Beth Galanty-Blaney
Beth received her Bachelor of Science from UCLA. A producer and production manager for commercials and music videos for over nine years, she worked on projects from Coca Cola to Madonna. She brought her organizational, people, and creative skills from the entertainment industry to KOS. Beth loves creating curriculum, programs, coordinating and being involved in every aspect of KOS as Executive Director/CEO. She enjoys watching each child shine and find their own voice.
Cari Derbise
Cari holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Film, and French from UC Berkeley and has worked in theatres around the world as both an actor and educator. Her experience spans a wide range of styles, including Musical Theatre, Shakespeare, and Commedia dell’Arte, and includes work with The Actors’ Gang and Theatricum Botanicum. As Artistic Director of KOS, Cari brings a collaborative, actor-driven approach to the creative process and is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where students and teachers can work together to bring meaningful productions to life.
Lauren Carnahan
Lauren is a vocalist and music educator with training from the Academy of Contemporary Arts and experience in performance and instruction. She works with students on vocal technique, confidence, and musical expression, creating a supportive learning environment. At KOS, Lauren brings encouragement and clarity to her teaching, helping students grow in both skill and self-assurance as performers.
Swisyzinna Henderson
Swisyzinna “Mrs. Swiss” holds an MFA in Directing and Acting and brings extensive experience in theater education and performance. She has worked as an acting coach, director, and educator, guiding students through character development, storytelling, and stage confidence. Her teaching emphasizes discipline, creativity, and personal growth, and she brings a thoughtful, structured approach that helps KOS students develop confidence both onstage and off.
Rita
Rita studied ethnomusicology and music education at the University of the Philippines, majoring in Chinese zither (guzheng) and piano. She taught piano for over a decade before spending another ten years in leadership roles, including Director of Communications and Marketing and General & Operations Manager. She has consulted on YouTube channels for more than 50 companies and led a digital marketing agency managing creative and social media teams. At KOS, Rita supports leadership and sustainable organizational growth.
John Maglaque
John studied diplomacy and international relations at the Ateneo in Manila and spent most of his life in Rwanda. He brings strong experience in building systems and databases to support operations for US companies. John has developed sales funnels, CRM systems, and customer experience workflows across different industries. At KOS, he focuses on building and streamlining systems that help employees work more effectively.
Ana Martinez
Ana Martinez is a music educator and classical vocalist with a strong background in vocal performance and instruction. She works with students on vocal technique, musicianship, and expressive singing, emphasizing healthy voice use. Ana brings a disciplined yet nurturing teaching style to KOS, supporting students as they develop confidence, focus, and musical growth.
Maya Derbise
Maya Derbise holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and has professional experience in vocal instruction and performance. She specializes in healthy vocal technique, musicality, and helping students build confidence in their voices. Maya brings a supportive, technique-focused approach to KOS, helping students build strong vocal foundations while enjoying the process of performing.
Daniel Pietruszka
Daniel Pietruszka holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music with a concentration in Musical Theatre from UNC Charlotte and has extensive training in voice, acting, and performance. His experience includes teaching singing and acting, directing musical theatre productions, and working across both creative and technical roles. At KOS, Daniel brings a thoughtful, disciplined approach to musical theatre education, helping students interpret scripts and songs while developing confidence, creativity, and a strong connection to their characters.
Isabella Ward
Isabella is a Puerto Rican American triple threat whose most recent credits include Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and the new series entitled Parallel. She graduated with her Master’s in Musical Theatre from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and her Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Theatre from Rollins College. She joined the Broadway National Tour of Cinderella and went on to work in regional playhouses. Isabella offers private lessons for stage and tv/film acting, singing lessons, college audition prep and dance.