The City of Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department hires experienced contractors to provide instructor services. Many are highly qualified practitioners with advanced degrees and/or professional certifications. All instructors are carefully screened and must successfully complete a background investigation which includes information obtained from the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC).

Several of our program instructors are profiled below. Click here if you are interested in becoming an instructor.

Allie Adeli (Daystar Dance Academy)
Allie has been dancing her way through life since the age of 3. She was a member of Daystar Dance Academy's company ensemble, and has taught various classes and camps throughout the years at Daystar. As a dancer, Allie has competed in numerous competitions where she helped take home top awards; and participated in workshops where she received training from choreographers like Mandy Moore and Joe Lanteri. She has also perform at events such as a Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk and aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Allie is passionate about children and the elderly, and hopes to find a career that allows her to work with both populations. Allie graduated from Georgia College & State University with a Bachelor degree in Business Administration, a minor in French, and undergraduate certificate in Gerontology.

Brandi Allen (SoccerTots)
Brandi Allen is the owner and director of SoccerTots of North Georgia. She was an elementary teacher for nine years, holds a Masters degree in Administration from Nova Southeastern University, and a Bachelor degree in Education from the University of Central Florida. Brandi has always enjoyed her career working with children, and took a couple of years to stay at home with her two small children.

Helen Brady
Helen was born in Hong Kong and came to the United States when she was 21. She was a flight attendant, traveling and living all around the world in such wonderful places as Japan, Guam, the Philippines and Hawaii. Helen has been active in West Cobb, North Cobb and Freeman Poole Senior Centers as an instructor in Focus on Fitness, strength training and yoga classes. She is a certified Adult Fitness Instructor and Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher. Helen loves to laugh and her enthusiasm for all types of exercise is contagious. She loves to travel and continues to add to her teaching expertise through ongoing education classes and practical experience.

Lori Cooley
Lori has been the director of the City of Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department’s gymnastics program since 1997. She is a graduate of Auburn University with a B.A. in Health, Recreation and Administration where she was a scholarship gymnast. Lori started teaching gymnastics as a teenager and has almost 30 years of experience teaching at all levels from recreational gymnastics to competitive teams.

Carolyn Davenport
Carolyn had a 30-year corporate career working with the top echelon of major companies, providing management support along with meeting and event planning. She has also been a member of the Miss America Pageant organization. Drawing on her experience and training, she developed etiquette classes to help people be their best in today's society. Carolyn is currently an etiquette instructor with A Gracious You.

Brian Dixon (Daystar Dance Academy)
Brian attended Jacksonville State University where he majored in Drama and minored in English. He is a former graduate and faculty member at Sprayberry High School in Marietta, GA, where he was the head varsity dance team coach, leading the team to three national titles and second place in the state for two consecutive years. Brian was awarded Best Hip-Hop/Funk Choreography at the 2005 National Championships in Myrtle Beach, SC. Brian has performed in lead roles in Oklahoma,Young Abe Lincoln, Star Spangled Girl, Story Ville and The Sunshine Boys.  He also choreographed and performed at regional and national beauty pageants and Hip-Hop and Pom-Pom dance competitions. Brian teaches Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Diva Dance and Cheer.

Diana Dowd
Diana’s Chinese name is Hsueh Tan-kuei. Diana has lived in Kennesaw since 1997, but is originally from Taiwan, Republic of China. Her native language is Mandarin Chinese. Diana has been teaching Chinese singing and CSOL classes at the Chinese School of Atlanta since 2007, where was chosen as the Teacher of the Year in 2007-2008. In 2007 and 2009, she completed the Educational Training Program for Teaching Mandarin, which is sponsored by the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission, R.O.C. (Taiwan).  Diana graduated from National Taichung Commercial College, International Trade Department. She enjoys working with young children and watching them learn Chinese language and culture.

Holly French (Software-on-the-Go)
Holly has worked in the training and software development field for over 20 years, and has extensive experience in computer training as well as systems analysis, programming, curriculum development and software development. She brings a unique blend of patience, humor and computer knowledge into every training class. Holly started out as a computer consultant in upstate New York  and previously held training positions with ExecuTrain and IKON Office Solutions. She holds a Computer Information Systems degree from Weber State University in Ogden, UT.

Jessica Geist
Jessica has always been surrounded by art and art appreciators. At age 13, she enrolled in community art classes through the City of Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department where she studied with internationally trained artist Chris di Domizio. Techniques of the old masters and careful studies of their works of art formed the foundation of her instruction. She continued to draw and paint throughout middle and high school, and entered juried art shows through the Fine Arts Society of Kennesaw. Winning honorable mentions and even a second place award only gave her more confidence and motivation to become a professional artist. In 2009, Jessica won a first place award in oil painting at a North Cobb Arts League exhibition and Best of Show at the Artist Guild of Northwest Georgia’s First Annual Juried Art Competition.

