Arts Staff

Becky Saunders // Director of Arts Program Development
E-mail:  beckys@circlechristianschool.org

Becky’s involvement in Circle Theatre and Circle Arts began as a direct result of volunteering her administrative gifts to the creative team. After applying her twenty-five years of managerial experience to the production of Oklahoma! she realized there was no difference between managing a manufacturing facility and acting as a producer for a theatre production; except for the extraordinary opportunity to make an impact in the lives of students. She refers to it as her “defining moment” where she discovered her passion and purpose. Although she is still heavily involved in the daily operations as the VP of a local manufacturing company, she loves the rewards the arts provide for serving others. Becky is passionate about the value of arts education in the lives of students and the need to provide opportunities for students to grow and mature in the arts. “I love the relationships and friendships that being part of the arts community has provided for me and my family. My hope and desire is to encourage students and families as they journey together to dream BIG, HONOR God with their talents, and have the COURAGE to walk through the open doors and experience all GOD has planned for them!” Becky is married to Tim Saunders, who shares her passion.  They are the proud parents of their son, Matt, an Irish flautist who is attending the esteemed University of Limerick’s Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in Ireland pursuing his BA in Irish Music and Dance. 

 

Jeanne Richardson // Arts Administrator

E-mail:  jeanner@circlechristianschool.org

Jeanne is excited to be returning again this year as Arts Adminstrator.   A native Virginian, she has made Florida her home since 1997. She holds a degree in Business Management but has always had a passion for the arts, specifically costuming. After having the opportunity to work on the production of “Too Many Doctors”, she realized what an impact the arts could have on the lives of students and knew this was where she wanted to invest her time and energy. Passionate about providing an outlet for students to realize their potential and explore their gifts, Jeanne loves the rewards that come from touching the lives of the students and families, and forming lifetime relationships — that really matter. She resides in Orlando with her husband Lee and they are the proud parents of their lovely and talented daughter, Olivia.

 

Gabe Carson // CSA Instrumental & Vocal Arts

E-mail:  gabec@circlechristianschool.org

Often seen playing music around Orlando, saxophonist and educator Gabe Carson reveals his passion for music with every note he plays. Growing up in a musical family, playing instruments and singing was ingrained at an early age. Mr. Carson has played and performed with prestigious ensembles such as the Frost Wind Ensemble and Orlando Jazz Orchestra, as well as the ever popular and award winning Christian Hip-Hop band, Group 1 Crew.  After receiving his B.A. in Music from the University of Miami in 2008, he returned to his home town of Winter Park, FL, where he teaches private music lessons and works as a freelance saxophonist.

His students regularly receive “Superior” ratings at the district and state level Solo & Ensemble competitions, as well as high placement in the regional and state honor bands.  As part of the Circle Arts Department, he brings the love of Christ to his students while helping them develop their own God-given musical gifts.

 

Heather Cline // LS Theatre Arts

E-mail:  heatherc@circlechristianschool.org

Bio coming soon!

 

Dawn Flood // CSA & HS Theatre Arts

E-mail:  dawnf@circlechristianschool.org

Dawn Flood is thrilled to be joining the Circle Christian Arts team this year. Her love for theater began at an early age. She grew up in Pennsylvania where she was active in theater arts throughout her educational years. She attended Huntington University where she received a B.S. in Educational Ministries. During her years at Huntington Dawn was active on stage performing such roles as Juliet in Shakepeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, and Margaret in “The American Century” by Murphy Guyer. Upon graduation Dawn joined the staff of an Arts school in Pennsylvania where she taught theater and acting classes for eight years. In addition to teaching theater classes, Dawn also directed over 20 full-length productions at the school. Theater is truly her passion; and she counts it a blessing to be able to inspire students to love the arts through instruction, direction and reflection. One of her greatest joys is seeing students use their talents and abilities to bring the Lord honor and glory.

 

Katie Jean-Rejouis // CSA & HS Visual Arts

E-mail:  katiej@circlechristianschool.org

Born and raised in Miami, Katie Jean-Rejouis discovered the camera while in college, ending up with a degree in Photojournalism and another in Creative Writing from the University of Miami. Currently, she is finishing her M.A. in Theological Studies. She has long had a heart for showing the world’s stories, particularly about missionaries. Her photo stories include a farmer raising super-goats in Costa Rica, a trade school for uneducated children in the Dominican Republic, doctors helping the poor in Nicaragua, and bush pilots reaching natives in the Amazon. Her recent and most intense project took her to Benin, in Africa, to follow an organization that combats trafficking in children.

In addition to having her own photography business, she has worked with organizations such as National Geographic, the Miami Herald, and the University of Miami, and has been published in numerous magazines, newspapers, and books. While working on a photo essay of local missionaries in Miami, she developed a love for this ministry and the students involved in it. It was five years later that she found herself working as Communications Director for Miami Youth for Christ.

For the past fifteen years, as a volunteer teacher Mrs. Jean-Rejouis has created Bible studies, forums, and support groups for children and adults of all walks of life. She has developed curriculum and taught reading comprehension to dyslexics. In 2008 she founded Picture Miami Photo Camps for underserved students in Miami. These camps got the attention of National Geographic, who hired her to coordinate and teach in their week-long, high-intensive photo camps.

