Call Us: 678-224-1810
Call Us: 678-224-1810
At The Studios Brookhaven, we believe enrichment is about more than learning a skill. It’s about helping kids grow into confident, capable, and connected individuals.
Through thoughtfully designed arts and athletics programs, we create an environment where students are encouraged to explore their interests, build meaningful relationships, and discover what they’re capable of. Whether a child joins us for music, theatre, dance, or athletics, they become part of a supportive community that values growth, creativity, and character.
Families choose The Studios Brookhaven because they’re not just enrolling in a class, they’re joining a trusted ecosystem where children are known, supported, and given space to thrive over time.
Our goal is simple: to inspire confidence, creativity, and connection. One child, one family, and one experience at a time.
Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz, Bollywood
preschool through elementary ages
Group Piano & Group Guitar
ages 3-5 and 6-8
Broadway
ages 5-13
Acting for Kids
ages 6-12
Tumbling/Cheer/Acro
ages 4-12
Ninja & Jiu Jitsu
ages 3-12
Aerial Silks
ages 4-12
Private Lessons
ages 5+
Our 7,000 square foot facility is one of the largest in Atlanta, nestled into Brookhaven. Our main feature is our gym, which also doubles as a black box theater. We have an array of athletics classes from tumbling to acro to ninja and this space transforms into a theater with a 24′ stage and 120 seats for musical productions. Our dance/silks studio is over 1500 square feet with 15′ ceilings, a state of the art sound system, 32′ feet of mirrors and a sprung, Marley dance floor. We also have seven private music lesson studios and two waiting areas for parents, complete with televisions, WiFi and coloring books for younger siblings.
Founded by Don Jones, The Studios Brookhaven is rooted in his deep and enduring passion for the arts. Don’s vision for the studio is to provide exemplary fine arts and athletics training to students of all ages and skill levels—from sparking creativity in young beginners to offering advanced instruction in dance, music, theatre, and athletics for aspiring performers and athletes.
At the heart of The Studios Brookhaven is a commitment to excellence. Don, a former professional Broadway and studio musician, personally selects top-tier instructors who are not only accomplished artists working throughout the Atlanta metro area, but also exceptional educators who connect with students. Families can trust that every class or lesson delivers high-quality instruction in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Join The Studios Brookhaven and become part of a community where talent is nurtured, creativity is celebrated, and the arts and athletics come to life.
Niatesha Thompson
Ernaisja Curry
Ignacio Masis
Kevell Byrd
Mackensie Eckenfels
Madelyne Watkins
Courtney Reilly
Gabrielle Myers
Anesia Sandifer
Reach out to The Studios Brookhaven for any inquiries, bookings, or to learn more about our classes, camps, and birthday party packages. Our team is here to assist you.
Founder/Executive Director
Education
Long Island University, Bachelor of Science in Music (Piano Performance), cum laude, 2003
Georgia State University, Master of Business Administration, 2015
Don Jones is a pianist, music director, and entrepreneur whose ventures have reshaped arts education in Atlanta. As the founder and owner of The Studios Brookhaven, Don has grown the business from a single idea to a thriving 7,000-square-foot arts and athletics hub serving more than 500 weekly students in under four years. His vision – bringing high-quality music, theatre, and athletics training under one roof – has made The Studios Brookhaven one of the fastest-growing and unique facilities in Atlanta.
Don is also the Founder and Co-Director of the Atlanta Institute for Musical Theatre (AIMT), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing professional-level musical theatre training for middle school and high school students as well as adults. His newest venture, YourLessonAtHome.com, expands this mission even further by offering high-quality and engaging in-home music lessons throughout Georgia as a division of The Studios Brookhaven.
Don’s artistic journey began early. After only four years of formal piano study, he was accepted into the renowned Interlochen Arts Academy at age 16. Upon graduation, he moved to New York City, deferring his acceptance to the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, to begin working as a rehearsal pianist on Broadway. By age 23, he had already performed as the featured pianist in Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with full orchestra, and went on to work on Broadway productions including Wicked and The Little Mermaid. He has been requested to accompany masterclasses with Academy Award–winning composers Marvin Hamlisch and Stephen Schwartz, and has played for celebrated vocalists including Renée Fleming, Idina Menzel, Laura Osnes, and others.
As a music director and conductor, Don has led over 120 musical productions and taught hundreds of piano students of all ages and abilities. In Atlanta, he has collaborated extensively with The Alliance Theatre, City Springs Theatre Company, Atlanta Lyric Theatre, Oglethorpe University, and has served as adjunct faculty at Brenau University. He is also the Director of Music for Sandy Springs United Methodist Church.
