Faculty Assistants

Student Leader Program

The Arts in Action Faculty Assistant Training Program began in 2005 after many students showed interest in assisting faculty in the classroom. After observing the dedication and passion of the students to learn and assist, we established a creative environment to nurture and train future leaders through shadowing and mentoring. Students of the program begin in our Jr. Assistants program where they learn through shadowing while assisting the teacher in taking roll, disbursing hand outs, running music, etc. Shadowing develops soft skills such as teaching etiquette, class planning and procedures, record keeping, and more.

Students in the Sr. Assistants program learn through shadowing, mentorship and coaching. In an effort to share knowledge and mentor the next generation into leadership, Sr. Assistants take on a more active role in the class room and planning sessions. Students participate in planning, preparation and implementation under the direction of the faculty and director. All students in the program are admitted through an application process.

After acceptance, and orientation, students are expected to be dedicated, dependable, and follow all program guidelines. At Arts in Action we recognize the importance of leadership development. We are committed to mold the program to meet the needs of our students. This past season we recognized a desire by students to assist in general office duties and are establishing a program to offer these opportunities. For more information please contact Joni Prince at joni@artsinaction.info for 304-419-1193.

Hannah Doak

“I love to see their eyes light up when they get a move. Most of all I enjoy the friendship and respect they give you while we show them their Savior, Jesus Christ!” Hannah said of her role as a faculty assistant.

Hannah, a Senior at Hurricane High School, has studied dance for thirteen years with classical ballet and lyrical as her favorite. She has participated in the West Virginia Dance Festival and is committed to dancing for the Lord with excellence and integrity.

Hannah has a passion for the Word of God and sharing His message of love through the arts which she does so beautifully as a member of the Lambs of Light Touring Company.

Maggie Kelly

Maggie is a Junior at Teays Valley Christian School. She has studied dance for twelve years in tap, jazz, ballet and lyrical.

Maggie, a recipient of the “Spirit of Christ” award, has danced as a member of the Lambs of Light Touring Company. She has participated in the West Virginia Dance Festival and is committed to dancing for the Lord with excellence and integrity.

Maggie loves working with the children and helping them learn new things while sharing God’s love with them.

Sydney Gillman

Sydney 13, is a 7th Grader this year Hurricane Middle School. Sydney started dance as a 3 year old and has been dancing for 10 years.

She has been at Arts in Action since 2002. Like her sister, Sydney’s favorite class is Hip Hop.

She loves watching the skills develop in the young dancers and enjoys their excitement. Sydney also plays Softball in the Spring.

Whitney Hamrick

Whitney, a freshman at Winfield High School, has been dancing at Arts in Action for the last 4 years, and has been assisting classes for the past 2 years.

Whitney loves assisting because she loves to build relationships with the students, and knowing that there are people looking up to her helps her to be a better person.

Whitney loves Jesus with all of her heart and is excited to experience God’s calling on her life.

Meagan Goode

Meagan’s dance career began at the age of 3, where she began dancing at Regina’s Studio of Dance, which later became Lee’s Studio of Dance.

She has been teaching dance for 5 years at SC First Church of the Nazarene where she has her own dance ministry and choreographs songs for the children’s choir. She also teaches dance at Lee’s.

She has competed in many different dance competitions both regionally and nationally and has won numerous awards and titles. This year she began training at Arts in Action and later started assisting at the Urban Stage Dance program. She gives God all the glory and praise God.