Lisa Hendrickson
President/Artistic Director
Lisa Hendrickson brings over 35 years of extensive teaching experience to the world of dance, with a rich background in Ballet/Pointe, Modern, Tap, Jazz, Acrobatics, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre. She has honed her craft through rigorous training in both the Vaganova and Cecchetti techniques, complemented by additional modeling and acting instruction. Her esteemed education includes training at the Royal School of Ballet, the Atlanta Ballet Company, Gwinnett Ballet Theatre, the North Carolina School of the Arts, and the University of South Florida.
Throughout her illustrious career, Lisa has graced the stage in beloved ballets such as The Nutcracker, La Boutique Fantastique, Rodeo, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella. She has also performed with prestigious organizations like Walt Disney World, Walt Disney Cruise Line, and in various Bowl Games and TV specials.
As a talented choreographer, Lisa has crafted dynamic productions for renowned ballets and musicals including Annie, Cinderella, Coppelia, The King and I, Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz, Annie Get Your Gun, and Grease.
Lisa's credentials include certifications in the Cecchetti Ballet Technique, Progressing Ballet Technique, and Acrobatic Arts, as well as endorsements from Florida Dance Masters and Dance Masters of America. She has shared her expertise through Master classes for numerous dance organizations.
Her students have achieved remarkable success, capturing regional and national titles, and many have performed internationally, securing professional positions with dance companies, aboard cruise ships, and on Broadway. Lisa’s dedication to her craft has not only earned her several choreography awards but has also shaped the next generation of talented performers.
Kelsey Beaugez
Vice President
Kelsey Beaugez brings a unique blend of passion, experience, and advocacy to her role as Vice President of Southern Arts Alliance. A dedicated special education teacher by profession, Kelsey works closely with local dance studios to create inclusive environments and develop meaningful accommodations for dancers with special needs. A former dancer with over 11 years of experience, she understands the transformative power of the arts and is committed to ensuring all performers have the opportunity to shine.
Kelsey has volunteered with numerous local and national nonprofit organizations, including Make-A-Wish, the Chi Omega Foundation, Junior Auxiliary, Kiwanis, Future Educators of America, BuddyBall, Camp Awesome, and The Rock Foundation. Her leadership and community involvement reflect her deep commitment to service and education.
As a mother to a budding ballerina who loves performing in classical productions like The Nutcracker, Kelsey is both a proud dance parent and a seasoned contributor to productions, having experience both on stage and behind the curtain. She and her husband, a local firefighter, are active members of their community and passionate supporters of the arts.
Alexis Beauvais
Secretary
Dr. Alexis Beauvais is a physician, educator, and lifelong supporter of the arts. Trained in classical voice from age 10, her performance highlights include a vocal solo showcase at the Kennedy Center and singing with the Virginia Women’s Chorus at the University of Virginia. She studied ballet for a decade and has recently performed in The Nutcracker alongside her children. Alexis holds degrees in Media Studies, Medicine, Public Health, and Global Health. Before medical school, she worked in digital media with National Geographic and Animal Planet. She is dual board certified in Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, teaches at Keesler’s Internal Medicine Residency Program, and serves as a Professor of Medicine for the Uniformed Services University. Alexis also teaches internationally as a United States Air Force International Health Specialist.
In her free time, she leads Girl Scout Troop 4026, supports her children’s involvement in dance and theater, and is passionate about ensuring all children have access to the arts and the transformative power of performance. She is dedicated to ensuring all participants in Southern Arts Alliance events have an exceptional, healthy, positive experience.
Amanda Mahan
Treasurer
Mandy Mahan has always had a love for the arts. In her adolescence, she was an active member of Biloxi Little Theatre’s Kids on Stage and was a member of Mercy Cross and D’Iberville High School’s marching bands and theatre productions. At Millsaps College, where she earned a BA in English with minors in Spanish and education, she helped chair and organize her college sorority’s annual talent show fundraiser and participated in the Panhellenic Step Show competition. She taught public high school for seventeen years until her son was born. She became involved in the local dance community when her son started dancing at Nancy’s School of Dance at the age of three. He is now in his fifth year of dancing and fourth year on NWD the Company. Professionally, Mandy manages Necaise Brothers Construction Company, teaches fitness at the MS Gulf Coast YMCA, and coaches the OSSD Greyhound Swim team. She has over 20 years in publication and business management with an emphasis in accounting. She joined the board of SAA after her son played Fritz in the 2024 production of the Nutcracker (and because she’s really bad at saying no to anything fun and challenging). She most recently accepted the nomination to move up from Member-At-Large to Treasurer. In her spare time, she loves to read, play video games, and nap.
Sean Howard
Member at Large
Sean Matthew Howard is a painter, poet and performer. In 2003, at the age of 30, he began working as an artist after decades of dabbling and doodling. He formed Saint Schizophrenia Studios not long after, in order to tie together all of the disparate media in which he works. He also has spent a great deal of time in community theatre over the last decade, singing, acting and directing. Sean is a husband to Sandi, a teacher and artist, as well as being a father of seven, who have all grown into teachers and artists themselves to varying degrees. He considers them his greatest export.
Barbie Steverson
Member at Large
Barbie Steverson from Ocean Springs, Ms. I am happily married to Sean Steverson and a proud mother to my daughter, MK. I have worked in real estate for 12 years and currently serve as a managing broker for new home builders along the Gulf Coast. In addition to my professional career, I’m also the company seamstress for Southern Arts Alliance and Elevate Dance, combining my love of creativity with my support for the arts. I’m excited to be part of this board and look forward to a wonderful year ahead.
Debra Smith
Member at Large
Debra was born and raised in Pascagoula MS, She is a Graduate of Pascagoula High School
And then went on to earn a degree in Retail/Fashion Merchandising from the MS University For Women(The W). Debra is married to Jimmy Smith, She has Two Sons and One Daughter, One Grandson and Three Granddaughters.
Her Daughter Addie May(Owner of Addie May’s Spotlight Elite Dance Company) and her granddaughter Talulah Ruth, Have danced in the Southern Arts Alliance’s Nutcracker for Two Years.
This led Debra into being involved behind the scenes doing many tasks such as props and decorating. Debra grew up dancing and became very involved for the last 24 years beginning when Addie May was Two years old with Recitals and Competitions and Costumes Etc. She has served as a Ballet Production Assistant for a Ballet Company and is so eager to join this board and Alliance and what it stands for!
