Performing & Fine Arts Instructor Bios-

Michelle B. is the founder and artistic director of LifeLight Youth Theatre, where she teaches Creative Drama, Musical Theatre, Acting for the Camera, and Theatre for students in grades 4–12. A veteran homeschool mother of two, Michelle founded LYT in 1999 and has since had the privilege of providing theatre arts education to more than 1,000 students.
With over 30 years of theatrical experience, Michelle has worked as a performer, stage manager, educator, director, and choreographer in both secular and faith-based settings. Her extensive directing and choreography credits include Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, The King and I, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Fiddler on the Roof, The Music Man, Godspell, Annie, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Seussical, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Disney's Mary Poppins, Newsies and many other productions.
Michelle also expanded LYT’s impact by bringing after-school theatre programming to every elementary school in the Francis Howell School District, giving young students throughout the community an opportunity to experience the performing arts.
Under Michelle’s leadership, LYT students have earned scholarships and gained acceptance to renowned university theatre programs, and many have gone on to professional careers in the performing arts. LYT alumni have worked in theatre, television, and entertainment with organizations including Disney, Sight & Sound Theatres, Busch Gardens, B17 Entertainment, The Muny, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, New Line Theatre, Missouri Ballet Theatre, Saint Louis Ballet, Boothbay Playhouse, and Music Theatre Wichita. Many former students are also investing in the next generation through careers as theatre educators.
Michelle is deeply grateful for every opportunity to mentor young people. Her greatest joy is helping students discover their God-given gifts, pursue His purpose for their lives, and use their talents for His glory.

Lauren M (Choreographer, Ballet, Pointe, Exploring Ballet, Theatre)- Lauren M. is an accomplished professional dancer, choreographer, and highly sought-after instructor who teaches Ballet/Jazz, Exploring Ballet, and Tutu Tots and serves as an LYT choreographer. She received her foundational training at Saint Louis Ballet under Gen Horiuchi and Ellen Costanza before continuing at North Carolina Dance Theatre as a merit scholarship student. Lauren also attended Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Summer Intensive on a merit scholarship from the Dance Council and was accepted into the prestigious School of American Ballet Summer Course.
Following graduation, Lauren joined Saint Louis Ballet as a professional company dancer and later performed for three seasons with Missouri Ballet Theatre. Her featured roles include the lead in George Balanchine’s Valse-Fantaisie, the Pas de Trois in Swan Lake, and the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, along with numerous roles in Giselle, Cinderella, and The Sleeping Beauty.
Lauren has coached and choreographed dancers for the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix ballet competition. She is also a faculty member at the Saint Louis Ballet School and a sought-after instructor for summer dance intensives throughout the St. Louis area. In addition to her extensive ballet career, Lauren has a deep love for musical theatre. She trained with LYT and has performed on stages throughout St. Louis, including The Muny. Grounded in her Christian faith, Lauren seeks to encourage and serve others through her teaching, using dance as a way to cultivate discipline, confidence, creativity, and joy. She brings an exceptional level of professional experience, technical expertise, and artistry to her teaching while creating an encouraging environment where dancers of every age can build strong foundations, discover their gifts, and experience the joy of performing.


Lindsey S. (Ballet for ages 5–8 and 9–12, Hip Hop, Jazz ,Theatre, Choreographer). Lindsey S. teaches Ballet for ages 5–8 and 9–12, Hip Hop, and Theatre, and also serves as a choreographer. Trained at Saint Louis Ballet and in musical theatre at LYT, Lindsey brings a strong foundation in technique, artistry, and performance to every class. She has performed in numerous Saint Louis Ballet productions and danced the role of the Arabian in a performance at Powell Symphony Hall under the direction of Jennifer Cudnik. These experiences have deepened her appreciation for classical ballet, storytelling, musicality, and the discipline required for the stage.
As an occupational therapist, Lindsey offers a unique understanding of movement and child development, creating an encouraging environment where students can build confidence, coordination, creativity, and a lifelong love of the performing arts. Her teaching is grounded in Christian values, and she seeks to encourage each student to recognize their God-given gifts, grow in character, and use their talents with joy, excellence, and humility. Lindsey is a gifted and dedicated teacher who meets each student where they are, offering clear instruction, thoughtful guidance, and enthusiastic encouragement. Her patient, positive approach helps students feel supported as they learn new skills, take creative risks, and grow both in and out of the studio.

