Our faculty

David Walh earned his BA in Musical Theatre and Communication from the University at Buffalo and continued advanced studies in acting and voice in NYC. He has performed leading roles in several U.S. National Tours and regional theatres throughout the country, including the Burt Reynolds Theatre in Florida. Credits include Jesus in Godspell, Bob Cratchitt in A Christmas Carol, Charlie in Brigadoon, Tom Sawyer in Big River, Adam in Children of Eden, a one-man show at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, independent films, commercials, and CD recordings. David was lead vocalist and emcee at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster, PA for three years. David is a cantor at St. John Vianney Church.

Katie Walh earned her BFA in Dance Performance & Theatre Arts from the University at Buffalo.  She is certified to teach through Dance Masters of America, where she has been a guest Master Class teacher. Katie also created curriculum for a new dance program at the Milton Hershey School in Pennsylvania, where she taught for two years.  Many of her students have been admitted to distinguished college dance and theatre programs, and have begun successful careers in the arts.  Katie is a former Miss Dance of New York and danced with the Zodiaque Dance Company.  She enjoyed performing throughout the U.S. in theatre productions, independent films, and commercials.  Katie was thrilled to choreograph a flash mob for the Blue Cross Blue Shield “Healthy Changes Everything” campaign.  She also worked with Fisher-Price in the development, casting, and choreography for the interactive dance game console, “My Toon TV,” and supplied young actors for the Explore & More Play-it-Forward Canalside development campaign.

Michael Lambert earned his BFA in Dance Performance and Visual Communication from the University at Buffalo and is currently an adjunct professor of Dance at Buffalo State College. Michael is on the faculty of Dance Masters of America Teacher Training School and Student Honors Intensive Dance Program.  He was the National Director of DMA’s Miss/Mr. Dance of America Scholarship Pageant, College Outreach Program, and Jr. Membership program of Chapter 8 WNY. Michael is a former Mr. Dance of New York. Performance credits include: Tokyo Disneyland, Disney World, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruise Lines, Jazz Dance World Congress, Live! With Regis & Kathy Lee, a special event in Miami with Faith Hill, the John F. Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage Series, and many shows in Las Vegas.

Jodi Kowalski earned her BFA in Dance Education and Performance from the University at Buffalo, where she danced with the Zodiaque Dance Company.  She then spent three years touring the U.S. with Sesame Street Live.  Jodi has taught classes at the University at Buffalo and choreographed for the Zodiaque Studio Dance Ensemble.  She has been teaching dance throughout WNY for many years and also choreographs the musicals at Lancaster Middle School. Many of her students have gone on to successful careers in arts.

Mikaela Sessler earned her MS in Adult Education, Social and Psychological Foundations, from SUNY Buffalo State University. She also earned her BS in Health and Wellness with a minor in Dance, and before that an AS in Health and Wellness with a concentration in Exercise Science, both with highest honors. Throughout her academic journey, Mikaela received prestigious scholarships, including the Lucille and Jack Yellen Scholarship in Dance 2021/2022 and the Merit Based Graduate Scholarship 2023. She also achieved notable accolades, such as the Academic Excellence Award 2022 and recognition as the Outstanding Health and Wellness Graduate 2022. Mikaela has an extensive background in performance in many styles of dance. One of her most notable performance accomplishments is ranking in the top eight in experimental freestyle at House Dance International.

Madelyn Reed began her dance career nearly twenty years ago at Walh Studios as a student. Maddie trained at Walh Studios for 12 years as well as at Classical Ballet of WNY. She graduated from Canisius College in 2018 and from the University at Buffalo with a Master of Social Work in 2022. She is currently a social worker at South Buffalo Charter School. Maddie is very excited to bring her energy and enthusiasm to the Walh Studios faculty.

Caryn Klein began her dance career at a local Tonawanda dance studio where she danced for 14 years, 9 of which were on their performance team. One of her favorite accomplishments was earning a Standout in Ballet award at a nationally recognized dance convention. Caryn attended SUNY Brockport as a dance major before heading to Walt Disney World, where she participated in 3 internship programs. She is excited to have joined Walh Studios as a teacher, and thrilled to share her passion and love of dancing.

Karyn Torres is overjoyed to return to Walh Studios as a teacher. She was a student of Walh Performing Arts for 8 years, and a teaching assistant for 5 of those years. Karyn also serves as the Head of Recreational Classes at a local Gymnastics center. She is currently a student at the University at Buffalo, majoring in criminology. Karyn teaches with an excitement and eagerness for the arts.