Team

Connie Dienner

Executive Director, Founder

Connie Dienner is the founder and director of Cavod Performing Arts. For over 40 years, she has been involved in the arts throughout the United States and abroad as she’s followed God’s calling to foster environments where creative people are accepted and their gifts nurtured. Connie has been influential in demonstrating how excellence in the performing arts can be used to grow and advance God’s Kingdom. She has led her team in making Cavod a place where students are trained and mentored to use their creative gifts in a purposeful and world-impacting way.

Most recently, Connie authored From Barn to Stage: A Journey of Faith & Creativity, sharing her inspiring story of faith, perseverance, and the founding of Cavod. Connie’s passion for the Lord is evident as she mentors, loves, and follows His direction. She lives with her husband in Leola and loves spending time with her 11 grandchildren.

Tahnya Lapp

Creative Advisor

Tahnya has been dancing at various performing arts schools in the region from a very young age. Her passion for dance developed when she traveled and performed across the east coast on a mission trip at 14 years old. It was then that she discovered there was more to dance than looking good onstage… dance is a powerful tool that breaks cultural barriers and reaches the hearts of people without even saying a word. Tahnya has been with Cavod since it’s small beginnings. She has taught Hip-Hop, Modern, Worship Dance and Ballet. She has received much guidance from Carolyn Trythall, former owner of Lancaster School of Ballet. She has been taught under the professional instruction of Paul Sutherland (Joffrey Ballet), Brunhilda Ruiz (Joffery Ballet), Emily Borthwick (Contra Costa Ballet), Raymond Lukens (American Ballet Theatre), Christopher Hird (Boston Ballet), Franco De Vita (American Ballet Theatre). She is certified in teaching Cecchetti through grade IV from Cecchetti Council of America. She is very excited about the potential Cavod has not only to raise up dancers with beautiful technique but dancers that can dance with excellence and purity unto the Lord. She has a passion to see the Kingdom of God influence the world with dance that is modern and relevant, instead of the world influencing the Kingdom. Tahnya, her husband, Richard, and their children reside in New Holland.

Julie Wendler

Artistic Director of Dance and Ornate Dance Theatre

Julie grew up just south of Atlanta, GA, where she began dancing at the age of 14. Throughout high school, she trained at Into the Light Ballet, where she honed her technique across various dance styles. It was there that Julie discovered the powerful intersection of worship and movement, which sparked a lifelong passion for using dance as a form of creative expression and ministry.

After earning her Associate’s degree in Biblical Studies, Julie moved to Houston, TX to join Ad Deum II, where she danced for two years before apprenticing with the main company, Ad Deum, for a full season. Her time with the company allowed her to perform and teach internationally, with experiences that took her across Hungary, Switzerland, Bulgaria, and throughout the United States. Along the way, Julie trained under renowned dance artists such as Steve Rooks, Durrel Comedy, Roxane D’Orleans Juste, Vincent Hardy, and others who deeply influenced her artistry.

In 2018, Julie began teaching in the greater Houston area while also pursuing professional development. She received her Barre Certification through the International Ballet Barre Fitness Association and completed her teaching certification through the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum that same year. Her classes are known for being inclusive, encouraging, and rooted in proper technique, dedication, and expressive performance.

Currently, Julie serves as the Artistic Director of Cavod’s professional dance company, Ornate Dance Theatre. Through this platform, she leads a team of dancers who travel both locally and globally to share the hope of Jesus through inspiring performances. At Cavod Performing Arts, Julie is a steady and compassionate leader who carefully oversees the dance department, fostering a nurturing and professional environment where dancers are both challenged and supported.

Julie is deeply committed to uplifting the instructors she works alongside. She values encouraging them in their continued training and providing avenues to continue their own education in order to keep Cavod’s dance department cutting edge. She believes that excellence in teaching is just as vital as excellence in performance, and she brings thoughtful guidance and a heart for mentorship to every aspect of her work.

Julie is honored to be a part of the Cavod community and remains passionate about building a vibrant, faith-filled dance culture that reflects beauty, purpose, and the love of God.