This past year she moved to Orlando and has taught Graphic Design/ Yearbook and Art at The Geneva School along with Reading at the Teacher’s Hand Acedemy. 

 

Katie Land // CSA Theatre Arts

E-mail:  katiel@circlechristianschool.org

Katherine Land is a senior at the University of Central Florida, where she is completing a degree in Creative Writing and a double minor in film and theatre. She is a proud member of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and serves on the praise and worship team. She was first introduced to theatre in 1998 at the Ocala Civic Theatre and has been performing ever since. Some of her roles include; Marian Paroo from “The Music Man,” Winnifred from “Once Upon a Mattress, and Cherubino from “Le Nozze Di Figaro.” She has also trained under Maestro Bill Doherty with the Lyric Opera Company and recently completed a three month tour with Missoula Children’s Theatre Company. Katherine is currently employed at Universal Studios, where she performs as Taylor in “Poseidon’s Fury.” She attends Summit church and enjoys serving in the Base Camp Live children’s ministry. She hopes to use her passion for theatre and film to bring glory to God and inspire others to seek Him. 

Favorite Bible verse: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~Joshua 1:9

 

Laura Miller // CSA, HS, MS & LS Visual Arts

E-mail:  lauram@circlechristianschool.org

Once upon a time, there was a quiet little girl from ”God’s country,” Ely, Minnesota, up by the Canadian border, who loved to paint and draw.  When she grew up she went to college and pursued her passion for drawing/painting and nature, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Minnesota after studying fine art and pre-med biology.

For her very first job out of college, she learned to photograph and draw images while using a scanning electron microscope.  These images were from an “land” so enchantingly miniature, you could only see them though this electron microscope. This reminds me of a quote from George Washington Carver:  “I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.” ~ George Washington Carver

Laura also illustrated many scientific findings and helped many people, doctors and engineers, express what they could not via her artwork.  She was no longer a quiet little girl, but a woman with a voice and a seed of growing passion…

One day, after her two beautiful children went off to school, she followed them  — literally — and her passion for art lead her to now become an art teacher!  What a blessing to be able to share her passion for art with young children and encourage them in their creativity!  Teaching grades K-12 art gave her the ability to serve in her area of passion at many different levels and plant seeds of greatness in every child in her classroom.  In this journey, she discovered a revival of her voice through her artwork as well.

Laura has taught art part-time at Circle Christian School since 2001, and displays her students’ work & her own throughout the city for others to enjoy.  One of their unique galleries of art therapy called “God’s Heart in Art,” is a rotating gallery of healing images held at Florida Hospital, Altamonte Springs, FL, where the patients and visitors may be warmed and encouraged visually and spiritually during their visit while the artwork is on display in the hallways.

 

Rebecca Morley // LS Theatre Arts

E-mail:  rebeccam@circlechristianschool.org

Bio coming soon!

 

Olivia Richardson // CSA Theatre Arts

E-mail:  oliviar@circlechristianschool.org

Olivia Richardson is thrilled to be back working with Circle Theatre Company, again, on the other side of the table. She has been dancing since the age of 2, studying a wide variety of styles with nationally renowned instructors. Olivia has worked as assistant choreographer for shows such as Little Shop of Horrors, School House Rock, Live! and Once Upon a Mattress, and choreographer for Aladdin Jr. and The Music Man. However, Olivia’s true passion lies with acting; She spent the fall of 2010 in New York City studying Musical Theatre and participating in workshops with CAP21, Dave Clemmons, and Paul Russell. She also spent a great deal of time auditioning and learning the ins and outs of being a starving artist! Some of Olivia’s performance credits include: Bye Bye Birdie (Rose Alvarez), Annie Get Your Gun (Annie Oakley), The Glass Menagerie (Laura Wingfield), Guys and Dolls (Miss Adelaide), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck/Robin Goodfellow). Olivia is so excited to have the opportunity to teach for the program that poured so much into her life.

 

Michael Simmonds // HS & MS Worship Band

E-mail:  michaels@circlechristianschool.org

Bio coming soon!

 

Rob West // HS Film, HS Theatre Arts & MS Theatre Arts

E-mail:  robw@circlechristianschool.org

Rob West is one of the few native Floridians left. He acted in his first play in 8th grade and performance was infused into his soul. He continued to pursue acting in high school and college and even considered moving to New York to become one of those starving actors you often hear about. But, common sense won out and he decided to set his sights on succeeding behind the camera. After graduating from the University of Central Florida with a B.A. in Radio/Television, Rob set out to achieve his dreams in the glamorous world of television. Little did he know, that dream would be realized on the muddy sidelines of high school football games pulling camera cables. But, after several hot showers, Rob found success as a director of photography and editor. Working with clients such as AAA, American Express, The Walt Disney Company, Universal Orlando and a host of others, prepared Rob to run his own production company. Now, along with editing he writes, directs, and produces commercials and marketing videos. He has had the honor of working with the likes of Rudy Giuliani and Colin Powell but is confident that the experience God has presented him to work with the fine actors of CSA will surpass anything he has done. Rob is thrilled to be working with Circle Studio Players and is happy he no longer has to suppress the theater in his blood.