Core Faculty

2008-09

 
 

                             Mara Schwendiman
Director
Mara was born in Akron, Ohio. She has taught at various dance schools, including Turning Pointe School of Dance, Ohio Youth Ballet (as Artistic Director) and Natalie’s Dance Company. Mara danced for two years in Denver with the Colorado Ballet. During the summer of 2003, she was invited to dance with Artisan Dance Theatre in Montana under the direction of Sallyann Mulcahy and Arnold Spohr. She had the opportunity to dance with Laura Alonso’s company, Central Pro Danza, in Cuba in the summer of 2002.

Mara graduated with a B.A. from The University of Akron in May 2002. Through her major, Interdisciplinary Studies, she focused on Dance, Business, and Classical Studies. She greatly enjoys teaching and is challenged to grow in every area of her life. She is currently the Artistic Director at Living Fountain Dance Company. Mara is thrilled that this position is helping her learn more about managing a dance company and hopes to use this knowledge to advance the company. She truly believes in LFDC’s vision of “dancing from the inside-out.” Having been at many other dance companies, she understands the value of teaching students how to dance from their heart and soul, which builds character and strength. It also prepares students for obstacles they will face in the future. Mara is very enthusiastic and is happy to further LFDC’s vision.
 
 
Lexi Reiman
Sr. Company Leader 
 
Lexi is a Communication Arts Major, Spanish Minor at Malone College.  She has been with Living Fountain for 7 years and has been teaching for 5 years.  She is passionate about connecting dance with the people around her, with God, and with everyday life.  She has an amazing talent for both teaching and dancing.

 

 


 
 
Megan Wilson
Sr. Company Leader 
 
Megan is a communications Major, Dance Minor at University of Akron.  Upon graduating from high school, Megan moved to New York City where she was involved in an eight month performing arts internship with YWAM (Youth with a Mission).  Although Megan has danced for most of her life, she feels that it was during this season that God breathed the vision and maturity into her to be not only a dancer, but an artist and a worshiper as well.  She is passionate about using dance to impact those around her and hopes to continue creating art with excellence.
 
 
 
 
Chelsie Griffith
Outreach Director
Chelsie is currently attending Twenty Four Seven ministry school.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Sarah Hall
Missons Development Representative   
Sarah Hall is currently doing ministry overseas with the Peace Corps.
    
 
 
 
Kimberly Payne
Founder
Kimberly has passion for uniting body, mind and soul by educating the whole person. She has studied at The Scandinavian Institute for Physical Education in Denmark, The University of  Akron, Kent State University, Ballet Magnificat in Jackson, Mississippi, and Jacob's Pillow in Massachusetts.  She has danced professionally with Leaven Dance Company, Ohio and Lori Belilove & Company, New York. 
Kimberly has been passionate about the faith and the arts her entire life. She has taught about The Mission of the Arts & Dancing from the Inside-Out for Gymnastikhoskolen in Viborg, Denmark, Kent State University, Muskingum College, Malone College, Numerous Conferences, (including OCEA) and for Living Fountain Dance Company.
As a wife of a professional singer and songwriter, Benjamin Payne, and mother of two, Kimberly enjoys creating lesson plans by watching her children dance & wrestle around the house, and listening to her husband rehearse. The Paynes’ hope is to serve around world with music and dance.