At CAA, we strive to create a quality learning environment in all of our program areas and activities. Two people, however, cannot do it all. Here are our most excellent Staff and Volunteers at Collierville Arts Academy.
Ms. Deanna Clark (Dance, Voice, Acting, Music) is a former Miss Black Memphis and has an extensive background in dance, pageants, and music. She holds a degree in professional studies in dance and music from the University of Memphis and is passionate about her love for dance and teaching. When she is not teaching dance or music, you will find her working as a professional singer and musician who performs in a local band and occasionally travels to perform.
Alexander Knowles (Fencing, Padded Weapons, Karate) Alexander Knowles is an Assistant Instructor for the BattleMasters™ Padded Weapons programs, Young Blades fencing, and Little Tigers Karate. He was the first Black Sash in the Little Knights curriculum and is certified to be able to teach padded weapons technique to aspiring Heroes. He also has had enough fencing competition and Karate training experience to work with the youngest fencing students in Young Blades and the Little Tigers Karate.
Catherine Knowles (Fencing, Fine Art, School Receptionist) As a fencer, Catherine has placed in local and regional tournaments and has competed in the National Fencing Junior Olympics in Epee. You will undoubtedly notice Catherine’s talent as an artist. She is an award-winning artist and professional illustrator who has had her work published and is the owner of her own creative services business: Absolute Xero. Her website can be found here. She really enjoys teaching other children about art and you may sometimes see her helping out with Fencing classes. Catherine is also a receptionist at the Collierville Arts Acadmey location. She is a high school junior and attends the off-campus program of Faith Heritage Christian Academy.
Tara Nutt (Piano) has performed extensively throughout the states of Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and the country of Germany. She's performed with the Carmen Nappo Youth Symphony in South Florida. Ms. Nutt has been a Florida Federation of Music Clubs winner several years running and has been a recipient of the Presidential Gold Cup. Her formative years were spent under the instruction of Juilliard School of Music faculty member Edith Sorin in New York, Roxanna Stevenson, a Juilliard graduate to whom Ms. Nutt later became an assistant. After teaching several years in the Ft Lauderdale, FL area, Ms. Nutt moved to Memphis to attend the Memphis State University's music department as a piano performance major under the instruction of Sam Viviano, another Juilliard graduate. There, she was chosen the recipient of the Herbert Hermann Scholarship and was selected to perform in the University Honors Assembly. After leaving the University, Ms. Nutt moved to Collierville, TN and dedicates herself to raising and homeschooling her son, Liam.
Ms. Lexi Wood (Dance, Voice, Acting) began dancing at the young age of five and is originally from Virginia. She is certified to teach by the Southern Association of Dance Masters. Her resume includes performing on cruise ships, half-time at the Liberty Bowl, and is a choreographer and assistant at the Tipton-Rosemark Academy Theatre program. When she is not teaching dance at Collierville Arts Academy or Memphis Arts Academy, she will help you paint a piece of pottery at Paint-A-Piece in Germantown and she is a senior at the University of Memphis.