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Our Staff

Our staff are highly trained and experienced to provide you and your child with an outstanding learning experience. For us, the best element of our job is that we get to play a special part in your child’s development and watch them learn, grow and create.

Vanessa Lynch

Hive Founder & Director

Vanessa has a B.Ed (hons) – Bachelor of Education with a major in Music and has spent several years teaching classroom music in high schools and primary schools in London. Vanessa is an accomplished pianist and flute player and has achieved an ATCL level in performance.

While studying an honours degree in Music Education, with a focus on neural research on children’s intellect and cognitive function, she discovered that music is especially powerful in shaping a child’s interests and abilities in the preschool years. Opening Hive, a creative learning studio for local families, was a natural step in her desire to give children the opportunity to develop the cognitive and musical skills that early childhood music training offers.

When she’s not buzzing at Hive, Vanessa spends her spare time being creative with cooking, baking, sewing and playing music with her kids Zara, Jayden and Brianna – they even have their own little family band!

Jessica Gavin

Customer Care

Jess is the friendly voice of Hive and answers your calls. She is available to chat with on reception Monday, Thursday and Friday. A mother to two beautiful boys, she has been a long-term client before joining the Hive team and her sons still love coming to Hive each week. 

Attending the Hunter School of Performing Arts, Jess completed 6th grade level AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board) in Trumpet and played in concert, marching and stage bands. From there she has achieved a Bachelor of Sience (Biotechnology) (Hons) and a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration from the University of Newcastle. After working as a Research Scientist and Laboratory Manager at Westmead Hospital, she relocated back to Newcastle and is now enjoying a child-friendly position, being surrounded by Creative People.  

Lauren Turner

Customer Care

Lauren is the fresh new voice at Hive on the phone and happy to have a chat at reception on Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays.

A mum of a two beautiful young sons, Lauren’s passion for all things creative and imagination in little minds has come to life. Lauren has always loved being creative with dancing from a young age until she was 24. Her background is in hairdressing- hence loving to have a chat- and since having her son in 2020 decided a career change was in order.

Working at Hive is the perfect fit and loves being surrounded by such talented and creative people. She is currently studying her certificate III in business and looks forward to furthering her skills at The Hive.

Chauntelle O’Brien

Performing Arts Event Manager
Musical Theatre Teacher

Chauntelle has been dancing for 26 years in styles such as Classical Ballet (BBO & RAD), Jazz, Tap (LGTDA & BBO), Contemporary, Show Girl and National Character. Chauntelle successfully created and operated CADA (Chauntelle Alydia Dance Academy) for 6 years and has been a dance teach for 16 years at various studios. During this time she obtained her Diploma of Musical Theatre, Diploma of Elite Performance (Dance), Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (The Actor’s Program) and Diploma of Dance Teaching, she is currently completing her Certificate IV in Training and Assessing.

Chauntelle has appeared in TV Commercials, Short films, Music videos as well as various shows around Newcastle including Priscilla (Metropolitan Players), Young Frankenstein (Opera Hunter), Fly By Night (Regional Institute of Performing Arts), Alice in Slasherland (Regional Institute of Performing Arts )and Trevor (Regional Institute of Performing Arts) Chauntelle also had the pleasure of choreographing for the City of Newcastle Drama Association Awards Ceremony in 2021.

Danny Folpp

Performing Arts Program Manager
Drama Teacher

Danny has been performing since age 20 at various theatre stages across the globe. Studying at the Australian Institute of Music – Bachelor of Music major in Music Theatre.

