Behind the Scenes
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Meet the people who make Whimsical come alive every year.
Director/Founder of MPAC
Keely Jardell
Keely is currently the owner of Keely Jardell's School of Dance which she has owned and operated for 35 years. Her choreography has received many regional and national titles throughout the years. Many of her former students are now studio owners, choreographers, and have been dancing professionally around the world. She has 2 children, Will and Mackenzie, and is married to her wonderful husband, Bill.
Choreographer/Assistant Director
Chelsea Clack
Chelsea has her BS in Nursing. She was an MPAC member for 8 years and has played many roles in Whimsical including Sour Kangaroo, General Genghis Kahn Schmidtz, Thing 2, Court Reporter and Mayor's Wife. Chelsea also works at KJSD where her choreography has won many regional and national titles. Chelsea is engaged to her wonderful fiancé, Trenton.
Choreographer/Assistant Director
Kim Hawkins
Kim has her BS in Education. She is a kindergarten teacher at Langham Elementary. She has also been a teacher at KJSD for 24 years. Her tap and clogging routines have been awarded many top regional and national titles. She brings her expertise to the stage in Whimsical. She has 2 children, Isabelle and Joseph, and is married to her wonderful husband, Reagan.
Choreographer/Assistant Director
Shelby Day
Shelby has her BS in Corporate Communications. She is currently a Community Education Coordinator for Harbor Hospice. This is her 11th year teaching at KJSD. She was also a member of MPAC for 11 years where she played many roles in Whimsical including Smucky Lucky, JoJo, Snow Queen, Sour Kangaroo, and Mayzie. She has 1 child, Evie, and is married to her wonderful husband, Taylor.
Choreographer/Assistant Director
Jenna Hawkins
Jenna is a graduate of Port Neches-Groves where she was a lieutenant of the Indianettes. This is her 5th year teaching at KJSD. She was also a member of MPAC for 13 years where she played many roles in Whimsical including some of her favorites such as The Cat in the Hat, Snow Queen, and the Mayor's Wife. Jenna is currently creating beauty as a hairstylist and makeup artist at Salon 910 in Port Neches.
Choreographer/Assistant Director
Marlee Garrison
Marlee ​has her BBA in Marketing. She is currently a sales representative for Varsity Spirit Fashion. This is her 8th year teaching at KJSD. She was also a member of MPAC for 8 years where she played Horton, Gertrude, and Thing 1.
Choreographer/Assistant Director
Sydney Morris
Sydney has her BS in Interdisciplinary Studies EC-6th. She is currently a 5th grade teacher at Highland Park Elementary. This is her 6th year teaching at KJSD. She was also a member of MPAC for 9 years where she played some of her favorites roles including General Genghis Kahn Schmitz and Mayor of Whoville.
Choreographer/Assistant Director
Sullivan Spell
Sullivan is enrolled at Lamar University where she is pursuing a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies EC-6. This is her 2nd year teaching at KJSD. She was also a member of MPAC for 15 years where she played many roles in Whimsical including some of her favorites like The Cat in the Hat, Cindy Lou Who, Sour Kangaroo, Mayor's Son, Sammy Swizlesticks, and King Louie.
Choreographer/Assistant Director
Marissa Weber
Marissa is a graduate of Kilgore College where she was a member of the Rangerettes and has her Associate of Arts in Dance. She also has her BS in Dance Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. This is her 3rd year teaching at KJSD. She was also a member of MPAC for 4 years where she played many roles including Dr. Drake and Vlad. She is currently a math teacher at Nederland High School. Marissa is a mother to her brave 5 year old son, Graysen.
Choreographer/Assistant Director
Katlyn LeBaron
Katlyn has her BS in Nursing. She