Meredith Vieira

Assistant Artistic Director of Dance, Artistic Director of Citylight Dance Theatre, Ballet, Modern, Worship Dance

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Meredith’s journey in dance began as a way to bridge her faith with creativity and the art of movement. In 2018, she relocated to Oklahoma to join Arrows International, where she served for six seasons as a company dancer, choreographer, teacher, and Hospitality Director.

Her dance experience includes ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, musical theater, tap, hip hop, ballroom, and acting. Meredith has worked with students of all ages across various workshops and studios, and has partnered with local non-profits to provide dance lessons to the refugee community in Oklahoma city. She also had the joy of teaching for the Project Dance Foundation.

Meredith had the privilege of choreographing and performing for Casting Crowns’ Healer tour, and she is featured in their Oh My Soul concert video. She has taught and performed both across the United States and internationally, in countries such as Costa Rica, Peru, New Zealand, India, Mauritius, and Brazil.

Meredith is the director of Cavod’s student outreach dance company Citylight Dance Theatre. Meredith is so excited to enter her second year at Cavod Performing Arts, serving through her passion to use the art of dance to reach across language and culture, to break down barriers, and to reach people with the beauty of Jesus.

Monica DePaul

Artistic Director of Theatre

Monica is thrilled to be serving as artistic director of Cavod Theatre as well as teaching and directing shows in its thriving, creative community! Monica is also the Casting Director for Blue Gate Musicals after performing with the company for eight and a half years. She casts and directs for both Blue Gate Musicals venues; Bird-in-Hand, PA and Shipshewana, IN. Originally from Orange County, California, she obtained her BFA in Musical Theatre from California State University, Fullerton and then made her way to the East Coast via New York City. After spending 4 years in the Big Apple, she enjoyed 10 years performing with Sight and Sound Theatres here in Lancaster PA as part of the casts of Abraham and Sarah, Psalms of David, Voices of Christmas, In the Beginning, Jonah, Noah and more. Locally she has also had the pleasure of working with such companies as The Fulton Theatre, PRiMA Theatre and Servant Stage Company.  Favorite roles include: Sarah in Abraham and Sarah, Julie in Showboat and Nimue in Camelot. She has also taught private voice lessons in her home studio and Cavod. Teaching and directing thrills her because it gives her the opportunity to pass on knowledge and experience to the next generation of artists… isn’t the way God brings us together beautiful?

Amy Rau

Office Manager, Music Director, Private Voice and Piano Instructor

Amy brings a music education degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and several decades of experience in musical theatre to Cavod. Both behind the scenes as musical director and pit musician, and performing on stage in operas, broadway-style musicals, and church productions, Amy gets excited about theatre! Favorite performance roles include: Sister Mary Wilhelm in Nunsense Jamboree, Della in Gifts of the Magi, Cherubino in The Marriage of Figaro, and Claire in On the Town. Music directing credits include:  The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mary Poppins, Anastasia, Hello, Dolly!, A Tale of Two Cities, Seussical the Musical, Annie, Singin’ in the Rain, Jesus Christ Superstar, Little Shop of Horrors, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change, Cats, The Music Man, I Do! I Do!, My Fair Lady, and countless church productions. Amy has led worship for several churches, directed the Fred Waring Choral workshop for three years, has been a professional photographer, and loves tap dancing. She is excited about being a part of Cavod’s mission behind the scenes as Office Manager as well as teaching private voice, private piano, and music directing locally for Cavod Theatre, Blue Gate Musicals, Lancaster Bible College, Magic and Wonder Theater, PRiMA, and Dutch Apple.

Becky Haas

Front Desk Manager

Becky is Cavod’s Front Desk Manager and is thrilled to be helping to make the vision a reality. Becky comes to Cavod with years of managing experience in the workforce and in her family with her husband, Matt, and 4 children. She was drawn to Cavod because of her youngest son who had an interest in music and acting and now it has grown to include a love of dance. He found a place of belonging and encouragement at Cavod and Becky has done everything she could to give back to the organization and now manages the front desks and the Cavod Theatre lobby and house during productions. Her favorite part of the job is meeting all the new students who come through the front door!

