Worship Arts Academy Staff

Jennifer Dunn

Jennifer is a dedicated administrative professional with over 11 years of experience at the Sebastion County Law Library. She began her academic journey studying business in Fort Smith and went on to earn her law degree in Michigan. Jennifer brings a strong blend of kowledge and organizational experise to her role. Outside of work, she is an active member of the First Baptist Lavaca choir where she shares her love of music with her community.

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Tyler Teague

Hi! I’m Tyler Teague, and I’ve been leading worship and singing in church since I was a kid. I sang in choir from middle school through my first two years at Arkansas Tech University, earning spots in All-Region and All-State choirs. I’ve led worship on mission trips, in youth group, and with the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at Tech. I also served as a Children’s Ministry Director, where I developed a heart for teaching and helping kids grow in their faith through music. Most recently, I completed the Disney College Program, where I gained a deeper understanding of excellence and creativity in performance. I’m passionate about helping students build confidence in their voice and use it to glorify God. I’m so excited to be part of the Worship Arts Academy!

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Cara smithson

Cara Smithson is a passionate artist and educator with over two decades of experience in music, dance, and worship arts. A graduate of undergraduate studies in musical theater, vocal performance, and dance (1998–2001), Cara’s journey has been defined by her commitment to using her talents to inspire others.

From 2006 to 2011, Cara served as the Children’s Worship Arts Director at First Lavaca, where she nurtured young hearts in creative expression and worship. During this time, she also founded Sondance Worship Ministry (2005–2011), where she combined her love for dance and faith, mentoring countless students in the art of worship.

In 2011, Cara followed a calling to serve as a missionary in Haiti, dedicating a decade (2011–2021) to ministry, outreach, and cultural exchange. Her time there deeply shaped her perspective and enriched her artistic and spiritual approach.

Since returning to the U.S., Cara has continued her ministry and teaching. She began co-leading adult and youth worship at First Baptist Mansfield in 2023, bringing her dynamic energy and deep faith to the worship experience. Additionally, as a teacher of voice and dance at the Academy of the Arts since 2022, Cara invests in the next generation of performers, fostering both technical excellence and a heart for artistic worship.

With a life rooted in creativity and service, Cara is committed to inspiring joy and worship through the arts.

Dawayne stamper

Dawayne is the creator and director of the Worship Arts Academy at 1L, and has served on the 1L staff team since July 1999. Beginning piano lessons at the age of seven, Dawayne became an accompanist and soloist for local worship services on a consistent basis by the age of fourteen. While a senior in high school, he won the Arkansas Federation of Music Clubs' State Piano Competition. After graduating as valedictorian of Lavaca High School class of 1995, Dawayne continued his music studies at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith. In December 1999, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Arkansas State University.

Dawayne has released two piano solo albums: "Foundation" and "Piano Configurations for Worship” which feature his piano solo own arrangements and performances, and can be heard on Pandora radio. Additionally, collaborating with singer / songwriter Daniel Crews has allowed him to share musical arrangements and original music with congregations throughout the southern United States.

Dawayne has over 10 years of experience as a piano instructor, and over 30 years of performance experience as both a soloist and accompanist. Visit his website at dawaynestamper.com for more information.

Sarah zluticky

My name is Sarah Zluticky, and I’ve been playing piano since I was seven years old. Over the years, I’ve had the joy of playing in my school’s jazz band, playing at my church, and leading worship through my college’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry. I’m passionate about helping students grow both in their musical skills and in their love for worship. When I'm not playing, you'll find me hanging with my husband and our 1-year-old daughter Halle. I’m so thankful to be part of the Worship Arts Academy and excited to pour into the next generation of worshippers.

Kendall Spinas

With 19 years of playing and 5 years of teaching experience, Kendall brings a profound understanding of the guitar to students of all ages, from absolute beginners to advanced players. Having studied music at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith for three years and performed in various jazz ensembles and worship services at Grace Community Church, Kendall is well versed in rock, blues, jazz, classical, and folk guitar. Kendall is passionate about teaching the interplay of music theory and creative expression, believing that true musical growth happens when understanding meets imagination. Kendall skillfully weaves music theory into creative expression, empowering students to not just learn songs, but to truly understand and articulate their own musical voice.

Bruce fowler

Bruce Fowler was born and raised in Los Angeles California, where he received the bulk of his real world music education. He has been a full time musician for the past seventeen years in Fort Smith, Arkansas and the surrounding areas. Born with a passion for music, this love was cultivated at an early age before he started playing drums. He grew up in a household where you would hear anything from 60s soul to opera. As a result, he began to take private drum lessons at age 13. He possessed an intuitive understanding of music and music arrangements in modern genres. 

By age 16, Bruce was performing professionally in genres ranging from rock, soul, jazz, to classical in the greater Los Angeles area. By age 20, Bruce had formed and led his own band which recorded an album in 1976. Bruce was inspired to play drums by accomplished drummer, musician, composer, arranger, Grammy award winner, Andre Fischer whom Bruce knew personally. Fischer mentored Bruce for 5 years, gaining first-hand knowledge and experience in studio recording, live performance, and the understanding of business and professionalism as a musician and drummer. Notably, at age 20, Bruce had the opportunity to perform for and be personally critiqued by Marvin Gaye. Bruce's passion for music and drumming is obvious when watching and listening to him perform, and is equaled by his passion for teaching.

Bruce has played drums for First Lavaca worship services for over 14 years.

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