Team1

THE MINDS THAT STEWARD OUR TEAM

Joanne Link, CEO

Joanne Link has been teaching music and producing performances for young people for over 27 years. She has taught in 12 different schools, holding teaching certifications in NJ and PA to teach music for grades K-12 and certificates for Violin Suzuki Books 1-3. Joanne is the orchestra director at Toms River South Intermediate School and owner and founder of Mind Steward, Mindsteward Kids Theater: The Complete Theater Experience, Mindsteward Teen Theater, Viobling, and My Mom’s Here Blog. In over 30 productions, she has held positions including director, music director, producer, violinist, pianist, stage manager, vocal coach, and conductor. She performs violin with Toms River Multigenerational Orchestra and is the pianist and vocalist on Ocean Community Church worship team.

Joanne specializes in motivating children to pursue skills in the arts and strives to bring people together while assimilating to the local culture and needs of each community she interacts with. She happily runs and grows the infrastructure of Mindsteward Kids Theater with the contagious energy and skills of the arts community of education enthusiasts and professionals in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She has taught thousands of children how to play instruments and innovates pedagogical techniques to increase zeal and motivation for arts education.

Joanne enjoys spending time with her supportive family, husband, and children, playing games, playing music together, and scuba diving.

Dena McKell, Technical Director of Teen Theater/Director of Kids Theater/Choreographer

Dena McKell (Director/Choreographer) is from the Harrisburg region and has been a teacher, choreographer, and director of theater arts for over 27 years. She began teaching dance instruction at the Harrisburg Dance Conservatory under the guidance of Forrest Gehret at the age of 16. Ms. McKell currently teaches in the Children’s Division at Pennsylvania Regional Ballet. Ms. McKell also serves as the choreographer for East Pennsboro High School Panther Productions for which she has choreographed GREASE, NEWSIES, SISTER ACT, MATILDA, and HELLO DOLLY! Ms. McKell is currently the director and choreographer for Encore Homeschool Productions. Her choreographic works include SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, THE WIZARD OF OZ, THE MUSIC MAN, PETER PAN, and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST to name a few. Ms. Mckell is also an Apollo Award Recipient for her Outstanding Choreography for PETER PAN in May 2016. Ms. McKell also received an Apollo Award for her choreography in May 2017 (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST), May 2018 (FIDDLER ON THE ROOF), and most recently in May 2022 for her choreography in THE LITTLE MERMAID. In May 2022, Ms. McKell directed Encore Homeschool Productions Apollo Award Outstanding Musical THE LITTLE MERMAID. Encore Homeschool Productions also received the Apollo Award for Outstanding Musical in May 2024 for their production THE WIZARD OF OZ under the direction of Ms. McKell. Ms. McKell also works with local community theaters and colleges such as Keystone Theatrics, Creative Pursuits Academy, Lancaster Bible College, and Oyster Mill Playhouse.

Mary-Teresa Lee, Artistic Director of Teen Theater

Mary-Teresa Lee has worked in theater arts for over a decade. Music Director – Peter Pan Jr., The Music Man Jr., Mary Poppins Jr. (SMMS), Frozen Jr., Flat Stanley – A Zoomsical, The Wizard of Oz, Willy Wonka Jr., Finding Nemo Jr., Seussical Kids (Eisenhower), Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Winnie the Pooh Kids, Anne of Green Gables (Pollock Center), The Jungle Book Kids (Mind Steward). Associate Music Director – Newsies Jr. (Pollock). Director – Aladdin Kids, Aladdin Dual Language, Beauty and the Beast Jr., Cinderella: A Ridiculous Retelling of a Classic Tale, Beauty and the Beast: A Ridiculous Retelling of a Classic Tale (Mind Steward). Book - Cinderella: A Ridiculous Retelling of a Classic Tale, Beauty and the Beast: A Ridiculous Retelling of a Classic Tale. She also performs as a solo musician as well as with the group Seasons with which she has recorded four albums. Mary-Teresa Lee has worked in theater arts for over a decade. Music Director – Peter Pan Jr., The Music Man Jr., Mary Poppins Jr. (SMMS), Frozen Jr., Flat Stanley – A Zoomsical, The Wizard of Oz, Willy Wonka Jr., Finding Nemo Jr., Seussical Kids (Eisenhower), Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Winnie the Pooh Kids, Anne of Green Gables (Pollock Center), The Jungle Book Kids (Mind Steward). Associate Music Director – Newsies Jr. (Pollock). Director – Aladdin Kids, Aladdin Dual Language, Beauty and the Beast Jr., Cinderella: A Ridiculous Retelling of a Classic Tale, Beauty and the Beast: A Ridiculous Retelling of a Classic Tale (Mind Steward). Book - Cinderella: A Ridiculous Retelling of a Classic Tale, Beauty and the Beast: A Ridiculous Retelling of a Classic Tale. She also performs as a solo musician as well as with the group Seasons with which she has recorded four albums.

