The highly skilled, qualified and dedicated faculty at Arts in Action is passionate about equipping students with skills of excellence in the arts. The formidable faculty brings the arts to life in a safe and nurturing environment. Every teacher is committed to help each student discover and develop their God given talents to their highest potential through structured, disciplined and comprehensive education with Christian influence.
Joni Prince, Founding Director
Joni Prince has an extensive background in the performing arts and 29 years of teaching experience.
Ms. Prince is an extraordinary technician who received the “Best Choreographer” and “Top Faculty” award for original choreographed works and traveled as a judge for national dance competitions and guest faculty.
She has served on the board of directors for the Pinellas Dance Teachers Association and her memberships have included Professional Dance Teachers Association and Dance Masters of America.
Ms. Prince founded Suncoast Academy in Florida, MasterPeace Dance Ministries and 4th Wall Youth Outreach in West Virginia;. Joni Prince was named “Hometown Hero” by WSAZ in 2003 for her ministry through the arts.
Cookie Samworth, Artistic Director and Faculty
MasterPiece Dance and Lambs of Light
Cookie Samworth studied under master teachers for over 20 years and is dedicated to teaching the art of dance in excellence.
Mrs. Samworth began teaching for MasterPiece in 2001 and began serving as Artistic Director in 2003. Mrs. Samworth’s performance credits include touring with the “Nutcracker”, dancing in Times Square, New York with Project Dance, appearing in “Comic Relief” with “Radar” of “Mash”, touring with the well known “Stars of Tomorrow” and recently with “Daystar Television Network.”
Mrs. Samworth is known for her exceptional choreography and teaching style that inspires and develops each student to their full potential.
Carah Gunnoe, Faculty
MasterPiece Dance and Spirit in Action
Carah Gunnoe joined the MasterPiece faculty this season after studying in a variety of dance styles for 15 years and participating in the “Instructor Training and Intern Program” at Arts in Action for two years.
Mrs. Gunnoe tours with the Lambs of Light Company bringing the arts to life through dance. Mrs. Gunnoe, who has won numerous awards as a cheerleading coach, will launch the new and exciting “Spirit in Action” Cheerleading program this summer and fall.
Mrs. Gunnoe led her mini team to Grand Champions in 2008! Mrs. Gunnoe will lead her students to be Grand Champions in Christ.
John Sandy, Director and Faculty
Living Colors Visual Arts
John Sandy graduated from Anderson University with a BA degree in Art and received a BS degree in Education Art K-12 from West Virginia State University.
Mr. Sandy is a professional artist who has an extensive background in visual arts education. As an dedicated artist educator, Mr. Sandy believes in nurturing each student to reach their full potential as an artist.
“I believe that a teacher must instruct from the edge of their seat, and inspire and stir the gifts within, yet be humble and ever learning. If I can teach a student how to see, how to discover things that were always there yet hidden, I believe that it is possible to stir the artist that is within each one of us!”Michael Lampl, Faculty
Revelation Drama
Michael Lampl, originally from Valparaiso, Indiana, holds a Bachelors of Arts teaching degree in Speech & Drama from Valparaiso University and a Masters Degree in Special Education from Ball State University.
He is a licensed teacher in Indiana and West Virginia. Michael spent 20 years in professional radio as an on air announcer, copywriter, and Production Director. He has held numerous major roles, professional and non-professional, in theatre, film, and television as well as professional modeling.
Michael has written over 130 Christian songs, and beginning in 1991, began ministry, bringing original music and several original one-man dramas -–such as “They Call Me Rocky,” (Apostle Peter) …and”High Calling (Apostle Paul) — to churches all over the Midwest. He lives in St. Albans with his wife, Holly, a teacher in Kanawha County Schools.
Jim Florkevich, Director Faculty
Thunder Percussion
Jim Florkevich began playing drums at the age of 5, on his first Christmas drum set.
He studied with world-renowned Phil Faini at West Virginia University from 1970-75, was a featured soloist with the WVU Percussion Ensemble, leader of the WVU Marching Percussion Section and selected 1974 Bandsman of the Year.
Mr. Florkevich toured the country playing professionally, was assistant band director at West Virginia State University and percussion instructor at George Washington High.
Chanisha Mendenhall, Faculty
Trinity Twirlers
Chanisha Mendenhall has been studying, competing and performing the art of baton twirling in a variety of forms for nearly 15 years.
Raised in the Scott Depot area and a Winfield graduate, Ms. Mendenhall studied baton under her mother, a twirl coach and registered National Baton Twirling Association judge.
She was Majorette Captain and Feature Twirler at Winfield High School, has performed in several parades across the state and twirled at games for the Indiana Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Entering her third year as a Marshall University Majorette, Ms. Mendenhall is pursuing a degree in music education. She has instructed teams and taught private lessons for many years and loves to help children learn and grow in the art of twirling.
Selina Midkiff: Founding and Artistic Director
Appalachian Childrens Chorus
Mrs. Midkiff directs the Concert and Camerata Choirs. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Virginia University.
She is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the Music Educators National Conference and the West Virginia Division of the Orff Schulwerk Association.
She is an experienced singer who has performed leading roles in opera, oratorio and musical theater throughout West Virginia. Mrs. Midkiff has studied children’s choral technique and conducted with such renowned artists as Henry Leck, Barbara Tagg, Doreen Rao, Sandra Murphy, Janet Galvan, David Brunner and Lee Kesselman. She received the prestigious Artist-Teacher Certification from the Doreen Rao Choral Music Experience Institute.
She is currently serving as a commissioner on the Governor’s Commission on the Arts. Mrs. Midkiff is the wife to Gary Midkiff and mother to Allen, Chad, Andrew and William. She is also the proud grandmother of Aidan.
Ilse Long
Director of the Canticle Choir and Codetta Chorus – Appalachian Children’s Choir and Faculty for Crescendo
Ms. Long is a former ACC chorister who has a master’s degree in music education from Boston University and an undergraduate degree in music performance from the University of Charleston.
While at Boston University, she was the musical director for Amahl and the Night Visitors, director for United Parrish of Auberngale’s Children’s Choir, and taught Music in Winchester Public schools.
Ms. Long is also pursuing a doctor of musical arts. She teaches at Hurricane High School and directs the show choir.
