Marcia loves to share her talents and skills through her career as a teaching artist and arts advocate. She received her BFA in Theatre Performance and International Studies Certificate from Columbus State University in 2019. She has worked as a professional performer in regional and national tour theatre productions, is a lifelong classically trained singer, artist, crafter and public speaker.

Since her graduation in 2019, she has worked as a professional performing artist, taught at the Springer Theatre Academy and Georgia Thespian Convention, and served as a full time preschool teacher at the Weinstein School at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. In tandem with teaching for Here We Grow, Marcia is a Teaching Artist for the Alliance Theatre and for A Spunky Little Arts Company, an after-school art club vendor out of Decatur.

Marcia has called Atlanta and Decatur home since 2021, and is delighted to continue her journey of giving back to the arts community while empowering the next generation of performers, creators and well-rounded humans.

Deja Holmes is an author, actor, and educator based in Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Theater and Communications from Georgia Southern University. Upon graduation, she began working with the Alliance Theatre as a teaching artist. She is also a harp and theater instructor for the local non profit, Artz for the Harp, that provides music and arts enrichment to students of all ages.

As a performer, Deja has entertained in a variety of roles on stage and screen. When Deja is not teaching or on stage, she is writing and developing new ways to make theater an interactive, enjoyable, and educational experience for all.

Erin North is an actor, singer, dancer, and educator based in Atlanta, Georgia. Erin holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Theatre & Performance Studies, Concentration in Acting with a Minor in Dance from Kennesaw State University. She also has had the pleasure of apprenticing at Actors’ Express as an acting apprentice from 22’-23 and being a teaching assistant at the Alliance Theatre’s summer camps in 2019.

Erin’s hope and mission as a teaching artist is to bring the community together through storytelling, creativity, music, and play for any age! Outside of performing and teaching, you can find Erin practicing pilates, taking dance classes, on the hunt for new coffee shops to read at, chasing around her cat, and always having movie nights with her friends.

Jenn Schatz is an artist and actress who originally hails from north Miami, Florida.

She has spent the last two decades working as an actor in New York City and Los Angeles.

Jenn believes that play and connection are two of the most important things in life.

Like taryn, she grew up with a mother who taught mommy and me groups for many years.

in addition to art and music, Jenn enjoys all animals and making beaded necklaces.

Brittany Simmons is a music school owner/educator (Let’s Sing & Play! Studios), professional recording artist and performer. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Maryland at College Park and is passionate about encouraging musical exploration and confidence in children and teens. A native of Richmond, VA, Brittany has been living in the Atlanta metro area for the last 8 years with her husband and children and loves all the amazing ways that the arts are presented in the city and surrounding areas. In her spare time, Brittany enjoys reading, time with her family, and listening to music!

Fun Fact: Brittany performed overseas in Europe as the Whoopi Goldberg character in a re-imagined production of Sister Act.

Sarah is a native Atlantan with a passion for early childhood. An elementary school administrator and curriculum specialist, she believes strongly in the power of play, the magic of learning and literacy, and the importance of family and community in a child's education. Sarah measures her wealth in time spent outside, books read, experiences shared, and moments enjoyed with family and friends.

Sarah supports Here We Grow behind the scenes as the team's Operations Coordinator. She values Here We Grow's mission and loves being able to serve the Atlanta community and beyond through this role.