. She studied Voice and Classical Music at the Conservatory of Music of Brooklyn College, while working towards a BS in Vocal Performance. She is a graduate of Rollins College with a B.A. in Voice Performance and Pedagogy. Teri has been with SAA and SPA for 18 years
Dance
Christina Elia began her training at a young age with Bernie Davis through Suwanee Youth Ballet and Suwanee Performing Arts where she trained in various styles including Cecchetti ballet. Christina began her professional career as an Atlanta Hawks Cheerleader from 2014-2016 performing with artists like Ludacris and Cee Lo Green, and she was chosen to represent the NBA in Taiwan in 2015. Christina spent three seasons training and performing as a company member for Atlanta Dance Collective from 2016-2019 and served as a dancer and then captain of the College Park Skyhawks from 2022-2024. Christina now spends her time teaching at studios around the Atlanta area.
Contemporary instructor, Jazz Instructor
Emily is a Mexican-American Dancer, Dance Educator, and Choreographer from Lawrenceville, Georgia. Emily is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Arts in Dance with a minor in Business administration at Brenau University under the direction of Madia Cooper-Ashirifi. Emily has trained in various technical styles such as Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Horton Modern, Duncan Modern, Tap, and Vernacular Jazz. During her time at Brenau, she has worked with guest artist Kaitlyn Arena, Julio Medina, Larry Keigwin, Staycee Pearl, Kevin Jenkins, Quaba Ernest, and faculty members Jessica Lynch-Oliver and George Wilson Berry. During her summers, she trains with an Atlanta based contemporary company, Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre by participating in their summer intensives. In July of 2023, Emily participated in developing imagery for a presentation,”Dancers as Athletes” by Josh Wludyga for the National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference. In September of 2024, she danced professionally alongside Julio Medina in a work inspired by Mexican Cosmology which included the blend of Cumbia Wepa, Mexican Folklore, and Contemporary dance. Apart from performing, she is a theater technician for Brenau University experienced in Lighting Design. She also focuses on teaching students the importance of self-expression through creative movement all while her choreography revolving around her Mexican-American culture.
performing artist and instructor.
She toured the United States, Japan, and South Korea with a theatrical production while obtaining her degree in theatre from the University of Georgia. She acquired additional professional credits working for Walt Disney World’s popular show Fantasmic! as well as through separate projects in theatre, televsion and film as a dancer before falling in love with aerial arts in 2013. Alicia now performs and teaches aerial arts in and around Atlanta with a specialty in aerial silks/fabrics and sling/hammock.
Ballet, Contemporary
Susan received a scholarship to the Dance Pedagogy and Performance program at Brenau University, where she was a featured principal dancer for the Gainesville Ballet Company. After graduating with honors, she became a founding member and Principal dancer with the newly formed Gainesville Ballet Professional Ensemble, then moved on to dance with the Ruth Mitchell Professional Dance Theatre for many years. A move landed McGraw in Germany and then Switzerland, where she trained and taught classes of many different levels during her time there. Susan’s strong background includes extensive training in Jazz, Tap, Modern, Contemporary, and Classical Ballet. Susan has trained dancers in both Local and Regional Companies, Universities and private studios for more than 30 years. She continues to serve as a guest teacher for numerous Summer Intensives. She has helped her students find placement in many prestigious Companies and Summer Programs and she has coached students through the Youth American Grand Prix and Boston Ballet competitions.
Dance
Kaylee Boyd has loved creating since she was a small child. This need for creativity manifested in a love for dance at the age of 3. She trained in many forms of dance such as jazz, ballet, and contemporary at Lawrenceville School of Ballet, then later at Gwinnett Ballet Theater. She went on to SCAD to further explore different methods of creativity and enjoys drawing comics. She found a love for teaching young dancers how to express their creativity through dance and strives to inspire the same passion she has for dance in others. Her goal is to make her classes a safe, loving environment, where young artists can have fun and learn important dance fundamentals.
Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Progressing Ballet Technique
A graduate from Brenau University with a BFA in Dance Pedagogy, Miranda received her earlier training from Atlanta Ballet, Dan and Company, Dancers Studio/Backstage and Gainesville School of Ballet, with additional training through notable summer programs with Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Orlando Ballet and South Carolina Dance Conservatory. Miranda’s eye for detail and her natural abilities to relate to “little ones” makes her a wonderful teacher, mom to her son Chase, choreographer and part-time administrator for SAA. If that weren’t enough, Miranda is a certified Cecchetti instructor, and also teaches jazz, tap and ballet. Can we say more about this multi talented multi-tasker!
Co-owner, Music, Theater
Patty Weyen Etherton spent her youth singing around central Illinois. The local celebrity she received helped her overcome her shyness and cement her passion for the performing arts in the lives of children. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Music Education from Millikin University, Patty has worn many hats, from directing children’s choirs, singing professionally in a country band, writing original children’s musicals, and being a wife and mother, all while selling real estate. In 2003, she opened Suwanee Academy of the Arts with her best friend, and this was the first time all those hats came together for the glory of God. You will find her personal commitment to excellence through every part of SAA. She is passionate about inspiring young singers/actors, as well as her staff, to fulfill their calling.
Co-owner, Ballet, Cecchetti
A child prodigy at the age of four, Berneta was sent to study under the direction of Tensia Fonseca with the Maryland Youth Ballet. She performed with the Atlanta and Bristol Ballets throughout her youth and graduated with a double major in Performance and Education of Ballet from Virginia Intermont College. Known simply as “Miss Bernie” during her 38 years of excellence in teaching, Berneta is committed to sharing the art of dance and proudly brings the Cecchetti Method of Ballet instruction to Suwanee. SAA is the first Cecchetti school certified in Georgia.