Alison Johnson

Assistant Desk Manager

Alison has been a dedicated part of the Cavod family for over 11 years. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and brings a creative eye and strong attention to detail as the Assistant Desk Manager and as an Assistant House Manager at the theatre. Her two daughters are actively involved in a variety of dance styles and music lessons at Cavod, making the arts a central part of her family’s life. Alison is married to an Army Reservist and is a proud mom of three, including her son. She’s passionate about fostering a welcoming and organized environment where students and families feel supported and inspired.

Miriam Fulton

Events Coordinator, Digital Media Specialist

Miriam Fulton is originally from Delaware County, PA and graduated from Grove City College in 2022. She joined the Cavod family in the fall of 2022 as part of Ornate Dance Theatre, which moved her to the Lancaster area. In 2024, she began working on the administration side of Cavod as a Digital Media Specialist and soon after, as Events Coordinator. It has been an amazing opportunity to understand what goes into making Cavod run as well as finding ways to help continue Cavod’s mission and vision!

Emmilee Idella

Production Manager

Emmilee is so excited to be serving as the Production Manager for Cavod! She began her musical theatre journey in little Rhode Island. Growing up performing, working backstage tech, teaching, and stage managing, she grew a strong passion for the arts. Emmilee went on to study musical theatre at Sight and Sound Conservatory which relocated her to Lancaster, PA. Some of her favorite roles she’s performed include Elsa (Frozen), Beth (Little Women The Musical), and Miss Bates (Jane Austen’s Emma). After graduating in 2024, she has performed and taught in several theatres throughout the area. Some include Piercing Word, Chester County School of the Arts, and Strasburg Railroad, which the Lord used to lead her to Cavod! She feels super blessed to be a part of the Cavod family! Ephesians 5:8

Grace Mae Bell

Digital Marketing Manager, Choreographer

Grace Mae is a performer, choreographer, and digital strategist with a passion for storytelling onstage and online. She trained at The Pennsylvania School of Performing Arts and The Institute of American Music Theatre in NYC, later touring nationally and appearing in music videos and film. A certified Barre instructor, Grace has spent 8+ years choreographing and teaching dance, known for her clear direction and collaborative style.

As Digital Marketing Manager, she leads content creation and campaign strategy for CAVOD programming, blending artistic insight with audience engagement. Her work spans choreography, branding, and communications with precision, purpose, and heart.

Chris Freeman

Accounting

Chris received her BS in Accounting from Winona State University – University of Minnesota and received her CPA certification from the MN State Board of Accountancy. She worked as a corporate accountant at Cargill, Inc. in Minneapolis, where she met her husband, Mark, and transferred to Manila, Philippines for three years. While there, she worked for TaxPlan, Inc. as their tax accountant for U.S. expatriates. After returning to the States, she continued as a self-employed tax accountant, homeschooled the kids, and served on several boards as Treasurer. She delights in their children and their beautiful, growing families. Chris feels blessed and grateful to be embraced by the Cavod family and ministry, to share in their vision, and to help the finances run smoothly.

Lillian Ortiz

Artistic Director of Citylight Jr., Ballet, Pointe, Ballet Curriculum Specialist

Lillian began her pre-professional ballet training at the age of 13 under the direction of Marcia Dale Weary at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet for a total of four years. She went on to further her dance training after high school with the Miami City Ballet School under the instruction of Carter Alexander and Geta Constantinescu where she enjoyed performing in both classical, as well as several neo-classical works by George Balanchine. As Lillian’s heart began to increase for Christian ministry and worship dance she discovered Ballet Magnificat, a Christian ballet company based in Jackson, Mississippi where she spent two years studying dance in their trainee program before being promoted to Company Artist in 2012 which gave way to a seven-year touring career ministering, performing professionally, and teaching ballet all over the United States and world including the countries of Austria, Brazil, Germany, Honduras, Italy, and South Africa to name a few favorites. Today, Lillian is a full-time ballet instructor at Cavod New Holland and Manheim, and certified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), having a strong integrity and love for the art form she teaches. She also directs our student outreach company, Citylight Dance Theatre Junior. Lillian desires to preserve the timeless classic technique of ballet and inspire students with her knowledge and experiences, ultimately hoping to aid in the reclaiming of the arts in her local community unto the glory of God.