His first role was Robbie Hart in The Wedding Singer Musical which projected his passion for theatre and purpose for teaching. Notable roles include The Beast (Beauty And The Beast), Roger Davis (Rent), Gaston (Beauty And The Beast), Danny Zuko (Grease), Sky Masterson (Guys And Dolls), Rapunzel’s Prince (Into The Woods), Benny (Rent), The Monster (Young Frankenstein), Sir Robin (Spamalot)

Danny has been blessed to work with some of the best professionals the industry has to offer and recently performed in Chess with David Harris, Silvie Paladino, Marty Worrall and Amy Vee. Also recently assistant directing Priscilla and Be More Chill at the Civic Theatre and Civic Playhouse. Directing for 2022 the play – Keeping Up Appearances with Metropolitan Players.

His goals and aspirations for the future are solidified by his friends and family’s support as he strives for future opportunities and has begun directing and teaching.

Francesco Bertoni 

Musical Theatre Teacher

Francesco started performing at the age of 12 in Italy. He studied throughout the years singing, acting, dancing, piano and drums.
He successfully graduated in musical theatre at the Bernstein School of Musical Theatre (Bologna, Italy). He then performed in a range of shows on national tours for 2 years before moving to Paris to become a parade character performer in Disneyland Paris for 4 years.

In local theatre he appeared as Tyler in “Merrily we roll along”, Paul in “Company” and Lewis in “Pippin”. He is also a member of the Newcastle Chamber Choir since June 2022.

Bonnie McPeak

Musical Theatre & Voice Teacher

Bonnie brings a wealth of experience to our Performing Arts program, with experience in Musical Theatre, Drama, Dance and Vocals.

Bonnie completed vocal training with the exceptional Kim Hornby, in addition to her Trinity College Musical Theatre London ATCL Diploma and Certificate III in Theatre and Screen. She has experience in choreographing multiple local junior musicals as well as performing in a number of productions herself, such as; Ariel in the Little Mermaid Jr, Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde Jr and Sue Snell in Carrie. She has also been lucky enough to work with iTheatrics in New York on multiple occasions for High School Edition development workshops and High School Edition Choreography DVD’s. Most notably as Cassie in the A Chorus Line High School Edition choreography DVD. 

Dancing for most of her life with Newcastle Dance Academy, Bonnie completed Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) classical ballet exams from grades Primary to Intermediate. Through NDA she also competed in many dance eisteddfods with both group and solo performances. Bonnie has also been a featured dancer in the City of Newcastle Drama Awards and Starstruck. 

Bonnie is excited to share her passion and experience of the performing arts with students.

 

Shuna Mackay

Drama Teacher

Shuna was born in the UK and studied at the Liverpool Institute For Performing Arts, where she completed a degree in Community Drama (BAHons) and proudly shook Sir Paul McCartneys hand to receive her degree! After graduation Shuna worked in London, teaching performing arts within Pre schools, and enjoyed seeing shows regularly in the West End.
Shuna moved to Australia in 2014 and after traveling worked for several schools and companies in Melbourne teaching Drama and Music in education.
 
Shuna has always had a passion and interest in performing arts from a young age, now as a mother of two young boys the passion has grown deeper understanding the positive effect performing arts can have in young minds and in their development from a young age.
Shuna and her family recently relocated to Newcastle and love their new city and all it has to offer.
 
Shuna loves working at The Hive surrounded by creative people and watching children grow in their confidence and growth through the arts.

 

Bridget Ponman

Musical Theatre Assistant 

Bridget is a HSC student at the Hunter School of Performing Arts. She has spent 10 years developing talent in drama, musical theatre, and classical singing. She has been a frequent performer in many local productions and a CONDA youth ambassador. Bridget has earned multiple nominations and won the CONDA “Excellence by a Performer 18 and Under in a Musical” award. Her notable roles include Elle Woods in ‘Legally Blonde The Musical’, SpongeBob in ‘The SpongeBob Musical’, The Baroness in ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, and Ursula in ‘The Little Mermaid Jr.’ A talented visual artist, Bridget ranked in the Top 100 for the Young Archie’s 2021. At Hive, she passionately shares her arts expertise with young enthusiasts.