Sachiko Hirata
Sachiko (Sachi), who is from Japan, is a Certified Taiji (Tai Chi) instructor of the Chinese Boxing International Institute. Since 1997 she has practiced Chen Style Taiji. In 2000, she won the gold medal for Chen Taiji hand form and sword form at the Invitational Wushu Tournament in Beijing, China. For almost four years, she trained at the Taiji Kungfu Academy, which is the organization that follows Grandmaster Zhu Tian Cai, the 19th Generation Chen Family Taiji. In 2008, Sachi won a gold medal for Chen Taiji hand form at the Chinese Martial Arts Tournament in Las Vegas. She is also an aroma therapist and practices natural healing.

Carey Holt (SoccerTots)
Carey loves teaching SoccerTots. It makes her day to see children having a great time while being physically active and growing developmentally. Carey has watched so many children grow socially, physically and developmentally after just a few weeks in the program, and finds it rewarding to see many of the same students returning with each new session.

Gabriele Jeske (Norris)
Gabriele is a multiple-style dance instructor, having taught Ballroom (Latin, Rhythm, Smooth and Standard), Salsa, Swing, hip-hop, Western and line dance, and fitness group dance (including Zumba and Latin aerobics).  She is a former Professional Competition Style Ballroom Dance Trainer and Competitor, and has performed and competed on local and national television, making appearances on a Pediatric Aids Foundation telethon, Peachtree Morning, Turner Sports (in a commercial featuring Big Bad Voodoo Daddy). Gabriele is an acclaimed Coach and Competitor of the Pro-Am Cool Move Dance Sport Youth Team who placed on a regional and national level. She has been a dance studio owner and director, and has an extensive musical and athletic background. She is committed to introducing the multiple life-enriching benefits of fitness, recreational and competition style dance to people of all ages.

Jenna Kier (Daystar Dance Academy)
Jenna has been dancing and performing since she was nine years old. She trained with Impact Dance of Atlanta for twelve years and was also an instructor for three years. Jenna has taken several Master Classes with the Geogia Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Ballet Rotaru, and Hubbard Street. She trained in Ballet Magnificant's summer intensive workshops for five years, as well as their trainee program. Jenna also attended the Word in Motion's Urban Intensive Workshop in Los angeles. As a dancer, Jenna has danced in numerous productions, including lead roles in multiple shows: "Don Quixote" Pad de deux and variation solo, "Paquita" variation solo, "Carmen" variation solo, "Swan Lake" variation solo, "Nutcracker", Waltz of the Flowers, MarZipan, and Snow. Jenna teaches Ballet, Tap, Hip-Hop Jazz and Lyrical.

Mark Kirk
Mark has worked for the Cobb County Parks, Recreation, Cultural Affairs Department tennis program for over 20 years with experience as a facility manager and teaching professional. He previously managed Terrell Mill Tennis Center and has taught at Fair Oaks and Kennworth Tennis Centers. He is a certified USTA tournament official.

Adrienne Korn (Peachtree Music Together)
Adrienne has been involved in music for many years. She is a flutist and has been a member of a concert band and jazz band, as well as a flute chamber group. Adrienne believes that music is a gift we should share with our children and believes that Music Together is a wonderful way of doing just that. She looks forward to exploring the world of music with you and your children. Adrienne is a trained and registered Music Together instructor, and has been teaching since 2004.

Maureen Krivo
Maureen has been dancing since she was 10 years old, just after “retiring” from the world of competitive ice skating.  Thrilled to find a fusion between her love of dance and her passion for fitness in the dance fitness movement, Maureen has never looked back!  In addition to being a certified ZUMBA® instructor, Maureen is also an AFAA-certified group exercise instructor, with an additional AFAA certification in kickboxing.  She resides in Kennesaw with her husband, son, and dog and enjoys hiking, kayaking and writing when she’s not dancing.

Victoria Logan
Victoria (a.k.a. Inara) began her belly dancing career in 1996 and has developed an amazing technique over the years. Her passion for this art form quickly grew into teaching, performing and creating memorable choreography. Victoria is a well known performer in the Atlanta area, frequently delivering incredible performances at Mediterranean restaurants and cafés. She is also dedicated to her performing dance troupes: Sandtrance and Lum'a as-Sahara.

Neil Lynch (Challenger Sports Corporation)
Neil is a regional director for Challenger Sports Corporation (Georgia and South Carolina region). He is a long serving member of the Challenger Sports team and has been a dedicated youth soccer coach for almost 10 years. Originally from Ipswich Town, England, Neil played semi-professional soccer in the UK and was a member of Leeds Metropolitan first XI soccer team (ranked top five in the country) during his college years.

