Thank you!

Deborah Han, originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, found her love and passion for the performing arts at a young age, and continues to build towards her passions and dreams everyday. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre from Elon University, she has extensive training in the arts, as well as experience teaching children’s theatre. Deborah also has ample experience with management and administration, which she has grown to gain a love and passion for throughout her college years and post-grad. Deborah wants to blend both her knowledge of the arts and administration, and she is so excited to be joining the SAA team!

Sylvia Galan, a seasoned actress whose career spans theater, film, television, and commercial work is excited to join Suwanee Academy of Art as a Drama Teacher, where she will share her expertise and passion for storytelling with the next generation of performers.

Sylvia holds a BA in Theatre from CCNY where she studied with Omar Shapli; who, along with many accolades, was a working member of Second City in Chicago. She has also trained with coaches such as Glenn Morshower, Dave Pillegi, Clayton Landey, and Rob Pralgo, Sylvia brings a powerful blend of classical training and on-camera versatility to every role.

Her film credits include performances in Indigo Bridge, Touch, Consider the Rainbow, Uncommon Law, Mad Money, and The Fat Boy Chronicles, among others. She has also brought compelling characters to life in popular short films such as Cooking with Claudia, Malevolent Mom, and Blossoms for Clara. On television, Sylvia worked on Next in Line, Law & Order, The Game, and Evermore the Series, showcasing her ability to transition seamlessly between genres and formats.

A passionate stage performer, Sylvia has taken on a wide range of theatrical roles, from the comedic Aunt Gert in Lost in Yonkers to emotionally rich characters in Barrio Hollywood, Swindlers, and Don Quixote on national tour. Her bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, combined with a strong command of accents and physicality, makes her a versatile choice for both dramatic and character-driven work.

Sylvia continues to seek out roles that challenge and inspire—bringing heart, depth, and authenticity to every performance.

Coming Soon

Maia is thrilled to be joining SAA as the co-director of AIM! She is an aspiring scenic painter and artist from Sugar Hill. She got her degree in production design from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and couldn’t be happier to be sharing her passion with these kids! In her time at SAA she hopes to inspire and instill a love for technical theatre the way she was when she was younger.

With a vibrant background spanning the arts and media, our Customer Concierge brings a dynamic blend of creativity and organization to the studio. Her experience includes work in publications, event management, and film and television production, giving her a well-rounded perspective on both the artistic and operational sides of the industry. As a former trained percussionist, vocalist, and film/theatre actor in her youth, she has a deep personal connection to the performing arts.

As a parent of two young artists, she understands firsthand the importance of nurturing creativity and building confidence in a supportive environment. This unique combination of hands-on artistic experience, professional coordination, and personal insight allows her to create a warm, welcoming experience for students, families, and performers alike.

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!!

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.

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.

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.

Nadia Khan 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Emily Alonso is a Mexican-American dance artist, choreographer, and dance educator based in Atlanta, Georgia. She completed a B.A. in Dance with a minor in Business Administration from Brenau University with honors in May 2026. At Brenau, she was named the recipient of the 2025-26 Lestina Stanley Webb Performing Arts Award. In her collegiate training, she performed works by dance artists such as Julio Medina, Larry Keigwin, Kevin Jenkins, Quaba Ernest, Keerati Jinakunwiphat, Christopher Bloom, and faculty members Madia Cooper-Ashirifi, Jessica Lynch-Oliver and George Wilson-Berry. She has trained with Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre and Xcel studios. Emily has extensive training in technical styles such as classical ballet, contemporary, various forms of modern, vernacular jazz, and various Mexican social dance genres. Currently, she is a company artist with the Medina Movement Collective, a contemporary company based in Atlanta, Georgia. Emily finds expression of her cultural identity through choreography which is influenced by Mexican culture and Mexican-American historical events. Apart from performing and choreographing, she is an experienced theater technician trained in lighting design and stage management. She also focuses on her pedagogical dance practices for young dance artists as a dance educator with Suwanee Academy of the Arts. Emily emphasizes the importance to young dance artists about exploring identity through the artform. While improving their technical abilities and expanding their understanding of dance, they curate self discipline, humility, and appreciation.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.