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Sabrina B (Group Voice, Private Voice, Technical Theatre​, Asst Music Director, Stage Manager)-  Sabrina B. teaches Group Voice, Private Voice, and Technical Theatre and serves as an Assistant Music Director and Stage Manager. Trained in theatre and voice with LYT, she brings a well-rounded understanding of both performance and production to her work with students. Her experience spans vocal instruction, music, and backstage production, allowing her to help students develop strong performance skills while gaining an appreciation for the teamwork, creativity, and preparation that bring a show to life. Sabrina’s supportive approach encourages students to grow in confidence, strengthen their voices, and explore every aspect of theatre, from performing onstage to contributing behind the scenes. She is passionate about helping each student recognize their God-given gifts and use them with purpose, joy, and excellence.


Mariah D (Jazz, Ballet,Contemporary,Tap, Asst Choreographer)- Mariah D. teaches Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, and Tap and is entering her seventh season as an instructor. As a former Lifelight student of 10 years, she understands the student experience firsthand and brings both technical knowledge and personal investment to her teaching. Her classes are designed to help dancers grow in strength, musicality, confidence, discipline, and artistry while encouraging them to develop a genuine love for dance. Mariah is passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive environment where every student feels seen, challenged, and encouraged. She strives to meet dancers at their individual levels, helping them build strong foundations while also inspiring them to pursue excellence. Through thoughtful instruction and mentorship, she encourages her students to work hard, persevere through challenges, and use their gifts with purpose.


Jale'na B (Private Voice, Music Director)– Jaléna has been immersed in music since before she could talk. After spending most of her childhood exploring music through dancing, she began singing at the age of 9, and received her vocal training at LYT under Sheri Sabbert during middle and high school. After graduating in 2020, she returned to LYT as a vocal instructor. She is passionate about not only teaching proper vocal technique, but in building confidence and character in her vocal students, helping them fall in love with telling stories through music, and most importantly teaching them to use their voices to glorify God. 


JoLee Y(Hip Hop, Tap, Asst Choreographer )– JoLee Yost teaches Hip Hop and Tap and brings 12 years of training at LifeLight Youth Theatre to her work with students. A gifted performer, JoLee has appeared in numerous LYT productions, including leading roles as Laurey in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! and Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
Her extensive training and stage experience have developed her strengths in dance, musicality, acting, and storytelling. JoLee also assists with bringing musical theatre performance opportunities to an assisted living home to bring joy to residents through music, movement, and storytelling.
As a Christian, JoLee is passionate about encouraging students to use their God-given gifts with confidence, creativity, and joy. She creates a positive and supportive classroom where students can strengthen their technique, grow in character, and discover the joy of expressing themselves through movement and performance.


Bil B. (Group Guitar, Private Guitar, Art for Grades 4–8, Songwriting, and Filmmaking)- With experience across multiple creative disciplines, he gives students opportunities to learn by doing, whether they are playing an instrument, developing a visual concept, writing a song, or producing a film. His classes emphasize curiosity, skill-building, and the confidence to create original work.
Outside the classroom, Bil serves on the worship team, where he uses music to honor God and encourage others. His Christian faith shapes his approach to teaching, inspiring him to help students identify their God-given abilities and pursue them with purpose and integrity. Bil values a welcoming classroom culture in which students can work together, try unfamiliar approaches, and turn their ideas into meaningful creative projects.