INSTRUCTORS | The Studio

Studio Director &

Regeneration Community Praisers Instructor

Kenyatta Gordon Simmons

Kenyatta G. Simmons is the wife of the talented Janardus Simmons and a proud mother of two beautiful girls, five-year-old Kalese and twelve-year-old Kenley-Elizabeth. She is the Director and Coordinator of the award-winning “The Studio” Arts and Education. She has operated her Studio for 10 years and has directed Regeneration Community Praisers for 19 years. She has mentored over 300 young men and women in dance. She is celebrating her 21st year as an educator and school administrator. Her passion is to minister through dance, acting, program operations, presenting workshops, tutoring, and mentoring children. Her ultimate goal is to mentor young people worldwide and show them what they can achieve.

Kenyatta G. Simmons was born and raised in New York City, NY, for most of her life. She moved to Brewton, AL, during her middle school years. She graduated from T. R. Miller High School in Brewton, AL, following her dream of becoming a teacher. She attended the prestigious Judson College in Marion, AL, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She was fortunate to complete her internship in Alexander City at Stephens Elementary School and received a position with the Alexander City Schools System in 2005.

In 2005, she started New Millennium Praise Dancers, rebranded in 2007 as Regeneration Community Praisers community dance team. She earned her Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Troy University, Montgomery, in 2007. She taught fourth grade for 11 years at Nathaniel H. Stephens Elementary School. She was awarded Nathaniel H. Stephens Elementary School Teacher of the Year for the 2013-2014 school year. In 2015, she was chosen as one of the top 5 Elementary finalists for the Alabama Teacher Hall of Fame at Jacksonville State University. Beginning in 2016, she became an Instructional Coach and served in that role for four years at William L. Radney Elementary School. In December 2018, she earned a Master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of West Alabama. In 2020, she became the Assistant Principal at Benjamin Russell High School. In 2021, she was given the opportunity to become the first District Reading Coordinator for Alexander City Schools. On April 10, 2022, she became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. In December of 2023, she graduated with her Education Specialist Degree from the University of West Alabama. She is currently the Director of Assessment and Accountability for the Alexander City Schools system.

On a personal note, Mrs. Simmons has battled many health issues, but God continues to bless her. In 2022, she was diagnosed with Stage 5 chronic kidney disease. In June 2023, she started dialysis and remained on it for 10 months. On May 2, 2024, God blessed her with a perfect kidney transplant so she could continue to be an advocate for children in the community and a warrior for her family. In March 2025, she was recognized as one of the “Women Who Shape Tallapoosa County.” Her first Kidney Awareness Ball was on May 3, 2025. Her favorite bible verse is Philippians 4:13: “I can do ALL things through Christ, which strengthens me.”

Cheernastics Instructor

Jerlissa Russell

My name is Jerlissa Russell, and I go by Lisa. I was born in Sylacauga, Alabama, and was raised in Mustskeer Alley. I am a member of Greater Works Ministry. I am a Mother of 3 precious kids: Tajerious, Cory, and Zoey. I have cheered since I was five years old. When I got into the 6th grade, I tried out for the Middle School cheerleading squad and made it. My 7th and 8th-grade cheer coach was Mrs. Cathy. I cheered at Benjamin Russell High School, and my coach was Mrs. Parks. My sister, Jasmine Russell Dixon, and I started and taught gymnastics classes for 4 years. Our classes were every summer at the Cooper Rec. Center. My sister Jasmine recently got married in 2020 and is a lawyer in Florida. She and her husband were blessed with a beautiful daughter in 2022. I’m so blessed that my son will graduate high school from BRHS in 2025. I’m so proud of his accomplishments. I have partnered with Mrs. Simmons for nine years, and I’m the instructor of my very own cheernastics group!

Technique Instructor

Adelyn "Addy" Robinson

Adelyn “Addy” Robinson was born with music in her soul and dance in her heart. Long before her feet ever touched the floor, her passion for movement was evident. At just 4 years old, she began dancing in a local recreational Pre-K program under the guidance of talented artists who helped shape her early love for the art. By age 8, Addy stepped into the competitive dance world, performing a solo in her very first season—something that set the tone for her dedication and drive.

Now with over 11 years of dance experience, including six years as a competitive dancer, Addy has trained under world-renowned choreographers and grown both as a performer and a leader. While developing her own dance career, she also poured into the next generation by teaching Pre-K and other grade-level classes.

Outside of the studio, Addy remains a vibrant force in her school and community. She made history as the youngest Drum Major ever for the B.B. Comer Marching Sound of Gold. Choosing to return to performing on the field alongside her friends, she recently earned the title of 2025–2026 Flute Section Leader, becoming one of the youngest to hold that role in her section.

Addy is also deeply involved in student life, serving on the high school leadership team and participating in several clubs, including Beta Club, Art Club, Leo Club, and Tri-M. She is passionate about supporting her peers, her school, and her community in everything she does.

Competition Instructor

Jaelyn Robinson

Jaelyn Robinson has had a heart for dance since the age of 4. She was a recreational dancer for 8 years. At the age of 9, she started assisting in the classroom. For 7 years, Jaelyn ran her own Pre-K program while also dancing in the competitive dance world. She has won many top awards and pushed herself to grow. Outside of dance, Jaelyn was the Sylacauga Chamber diplomat, the Drum Major for the BB Comer Marching Sound of Gold. Jaelyn was also part of the leadership team and many clubs at her school, where she was an officer of multiple clubs. She strives for leadership and greatness in all she does. This is her fourth year as an instructor at The Studio A & E. She is a sophomore at the University of Alabama, "Roll Tide".