Staff
Discover the Northern Michigan Performing Arts Center Difference
Expert Teachers Who Care Deeply About Every Student NMPAC is proud to offer a team of highly trained instructors who combine professional experience with genuine passion for teaching. Our staff includes accomplished dancers, musicians, and actors who have dedicated their careers to helping young performers grow.
We prioritize encouragement, safety, and individualized attention. Every teacher at NMPAC is committed to guiding students with patience, skill, and creativity — ensuring each child feels seen, supported, and inspired to reach new heights.
Colorful logo for Northern Michigan Performing Arts Center.
Danielle Virshek
Danielle Virshek
Danielle Virshek
Ballet Instructor-NMPAC Co-Founder
Board member
Danielle’s love of dance began in Janesville, Wisconsin, where she started training under Cheryl Schmidt at age two, at what would become Dance Attitudes (where Danielle’s mother
had trained before her). Cheryl gave Danielle her foundation, the technique, discipline, and love of the craft that she still carries into the studio today.
Danielle went on to dance with the Madison Ballet alongside her mother for many years, performing in many of the company’s full-length story ballets under artistic director W. Earle Smith. That stage experience taught her how to bring technical training to life in front of an audience, a skill she now passes on to her own students.
At UW-Whitewater, Danielle focused on modern dance under Robin Pettersen, who pushed her to explore movement beyond classical technique, and studied dance history and the mechanics of the body under Barbara Grubel, giving her a deeper understanding of why the
body moves the way it does, not just how. Together, that training rounded her out as a dancer and gave her the foundation she now draws on as a teacher.
In September 2019, Danielle went to New York City, where she joined hundreds of dancers, American Ballet Theatre principals Isabella Boylston and James Whiteside, New York City Ballet principals Tiler Peck, Lauren Lovette, and Maria Kowroski, and host Kelly Ripa herself,
live on Live with Kelly and Ryan, to set the Guinness World Record for Most Ballet Dancers En Pointe Simultaneously, broadcast live to the nation. Danielle stood en pointe that morning alongside her own mother and her daughter Cora, three generations breaking the record together.
Danielle continues to dance today as a member of the Iron Belles, bringing her decades of training to her own community.
Today, Danielle brings that same dedication into the studio at Northern Michigan Performing Arts Center, where her approach to teaching centers on technical excellence and a genuine love of the art form, passed on to dancers of every age.
Keira Mae
Danielle Virshek
Danielle Virshek
Bio Coming soon!
Amanda lopac
Danielle Virshek
Amanda lopac
Cheer and Pom
With over a decade of experience as a competitive cheerleader, eight years of coaching, and seven years as a cheer camp instructor, Amanda is passionate about helping students grow in skill, confidence, and character. As a former Class A Top 10 State Finalist, she understands the dedication, discipline, and teamwork required to excel at a high level, and strives to instill those same values in every student.
In addition to coaching, Amanda has been an English teacher for the past 20 years. Her experience in education has strengthened her ability to communicate effectively, build meaningful relationships with students, and foster an environment where young people feel valued, motivated, and inspired to succeed. Amanda believes the lessons learned through cheer and dance—discipline, resilience, teamwork, and perseverance—extend far beyond classroom and into everyday life.
Outside of coaching and the classroom, Amanda has been happily married for 19 years and is the proud mother of four children: Ava, Mason, Henry, and Grace. Her family has shaped her approach as an educator, reminding her that every student deserves support, respect, and the opportunity to thrive.
Amanda is excited for the opportunity to bring her passion, experience, and commitment to excellence to the Northern Michigan Performing Arts Center.
George H. Ackerman- Behr
George H. Ackerman- Behr
George H. Ackerman- Behr
Private Piano, Voice, Organ
George H. Ackerman-Behr
is a music educator, choral conductor, and organist whose career spans K–12 teaching, higher education, and liturgical music leadership. A graduate of Westminster Choir College and Saint John’s University (Master of Liturgical Music), he brings additional study from the Manhattan School of Music and a recently completed Kodály certification to his teaching practice.
George joins Ironwood Area Schools as a K–12 Vocal Music Teacher with a choral emphasis, having previously taught music at Watersmeet School District and served a decade as Adjunct Professor of Music at Gogebic Community College. As Co-Director of the Ironwood Chamber Singers, he continues to foster community choral artistry in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
His training under legendary pedagogues — including James Jordan, Joseph Flummerfelt, Frauke Haasemann, and Alice Parker — grounds his approach in vocal development, ensemble discipline, and the joy of musical discovery. George believes that teaching is, at its heart, a formative relationship: one that builds confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of music in every student.
Isaac Boehnlein
George H. Ackerman- Behr
George H. Ackerman- Behr
Music
Performer, Educator, Multi-Instrumentalist
Isaac Boehnlein has been performing and teaching professionally for over a decade.
While the trumpet is his primary instrument, Isaac is a versatile multi-instrumentalist
who also plays guitar, piano, ukulele, drums, flute, clarinet, saxophone, horn, trombone,
euphonium, and tuba. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Oakland
University (Class of 2015), where he built a distinguished collegiate performance career.
During his time at OU, Isaac served as first chair trumpet in the Wind Symphony,
Principal Cornet in the Brass Band, and was named the winner of the prestigious 2014
Band Concerto Competition.
Currently, Isaac serves as the K-12 Music Director for the Wakefield-Marenisco School
District. He oversees the comprehensive music curriculum and directs ensembles and
classes across all grade levels. A resident of the Upper Peninsula since 2016, he has
proudly made the U.P. his home and is deeply invested in enriching the regions vibrant arts community. Whether teaching woodwinds, strings, percussion, or brass, Isaac brings his high-level performance background and deep pedagogical expertise to every private lesson, helping students develop robust technical foundations and a true love for music.