Cathy Makison (Daystar Dance Academy)
Cathy is the owner and director of Daystar Dance Academy, and has over 30 years of teaching experience. She studied with Jon Cristofori and Russell Sultzbach, both from the Joffrey Ballet, as well as Edward Villella. During her high school and middle school years, Cathy traveled to Chicago, IL during the summer to study with Stone and Cameron from the Chicago City Ballet. Cathy was on the teaching faculty at the Royal School of Dance in Orlando, FL for 4 years, and was also the children and adult dance instructor for Southern Ballet Theatre in Orlando, FL for 4 years. Her teaching experiences have been in a studio setting as well as public school settings. Cathy is a certified member of Florida Dance Masters by test, and is a licensed early Childhood Music Educator through the nationally known Musikgarten program. In 2003, Cathy opened her own studio in Marietta, GA. In 2009, she moved her studio location to downtown Kennesaw as well as began directing and teaching dance through the City of Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department.

Mario Manera
Mario received his black belt in 1991 while with the U.S. Air Force in Germany. Before his Taekwondo training, he had some Japanese Hakko-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu training at Kelly Air Force Base, TX. He received his International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) instructor certification in Ireland from Grandmaster Rhee Ki Ha, one of the 12 original Taekwondo masters under Taekwondo’s founder, General Choi Hong Hi. Mario taught classes in Germany before moving to Georgia in 2006. He has been teaching through the City of Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department since 2007. When Mario is not teaching Taekwondo-Do, he is an IT Analyst and the Communications Budget Director at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, GA. Mario holds A.A.S. degrees in Electronics Systems Technology and Financial Management, and a B.S. degree in Computers.

Jennifer McClester
Jennifer graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1995 with a BA degree in Dance and Anthropology. After graduation, Jennifer moved to New York City where she taught and performed professionally for six years. She holds a Masters degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Exercise Science from Western Kentucky University. Her extensive performance history includes work with the Gamble/Van Dyke Dance Co., North/South Dance, and the High Point Ballet. Jennifer's Off Broadway credits include: The Changeling (1996) by Robert Woodruff, Fogarty Dance Theater in two original works (1998 and 1999), and The Donkey Show (1999-2001) in New York, Toronto and London. Teaching credits include: High Point Ballet (North Carolina), North Carolina Governor's School East, Ballet Academy East (New York), Hoboken YMCA (New Jersey) and the American College Dance Festival at Bates College (Maine). In addition to teaching gymnastics and dance classes through the Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department, Jennifer has taught at Kennesaw State University and Pebblebrook High School in Mableton.

Wendi McHugh
Wendi is a graduate of the University of Illinois where she earned a BBA degree in Business. She is a Registered Nurse (RN), having earned her a degree in Nursing from St. Petersburg College of Nursing. Wendi is a Certified American Heart Association CPR/AED Instructor, Nationally Certified Asthma Educator, and holds certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). She was recently selected to co-chair the American Heart Association's "Cardiovascular Task Force" for the state of Georgia school nurses, and was awarded a $1,000 grant from the Medtronic Foundation to help fund CPR and AED training. Wendi is currently employed as an RN at the Whitefield Academy in Mableton.

Karen Newkirk
Karen is a professional cake designer who received her education through the Wilton Method of cake decorating. She has been decorating cakes, cookies and cupcakes for over eight years. Her focus is wedding and themed cakes. Karen has decorated cakes and pastries for college presidents and Fortune 500 companies, as well as nationally-known Hollywood celebrities. She is an avid watcher of the Food Network and is always researching new ideas to enhance her work and classroom curriculum.

Heather Pace
Heather began dancing in Alabama at the age of three and studied ballet, tap, and jazz for many years. She continued studying dance at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, AL, graduating with a BA in dance choreography and pedagogy in 2001. In 2002, Heather moved to Kennesaw, and began teaching children’s ballet, tap, and jazz for Creative Movement and Dance and Dance and Arts Showcase all over the Atlanta area. She became certified to teach by Dance Masters of America in 2001, and completed her certification to teach the Lebed Method in 2004 in Montreal, Canada.

Kelly Robinson
Kelly is a nationally certified and state licensed Speech Language Pathologist with 12 years of clinical experience in treating speech language disorders in pediatrics and adults with a special interest in treating semantic and pragmatic language difficulties. She holds a Master of Education Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Georgia; and a Bachelors Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Shaw University.