 

Amelia Accardi

Piano Teacher

Amelia has been learning piano since 5 years of age. Completing all grades of piano AMEB with high distinctions and currently working on her AMUS (Associate in music, Australia). Amelia has a focus on classical piano, however loves all styles including Jazz, Pop and Musical Theatre. Additionally, Amelia’s compositional work (songwriting) has been acknowledged in Star Struck where she performed her original song, and her songwriting is further being developed at the Talent Development Project in Sydney. Recently, Amelia has been nominated to perform at ENCORE (‘outstanding’ music performances in HSC music at the Sydney Opera House). Amelia hopes to pursue Music after school in university.
 
Amelia has experience working with Children at Young Peoples Theatre as a production assistant and assistant tutor as well as being an assistant musical theatre teacher at HIVE. She’s very passionate about teaching kids and has a focus on nurturing children’s creativity and passion for music; always bringing her enthusiasm, skill and passion to the classroom.

 

Grace Lickley

Art Teacher

Grace is a passionate writer and artist and is a recent graduate of a Bachelor of Natural History Illustration. Grace specialises in both digital and traditional drawing methods and has a profound love for watercolour. She also works with acrylic, polymer clay and fine liner. She has been recognised by the National Art School in Sydney where she was accepted into their Intensive Studio Program specialising in Life Drawing and has participated in multiple exhibitions. 

For 8 years Grace attended a Steiner school and grew up surrounded by eclectic and colourful people. From age 6 her creative endeavours included painting, needle felting, knitting and candle making all of which she still enjoys and works at today. 

Grace has extensive experience working with children and has taught at both primary and high school levels. She is incredibly passionate about encouraging kids to discover their creativity and develop their artistic skills.

 

 

Hannah Simonovich

Art Teacher

Hannah is a contemporary abstract artist who has been painting for over ten years. She obtained a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Newcastle where she graduated with a double major in painting and photography. 

Since graduating Hannah has dedicated her time to her art making practice where she has been a part of numerous solo and group exhibitions. Hannah has also worked as a freelance photographer, conducted art lessons for primary and pre-school aged children and worked in the Interior Design Industry. 

Predominantly working with oil on canvas, Hannah paints intuitively by drawing on memory of the natural world to create abstract landscapes. She is inspired by the emotive quality of colour and the environment. 

Hannah’s passion and love for teaching children visual arts has gravitated her towards Hive Creative Studio. Not only is she thrilled to be a part of this creative and educational community but is grateful to be teaching children how to create art through different methods and techniques as well as how to express themselves and communicate through art making practices. 

 

 

Melody Suranyi

Art Teacher

Melody is a professional artist and muralist with a passion for teaching and encouraging the next generation. After graduating with distinction from Newcastle University with a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design, Melody joined an art studio where she runs her business selling paintings and creating murals. She teaches backed by a wealth of industry experience in both teaching and art making.
 
Specialising in painting and lino printing, Melody has been involved in many group and solo exhibitions and currently has her work for sale all over Australia. Her murals can be spotted across Newcastle inside local businesses and in public spaces. She is bursting with passion and brings a bright and fun approach to art that she can’t wait to share with all her future students.
 
She is excited to be sharing her passion and art experience with students at Hive and is looking forward to nurturing her student’s confidence and skills in their artistic ability.

 

 

Rosie Wilkie

Art Teacher

Rosie is a dedicated student, art teacher and emerging creative professional. She is studying a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design, majoring in Creative Arts at the University of Newcastle. Through this study, she has developed a strong technical and conceptual understanding of visual art principles, transferring these skills into her teaching practice. Attending Newtown High School of the Performing Arts in Sydney, Rosie has a broad background in performing and creative arts. She has abundant experience working with various artistic mediums, including drawing, painting and sculpture, with a special interest in print-making and fibre arts.
 