Lysion Vieira

Social Media Specialist, Assistant Director of Ornate Dance Theatre, Ballet, Modern, Partnering, Pointe

Lysion Luís Colvara Vieira is a Brazilian dancer, choreographer, and educator, born in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. He holds a degree in Dance from the Federal University of Bahia (2012) and is certified in both the Cuban Classical Ballet Method (National Ballet of Cuba) and the English Ballet Method (Royal Academy of Dance – London). Lysion has performed leading roles in classical ballets including Don Quixote, Coppélia, The Nutcracker, Le Corsaire, Manon, Swan Lake, and the Blue Bird Pas de Deux from The Sleeping Beauty. He was a member of Katharsis Dance Company in Salvador, Bahia, and performed for six seasons with the Tabernacle Dance Company during the Feast of Tabernacles (ICEJ) in Jerusalem, Israel.

In 2014, he joined Ad Deum Dance Company in Houston, Texas, where he performed until 2016. During this time, he danced works by acclaimed choreographers such as Randall Flinn, Steve Rooks, Caleb Mitchell, and Vincent Hardy. From 2020 to 2021, Lysion served as Ballet Master for the production Six Solos to Villa-Lobos at Núcleo Artístico Pesquisa e Movimento, directed by Daniel Rolim. His teaching career has taken him across the globe, offering master classes at Project Dance Detroit (2015), Project Dance Paris (2018, 2019), Project Dance New York (2025), Laois Dance Platform (Ireland), Overflow Dance Festival (Paris), Life Camp (Sofia, Bulgaria), the University of the Nations (Kona, Hawaii), and Youth With A Mission (Switzerland).

He has performed, taught, and choreographed in over 15 countries, including the United States, Brazil, France, England, Ireland, Switzerland, the Philippines, India, Mexico, Bulgaria, Bolivia, Israel, the Netherlands, Panama, and Mauritius. In 2022, he taught master classes at Palm Beach Atlantic University and set an original work, Restoration, for the dance department.

From 2021 to 2024, Lysion served as a dancer, teacher, and Artistic Minister Educator with Arrows International. In 2024, he joined the faculty at Cavod Performing Arts and became a dancer and instructor with ORNATE Dance Theatre. This season he is serving as Assistant Director of ORNATE Dance Theatre.

Lysion’s training and professional experience span Classical Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Modern Dance, Contemporary Ballet, Postmodern Dance, Jazz, and African Dance.

Stephanie Martin

Private Dance Lessons, Master Instructor

Stephanie Martin is a teaching artist, choreographer, and Pilates Instructor. Stephanie holds a BFA in Dance and a minor in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Arizona. She spent over a decade teaching at Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, Ballet Academy East, and various fitness gyms in New York City. As a performer, she has toured internationally and nationally; a few favorites: White Christmas, Mamma Mia!, 42nd Street and Ad Deum Dance Company. You can find Stephanie swing dancing in season two of the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and in a Zips Dry Cleaning commercial. Stephanie had the honor of restaging the original choreography of Tony-nominated choreographer Randy Skinner for the 42nd Street National Tour.  Stephanie has a heart for disaster relief and bringing the healing power of art to underserved areas. In NYC she volunteered with ASTEP, Sing for Hope, was on staff for Project Dance and has served as the outreach director and is the Co-founder of ALMA NYC. Stephanie enjoys traveling and teaching master classes in addition to teaching locally. Her heart is to challenge each student to reach their highest potential while nurturing their heart to understand their identity in Christ and how to use the unique gifts He has given them for His Glory. She lives in New Holland with her amazing husband and 3 kids. @steph.brooks.martin

