Allyson Tapley

Expressive Art Instructor

Ally was born in North Carolina and moved to California as a child. She began training in dance, theater, and cheerleading at the age of six. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Teaching Artistry specializing in Dance.

Ally’s goal as a teaching artist is to inspire a lifelong love of the arts in students and participants. Her facilitation focuses on individual expression and artistic abilities while allowing growth for confidence and acceptance. Her main belief is that the arts are for everyone, and Ally is conscious of creating options for each student to access the lesson plan in a way that is in alignment with their background, level, and learning style.

As a teacher, Ally builds strong authentic relationships with her students. Ally offers a safe, loving, and free environment where students are able to accept themselves and their peers. In addition, she believes in building positive relationships between her students by providing connections for collaboration and team projects.

Ally is excited and thrilled to bring expressive arts classes including music, dance/movement, drama, writing/poetry, and visual arts to Elevate to allow participants to change, discover new strengths about themselves, and to heal through the arts.

Credentials, Certifications, & Awards

  • Autism Movement Therapy certificate

  • Yoga Certificate 200 hours

  • Dancing Mindfulness™

  • Danscend Mental Wellness Certificate

  • Blushington Professional Certified Makeup Artist

  • National Dance Champions 1997

  • Pro-Bowl Performance with Santana

  • Miss Fresno Semi-Finalist

  • Master of Fine Arts in Theater and Dance - Wayne State University

  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Colorado Christian University

  • Associate in Science in Business Management - University Of Phoenix