Meet Our Instructors: The Experts Behind the Magic
Guiding Creativity, One Student at a Time
At JDS Creative Academy, the magic isn’t just in the programs—it’s in the people who bring them to life. Our instructors are more than teachers; they’re mentors, guides, and industry professionals passionate about helping students unlock their creative potential. From acting and musical theater to digital media and design, each instructor brings unique experience, expertise, and a love for teaching that inspires students to dream bigger.
Meet Our Instructors
Johanna Lack – Scriptwriting & Television Production
Johanna has taught scriptwriting at JDS Creative Academy for 11 years and is the head writer for JDSCA’s Spirit of Innovation: Arts Across America. An award-winning television producer/writer, she’s worked on HGTV, DIY, CBS, ABC, and Discovery Channel shows. From evaluating scripts as a Hollywood assistant to creating scenes for JDS Studio, Johanna brings unparalleled expertise in storytelling and screenplay writing to her students.
Katie McColm – Visual Arts, Set, and Costume Design
Katie’s creative journey began in theatre and blossomed into a career in design, fire spinning, and visual arts. She’s been featured on KTLA, LA Weekly, and OC Register and holds a degree in interior design. At JDS, Katie has designed the studio for DigiFest and created stunning sets, props, and costumes for productions like The Wizard of Oz, bringing her dynamic vision directly to students.
Pryde Pierce – Filmmaking, Acting & Cinematography
An award-winning independent filmmaker, actor, and videographer, Pryde has starred in Shakespeare productions, worked with Fortune 500 companies, and received accolades for his acting, directing, and editing. He’s taught digital filmmaking to underprivileged students and serves on boards for theater and film programs in Riverside and San Bernardino County. Pryde equips students with both technical skills and real-world insight into the film industry.
Sheila Ryle – Musical Theater
Sheila was a professional show choir instructor in the Temecula Unified School District and is the founder of Shakespeare in the Vines. She also sits on the River Springs Charter School board, bringing decades of musical theater expertise, mentorship, and performance guidance to JDS students.
Scott Strand – Acting & Directing
Scott is our Director and Master Acting Coach. With years of industry experience, he leads students in mastering the craft of acting, helping them gain confidence, professionalism, and skills to succeed on stage and on camera.
Inspiring Growth Beyond the Classroom
Our instructors don’t just teach—they empower. By encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration, they help students discover their strengths, explore new skills, and prepare for future careers in the arts. Every lesson, project, and performance is designed to foster growth, resilience, and confidence.
The Heart of JDS Creative Academy
Behind every successful student is an instructor who believes in their potential. From guiding first steps on stage to mentoring students through professional-level projects, our team embodies JDS’s mission: to empower young creatives with skills, confidence, and a love for the arts.
👉 Meet our full team and explore the programs they lead at JDSCreativeAcademy.org. Your creative journey begins with mentors who make the magic happen.