Ezra Owens

Hip Hop

Ezra is a freelance dance artist trained in a wide range of styles and movement vocabulary, some of which include Hip-Hop and Contemporary. He studied and graduated with a first class bachelor’s degree in dance at Kingston University, London. Ezra was also awarded the dance prize for his hard work and devotion to the program. Ezra has performed nationally and internationally with Far From The Norm Ltd. Including Botis Seva’s Olivier Award Winning BLKDOG, UK and EU Tour. Other projects include Gen 20:20, with SiDance Festival (South Korea). Ezra has also performed at global Breakin’ Conventions in Toronto and Luxembourg; and danced in performances of 60 Sec at European competitions including Centre de Danse duMarais (France); Choreography 30 (Germany); CICC (Denmark); and Tanzgala (Germany). Film commissions include Wayne McGregor’s Winged Bull in the Elephant Case (BBC 2) and Reach (Channel 4 Random Acts). Movement Assistant credits include The Hunt, directedby Rupert Goold and MADHEAD for the National Youth Dance Company (UK Tour). Ezra recently worked alongside TBN UK, creating dance actions to worship songs for their latest TV series Mega Mix Kids.

Gavin Haas

Ballet, Conditioning, Jazz, Modern, Musical Theatre Dance, Tap, Partnering, Worship, Admin Assistant

Originally from Lancaster, PA, Gavin began his dance training at age 10 at Cavod. Initially he took dance to become more versatile and get more roles in musical theatre productions. At age 14 he grew a serious interest in ballet and decided to pursue it professionally. After 2 years of intense training with Cavod and different teachers on the east coast, he left home to join the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory. Once he had completed a year of training, he was offered a trainee position with the Richmond Ballet. He spent a great year dancing with the ballet and was very excited to enter his second year with them when his plans were shifted due to a major knee injury in the summer of 2022. He then received surgery and did a full year of recovery. Once he was able to dance again, he felt God graciously redirecting him to join Zion Dance Project for the upcoming season of his life. He danced with Zion from 2023-2025 and he is now making the return back to Lancaster after 5 years of travel and training. Gavin loves creating art with others and sharing the gifts he has been given with those around him. His passion is to create beauty that reaches people in a profound way, and to help people find Jesus in all they do. If people have connected just a little deeper with God through his work, then it’s all worth it. He also enjoys teaching, guiding students to develop not just their dance technique but also their character. He spent two years teaching all ages in the Dallas area and is thrilled to be joining Cavod’s staff this upcoming season!

Hope Asper

Jazz

Hope is so excited to join Cavod as a teacher this school year. At age 9, She began her dance training at Cavod and has enjoyed learning many styles including; Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Contemporary. Hope has enjoyed subbing at Cavod the past 3 years as well as being part of their Teacher Assistance Program for 2 of those years. While in High school, She also had the opportunity to teach Ballet at Kingdom Homeschool Services, a hybrid school in Lancaster County, for 3 years. This year Hope will be dancing with ORNATE Dance Theater for her second season to continue her dance training. She loves ministering to people’s hearts through dance and hopes to help her students grow in their faith as they learn to dance. Besides teaching dance, you can find Hope working at New Holland Coffee Co across the street from Cavod. Hope cannot wait to share her dance knowledge with her students and hopes to help them grow as young dancers.

Timnah Krauter

Jazz, Contemporary

Timnah has had a passion to dance since she started ballet at 6 years old. She started her dance training at Cavod in 2009 studying Ballet and Pointe, Modern, Contemporary, Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Acrobatics/Tumbling. She has enjoyed leadership opportunities teaching Dance and Acrobatics for Cavod’s summer arts camps, and has been a substitute teacher at Cavod since 2019 while going through the assistant teacher training program for several years. Timnah dances with ORNATE Dance Theatre, a professional dance company that has helped her grow in her dance technique, artistry, life skills, and as a teacher. Timnah was a dancer with Cavod’s outreach team, Citylight Dance Theatre for 8 years. Her experience performing locally with Citylight and overseas (in Switzerland and Brazil) with Cavod Missions, has greatly given her an appreciation for the incredible way dance can be used to reach the world with Christ’s love. Her core desire and goal as a teacher at Cavod is to inspire others of any age to reach their fullest potential as a dancer.

