teachers

Micah Herrera is a musician, performer, and educator whose passion is to share the power of music to all who will hear. His journey began when he was a toddler standing next to the family piano and singing songs while his father played along. He then began to play the clarinet at the age of eight and from there was determined to make the musical journey his life’s pursuit. Micah performs in several musical acts in LA and is excited to share in the growth and education of all of our lovebugs.

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Raine (she/hers) was born and raised in Orange County and grew up surfing and playing softball. Her passion for music and movies motivated her to study sound design for visual media in San Francisco. In her free time, you’ll find her playing in various recreational sport leagues around Los Angeles, playing the bass guitar and enjoying sunny day picnics with her friends. Her love for art was highly encouraged by her mom, who always had a paint brush on her while growing up.

Avani Hamilton is an actor, singer, and dancer, originally from San Francisco. She is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace University, where she studied acting and voice. Her passion for the performing arts began at a young age with musical theatre, and eventually led to various Film and TV projects. Getting to teach other children to love creativity is so special to her. Avani also enjoys cooking, traveling with family, and boba!

Mr Andy, Magical Music Educator

Andy Chess is a songwriter and audio engineer born in Richmond, Virginia. Beginning with violin as a toddler, he’s been playing music for over 20 years, now enjoying singing, guitar, and piano. He has a Bachelors of Music Technology from the University of Vermont, and is finishing a Songwriting and Production Certificate from Berklee College of Music. In addition to songwriting for other artists, Andy has written for podcasts, film, and the Vermont PBS children’s show “Mr. Chris and Friends.” He is excited to share the passion and excitement for music with LoveBug kids and parents! CPR Certified

Mr Andy is bilingual in English & Spanish.

“Our son had such an incredible time in his music and sensory art class this past spring season that we decided to have his music instructor (Mr Andy) and lovebug come to his 2nd birthday party. it was a blast! everyone said it was the highlight of the party. Even the adults had a great time during the performance. Mr Andy is incredible. 10/10. not only was he amazing at the party but every class was on point. and my son keeps asking to go to art and music class again so definitely going to sign him up for the next season! And several parents at the party said they will be signing their kids up too!” – Dima B. (5 Star Yelp Review)

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Toby Rose (they/them) grew up in a small town in Wisconsin and has always been musically inclined, singing in the school choir as soon as they were old enough and doing musicals in the summer every year. They started playing ukulele in high school, attending open mic nights at the local cafe. Toby moved to LA to pursue acting in 2018, and graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy with a BFA in musical theatre. As a small child, Toby found joy in music and dancing with their favorite teachers, and it is an honor and a privilege to pass on that joy to the next generation.

Armie is a singer, actor, and songwriter from Las Vegas. She moved to sunny Los Angeles back in 2017 to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where she earned her BFA in Music Theatre. Since graduating, Armie has found herself performing in local theaters, appearing in the background of Dhar Mann videos, performing as a princess at birthday parties, and working on her own music! Being the eldest daughter of four, Armie was blessed to be able to help take care of her younger siblings. And now she is overjoyed to be joining the LoveBug & Me team to share her love for music, art, and yoga with all these little lovebugs!

Angie Joyner is a singer, child development enthusiast and crochet clothing designer born and raised in South Pasadena, CA. She started her music training at a young age as a singer, songwriter, guitarist and lead vocalist in a cover band for several years. After studying Child Development in college, she developed a passion for enhancing all stages of development through the arts. Whether it be through art, music or movement, Angie believes in offering children a joyous space where they are celebrated and feel confident exploring self expression. When not teaching, she loves expressing creativity through designing custom crochet garments.

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Karis Brizendine is an actor and singer, born and raised in greater Los Angeles. She is
a graduate of Baldwin Wallace University’s BFA Acting program, with a minor in music.
You may have seen her perform in College Light Opera Company’s 2020 virtual season
as a Vocal Company member, or in various short films and plays from LA to Cleveland,
OH. When she’s not on set or singing with LoveBugs, Karis is reading books, jumping
waves at the beach, or making avocado toast.

Overview

Marlenn Luna was born in Mexico. She is a singer, voice actor, and music producer who moved to Los Angeles in 2018 to earn her BFA in Musical Theater from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Since her graduation, Marlenn has successfully landed voice acting roles for children’s animation and composed music for independent short films. In 2017, she started a music program at the Boys and Girls Club of Las Cruces, New Mexico where she taught kids ages 4 – 13 how to play the piano. Now she is here to share with the LoveBug community and ignite a love for music for all lovebugs.