The following is a list of current teachers at the Academy and a list of the instruments and/or subjects that they teach.  Phone or email the school for more information.  Contact information for each instructor is listed if you would prefer to reach a particular teacher directly.
(Teachers' Act 33/151 and Act 34 clearances are available on file at the school.)

Alyssa Wells graduated from Seton Hill University with a B.A. in English and Art Education, and is a member of the Friday Evening Music Club.  She founded the Westland Academy For The Arts in 2002, and currently oversees operations at the school.  In addition, Alyssa teaches piano, flute, creative writing and fine art classes and directs The Westland Flute Choir.  She believes that the humanities are an essential element of life and a vital bridge to successful learning in any field.

Rebecca Johnston graduated from Northland College with a major in Music and minor in Sacred Music.  She is a member of the Music Teachers' National Association and the Pennsylvania Music Teachers' Association.  Rebecca teaches private piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone, voice, and band/group instruction at the Academy.

Victoria Leichliter holds a B. A. in Music Education from Seton Hill University and master credits from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the field of music education.  She teaches voice, violin, viola, cello, piano and master theory classes utilizing the computer and keyboard as added teaching tools at WAFA and at her own Leichliter Studio of Music in Mt. Pleasant.  She has been playing in several community venues such as the Orchestra at Westmoreland County Community College and at Hempfield High School.  Victoria is a member of the Pennsylvania Music Teachers' Association and of the Friday Evening Music Club.

Marianne Lewis believes that every student of piano is different and adapts her teaching to accommodate the needs of each student individually.  She teaches them the way that fits best with the way they learn, and helps them to reach their personal goals. She encourages them to enjoy performing and to be knowledgeable in music theory. Most of all, over nine years of teaching experience, she has learned that making it fun is the best path to success.  Marianne is a member of both the National Music Teachers' Association and Pennsylvania Music Teachers' Association.

Autumn DeLellis has been a professional photographer since 2001, she specializes in weddings, portraits, photojournalism, and commercial advertising photography. She has been recognized for her photography three times on a national level, one of which was a first place winning photograph. In 2004 she opened her studio in Erie, PA which is now located in Greensburg, PA, called SKYSIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY. Autumn also is an accomplished landscape and wildlife photographer, shooting often in Colorado, Alaska, and Nevada. Her portfolio is available to view on her website: www.skysightphotography.com

Artist Gene Fenton creates sculptures by molding papier mache into unique art forms resembling dinosaurs, insects, and combinations of the two. This fine artist from Indiana, Pennsylvania holds a degree in sculpture and printmaking from IUP and a master's degree in sculpture from Long Island University. Regional galleries and art expositions have been haunted by Fenton's weird sculpture quite often.  His portfolio is available on his website: www.genefenton.com

Dave Stanley has spent his last 30 years dedicated to playing, performing, singing and writing in Westmoreland County. Dave has been playing guitar since he was about 8 years old.  His playing career started when he was 14, and he has been the opening act for several national recording artists including Ricky Nelson, Dave Rowland & Sugar, Lynyrd Skynrd and such popular Pittsburgh National Recording Artists as the Corbin/Hanner Band, B.E. Taylor and Donnie Iris and the Cruisers.  Dave now plays and performs with his own band (Stagger Lee) with some of his best friends as well as two of his brothers and believes that playing should be a fun thing. “A special energy” comes with being on stage, and over the past 30 years has performed locally over 1500 times. Dave enjoys “giving back” his knowledge of the things he has learned to special young people who want to learn to play the guitar. He specializes in Blues & Rock n Roll, but also loves to play classical pieces as well as folk and country.  His experience with his music allows kids and adults to learn from someone that has “been there, done that!!” Dave is welcoming new students and is glad to be a part of Westland Academy For The Arts.

Knitter and fiber artist Toni Ritchey is a self-professed "jack of all trades" when it comes to various arts.  But 24 years ago when she learned to knit, she found her her niche.  Knitting has now taken a new dimension for her - felting  - formerly known as boiled wool.  Toni formed her own business,  Raggz Fiber Art, last year and can be found at Ligonier Country Market and other select juried art shows.  Some of her one-of-a-kind original items (purses, hats, scarves, and decorative birdhouses) can be purchased at local boutiques.  Teaching has become a new passion for her in an effort to share the joys of these ancient crafts.  Young and old alike are encouraged to learn and create.

Mary McCormack, M. M. has over twenty-five years experience as a professional vocalist.  She has toured nationally and internationally.  She has experience in opera, musical theater, original scripture dramas, school assemblies, workshops and summer camps.  Currently, Mary is the director of and a performer with Alabaster Productions.  Learn more about her work with Alabaster Productions at www.alabasterproductions.org.
 

©2007 Westland Academy For The Arts.  All Rights Reserved