Hannah Stoltzfoos

Acro, Ballet

Hannah has had a passion for dance for the past 11 years. After starting with gymnastics at Cavod, her class load quickly grew into 9 classes a week. With a focused love for Ballet, Contemporary, and Acro, the decision to teach at Cavod came easy. Hannah has been a part of the teacher assistant program at Cavod for the past 4 years and has taught classes as needed, which sparked a joy in her to teach children. She is excited to create a Christ-centered environment in each dance and Acro class, connecting each child to a deeper connection with Christ. Outside of Cavod, Hannah works at New Holland Coffee, Crepery, and is working towards receiving her dog grooming certificate. After experiencing international missions with Cavod and teaching Acro in other countries, she has decided to express her love for dance and Acro here at Cavod by teaching Ballet and becoming a certified Acro teacher.

Jenny Glenn

Acro, Jazz

Jenny is originally from Wilmington, Delaware where she grew up with her mom, dad, and sister Alicia. She majored in dance at a performing arts middle and high school and also competed in all star cheerleading as a flyer and tumbler. Jenny graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Health Behavior Science and a minor in Dance. She has been a caregiver for the elderly, people with special needs and was a school teacher. Jenny’s passion for ministry is bringing people together and creating spaces for celebration. She launched a dance business teaching adults and leading performances at nursing homes. Jenny became a Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader where she performed at the 2018 Super Bowl and traveled internationally for outreach and modeling. Jenny has served in missions in Belize, Puerto Rico, Spain, South Africa, and Kenya. She was also a part of Youth with a Mission and served in Hawaii, Cameroon, and South Korea with her team. In 2024, she became the Assistant Dance Coach for Liberty University as well as work part-time in the wine industry. She currently loves to create freelance art and make uplifting youtube content. Jenny is thrilled to be teaching Acro and Jazz this year at Cavod. She looks forward to building meaningful connections with her students and creating space for them to grow in Jesus.

Aubrey Pepper

Creative Movement, Hip Hop, Tap

Aubrey Pepper is a dance professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Belhaven University, where she also minored in Biblical Studies and Entrepreneurship. Her training included a wide range of styles, such as modern dance, contemporary ballet, hip-hop, tap, jazz, and musical theater, and she had the opportunity to learn from renowned choreographers like Vincent and Abigail Hardy, Kellis Oldenburg, Amanda Browning, and Anne Bishop. Currently based in Camp Hill, PA, Aubrey serves as the Director of Dancer Engagement and Community Outreach at Reverence Studios in addition to teaching at Cavod Performing Arts. Her involvement with the Belhaven Dance Ministry ensemble fueled her love for dance ministry, and she is set to begin her first season with ORNATE Dance Theater. Aubrey is deeply passionate about making the arts accessible and is dedicated to providing dance arts education to diverse community groups in the greater Central PA area.

Lizzie Knorr

Ballet, Creative Movement

Lizzie is so honored to be part of the Cavod family as a teacher this year. She has been dancing since the age of 2 and loves every minute of it. She has trained in many styles including Ballet and Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Modern, and Hip Hop. Lizzie fell in love with teaching several years ago in the assistant teaching program at Longwood Performing Arts and has been a part of Cavod’s TA program for two years subbing classes and working with students. She is committed to making space for all dancers to grow in technique and artistry but also to participate in the overflowing joy that is found when we use dance to glorify the king. When not dancing or teaching dance, you can find Lizzie performing in Cavod Theatre productions like Anastasia or The Hunchback of Notre Dame, writing, and spending time with her family. Lizzie is so excited to share her love of dance and guide students as they grow in the Lord!

Zoe Halvorsen

Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre Dance, Worship

Zoe has been dancing for most of her life but considers joining Cavod at sixteen years old the real beginning of her dance journey. Zoe has done summer dance intensives with The London Contemporary Dance School, Springs Dance Company, and Zion Dance Project. After high school, she joined Ornate Dance Theatre for a half season before completing a Discipleship Training School with Heartbridge Performing Arts in Kona Hawaii through YWAM. With Heartbridge, she performed in England and South Korea while sharing the gospel. She trained at the Steps on Broadway Conservatory in jazz, hip hop, ballet, contemporary, theatre jazz, precision, and partnering. Zoe has a passion for empowering students to know who they are as daughters and sons of The King in order to dance in freedom while pursuing their dance training. She strives to create a safe space for dancers to be themselves, make mistakes, and grow as artists and as believers.

