Teachers and Staff
Jean Newswanger, Executive Director and Fine Art Instructor
Jean graduated from Grace College with a B.S. in Fine Arts. She has been involved with the Academy since 2004, along with her 4 children and husband, Keith. She has served in many different areas of the Academy and is excited to be involved in building the Fine Arts department and serving as Executive Director. Her passion for the glory of God in the arts and her love of homeschooling motivate her commitment to the Academy.
Jean graduated from Grace College with a B.S. in Fine Arts. She has been involved with the Academy since 2004, along with her 4 children and husband, Keith. She has served in many different areas of the Academy and is excited to be involved in building the Fine Arts department and serving as Executive Director. Her passion for the glory of God in the arts and her love of homeschooling motivate her commitment to the Academy.
Dr. Bruce Gerlach, Concert Choir Director
Dr. Bruce Gerlach hails from Washington Boro (Lancaster Co.). He graduated from Penn Manor. He has a BS in Music Ed from The King’s College (NY), a Master of Music in composition from West Chester University (PA) and a Doctor of Musical Arts in conducting from Southern Seminary (KY). Bruce began his career as music minister in several Lancaster area churches. He then moved to the Midwest for 28 years teaching at the college and university level. He recently retired and moved back to PA with his wife, Margie. They have been married 38 years. They have 2 married children and one grandchild with number two on the way. Bruce is currently teaching music theory and composition part-time at Lancaster Bible College.
Dr. Bruce Gerlach hails from Washington Boro (Lancaster Co.). He graduated from Penn Manor. He has a BS in Music Ed from The King’s College (NY), a Master of Music in composition from West Chester University (PA) and a Doctor of Musical Arts in conducting from Southern Seminary (KY). Bruce began his career as music minister in several Lancaster area churches. He then moved to the Midwest for 28 years teaching at the college and university level. He recently retired and moved back to PA with his wife, Margie. They have been married 38 years. They have 2 married children and one grandchild with number two on the way. Bruce is currently teaching music theory and composition part-time at Lancaster Bible College.
Elisa Chodan, Choir Director, Theater Instructor
Elisa graduated from Bob Jones University with a bachelor of science degree in Music Education with a voice proficiency followed by a master of music degree in Voice Performance. While in college, she performed extensively in choral, solo voice, instrumental, theater, musical theater, and opera settings. She has competed regionally and nationally in solo voice competitions with the National Association for Teachers of Singing and is a member of the American Choral Directors Association. As a LAPA alumnus, she is honored to come alongside present LAPA students and further equip them to make art to the glory of God.
Elisa graduated from Bob Jones University with a bachelor of science degree in Music Education with a voice proficiency followed by a master of music degree in Voice Performance. While in college, she performed extensively in choral, solo voice, instrumental, theater, musical theater, and opera settings. She has competed regionally and nationally in solo voice competitions with the National Association for Teachers of Singing and is a member of the American Choral Directors Association. As a LAPA alumnus, she is honored to come alongside present LAPA students and further equip them to make art to the glory of God.
Karen Pawson, Pianist
Bonnie Bosso, Theater Director
Bonnie is a theater professional with more than 30 years of experience in a variety of areas which include directing and managing. She worked in NY as a stage manager, as the Director of Entertainment for Hersheypark, and for 20 years at Sight and Sound, most recently as their VP of Production. Bonnie has directed shows for the Academy since 2011 and also instructs the advanced theater students.
Bonnie is a theater professional with more than 30 years of experience in a variety of areas which include directing and managing. She worked in NY as a stage manager, as the Director of Entertainment for Hersheypark, and for 20 years at Sight and Sound, most recently as their VP of Production. Bonnie has directed shows for the Academy since 2011 and also instructs the advanced theater students.
Reji Woods, Theater Instructor
Lauren Groff, Theater Instructor
Lauren is a graduate of Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA where she studied Theater, Psychology, and Ministry to pursue her dream of using the creative arts to facilitate growth and healing. Her perspective as an Academy alumni allows her a unique angle to coach rising actors in a safe and fun environment while challenging them to reach their potential. Lauren is passionate about using theater to spark inspiration to further understand the individual, the world, and God.