Beth Bordner
George H. Ackerman- Behr
Anna Schroeter
Tap
My name is Beth Bordner, and I’ve been performing on stage for more than 30 years! I’m an accomplished singer, actress, and lifelong lover of all things theatre. I started tap dancing many years ago, and it quickly became one of my favorite ways to express myself. For the past six years, I’ve been teaching tap — helping students discover rhythm, confidence, and the joy of performing. I can’t wait to dance, sing, laugh, and create with all of you this season!
Anna Schroeter
Courtney Grayson
Anna Schroeter
Anna's passion for dance began as a child with the Ironwood Dance Company, where her love for movement first took root. Over the years, her role evolved from dedicated student to inspiring instructor at both Ironwood Dance Company and the Ashland School of Dance. Driven by her love for teaching, Anna pursued a degree in Dance at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP).
During her time at UWSP, Anna immersed herself in a wide array of dance styles, focusing heavily on ballet, jazz, and modern technique. She was also an active member of the university’s dance team, performing and competing at a high level in Jazz and Pom.
While a piece of her heart will always belong on stage, Anna’s true passion lies behind the curtain and in the studio. She finds her greatest joy in mentoring young dancers, choreographing new works, and cheering her students on as they succeed.
This year, Anna is eager to dive into her technique books and craft engaging, fun lessons for her students. Her curriculum focuses on building a strong foundation in ballet and jazz, emphasizing mind-body connectivity, core strength, flexibility, and a whole lot of fun.
Courtney Grayson
Courtney Grayson
Courtney Grayson
Hi everyone! My name is Courtney Grayson, and I was born and raised in
Wakefield, Michigan.
I’ve been dancing for nearly 15 years, and it has always been my greatest passion. That passion led me to teaching, and I’ve now been sharing my love of dance with students for almost 7 years.
Dance has taken me all over the country!! I danced competitively for many years,
and also performed in the Citrus Bowl All American Half Time Show in Florida!
During the summers, I teach with ADTC (American Dance Training Camps),
where I have the opportunity to travel across the country, work with incredible
students, and build lifelong friendships. I also spent a year dancing with Northern
Michigan University’s Co-Lab dance company, where I trained alongside talented
pre-professional and professional dancers.
When I’m not in the studio, you’ll probably find me at a waterfall, singing along at
a country concert, or spending time in beautiful Lake Superior. I am so thrilled to
be with Northern Michigan Performing Arts Center, and I can’t wait to make
endless memories!!
Brianna Cross
Courtney Grayson
Courtney Grayson
Hello, my name is Brianna Cross, but most people know me as Bri. I grew up in the area and graduated from Wakefield-Marenisco High School in 2020. When I was 3 years old, I took my first ballet class and quickly fell in love with dance. I continued training in ballet and later expanded into tap and jazz. Unfortunately, after five years of dancing, I had to take a break due to back-to-back ankle injuries.
At 14, I decided to return to dance and joined cheer and pom while also taking my first hip hop class. That’s when I truly rediscovered my passion for performing. I continued training, taking classes, and eventually teaching as well. During this time, I had the incredible opportunity to study dance in New York at the The American Musical and Dramatics Academy summer conservatory program. There, I worked with talented choreographers, learned new techniques, refined my existing skills, and even had the chance to dance with a Rockette.
After graduating high school, I stepped away from dance classes for a while but stayed involved in the arts by performing in productions at my local theater.
I am beyond excited to be working with the Northern Michigan Performing Arts Center, and I can't wait to meet you all!
Ava Lopac
Looking to the future
Chris Averkamp
Dance
Ava has been dancing for 13 years and recently started teaching! She is trained in lyrical, jazz, and ballet! This past year she had the pleasure of teaching a beginner lyrical/jazz class! She also attends the Wakefield- Marenisco School, as an upcoming junior, and is largely involved in both the school and the community! Throughout her dance career, she has earned several awards, such as multiple Symposium and Triple S competition judges choice awards. Ava was also awarded the TUTC cupid classic novice high score dancer title, and the TUTC intermediate high score dancer title. She is super excited about this year, and cannot wait to start the season at NMPAC!! true love for music.
Chris Averkamp
Looking to the future
Chris Averkamp
Office Manager
Chris Averkamp brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and heart to her role as Office Manager at NMPAC. A proud mother of three daughters, Chris has spent years deeply involved in the arts — supporting her girls through dance, acting, voice, and cheerleading — and channeling that same passion into her community.
A dedicated volunteer, Chris served for several years as a youth musical theater director for her local church, where she discovered her gift for inspiring young performers. That spark led her to found KidzArts, a program she built from the ground up where children could explore singing, dancing, and acting. What began with a small group of students grew into a thriving ensemble of 70 kids — a testament to her leadership, vision, and ability to connect with young people.
Beyond the arts, Chris is a seasoned business professional with a diverse background managing several small businesses. Her hands-on experience spans graphic design, accounting, and day-to-day operations, giving her a versatile skill set that makes her an invaluable asset to any organization. She is also an entrepreneur in her own right, designing and selling her own line of purses.
Chris continues to be an active presence in her community, volunteering with children’s programming through her local church and the historic theater. Her unique blend of administrative expertise, creative talent, and genuine love for working with youth makes her a dynamic and dedicated member of the NMPAC team.
Looking to the future
Looking to the future
Looking to the future
Northern Michigan Performing Arts Center