Carolyn Shelburne
Carolyn is a muscular therapist whose initial training was with Dr. Ben Benjamin, a noted educator and therapist in the field of sports medicine and education at The Muscular Therapy Institute in Cambridge, MA. Carolyn is a licensed massage therapist in Georgia with a private practice in Kennesaw. She has taken classes in Chinese Medical Massage with Dr. Wolfgang Luckmann, A.P., L.M.T., and Orthopedic Massage with James Waslaski. Carolyn is also a practicing artist who has exhibited in Georgia and Massachusetts, and is the Georgia Ambassador for the Portrait Society of America. She studies several years under Michael Shane Neal, and has taken classes and workshops with Marc Chatov, David Leffel, Sheri McGraw, Margaret Carter Baumgaertner, Damon Carter, Thomas V. Nash, Luana Luconi Winner, Joseph Perrin, and watercolorists Mary Field and Joseph Fettingis, NWS.

Kristen Smith
Kristen has been playing and working with clay for 11 years. Kristen’s passion for pottery started by enrolling in community art classes, and has developed into a desire to teach others the wonders of pottery. Kristen can throw both funky and functional pottery in various sizes and shapes.

Anne-Marie Tremblay
Anne-Marie has been dancing for as long as she can remember. She began with classical ballet, and ballet-jazz classes. As a teenager, she developed several choreographies, and later on, she began dancing international folk dances, which led her to join the Troupe folklorique égyptienne de Montréal, where she became a part of the troupe for over two years. Through this experience, Anne-Marie discovered other forms of belly dancing, which became her passion for many years. She then discovered ballroom dancing, taught it for over 15 years, and started a dance school with her husband. Now she is widening her horizons, combining fitness to dancing through the Zumba Fitness program. Anne-Marie is an authorized instructor for Zumba® programs, including Zumba Fitness, Zumba Gold, Zumba Toning, Zumba Gold Toning, Zumba Gold Chair, ZumbAtomics, Zumba in the Circuit (Curves) and Aqua Zumba. She is also an AFAA certified Group Exercise Instructor. She completed SilverSneakers and Arthritis Foundation trainings after teaching Zumba Gold to expand on her knowledge of the specific needs of the older, active population.

Melanie Whitbeck (Daystar Dance Academy)
Melanie began dancing at the age of 3 and has danced with several dance companies. In Orlando, FL, Melanie was the 1st runner up for Miss Petite of Florida, and received the overall highest score award among all the contestants. Melanie placed 1st in an international dance competition in 2000. At age 9, Melanie began assisting her mother, who is a dance instructor, and realized she had a natural ability to choreograph. Melanie studied dance for 15 years, and has taught dance for 7 years. Melanie is now working with the Junior and Senior Dance Companies at Daystar Dance Academy in Kennesaw. She teaches Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Lyrical dance. Melanie is also a licensed cosmetologist, and is married with one daughter.

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Interested in Teaching?

The City of Kennesaw is committed to providing quality programs for all ages, abilities and interests. Programs offered strive to foster new skills, promote health and well-being, and expand cultural and artistic development.

In order to provide these programs, the Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department seeks contracted instructors to share their special talents, skills or knowledge with others in a class, camp or workshop format.

An instructor must possess strong communication, organizational and teaching skills; and demonstrate a desire to develop and promote their program(s).

Why Kennesaw Parks & Recreation?  

• We are a progressive municipal agency, and member of the Georgia Recreation and Park Association and the National Recreation and Park Association.
• We use an advanced computer registration system that enables users to check availability, view program information, register and pay online with just a few clicks -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• We provide advertising for our instructors through a variety of sources, including the Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Program Guide, which is mailed to past users and distributed to area schools, businesses, and city facilities. We also publicize activities through periodic news releases, informational newsletters, e-mails, on the Internet, and at city-sponsored special events.
• We pay our instructors a significant portion (percentage) of the fees paid by participants registering for their activities.
• We provide our instructors with beautiful facilities to teach. The Ben Robertson Community Center, Swift-Cantrell Park and Adams Park are available year-round for classes, workshops and camps. The 26,000 square foot Ben Robertson Community Center features two 840 square foot meeting rooms that can be joined to form a large meeting room, three dance studios, two art/craft labs with sinks, a fitness room, a large gymnastics room, a ceramic studio, and a 3,952 square foot banquet hall complete with catering kitchen. These facilities are maintained to assure the comfort of instructors and participants.
• We draw students from a range of cities and backgrounds, allowing our instructors to share their knowledge and passion for a certain subject with a wide variety of individuals.

Programs are selected based on the instructor's qualifications and experience, availability, need for the program and marketability.

We are no longer accepting proposals for the Fall 2011 programming season, which will feature activities scheduled between September and December 2011. Please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for information on how to submit a proposal for the Winter/Spring 2012 programming season.