Meet Our Team
Rebekah Trevelise
FOUNDER
My mission is to unlock the artist inside every child by changing the music, art, and dance lesson experience from rigid or boring to fun and engaging because I believe all students should have the freedom and joy to create and share their art for a lifetime.
I’m passionate about empowering, training, and equipping the next generation of teachers so they have resources and tools to use for every style of learner.
When I began formal piano instruction at the age of 4, it was hard for my parents to find an instructor willing to teach me because I was so young. I want all parents to be able to easily nurture and awaken their child’s natural abilities.
I’m so blessed to be able to transform children’s lives every day!
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Amanda Tero
DIGITAL MARKETING ASSISTANT
Music has always been a part of Amanda’s life–from her mom singing Steve Green specials to her dad honking out the rhythm of “Jingle Bells” in the driveway. She has been passionate about teaching piano and violin since 2007 and loves sharing music through piano solo albums (available on most streaming platforms under “Amanda Tero”) and hymn arrangements (available at Sheet Music Plus). She studied piano performance 2018–2022 and is continually learning different angles of business management and marketing.
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Kristen McHenry
DESIGN DIRECTOR
A passionate graphic designer and illustrator, Kristen uses her talents at Austin Arts Academy by creating original logos, designs, artwork, teacher/student resources, and more! Having drawn and created art all her life and worked in the field of Graphic Design, Kristen loves to share her skills and talents with her students. Encouraging a positive outlook and confidence building attitude she teaches and nurtures the creativity of each individual student. In 2016 Kristen was awarded a Scholastic Gold Key for an illustration. She is an advocate for self-expression and the nonjudgmental nature of being an authentic artist. She hopes to inspire and shape each student’s individual growth through their unique talents and interests.
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Melissa Wolken
CONTRIBUTING WRITER AND CULTURE CURATOR
Melissa Wolken is a multifaceted gem who joins our team as a contributing writer, idea generator and enthusiastic personality ready to create and inspire those around her. As a curious individual who seeks authentic experiences, she brings a unique perspective to the team as she utilizes and shares the tools and skills she has acquired over the years. She has her BA in Political Science with a minor in Sociology from the University of Iowa, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Sierra Nevada College in Lake Tahoe. Various opportunities have taken Melissa and her dog Levi to several states and countries as a traveling nanny, private tutor, and yoga instructor. When she isn’t traveling, Melissa lives on her family farm in Iowa, where she is the grain cart operator in the fall. You may also find her backstage at multiple county fairs during the summer, as she works for a booking agency and enjoys concerts and festivals. Melissa will be primarily working remotely, but you may see her around at the recitals and other social events for Austin Arts Academy and she looks forward to engaging, interacting, and connecting with you!
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Emily Darrall
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
A dedicated, motivated, and hardworking artist who has joined the team as a graphic designer. Emily grew up drawing and painting every day, she has a deep love of learning and has continued to develop her creative skillset in several ways. She completed her AA degree for Studio Art in 2020 and is now pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree at Savannah College of Art and Design for Sequential Art as a senior. She supports herself on this educational journey through doing freelance work, commissions, and graphic designs. Emily will be sharing her talents as a remote graphic designer, but you will see her artwork grow to be a part of Austin Arts Academy.