PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT

Having begun her own theatrical training at Dayspring, April has a unique understanding of the program and how to help students achieve their full potential in a limited amount of time, all while passing on her love for theater to the next generation. With a BFA in Theater from Stephens College April has directed more than 30 musicals here at DaySpring. Some of her favorites include Finding Nemo (2024), Les Miserables (2021), Beauty and the Beast (2018), and Jane Eyre (2015).

Alecia is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, with a Bachelor's in Psychology, Minors in Music and Drama, and a Master's in Communication Sciences and Disorders, as well as a licensed and certified Speech Language Pathologist. She has over 23 years of teaching experience, as a behavioral therapist, speech pathologist, classroom teacher, children's choir director, co/op science teacher, homeschool teacher, and music director. Her love of performance led her children to Dayspring years ago, and she is thrilled to continue helping kiddos find and use their voices.

Peyton is excited to return to Dayspring in a new role as an instructor after being a student here for five years. During her time as a student, she participated in numerous musicals, dramas, and dance classes, developing her passion for performance both on stage and in the studio.

She studied Musical Theater as a Bachelor of Fine Arts student at Missouri Baptist University from 2023 to 2025, where she continued to refine her skills in acting, singing, and dance. In addition to her theater training, Peyton has experience teaching gymnastics, which has given her a strong foundation in movement, discipline, and working with students of all ages.

Katie is a graduate from Stephens College with a BFA in Acting. While at Stephens, Katie acted, directed, designed, stage managed, and everything in between. Since moving back to St. Louis, she’s worked on multiple productions as a props designer and scenic painter for professional companies as well as high school theatre programs (where she teaches students prop building and painting techniques and how to work with props/scenery on stage). Teaching, especially in the arts, has been a passion of hers since she was in classes herself. Being a quirky kid from a small town, the arts provided her with a sense of belonging, and it was then that she made it her mission to continue to give kids that same opportunity.

Jenny graduated in 2024 with a BA in Theatre and a Minor in Dance from Missouri Baptist University. She has performed in a variety of roles over the past fourteen years, participating in over 40 shows as a performer, choreographer, director, painter, lighting designer, set designer, and more. Most recently, Jenny has performed with The Paul Bunyan Playhouse and STL Rhythm Collaborative in their professional seasons. Jenny also loves teaching and works as a dance instructor, musical theatre teacher, and acting coach.

Rachel has been teaching at Dayspring since 2022 and previously taught at Stages Performing Arts Academy. Over the past eight years, she has professionally directed, performed, stage-managed, and costumed a wide variety of productions throughout the St. Louis area. Rachel is passionate about helping students grow not only as skilled performers but also as healthy, well-rounded artists. She holds a degree in Theatre from Missouri Baptist University and loves sharing her experience and enthusiasm for the arts with the next generation of performers.

Michaela graduated from Missouri Baptist University in 2025 with a B.M.E in Vocal Music Education and a B.A in Worship Leadership. She is currently employed as an elementary music teacher in the Francis Howell School District. She has previously worked at Dayspring as the music director for the Mini Mary Poppins and Mini Moana musicals. Michaela is very passionate about inspiring young musicians and building music literacy skills in students of all ages!