Meet The Team

Larissa Joy is a classically trained graduate of Pittsburgh’s Point Park Conservatory of Performing Arts, one of the top programs of its kind in the nation. She graduated Cum Laude with a BA in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Piano. During her time in the Musical Theatre program, Larissa had the opportunity to work with numerous accredited Broadway performers, directors, and musicians.

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Larissa has performed, directed, choreographed, and music directed hundreds of productions. She has showcased her talents at various venues, including Geauga Lake Amusement Park, Cedar Point Amusement Park, Cassidy Theatre, Mercury Summer Stock, StageCoach Theatre Arts Company, and Broadway Lights Dance Center.

Her passion for music and performance, which started at the age of five, drives her to help others discover their inner talents. This dedication led her to open Joy of Music & Arts in 2010. Larissa enjoys teaching private music and acting lessons from her home studio in Navarre, FL, where she is often accompanied by her two little sidekicks as studio mascots! “Think of the happiest things, and the sun'll come out tomorrow!”

Amy Pearson is a passionate music and choral director, singer, pianist, and performer from Syracuse, NY. She began her artistic journey with dance lessons at age 2 and started piano lessons at 8. After high school, she earned a degree in Music Education at Mercyhurst College and a Master of Music in Music Education from Syracuse University.

Since 2007, Amy has served as a music educator and choral director in public schools, churches, and community theaters, working with musicians of all ages. She leads choirs, directs musicals, teaches music courses, and provides private lessons.

As a performer, Amy has been involved in many plays and musicals, with notable roles including Pamina in *The Magic Flute* and Audrey in *Little Shop of Horrors*. Currently, she is the Choir Director and Godly Play Preschool Teacher at Navarre United Methodist Church, where she enjoys sharing her love of music with the community.

Erin Ethridge’s love for theatre began in high school, where she first discovered the magic of collaborative storytelling through productions such as The Odd Couple and Little Women. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong appreciation for the creative process and the way thoughtful details come together to build entirely new worlds for an audience.

With 10 years of experience working with homeschool students of all ages, Erin brings an educational perspective to the rehearsals. She also has a broad range of experience with stage design and prop design, giving her a strong appreciation for how visual elements support narrative and performance. She enjoys paying close attention to the details that elevate a production as a whole.

Erin is committed to ensuring that the Navarre area has access to quality theater experiences for families. She believes theater is an essential part of a thriving community, offering opportunities for creativity, growth, and shared connection both onstage and off.

Navarre native Rachel Peet has had a passion for dance for over 15 years. In addition to being a member of the competition team, she was part of the Elite Team and Encore Dance Company at Broadway Lights Dance Center. Throughout her training, she received numerous awards and scholarships, which included opportunities to dance in California, Orlando, and even Italy.

Rachel was an AOM Academy member for two years, during which she traveled all over the U.S., training with and assisting top choreographers. She taught at BLDC for over six years, where she choreographed for recreational classes, competition groups, duos, and solos. Additionally, she taught several summer dance camps, including Barbie and Princess camps. At the 2023 Platinum Nationals, Rachel was recognized as the top jazz choreographer for her large group performance.

She has taught a variety of dance styles, including jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, hip hop, musical theater, and skills classes. Currently, Rachel attends college at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, studying Nutrition. She teaches and choreographs for two studios in Mobile while continuing to work as a choreographer at BLDC. Rachel plans to teach and train dancers for as long as she can.

Erika LaDuke is a multi-talented entrepreneur, educator, and community leader with a passion for blending faith, family, and creativity. As the co-owner of Sweet Like Honey, a local micro-bakery she runs with her best friend, Erika specializes in artisanal sourdough treats that bring a touch of sweetness to her community.

Beyond the oven, she is a dedicated homeschooling mother of four who expertly manages her family’s daily education, complex activities, and meal planning with precision and care. Her professional background is deeply rooted in the arts and ministry; she is an active member of her church’s worship team and a seasoned performer in church theater and drama productions. Erika also spent significant time as a dedicated volunteer with Star 99.1 in New Jersey, where she supported Christian artists and bands in their mission to share the gospel through music. Whether she is leading a song, teaching a lesson, or perfecting a recipe, Erika’s work is always fueled by her faith and a desire to serve others.

Sandra Laughlin is a dedicated supporter of the performing arts, with a special commitment to childrens arts. She believes creative expression helps young peole build confindence, imagination, and a lifelong appriciation for the arts, and she is proud to support programs that nurture young porformers.

Paige has a strong passion for creativity and technology and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Illustration from the American Academy of Art in Chicago. She brings a thoughtful and design-focused approach to every project.

She designs and manages websites and oversees social media platforms, helping create a cohesive and engaging online presence.