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.

Cara Koselny is a graduate of the University at Buffalo with a BFA in Dance Performance.  She also earned her Masters Degree in Elementary Education.  Cara has traveled all over the world dancing professionally and has performed in Japan, Singapore, Guam, and on Holland America Cruise Lines. Cara also danced for many years in Las Vegas in Bally’s Jubilee.  She currently teaches 3rd grade in the Hamburg School District and is the choreographer for East Aurora High School’s yearly  productions.

Debbie Dalessandro earned her BA and MA in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia and has been a vocal music teacher in West Seneca for many years. Her performance credits are varied but her true passion has been helping others to develop their potential on stage; directing children and adults in over 50 musicals, variety shows, & summer camps at schools, churches and theatres. Debbie has trained in NYC with iTheatrics, the creators of the Broadway Jr. shows for young performers.

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 AS in Health and Wellness with a concentration in  Exercise Science with highest honors. She is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Mikaela is now pursuing her BS in Health and Wellness, along with a minor in dance. Mikaela has performed nationally and internationally 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 is currently working on a Master of Social Work at the University at Buffalo. Maddie is very excited to bring her energy and enthusiasm to the Walh Studios faculty.