Lauren is a graduate of Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA where she studied Theater, Psychology, and Ministry to pursue her dream of using the creative arts to facilitate growth and healing. Her perspective as an Academy alumni allows her a unique angle to coach rising actors in a safe and fun environment while challenging them to reach their potential. Lauren is passionate about using theater to spark inspiration to further understand the individual, the world, and God.
Caleb Heckman, Musical Theater Director
Caleb Heckman is a teacher, actor, and music director in Lancaster County. He has music directed summer camps for the Lancaster Academy for the past 5 years, as well as Anne of Green Gables and The Wizard of Oz. He has also music directed for Susquehanna Stage Company and Cavod Academy, and has appeared on stage in theaters around the county, including Cavod Theatre, PRiMA Theatre, Servant Stage Company, and the Fulton Theatre.
Caleb Heckman is a teacher, actor, and music director in Lancaster County. He has music directed summer camps for the Lancaster Academy for the past 5 years, as well as Anne of Green Gables and The Wizard of Oz. He has also music directed for Susquehanna Stage Company and Cavod Academy, and has appeared on stage in theaters around the county, including Cavod Theatre, PRiMA Theatre, Servant Stage Company, and the Fulton Theatre.
Sandy Johnson, Orchestra Director
Sandy Johnston grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania where she began her study of violin with Salvadore Cresce. She earned her B.S. in Music Education and M.A. in Music at Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a concentration on violin where she studied with Delight Malitsky. In order to become a string specialist while at IUP she also took viola lessons from Larry Perkins and cello lessons from Jane Trimarki. Sandy taught instrumental music in the Indiana Area School District until her daughter was born. Always maintaining a private studio at home, most recently Sandy has taught at Lancaster County Christian School and Lancaster Bible College. She is the director of Summer Strings at LBC, is part of a performing trio, Accord Trio, and plays for various local groups. Sandy and her husband, Scott, along with their children, Annie and Seth, live in Lititz.
Sandy Johnston grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania where she began her study of violin with Salvadore Cresce. She earned her B.S. in Music Education and M.A. in Music at Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a concentration on violin where she studied with Delight Malitsky. In order to become a string specialist while at IUP she also took viola lessons from Larry Perkins and cello lessons from Jane Trimarki. Sandy taught instrumental music in the Indiana Area School District until her daughter was born. Always maintaining a private studio at home, most recently Sandy has taught at Lancaster County Christian School and Lancaster Bible College. She is the director of Summer Strings at LBC, is part of a performing trio, Accord Trio, and plays for various local groups. Sandy and her husband, Scott, along with their children, Annie and Seth, live in Lititz.
Kathy Horein, Band director
Katheen is a graduate of Ball State University with a B.S. in Music Education. After relocating to Pennsylvania, she received her Master’s degree from West Chester University and taught music in the Central Dauphin School District and the School District of Lancaster. Kathleen most recently taught instrumental and general music at Lancaster Country Day School. Kathleen has performed with the Harrisburg, Lancaster and York Symphonies. She has also performed with the Allegro chamber orchestra, Lancaster and Reading Pops orchestras, the Lancaster Woodwind Quintet and the Fulton Theater and Opera Lancaster’s pit orchestras. She is a member of the National Association for Music Education and the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association. She is also a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Delta Pi and Pi Lambda Theta. Kathleen is a former faculty member of the York Music Center Summer Camp and Strings Excell Music Camp. She is currently serving on the board of the Lancaster County Youth Symphony and the Lancaster/York Musicians Union.