Melissa Ayvas-Manolakakis, Music Director Kids Teater

This is Melissa’s 1st summer with Mindsteward and excited to join the team! She is currently the Choir Director/Music teacher at Wood-Ridge Jr./Sr. High School in Wood-Ridge, NJ (2003-Present). Melissa also currently runs her own private voice and piano studio (2003-Present). She currently teaches at Allegro Arts Academy in Carlstadt, NJ (2004 - Present). Director of the Wood-Ridge Recreation Program (2009-2011); graduate of Wood-Ridge High School - 1999; Bachelors in Music: Major Music Education and Vocal Performance – 2003 from The College of New Jersey; Masters in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College in 2007.
Musical performance experience: Carnegie Hall Performance - March 2015, 2016, 2017 with the National Festival Chorus - Manhattan Concert Productions; Studio workshops for Margaret Leary 1999-2009, Vocal Soloist; Bethany Worship Team 2004-2007, 2015 - Present Vocal soloist and back up singer, Wyckoff, NJ.; A Gala Evening of Music of the Stage 2001-2003, Soloist with orchestra, TCNJ; TCNJ Winter Orchestra Concert 2002, vocal soloist, Nov. 23, 2002; TCNJ Opera Theatre Productions 1999-2002: The Boys From Syracuse: Luce, TCNJ; Die Fledermaus: Chorus; Brigadoon: Lead dancer/chorus; Westside Story: Anita, On-Stage Theatre Company in Oakland, NJ; Summer 2001; Wood-Ridge HS Productions 1995-1999: Grease: Sandy, The Wizard of Oz: Cowardly Lion, The Sound of Music: Maria, Mame: Mame, Inherit the Wind: Howard, Annie: Annie.
Awards/Recognitions - Her select choir was selected to perform at Carnegie Hall March of 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2019 with the National Festival Chorus in New York City; Received a 4 year grant from Paper Mill Playhouse “Adopt-A-School Project” for Wood-Ridge High School from 2011-2015; Wood-Ridge Memorial Fund Educator’s Award 2016; Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award for Wood-Ridge High School for 2009-2010; Advisor of the 2009 Year: For the Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute for the state of New Jersey for years of service to teen leaders and drug prevention from 1996-2009; Resolution from Wood-Ridge Board of Education for years of service to Teen Institutes for the Wood-Ridge School District October 2009; Wood-Ridge Memorial Foundation 2016 Honoree for Excellence in Music Education for Wood-Ridge Students; Coordinator for NJPAC Hip Hop Class for W-RHS; Helped students get into College Vocal Auditions and Bergen County Chorus numerous times; Awesome news - Her former choir & private vocal student was one of the leads in “Spring Awakening” & “Dear Evan Hansen” on Broadway (Connor Murphy) and much more. - Alex Boniello (Wood-Ridge Native)! So proud of him and all my students. She would like to thank God, all her teachers and family for all of their love and support. To my cast members…Break a Leg!!!

Dawn McDonnell, Implementation Specialist

Dawn McDonnell is an award-winning painter and author from Manahawkin, NJ. She has a Bachelor of Fine Art degree in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Her work has been showcased in galleries throughout the tri-state area and sold world wide. McDonnell is a full time artist and focuses on showing her art at festivals and galleries and online. On any given day you will find McDonnell in her studio with her dog Shadow by her side, as well as her very supportive husband and two grown children.
McDonnell started working for Mindsteward in 2022, and loves her experience and cherishes her growth from working with such a great team.

Naomi Link, Assistant Manager

Hey Guys! I am Naomi Link. I am a competitive dancer. I love working with kids, helping them learn new things and grow from their experiences. I have been in many shows and have had professional dance training in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Manahawkin, New Jersey as-well as Houston, Texas. Some of you may know but we recently moved to NJ and that has really opened "A Whole New World" to me, I am so thankful to have all my friends and teachers that have made me who I am today. I have been with mindsteward from the very start, and some would say that this camp was even based around my family and our needs. I have seen this camp grow from the 13 kids that were in the very first one to now almost hitting 100!! I hope I will always be able to bring "The sunny side to every situation" as they said in my last show 42nd Street!😎😎

Emily Goranson, Front House Director

Emily Goranson is the Box Office Manager for The Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre at Penn State Harrisburg. She graduated from Penn State with a BA in English and a minor in theatre. She has contributed to many Penn State Harrisburg productions in varying roles – stage manager, stage crew, performer, and charge scenic artist. Emily has also assisted local theatre companies such as Teatro Paloma, Gamut, and Narcisse. She was the backstage director for Mindsteward's theatre camp in 2022 and is excited to be involved again this summer!

Alana Moldawsky, Marketing Manager

Hello! My name is Alana Moldawsky. I am a former student of Mind Steward, and I am beyond excited to now be working with this incredible community! I have a background in dance and acrobatics, and 5 years in aerial arts training/performing. I also have hands-on experience in tech and stage crew in high school musicals and plays. I love music, art, photography, and anything that has to do with creativity! I have been doing various social media marketing projects for the past few years, and during this time, I have developed a profound understanding of audience engagement, content creation, and analytics. I look forward to creating more and growing with Mind Steward!