Bella Imchen

Hip Hop

Bella has been dancing for the past 10 years. She has been trained in ballet, modern, jazz, worship, contemporary, and hip hop. In the last few years she’s had the opportunity to co-lead worship dance collectives in partnership with David’s Tent DC which were performed as worship and intercession in the heart of Washington D.C.. She recently co-lead a worship dance collective for Poiema Womens Conference and is excited to be stepping into her third season dancing with ORNATE Dance Theater as a company member. Bella has a heart and passion to see dancers across generations worship through the art of dance for the kingdom of God. She is excited to carry her heart for dance into this new season as a teacher with Cavod Performing Arts. 

Kearin Bryant

Friends in Motion, Ballet, Creative Movement, Worship Dance

Kearin discovered her love for dance at just three years old and has been pursuing it ever since. Raised in Georgia, she trained in ballet, tap, modern, lyrical, pointe, and musical theatre, performing in productions such as The Book of Esther, Narnia, Fiddler on the Roof, and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. She has participated in several summer intensives, including Ballet Magnificat!, Kick It Up!, and Cavod’s Annual Summer Intensive. Now in her fourth season with Cavod, Kearin is a member of ORNATE Dance Theatre and previously served as assistant rehearsal director for Wonder. Kearin is passionate about helping students discover their identity in Christ and use their gifts to glorify Him through the arts. She strives to create a welcoming and safe environment where every student feels valued—no matter their age, circumstance, or dance experience.

Jon Seiler

Worship Bass, Worship Guitar, Worship Drums

Jon Seiler brings over 25 years of teaching experience to students of all ages, tailoring lessons to their unique needs. A graduate of the University of Delaware with a BA in Music Education K-12 and a minor in Double Bass, Jon offers instruction in bass (electric and upright), guitar, and drums. He emphasizes foundational skills like reading music, music theory, rhythm, and ear training while incorporating techniques such as the Suzuki Method, Nashville Number system, and other worship-focused styles. Jon has a passion for mentoring musicians in the context of worship band settings, to integrate excellence in music with a deep understanding of worship’s spiritual essence. He helps students connect their music training with real world applications which prepares them for worship services and other live band situations.

Josiah Smucker

Guitar

Josiah has been playing guitar since 2014. Throughout the years, he has studied under George Yellak and Robert Perlas. Josiah has been involved in various musical groups spanning a wide range of genres. In high school, he played Bass and Guitar in World Beat, Jazz Band, Concert Band, and some accompanying for Chorus. During this time, he performed at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 3 Jazz festival, sharing the stage with some of the state’s finest musicians. In 2023, he was awarded the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award. Josiah also has experience in worship. He currently plays Bass for worship at his home church, New Life Church, in New Holland. He has also accompanied in worship at DOVE Westgate playing Bass. Josiah is excited to be joining the team at Cavod.

Morgan Petersen

Voice, Piano

Morgan brings a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with a minor in Bible from Cairn University. She has taught music in a variety of  public and private schools across Philadelphia and Lancaster, which gives her knowledge of a wide range of  learners. She has been teaching private voice and piano lessons to students ranging from beginner to advanced since 2020. Morgan also has experience being a music director for Cavod Theatre including the productions of, The Sound of Music, Matilda Jr., and Footloose. She has a patient understanding of people with special needs and unique learning types, stemming from her work with Joni and Friends Family Retreat, a camp for families affected by disability, and her experience working with students with special needs in schools and private lessons. Morgan started her own journey of study at Cavod when she was 13 years old with theatre classes and productions, under the direction of Reji Woods and the late Stan Deen. She also studied voice and piano with Rosemary Eberly Lebold and Megan Poff. At Cairn University, she studied voice under Robin Leigh Massie, piano under Ephraim Schafli and Graeme Burgan and performed in theatrical productions including having lead roles. Morgan enjoys singing and playing piano on her church’s worship team. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Scott, and they enjoy hiking and going to the cabin with family.  Morgan is very excited to bring her passion for music and God to students.