Katheen is a graduate of Ball State University with a B.S. in Music Education. After relocating to Pennsylvania, she received her Master’s degree from West Chester University and taught music in the Central Dauphin School District and the School District of Lancaster. Kathleen most recently taught instrumental and general music at Lancaster Country Day School. Kathleen has performed with the Harrisburg, Lancaster and York Symphonies. She has also performed with the Allegro chamber orchestra, Lancaster and Reading Pops orchestras, the Lancaster Woodwind Quintet and the Fulton Theater and Opera Lancaster’s pit orchestras. She is a member of the National Association for Music Education and the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association. She is also a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Delta Pi and Pi Lambda Theta. Kathleen is a former faculty member of the York Music Center Summer Camp and Strings Excell Music Camp. She is currently serving on the board of the Lancaster County Youth Symphony and the Lancaster/York Musicians Union.
James Martin, Percussion Instructor
James Martin is a percussionist and drummer who performs with numerous groups and in various venues. He is a member of Manor BIC Church and plays for the praise band. He has two degrees from Millersville University and teaches percussion at various locations. Jim has performed for the Academy's orchestra and musicals and coached a couple of students on their parts with the orchestra.
James Martin is a percussionist and drummer who performs with numerous groups and in various venues. He is a member of Manor BIC Church and plays for the praise band. He has two degrees from Millersville University and teaches percussion at various locations. Jim has performed for the Academy's orchestra and musicals and coached a couple of students on their parts with the orchestra.
George Yellak, Guitar Instructor
Board members
Dan Rogers, President/Treasurer
Dan and his wife Johanna homeschool their 7 children and have been involved with the Academy choirs and theater program since 2009. Dan is project manager for a local engineering firm.
Dan and his wife Johanna homeschool their 7 children and have been involved with the Academy choirs and theater program since 2009. Dan is project manager for a local engineering firm.
Mark A. O'Neill, Vice President
As a former member of Heinz Chapel Choir at the University of Pittsburgh, Mark was a natural fit with the Academy's mission. He participated in more that a dozen musicals in both high school and community theatre near his hometown in Lycoming County, Pa, and during graduate school at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Invited to join the Academy board in February 2017, Mark and his wife Kelly are parents to five children and attend St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lancaster. After several tours of duty as a U.S. naval officer, Mark now manages a national health insurance captive for independent physician practices.
As a former member of Heinz Chapel Choir at the University of Pittsburgh, Mark was a natural fit with the Academy's mission. He participated in more that a dozen musicals in both high school and community theatre near his hometown in Lycoming County, Pa, and during graduate school at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Invited to join the Academy board in February 2017, Mark and his wife Kelly are parents to five children and attend St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lancaster. After several tours of duty as a U.S. naval officer, Mark now manages a national health insurance captive for independent physician practices.
Kristina Werner, Secretary
Kristina, along with her husband, Henry, have been part of the Academy since 2011. As a mother of 10, she is very busy at home but enjoys investing in the Academy also. Her children have been actively involved in all aspects of the Academy, participating in choirs, orchestra, theater and fine arts.
Kristina, along with her husband, Henry, have been part of the Academy since 2011. As a mother of 10, she is very busy at home but enjoys investing in the Academy also. Her children have been actively involved in all aspects of the Academy, participating in choirs, orchestra, theater and fine arts.
Yvette Freeman
Yvette has homeschooled for 19 years. She was introduced to the Academy (CLCHM) when her oldest joined the homeschool choir 18 years ago. Throughout the years, her children have participated in choir(s), orchestra, theater, and fine arts. She has had the opportunity to witness the program develop into the incredible organization it is today, which provides quality instruction, entertaining and captivating performances, and most importantly, blessing the community while putting Christ at the center of all they do. Yvette, and her husband, Patrick, have 6 children from 6 to 24 years old.
Yvette has homeschooled for 19 years. She was introduced to the Academy (CLCHM) when her oldest joined the homeschool choir 18 years ago. Throughout the years, her children have participated in choir(s), orchestra, theater, and fine arts. She has had the opportunity to witness the program develop into the incredible organization it is today, which provides quality instruction, entertaining and captivating performances, and most importantly, blessing the community while putting Christ at the center of all they do. Yvette, and her husband, Patrick, have 6 children from 6 to 24 years old.
Leah Frey
Gail Mbugua