Nurturing her student’s artistic skills, Rosie is passionate about inspiring young minds to unlock their creative potential. By consistently seeking new ways to educate and inspire young creatives, she works to ensure art is accessible to everyone. Her extensive experience working with children of various ages and abilities allows Rosie to adjust her teaching methods, accommodating the unique learning styles of her individual students. She strives to create an inclusive and encouraging environment to support her students develop fundamental artistic skills.

 

 

Melissa Box

Director of Bee-School
Music & Drama Teacher

Melissa has a background in early childhood teaching, singing, acting and performing – bringing a complete educational and creative experience to her students.  Before joining Hive, Melissa taught in local preschools and performed in Musical Theatre shows.  With her expertise in Musical Theatre and acting she brings a vibrancy to all her classes that is infectious and engaging for kids and adults!

Melissa is a proud mum to Mollie who shares her passion for musical theatre and performing.

Lee Seaman

Bee-School Art Teacher

Hello! My name is Lee and you could say I wear many pants. Wife, mum, Artist, Graphic Designer / Art Director and published Children’s interior stylist.

I find inspiration for my art/design from all facets of life but mostly from the sheer beauty of kids and my fondness for all things that are colourful, fresh and fun. I am beyond passionate in helping the next generation of little humans find their creative spark by providing them the tools to create projects that push their capabilities so they are continually growing and developing.

Professionally, I have worked as an art director for over 9 years, and hold qualifications in graphic design and fashion design.

Rebecca Hrobat

Bee-School Dance Teacher & Music Teacher

Bec has spent much of her life in performing arts. She started dancing at a young age and went on to perform interstate and internationally, singing and dancing professionally.
After completing her full time diploma in performing arts at The Australian College Of Entertainment as an acting major, she worked as an actor in the television and film industry for many years.
 
Bec has always related and connected to children, during this time she also worked as a Fairy for kids party’s, taught tiny tots (2-5yrs) singing classes and worked as a children’s nanny. She later went on to work behind the scenes in the television industry as a full time producer and supervising producer for fifteen years.
 
Bec was involved in Murmuration, an integrated performing company working with a collective of multi-disciplinary artists. She has a young family and recently moved to Newcastle to take advantage of the beautiful surroundings and natural environment that it has on offer. As a mum of a two young children, Bec is made aware on a daily basis, of the different ways children learn and how that changes as they grow.
 
Bec loves being a part of the Hive community and enjoys watching little beings explore their potential through creativity, music and the arts.

 

Eloise Sheean

Bee-School Music Teacher

Eloise was born into a musical family. Both her grandparents and mother were singers and teachers at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music.
She completed her Bachelor of Music degree through the University of Newcastle and had many performance opportunities, including being a member of University of Newcastle Chamber Choir.
She has performed in numerous concerts as lead soprano such as Mozarts Requiem & Vespers and performed in opera and theatre productions of The Magic Flute, La Bohème, Wicked, Les Misérables, Beauty and the Beast and many more. Eloise has also performed with Sydney based choral group Cantillation on the soundtrack for Happy Feet 2 and Nigel Westlake’s premiere of Requiem for Eli at the Sydney Opera House with Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
She has previously taught private singing tuition from home and Newcastle Grammar School with a variety of students ranging in age, skill level and vocal style.
After taking a break from performing to start a family, Eloise is excited to help children explore their creativity through their love of singing and music making.

 

Gabriella Christie

Bee-School Drama Teacher

Gabby has been an assistant tutor for 3 years in drama art and musical theatre. She has been part of the drama community for several years performing in shows such as Peter pan, Into the woods, Aladdin and the Moana Jr Pilot at the Junior theatre celebration. Gabby loves working with children and is passionate about making even the smallest difference in the lives of anyone she works with.

Summer Visocchi

Creative Play Assistant

Summer is an assistant of bee-school and has been apart of this beautiful team since 2019. “I was gifted with the chance to make my dream come true with an amazing opportunity to do what I have always loved to do, which is working with kids”. 