Don’s work has been featured in The New York Times, The Daily News, Simply Buckhead Magazine (as a Culture Tastemaker), and multiple times in VoyageATL. Today, his focus is on expanding arts access, empowering performers and athletes, and building educational experiences that develop confidence, creativity, and community.
Don lives in Oak Grove with his wife, Kate, where they celebrate the joy of raising their two daughters: Allie, a second grader at Pace Academy, and Emily, a spirited three-year-old who loves to dance and “play” piano and attends Coralwood!
Director of Education
Principal Teaching Artist
Jenny Rizzo is thrilled to be the Associate Executive Director for The Studios Brookhaven! Jenny is a multifaceted performer and passionate educator in theatre, music, and dance. Originally from New York City, she spent a decade performing and teaching in Montreal, Canada, and has spent the past few years in Atlanta, Georgia. She is excited to continue her journey to help foster a love of the arts!
Jenny holds a B.F.A. in Music Theater from The Hartt School (University of Hartford) and studied Classical Voice and Musical Theatre Development at Manhattan School of Music. She has been teaching the performing arts since 2008, and her journey began as a child singing and performing in theatre, playing all the instruments she could get her hands on, and she has never stopped!
In past roles, Jenny was the Director of Bach to Rock in Johns Creek and the Principal Teacher at Tutu School in Halcyon. She also served as the Artistic Director and Choreographer of the Montreal Children’s Theatre, music directed, and choreographed numerous regional and educational productions, and was a teaching artist for The Alliance Theatre.
When she’s not running The Studios Brookhaven, Jenny works as a vocalist, actor, harpist, choreographer, and director along the U.S. and Canadian East Coast. Some of her credits include: Rhonda in Fancy Nancy! The Musical (Segal Center for Performing Arts), Carla in NINE (New York Summer Voice Festival), and Napoleonic Apparition in A Christmas Carol (Hartford Stage).
Jenny is excited to be a part of The Studios Brookhaven and looks forward to contributing to the studio’s growth while inspiring and helping cultivate new talent in the community!
Client Specialist and Scheduling Coordinator
Thomas Jenkins is the client specialist and scheduling coordinator for The Studios Brookhaven. He’s spent years working in customer solutions and administration across the legal, construction, and technology industries. He has a certification in business intelligence and data analytics from Emory University. He also loves performance and has a BA in theatre from West Georgia University. He formerly taught acting and technical theatre at South Forsyth High school, performs locally with community theatres and occasionally does stand up comedy throughout the southeast.
Facilities & Floor Manager
Associate Teaching Artist
Education:
Baylor University, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance with a Concentration in Musical Theatre, 2025
Joseph grew up walking down the block to rehearsals at the Flat Rock Playhouse in Flat Rock, NC, where he learned his love for the arts. He performing there regularly from 6th grade through college in shows like The Music Man, James and the Giant Peach, Cabaret, Rootabaga Express!, and four iterations of A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas.
At Baylor University, Joseph spent 3 years as the university’s mascot Bruiser (@baylor_mascots) on top of his time on and behind the stage of the theatre department.
Having moved to Atlanta in July of 2025, Joseph is excited to combine his love of music education/directing, voice, and acting with his love of working with kids!
Curriculum Development
Principal Teaching Artist
Education:
Columbus State University, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance with a certificate in Musical Theatre, Summa Cum Laude, 2022
Christie began pursuing musical theatre at a very young age because her mother was a music teacher. She instantly fell in love with theatre and knew she wanted to make a career out of it. She has an extensive background in voice, acting, and dance training. Before she was 18, she worked with Broadway Artists Alliance for numerous intensives in New York, worked with MTI in the first cast of Peter Pan Jr. and was an Honor member in the National Thespian Society. She placed 1st place several years in a row for the GA NATS Musical Theatre competition, and was a Finalist in the National NATS vocal competition. Throughout the years, her favorite roles include Catherine in Pippin (Columbus State University), Wednesday in The Addams Family (Newnan Theatre Company), LuLu in Cabaret (Columbus State University), and ensemble for Spamalot (Springer Opera House). Recently, she was also able to originate the role of Claire in SATB: A New Musical (Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival- Jennie T Anderson Theatre). Now, she is still pursuing theatre in Atlanta!
