Talent

Krystal Oliver, Performing Arts Director – At a young age, Krystal sang in choirs, performed in musical theater, and danced in companies. Her passion for the arts was further developed at Howard University where she was creative director of many performing arts programs and showcases. Post graduation, Krystal performed across the nation as a member of an explosive female pop group and began to share her love for music and dance as coordinator of the Howard University “Ooh La La!” Krystal is excited to participate in The IMPACT Society.

Rei Peri, Film Production – Rei has a BS in Mass Communications from Towson State University. An award-winning documentary filmmaker, Rei has more than 25 years professional film and video experience as a producer, director and editor. He has won multiple Telly Awards, Cine Golden Eagle Awards, and is also a winner of the MCA-I Golden Reel Award. In his spare time, Rei likes to read, learn about the latest software, and make short films. Rei is very thankful that he has a wonderful, loving, patient wife. Rei is very excited and passionate about having an IMPACT on society.

Cara White, Art Director – Cara earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute in 2008. Cara worked San Francisco as a wall muralist for commercial buildings near the Mission District. During her college break in summer of 2005, Cara taught for the Jewish Community Center camp art program in Owings Mills, Maryland. Currently, Cara attends McDaniel College where she’s earning a Master in Art Education degree with a focus in Art History, as well as her teacher certification for the State of Maryland. Cara taught art at City Springs Public School in Baltimore, City during the 2010-2011 school year.

Holly Miller, Vocals/Piano & Keys – A classically trained pianist and vocalist, Holly has been teaching piano lessons for several years in Catonsville Maryland. She has performed with companies such as Howl at the Moon, Selectracks, Ibot Records, and many more. She will be finishing her Bachelors Degree at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland in the spring of 2012.

PJ Lent, Piano, Keys – PJ is a full-time musician/vocalist. She earned her BA at Maryland. Her classical resume includes honors in local, state and national piano competitions, and various appearances on television. PJ presently manages and performs as lead vocalist, keyboardist and bassist in her variety band Chuggalug.  Her professional background includes 17 years as lead vocalist, and part-time keyboardist and violinist, in two of the area’s premier bands represented by Washington Talent Agency – Black Tie and Fancy Pants.

Ida, Guitar – Ida is trained as a classical guitarist. However, a love of folk music and a magnetic pull towards the blues and rock music of the electric guitar have been part of a natural progression in her musical life. “My aim as a teacher is to find the interests of the player and work on the goals of the student, whatever the style and level of the player may be.” Ida’s studies include Peabody Preparatory 2004-2006, Towson University Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance 2004-2010, and Manhattan School of Master of Music in Guitar Performance 2010-2013

Scott Pendleton, Drama – Scott has been involved in the arts for a long time. His parents help found The Comic Opera Company in Baltimore and put Scott to work early, painting sets and helping backstage during productions. He was a member of two bands, traveled the country doing lights & sound for various bands, and has acted in movies, TV and stage. He has done live comedy too. Scott has the ability to bring all of these disciplines together in a friendly, exciting and challenging teaching environment. He is excited to have this opportunity to give back to the community and assist teens in achieving their goals.

John Coale, Drums – John began his first formal lessons at the prestigious Peabody Preparatory School under the tutelage of BSO percussionist John Locke. Soon after, John received instruction from as many private teachers as were available to him at the Drummer’s Collective in New York City. John is now very busy with one of Washington D.C.’s premier special events bands, Nightsong. From 1986 to 2008, John was co-designer and sole builder of instruments for Baltimore Drum USA, which later became Maryland Drum Company. John is a faculty member of the Baltimore School for Drumming.

Monteith Mitchell, Writing – Monteith holds a bachelor’s degree in communication arts (Xavier University) and a master’s degree in elementary education (University of Colorado- Boulder). Her professional experience includes writing/editing and teaching. Past affiliations include the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. Currently she works in the mental health field in Baltimore.