She has always loved building and forming relationships with children and thrives to help and assist them in growing and developing. She has always had a passion for both dance and art, and to be able to combine her hobbies and dream, she believes, is the best combination ever!

Charli Walker

Bee-School Music Teacher

Charli is a singer and artist. Having grown up in a musical household it was a natural progression for her to study music, majoring in voice and achieving incredible results in her HSC performance exams. 

Charli has a natural affinity for working with young children and enjoys connecting with each child in her classes and helping them to find their voice. 

Melissa Saunders

Director of Music
Kindermusik & Creative Play Teacher

Melissa has a background and qualifications in early childhood teaching and music education – giving you and your child a complete educational and creative experience. Before joining the Hive, Melissa worked as an Early Childhood Teacher and Director and also as a Voice Teacher and Choir Director. Melissa’s skills extend to the stage as well, where she has many years of experience in writing, directing and producing musicals and dramatic theatre productions.

She’s also a singer and songwriter – you might just see her wowing audiences at live performances in local venues around Newcastle.

Melissa is a proud mum to Natasha and Daniel, who share her passion for beautiful music and performance.

Emily Kingsmill

Kindermusik Teacher

Emily is a pianist, singer and teacher. She grew up playing the piano then completed her Psychology in Education degree back in England. She qualified as a Primary School teacher, then as an Early Childhood educator here in Australia. She is passionate about children learning through the joy of music and is delighted to be putting both her love of music and education together at Hive.

Her two little boys share her love of music, and together they like to spend time exploring and adventuring outdoors, going to the beach, sailing, crafting, baking, plus singing, dancing and making music!

Kirsty Venables

Creative Play Teacher

Kirsty completed her primary teaching degree in 2009 and has been teaching for 12 years. Nurturing young little minds is her life goal. Working with children has been a dream of mine since I was one myself. There was never any other career path for me. It truly is my ‘dream job’ to have recently joined The Hive team; as it allows me to combine my passion for engaging with children as well as my love for The Arts.
Performing has always been a big part of my life; singing and dancing all through primary as well as high school, and also majoring in Drama for my HSC and at uni. I have had the privilege of performing at many friends’ and families’ weddings as well as few informal social and charity events.
I have a 4 year old little boy, Finn, who is the love of my life. He has loved music, dancing and imaginative play from the very beginning and hopefully he is following in Mummy’s footsteps.

Beth Peach-Robinson

Creative Play Teacher

Beth is a singer and actress with a passion for Early Years Education.

Originally from the UK, Beth began her training at Cardiff University, obtaining a Degree in Music. She then went on to study Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music in London. After graduating she went on to tour the UK and Internationally with multiple musicals.

She has previously taught Musical Theatre for the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, where she realised the joy in sharing her skills and love for music and performing with children.

Since moving to Australia Beth has fronted a local function band performing at weddings and music venues across the Hunter.

Beth has two beautiful children who are her inspiration, and further sparked her love for early childhood development. Beth feels so lucky to be a part of the Hive team, getting to do what she loves everyday with such a wonderful community of families.

The Blog

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by | Apr 6, 2022

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by | Mar 10, 2022

It seems like every time you turn around some well-meaning person pushes us to get bub on their tummy. Why is this so important? And what if your bub HATES being on their tummy? Under 6 months, our brain first develops all the involuntary or automatic movements that...

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by | Feb 18, 2022

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8 Frederick Street, Charlestown, NSW 2290, Australia

© 2019 Hive Creative Studios

Hive Member Enrolments:

If for any reason you wish to cancel your enrolment within your first month of classes, we will refund your remaining tuition fees and cancel your enrolment.

Please note:

1st month period applies for 30 days starting on the date of your first class

Satisfaction guarantee applies to:

  • Members who are NEW to Hive
  • NEW enrolments in Bee-School (for new and existing Hive clients)

Alternatively: you can CHANGE your enrolment to any other Hive class / program if you are unsatisfied, with no notice period.