In addition to performing, her love for teaching began a few years ago as she helped choreograph the musical 42nd Street. Ever since, she has been teaching lessons and choreographing for children. She recently went on a children’s theatre tour with Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre and got to teach, choreograph, and perform with kids all over the Midwest! She is so grateful to be a part of this wonderful company because she gets the chance to share her joy with children and watch them fall in love with musical theatre!
Principal Teaching Artist
Piano, Voice and Musical Theatre Instructor
Molly’s passion for music and performance began at a young age. By the time she was five, she was neck deep in piano lessons and weekly tap and ballet training. Eventually, she discovered her passion for musical theater and has been onstage ever since. Molly graduated in 2023 from Ohio University with a BFA in Musical Theater. While in school, she also received a Dance Minor and an Actor-Musicianship certificate. In addition to piano, Molly also plays clarinet and guitar. Since returning to Atlanta, Molly has been working as a professional actress and educator around the city. She has been lucky enough to perform at the Horizon Theater, Georgia Ensemble Theater, Out Front Theater Co., and the Center for Puppetry Arts to name a few. She is over the moon to join The Studios Brookhaven family and help inspire the next generation of young artists and human beings.
Piano & Voice Instructor
Education: Balmont University in Nashville
Sophia is an Atlanta-based music instructor specializing in voice, piano, and Loog guitar. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music with a major in Commercial Voice from Belmont University in Nashville, where she developed a strong foundation in contemporary vocal technique, performance, and musicianship. Sophia has been singing and playing piano since the age of 11, fostering a lifelong passion for music and teaching.
Sophia teaches a wide range of vocal styles, including pop, R&B, jazz, musical theatre, and contemporary commercial music. Her teaching style is supportive, encouraging, and highly individualized, focusing on healthy technique, confidence-building, and artistic expression. She works with students of all levels, helping them develop both technical skills and a deeper connection to their voice. In addition to teaching, Sophia is an active songwriter and recording artist with two original singles released. Her experience studying in Nashville and working as an artist allows her to bring real-world insight into her lessons, including songwriting, performance preparation, and creative development. Sophia is passionate about creating a positive and inspiring environment where students can grow as musicians and artists.
Piano Instructor
University of West Georgia, Bachelor of Piano and Composition, 2018
With 6 years of experience teaching piano, Hanson brings a blend of formal education and practical expertise to his lessons. With his bachelors degree in piano and music composition, he is equipped to teach students of all ages, from 4 years old to adults, at beginner to intermediate levels.
His teaching philosophy revolves around patience and understanding. Hanson strives to connect with each student, recognizing their unique needs and strengths and helps them grow through kindness and motivation.
His goal is to instill a love for music while encouraging hard work and dedication. He teaches many genres of music, tailoring lessons to the interests and goals of each student. His professional experience includes accompanying choirs, performing at weddings,
performing with bands, and composing original pieces.
What he enjoys most about teaching piano is witnessing the joy and progress of his students. He aims to make lessons fun and stress-free, ensuring that his students improve each week. With a patient and supportive approach, Hanson helps students discover what they love about music to reach their fullest potential.
Piano, Guitar, & Ukulele Instructor
Education:
Kennesaw State University, Bachelor of Science, English Education, 2014
Berklee College of Music (Undergraduate studies)
Jenn Gibson has 20 years of experience teaching private music lessons at various organizations throughout Atlanta. She is a talented multi-instrumentalist, proficient in piano, guitar, ukulele, and songwriting. Jenn received formal music training at Berklee College of Music and performed in many notable cover bands. Locally, Jenn has performed at The Atlanta Dogwood Festival, The Garden Club and Tin Roof Cantina.
Jenn noticed from an early age that she possessed a talent for music as she was playing music by ear when she was just five years old. Through her time in music lessons when she was a child as well as her time at Berklee, she developed her musical talent and is proficient at transposing and transcribing music. She enjoys helping her students learn how to nurture their own talents, as well as emphasizing the importance of sight-reading music and building a strong rhythmic foundation.
Guitar & Voice Instructor
Abbey is a singer, dancer, actor, musician and artist from Baltimore, MD. Over the past decade, Abbey has performed in various venues ranging from amphitheaters across the world.. She began her career as a dancer in NYC but over the last decade evolved into a multifaceted artist, business-owner and performer. Over the last five years, she has also been teaching and developing the musicians and performers of the future. Building the student’s confidence is her focus while she teaches guitar, piano, voice and dance. You can find her music on streaming platforms and follow her online – abbeydanna.com
Acting Instructor
Education:
University of Miami, Bachelor of Arts, Broadcast Journalism and Sociology, 2006
Megan’s acting career has spanned decades in the industry, beginning as a child actor herself at the age of six. Growing up, most of her work was right here in the Southeast and New York before moving out to Los Angeles after college. Her credits include 90210, Criminal Minds, Burn Notice, and multiple films and national commercials. In addition to acting behind the scenes, she has worked as a talent agent in Los Angeles and as a casting assistant in Miami. But her biggest role of all is that of a wife and mom to a 7-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son here in Brookhaven. She is thrilled to be bringing her love and appreciation for acting and the arts to the next generation.
