The Studio - Arts & Education
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 at Stephens Elementary School in Alexander City 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, a community dance team. She earned her Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Troy University in 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. From 2016 to 2020, she served as an Instructional Coach 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.” She has hosted two Kidney Advocacy Sneaker Balls—in May 2025 and March 2026—to raise awareness and educate the community about kidney disease. 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, but I go by Lisa. I was born in Sylacauga, Alabama, and raised in the Mustskeer Alley community. I am a proud member of Greater Works Ministry and a devoted mother to my three wonderful children—Tajerious, Cory, and Zoey.
Cheerleading has always been a major part of my life. I began cheering at the age of five, and by sixth grade, I earned a spot on my middle school cheerleading squad. I continued cheering through seventh and eighth grade under the leadership of Mrs. Cathy, and later cheered at Benjamin Russell High School with Mrs. Park as my coach. These experiences helped shape my love for teamwork, discipline, and performance.
My passion for cheerleading naturally grew into a love for tumbling and teaching. Alongside my sister, Jasmine Russell Dixon, I co-founded and taught gymnastics classes for four years, hosting summer sessions at the Cooper Recreation Center. Through this experience, I discovered the joy of helping young athletes build confidence, strength, and skill.
For the past ten years, I have partnered with Mrs. Simmons, where I now serve as the instructor of my own Cheernastics group. I am passionate about pouring into the next generation—teaching not only cheer and tumbling skills, but also instilling confidence, discipline, and a belief in their abilities.
On a personal note, my sister Jasmine is now a successful attorney in Florida, married with a beautiful daughter. I am also incredibly proud that my son graduated from Benjamin Russell High School in 2025 and is now attending Jacksonville State University, a milestone that reflects hard work and dedication.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to continue doing what I love—teaching, mentoring, and inspiring future cheerleaders and athletes to reach their fullest potential.
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 2026-2027 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, serving as an officer in several of them. 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 Junior at the University of Alabama, "Roll Tide".
Majorette/Step Instructor
Shanta Young
Shanta Young is a dedicated educator, proud mother, and woman of faith. She is a 2007 graduate of Jacksonville State University and currently serves as a teacher at V. Robinson Head Start, where she is committed to nurturing and inspiring young learners.
Shanta is the loving mother of two children, Bre’Asia and Terriahn. She is the daughter of Evelyn Young and the late Roosevelt Young, and she shares a close bond with her sisters, Brentina and Celeste. Her God-children love her dearly: Jarkia, Isabella, and Kalese.
Deeply rooted in her faith, Shanta is an active member of Greater Works Outreach Ministry under the leadership of Pastor Bishop-Elect Rickey Young. She also expresses her passion for worship through music as a member of Sisters of Worship.
Shanta is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, initiated on April 12, 2006. She lives by her favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me,” which guides her daily life and purpose.
Through her faith, family, and service, Shanta continues to uplift and inspire those around her.
Majorette/Step Instructor
Tinesha Russell
Tinesha Russell is a woman of faith who proudly carries the roles of mother, coach, and Nene, roles she considers her greatest blessings and responsibilities. Born in Talladega, Alabama, and raised in Alexander City, Alabama, Tinesha’s life experiences have shaped her into a resilient, compassionate, and purpose-driven woman.
She is a graduate of Benjamin Russell High School (Class of 2009) and a proud member of O.E.S., Adams Chapter #685, where her commitment to service and community outreach continues to grow.
Tinesha is blessed with two mothers, both of whom have played an invaluable role in her life. Their love, strength, and guidance laid the foundation for the woman she is today—one who believes deeply in sacrifice, family, and faith.
A passionate advocate for community transformation, Tinesha is the co-founder of 4 Aces, an organization dedicated to supporting functional autistic adults who have limited family resources. Through this work, she seeks to provide access to housing and life coaches who help individuals live with dignity, independence, and purpose.
Her desire is to give back to the community in a way that challenges limited thinking and opens doors to new possibilities. Success, to Tinesha, is defined by impact—especially the ability to create opportunities for future generations. Her greatest motivation is her daughter, whom she hopes to watch confidently conquer her dreams.
In her personal life, dancing brings her joy and serves as a source of expression and renewal. Above all, Tinesha strives daily to be a good person, a devoted mother, and a faithful servant of Christ.