Amy Eckel,

My name is Amy Eckel and I live in Harrisburg, PA with my family. Music is an important part of our home, including our homeschool. When I was in high school I was a band geek through and through and loved being a part of the musicals. I graduated from Bloomsburg University in 2003 with a dual degree in special education and elementary education. After teaching for about 6 years I became a stay-at-home mom, eventually homeschooling our four children.
I love being a part of Mind Steward Kids Theater and observing children finding and growing in their skills and talents. Working together to create a unique experience is a highlight for me. So many people of many ages and gifts bring together something amazing every summer.

Lisa Teach, Health and Wellness Coordinator

Lisa Teach has enjoyed the MindSteward experience since her daughter started attending in the summer of 2022. Lisa joined the MindSteward Team last year as the Health and Wellness Coordinator. Working as a Registered Nurse at Penn State HMC Children’s Hospital and a School Nurse at Infinity Charter School, she has always enjoyed working with children, teens, and families. In her free time, Lisa enjoys art, music, reading, and learning from others. She is married with two teenage daughters and lives in Elizabethtown, PA.

Nancy Mendes, Visual Arts Director

I've been an artist all my life, and have had the pleasure of teaching art for many years. Art, music, theater, writing and dancing are important ways of nourishing our spirit! Most people don't recognize that they are artistic. To quote Picasso: "Every child is born an artist. The problem is to remain an artist once they grow up." Making art, listening to music and dancing have become special coping mechanisms to me. I have loved leading art activities at MindSteward Camp, and working with the very special people who join the camp.

Leanne Griffo, Music Director

Leanne Griffo, Music Director
My name is Leanne Griffo and my biggest passion is education. I love to teach and I love to learn. Growing up in New Jersey, I started studying music very early with violin and piano lessons and once in school I concentrated on voice. I
sang and played in many different groups and attended Lebanon Valley College and majored in music education. I am certified K-12 in vocal and instrumental music in PA and NJ. I am in my 21st year of teaching elementary instrumental music and I am currently employed in the Central Dauphin School District. Yes I teach music, but I also teach a lot more than that. Some of my favorite skills to teach in my classroom is perseverance, problem solving, time management, collaboration, coping skills, empathy and sooooo much more! The arts are a perfect vessel to teach all these important skills for students to have and a place to be creative! What I love most about Mindsteward and what made me want to join the team is that all of the campers are involved in the show and no one sits out. It is a beautiful display of using everyone’s gifts for the greater good. I am looking forward to being part of the team and learning from all of you as well. The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you -BB King

Gabriel Harvey, Tech Manager

Hello! My name is Gabriel Harvey and I am a Junior in highschool. I am a Lead Intern here at Mindsteward and I help lead the backstage Program, specifically in the light and sound both. I aspire to be a Veterinarian after highschool and work with animals. In my free time, I love playing lacrosse and reading in my free time, playing my saxophone, and, of course, putting on great theatrical performances!

Ben Smithers, Co-Stage Manager

Ben Smithers is a rising 10th grade student at Susquehanna Township High School. He is a violinist who has participated in DCMEA County Honors Orchestra, Lebanon Valley College Orchestra Festival, Messiah University string orchestra camp, and, of course, his school ensemble. He also enjoys photography and computers. Ben brings his enthusiasm for violin and backstage/technical theatre operations to Mind Steward for the fourth consecutive year.

Ben Smithers is a rising 10th grade student at Susquehanna Township High School. He is a violinist who has participated in DCMEA County Honors Orchestra, Lebanon Valley College Orchestra Festival, Messiah University string orchestra camp, and, of course, his school ensemble. He also enjoys photography and computers. Ben brings his enthusiasm for violin and backstage/technical theatre operations to Mind Steward for the fourth consecutive year.

Alexia Kaplin, Acro Dance Teacher

Hello! My name is Alexia Kaplin! I have been a dancer for 16 years and an acrobatic dance teacher for 2 years! I love everything creative arts related and have a passion for helping kids reach their goals! I am very patient and many would say I do a very good job at breaking skills down in order for students to achieve them. I am looking forward to meeting you all and dancing with you!

Liz Dalenberg COO, Show Producer

I have been apart of Musical Theatre since I was a kid. Having been on the stage and then finding my true love in behind the scenes. I have managed many stages and shows from my education career and Mind Steward. I assisted manage my first stage when I was a freshman in high school eventually taking over the full reins by the time I was a senior. I continued to manage stages as my extra curricular activity as an educator.
I have a BS and MS in Inclusive Education and Special Education with a concentration in Biology. I have teaching licenses in NY and NJ. I love working with children. I was a Special Education Science teacher for 14 years before I stepped away to have my miracle son.
I truly believe that everyone has a gift and should be given the opportunity of arts education. I love the vision of Mind Steward to provide that to every member of the family and community. I have seen first hand the impact of Arts Education on the students I have taught and the campers at Mind Steward. This is an experience of a lifetime that touches the heart, mind and gifts of all.