SOFA FACULTY
Esther Reyes - Voice, Guitar, and Piano Instructor
Miss Reyes is a Worship Studies major at Southeastern University. Originally from the Bronx, New York, she is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who plays both piano and guitar. Esther has several years of experience serving in worship ministry, leading worship for youth groups, church services, and mission teams.
In addition to her ministry experience, she has a passion for teaching music and helping students develop both confidence and strong musical foundations. She enjoys working with students of all ages and strives to create a positive, encouraging environment where they can grow in their skills and creativity.
Esther believes music is a gift from God and is passionate about helping others discover and develop their God given talents. Her goal is to inspire each student to pursue excellence, enjoy the learning process, and use their musical abilities to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others while advancing the Kingdom of God.
Isabelle Jagers - Piano Instructor
Miss Jagers is a Music Education major at Southeastern University. She is from Deland, FL, and has been studying piano for more than 12 years, with a strong background in classical music. Along with piano, Isabelle has been involved in a cappella choirs, women's choirs, and other audition choirs, continuing to grow her love of music through both performance and education.
Working with Music for the Ages, Isabelle taught piano lessons to elementary and preschool aged children. She enjoys helping young musicians build a strong musical foundation while creating a fun, encouraging environment where they can grow in confidence and develop a lifelong love for music.
Outside of teaching, Isabelle enjoys serving her church and being involved in her community. She is passionate about using music to encourage and inspire others. Watching her students' faces light up as they master new skills and discover the joy of making music is something she loves.
Eidon Stover - Guitar Instructor
Mr. Stover is a Commercial Music student at Southeaster University and an active worship leader with a passion for using music to inspire, encourage, and connect with others. He has been playing guitar for a number of years and is an experienced worship leader who writes original music, and performs in both church and other live settings.
As both a songwriter and musician, Eidon is committed to helping students develop not only practical guitar skills but also a strong understanding of the fundamentals of music that foster confidence, creativity, and artistic growth.
Whether working with students who are picking up a guitar for the first time or those seeking to refine their abilities, Eidon strives to create a positive and encouraging learning environment where each student can develop solid technique, build confidence, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for music. He believes music is a God-given gift to be shared and is passionate about helping others discover the joy of playing guitar while using their talents to glorify the Lord.
Mireille Johnson - Dance Instructor
Miss Johnson began dancing at a young age and has developed a lifelong passion for both the art of dance and its use in glorifying the Lord. She served as a teaching assistant with the School of Fine Arts (SOFA) for 5 years before joining the faculty as an instructor. She has also been an instructor with the Ballet Conservatory of Winter Haven for the last three years.
She brings over 15 yrs of training and experience in a variety of dance disciplines, including ballet, pointe, tap, modern, jazz, and hip hop. Miss Johnson received her training at the Ballet Conservatory of Winter Haven and is both a certified teacher and a trained student of the Cecchetti Method of Classical Ballet.
Known for her excellence in both performance and instruction, Miss Johnson is committed to helping students grow in technical skill, artistry, and confidence. Her greatest desire is to glorify Jesus Christ through all she does and to inspire her students to pursue excellence while using their gifts to honor Him.
LaNelle McGaffigan - Dance Instructor
Mrs. McGaffigan began studying ballet at an early age and has always been passionate about using the art of dance to glorify the Lord.
She is experienced in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, and Sign Language, and is classically trained in the Cecchetti Method of Ballet. With more than 16 years of teaching experience, she is dedicated to developing both technical excellence and a love for worship through movement.
She believes that “Our bodies can be used to glorify and praise God in many ways. Dance is an exciting and healthy way to worship, while also providing a powerful and captivating means of sharing the hope of Christ with those who are watching.”
One of her greatest joys is teaching young girls to worship and praise the Lord through dance. LaNelle received her training in Jackson, MS, and is a graduate of Warner University in Lake Wales, FL.
Chasity Smith - Piano, Guitar, and Voice Instructor
Miss Smith is a graduate of Southeastern University, where she earned a degree in Piano Performance.
Classically trained in piano, she had accumulated 18 years of performance experience by the time she completed her degree. During her college years, she served as an accompanist for fellow students and performed for a variety of university and community events, developing a strong foundation in collaborative musicianship.
With several years of teaching experience, Miss Smith is passionate about cultivating a lifelong love of music in her students. She strives to create a positive and encouraging learning environment where students feel confident expressing themselves while developing technical proficiency, musical artistry, and a well-rounded understanding of music. Miss Smith is known for her ability to create that spark and love for music in her students.
Rhonda Johnson, Director
Mrs. Johnson and her husband, Tom, have faithfully served in ministry for more than 40 years. With extensive training and experience in both piano and voice, as well as years of performance . Mrs. Johnson has devoted much of her life to teaching and mentoring students in a variety of settings, including her private studio, Christian schools, and church ministries.
When the School of Fine Arts (SOFA) was established, Mrs. Johnson became its founding Director and Instructor. For more than 15 years, SOFA has blessed many students and families and provided quality music education, performance opportunities, valuable training, and spiritual encouragement.
Mrs. Johnson's desire for SOFA is that through helping others hone the gifts that God has given them, they will be drawn into a more intimate relationship with God, praising Him and worshipping Him with their lives. Through the talents and abilities that God has entrusted to them, these students can point others toward a deeper relationship with God or encourage them to draw close to Christ.