Rebecca Cone

Piano

Rebecca, originally from Huntington, WV, has called New Holland, PA home for the past five years.  A graduate of Cedarville University (Ohio) with a Bachelor of Arts in Music-double concentration in piano performance and piano pedagogy, Rebecca has been performing and teaching for over thirty-five years in five different states to all ages and abilities. She has accompanied in a variety of settings: church services, special events, school groups of various genres and levels, solo and ensemble, instrumental and voice recitals, community choirs, and stage performances. She spent several years teaching in the school setting where her skills were used in both private and public music classrooms, eventually earning a Texas teaching certification in PK-12 music. Developing musicians at CAVOD over the past three years has been a blessing and a joy! The relationships built with students, parents, and other staff are truly a meaningful part of Rebecca’s life!

George Yellak

Drums, Guitar

George has been playing drums since 1977. He did bachelor’s work in Jazz Studies with a Concentration in Percussion at the University of North Texas from 1983-86. He studied with Colin Bailey (Vince Guaraldi), Gregg Bissonnette (Woody Herman, David Lee Roth), Rick Latham (Quincy Jones), Clyde Lucas (Illinois Jacquette). George also toured as a drummer with Rhythm & Blues artists such as Little Joe Blue & Gregg Smith, and during that time shared the stage with names such as B.B. King, Johnny Taylor, Bobby Blue Bland, and host of others. George has been playing jazz, funk, blues, and sacred music in the Central Pennsylvania area for the past 30 years, working with artists such as Dave Wilson and Robin Work. His current creative musical project is a trio called The Go Particle. George has been playing and teaching guitar, bass, drums & piano for the past 20 years and was an adjunct professor at Lancaster Bible college. He is currently the Music Director of Wheatland Presbyterian Church in Lancaster. George has participated in many music training events both locally and internationally.

Richard Weaver

Acting, Musical Theatre

Richard is thrilled to return to Cavod as a teacher. He began his journey with Cavod 12 years ago, immersing himself in community theatre shows and attending Acting Classes whenever possible. In recent years, he has directed junior shows such as Elf Jr and Seussical Jr for Cavod’s summer camps. Since 2018, Richard has been working professionally as a performer. Growing up in Lancaster County, he has showcased his talents in various local theaters, including The Fulton Theatre, The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, and Servant Stage, among others. Some of his favorite roles include Ensemble in Treasure Island at the Fulton Theatre and Laurie in Little Women at Cavod Theatre. Currently, Richard is involved in multiple projects including The Home Game at the Bird-in-Hand Stage, a Swing for Mystery at the Magic and Wonder Dinner Theatre, and Piercing Word’s Advents of Christmas! When he’s not performing you can find him teaching acting classes, playing DnD, and directing shows. Richard extends a big thanks to his wife Catherine, friends, family, teachers, and God for their support.

Connor Murphy-White

Stage Combat

Connor is thrilled to be joining the teaching roster for Cavod! Previously certified with recommendation in four weapons with the Society of American Fight Directors (Unarmed, Quarterstaff, Single Sword, and Sword and Shield), Connor is excited to bring stage combat to the students of Cavod. She has served as assistant fight captain with various companies, has taught techniques for SAFD skills proficiency test and renewals for diverse fighters, as well as currently serving as the stage combat instructor for Sight and Sound Conservatory.

Ms. Murphy-White has enjoyed a broad and varied performance career in opera and theatre, highlights include performing with Sight and Sound Theatres, Blue Gate Musicals, Keystone Productions, Birmingham Children’s Theatre, Missoula Children’s Theatre, Opera Birmingham, Russian Opera Workshop, Miami Music Festival, Berlin Opera Academy, Red River Lyric Opera, and Horn in the West. Website: connormurphywhite.com