Piano & Voice Instructor
Ninja & Tumbling Instructor
With a lifelong passion for movement, Sasha began training in Parkour and Gymnastics at a very young age. This early start sparked a deep understanding of how exciting and at times challenging it can be to learn new skills. That’s why Sasha is dedicated to guiding students through every step of their journey, no matter their age or experience level.
As an APK-certified Parkour instructor and experienced gymnastics coach, Sasha has worked with a wide range of students and personalities. His coaching background includes time at places like American Parkour, Peach Pit Gymnastics and Intown Stars Gymnastics, where he coached both recreational and competitive gymnastics as well as Parkour, helping athletes build confidence, strength, and creativity through movement.
Sasha believes in creating a supportive and empowering environment where students can progress at their own pace. His Motto? “See obstacles as opportunities not limitations!”
Guitar Instructor
Adam Shavin began playing the guitar at age seven. Over the following decade, he learned additional instruments, including bass, piano and drums. After his high school years, Adam began teaching guitar lessons for the first time. He then earned a Bachelor’s degree from The Hartt School in Connecticut in 2016, focusing on music theory and history.After his undergraduate education, Adam began taking commissioned composition projects and showing work in visual art exhibitions. Now, Adam’s career revolves around the guitar – whether it’s gigging as a soloist/improviser around Atlanta, self-producing original music, or teaching those excited to be earlier in their musical journeys.Adam aims to help his students explore their own personal relationship with the guitar – as well as develop their ear, which he believes is the skill that will take them the farthest as musicians.
Piano, Voice, Guitar Instructor
Aralyn (or “C.K.”) has been performing and teaching for several years! She discovered a love for music in early childhood, and quickly jumped into cross-disciplinary education. She now has years of performance and pedagogy experience in the fields of acoustic guitar, piano, and voice (with an emphasis in musical theatre). She is a current Registered Behavior Technician, pursuing certification in the fields of occupational and music therapy. Her passion is in child-led practice, using music as a tool for individual expression!
Musical Theatre Group Classes / ACT Foundations / Lil' Ninjaz Instructor
Camille is a vibrant and passionate artist from Columbus! Her journey as a performer began in the 6th grade, during a pivotal quick-change moment backstage in Annie JR., when she realized her future belonged on stage. She went on to earn a BFA in Acting with a Dance minor from Wright State University, where she immersed herself in diverse acting techniques and movement styles. At WSU, Camille performed in numerous plays, dance concerts, and films and even created her own dance play that brought her synesthesia to life through physical storytelling.After graduating, Camille worked regionally in Ohio as a teaching artist and performer with Columbus Children’s Theatre and in independent films. During this time, she also became a certified Registered Behavior Therapist. Since relocating to Atlanta, Camille has taken on the role of Head of the Preschool Dance Program at Forte Dance and Twirl Studio.She brings extensive experience working with neurodivergent children, teaching them Applied Behavior Analysis and executive functioning skills. In her classes, she combines her love for theatre with her knowledge of behavioral techniques, creating a unique artist language that helps young performers prepare for life both on and off stage. Camille’s dedication to fostering young talent fuels her mission to create an inclusive, nurturing environment for neurodivergent and neurotypical performers alike, empowering them to become confident, expressive artists.
Piano & Voice Instructor
With 17 years of dance experience and two years professionally as an Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader, Samyria is a passionate dancer and instructor. She is trained in multiple styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, modern, African beats, pom, and has practiced tumbling since age 5, with three years of experience teaching tumbling. She has choreographed for Dance Alabama at The University of Alabama. She also traveled internationally as a dance convention assistant and proudly represented Team USA at the IDO World Championship of Dance in Warsaw, Poland, earning the Silver Cup in 2019. She is excited to share her experience and passion with her students!
Piano Instructor
Morgan Harrison is a pianist, saxophonist, singer, and composer from Sacramento, California. Morgan began in music with childhood piano lessons for three years. After a long break, he found again his love for music, teaching himself to read and write jazz, classical, fusion, rock, world music, and more. Morgan attended the San Francisco Conservatory of Music from the years of 2021 to 2024, working with prestigious musicians such as David Sanchez, Akira Tana, Matt Wilson, Helen Sung, and Edward Simon. In addition to music, Morgan enjoys cooking, writing stories and poetry, reading, knitting, gardening, and is always seeking to add a new skill or experience to his belt.
Piano and Voice Instructor
Dance Instructor
Education:
Kennesaw State University, Bachelor of Arts, expected 2026
Candace Shoger has been dancing for over fourteen years. Her training focus is ballet and jazz, but she has training in various other styles as well. She is currently a Junior at Kennesaw State University where she will major in Dance with a concentration in Ballet. She also did a two week multi-genre training program with Joffrey West LA. She has also taught dance such as movement classes, ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary to children through the ages of 3-8 year olds for six years.
Adult Musical Theatre Dance Instructor
Stage director and choreographer Ricardo Aponte has directed over 15 musicals and choreographed over 30 musicals, operas, and industrial shows nationwide. Ricardo is originally from Venezuela and resides in Atlanta, GA, where he has become one of the most in-demand creators, recognized with 3 Suzi Awards and ten nominations. Recent work: Director and/or Choreographer- Atlanta Opera (Candide, Cabaret, Revolution of Steve Jobs, Carmen, and Frida), Cinderella (Aurora Theatre), Luisa Fernanda (Florentine Opera), White Christmas (Jennie T. Anderson). He’s also the founder and artistic director of Theatre Platform Project, an educational nonprofit, providing performing arts programs to diverse communities in Atlanta.
Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Education:
University of Michigan, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a certification in Marketing & Sales in the Ross School of Business, 2019
Reuben is passionate about teaching Jiu Jitsu and helping athletes of all ages reach their potential. He’s had the privilege of working with kids for several years, guiding them not only in their physical development but also in building confidence and discipline. With his experience coaching young athletes, Reuben understand the importance of creating a positive, supportive and fun environment where kids can thrive.
Before stepping into coaching, Reuben played football at the University of Michigan under Coach Harbaugh, where he developed a strong foundation in teamwork, leadership, and resilience values that he brings to his Jiu Jitsu classes. He is committed to helping students develop the fundamental techniques they need to succeed, both on the mats and in life.
Reuben is excited to meet everyone and is looking forward to a great year of learning and growth together!
Assistant Studio Manager
Piano & Violin Instructor
Education: Bachelor’s of Science Public Policy at Georgia State University Graduating in 2027
Zoe Ellis started with classical piano training from and early age of 3. Then, started violin early on at age 8, which ended up becoming her main instrument! She has participated in music programs at Clayton State University and Berklee College of Music, and is still involved with her campus orchestra ensemble.
Zoe can help with beginner piano and violin students, as well as students who would like to advance to auditioning for youth ensembles or enriching music camps. Outside of music, Zoe is active in the Georgia public policy space.
Piano & Guitar Instructor
Ninja Instructor
Anthony Walker, born and raised in Atlanta Georgia, was a typical gamer nerd until one fateful day, “American Ninja Warrior” aired on TV. It looked like a real life video game to Anthony, so in hopes of cementing his name amongst the conquerors of Mt.Midoriyama, he started Parkour in 2013. As Anthony honed in on his craft, he later became a Parkour coach in 2019 at his first gym, Atlanta Parkour, formally known as Play Hard Gym. This experience led to Anthony’s debut on World Chase Tag in 2022 where he played for Atlanta Georgia’s first World Chase Tag team, the Atlanta Talons. With ambitions to become champion in Parkour, Ninja, and World Chase Tag, Anthony strives to achieve bodyweight mastery through calisthenics and strong kicks from Martial Arts tricking as a hobby. His ninja way is based around harmonizing your self with your dreams through Preparation and execution.
Preschool Tumbling Instructor
Maggie Carpenter is a lifelong lover of cheer and gymnastics. While growing up in the Cleveland, Ohio area, she took her first gymnastics class at two years old and went on to many years of recreational gymnastics and ten years of competitive cheerleading. In addition to her cheerleading background, she has an extensive performing arts background and currently sings in the Soprano II section of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus. She is also an avid reader and loves all things arts and crafts. She is not afraid to be silly and loves working with the youngest athletes. Her goal for each tumbling class is to safely coach children through the beginnings of proper technique while having the most amount of fun possible!
Aerial Silks Instructor
Bio coming soon!
