About Artistic Heights Academy

Located in the heart of Atlanta, Artistic Heights Academy (AHA) equips and empowers emerging artists to thrive in the entertainment industry through elite training, immersive enrichment, and transformative experiences that forges holistic creative growth.

Meet the Team

Artistic Heights Academy (AHA) is a premier performing arts institution committed to cultivating authenticity, creativity, and excellence in aspiring artists. Located in the heart of Atlanta, AHA equips students with a solid, versatile foundation by exposing them to multiple approaches, allowing them to discover and develop their own authentic acting voice. AHA class curriculums are designed to provide broad-based training experience grounded in a range of proven and widely respected acting methods, including Stanislavsky, Meisner, Chekhov, and more.

At Artistic Heights Academy, we take a holistic approach to artistic development, offering elite training, immersive enrichment options, and exclusive entertainment experiences year-round. We provide an inspiring environment where performers can refine their craft, build confidence, and reach new artistic heights. Our distinguished team of industry professionals and experienced educators are dedicated to providing high-quality instruction in a supportive and empowering setting - ensuring every artist has the tools to thrive.

Research underscores the transformative power of arts engagement, listing benefits such as: Enhanced Cognitive Ability, Sharpened Problem-Solving Skills, Increased Self-Esteem, and Deeper Emotional Expression. These advantages not only shape personal growth but also foster professional success across industries.

NOTE: Artistic Heights Academy (AHA) integrates various acting techniques into its class curriculum, including proven and widely respected methods such as Stanislavsky, Meisner, Chekhov, and others (non-Chubbuck related).

For acting classes specific to the Chubbuck technique, please refer to our sister company Coached by Jonna (www.coachedbyjonnainc.com).

Our Story

History

Established in 2020 by Founder & esteemed Coach Jonna Naegele, Artistic Heights Academy began as a passionate vision to provide exceptional performing arts training.

In 2025, the appointment of a new leadership team - including a CEO, Executive Director, HR Director, and Content Director - marked a defining moment in the academy’s journey, setting the stage for a bold era of fresh ideas, innovation, and strategic expansion.

What began as a dedicated studio has flourished into one of Atlanta‘s top academies serving aspiring artists with insightful training, enriched programs, and game-changing experiences. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to fostering artistic excellence and expanding opportunities for the next generation of performers.

Mission

Our mission is to inspire creativity and empower aspiring artists to unlock their full potential in performing arts to reach new artistic heights.

Through a holistic approach to artistic development, we cultivate performers to explore and discover their unique artistic voice via our 3-E Business Model.

Elite Training:

Performing Arts Classes, Annual Camps, and Field Trips designed to refine technique.

Enrichment Options:

Industry Mentorship, Workshops, and Bootcamps to prepare artists for success.

Exclusive Experiences:

Entertainment industry tours and immersive engagements that provide real-world exposure.

Our Vision & Values

At Artistic Heights Academy, our vision is to provide a safe, supportive, and stimulating space where artists can thrive — empowering them to excel in both the performing arts and entertainment industries.

We are deeply committed to creating an environment where every artist can confidently discover, refine, and express their unique creative voice. This vision is guided by the core values we uphold every day:

Individuality:

We celebrate each artist’s unique voice, perspective, and creative expression.

Integrity:

We cultivate honesty, professionalism, discipline, and excellence in everything we do.

Creativity:

We encourage innovation, imagination, and bold artistic exploration.

Diversity:

We embrace and nurture a fully inclusive artistic community where all voices are valued.

Through our unwavering commitment to these values, Artistic Heights Academy empowers artists not only to grow in their craft — but to rise confidently into their full artistic potential.

Unlock your potential and rise to Artistic Heights!

Meet OurTeam

Jonna Naegele

FOUNDER

Jonna Naegele is the visionary founder of Artistic Heights Academy, a premier institution dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering artistic creativity. Jonna Naegele, a renowned American acting coach, producer, and advocate for actors, has spent 16 years empowering individuals to tap into their creative potential and embrace personal growth. With a wealth of experience in nurturing raw talent and guiding aspiring artists, Jonna has honed her ability to perceive and draw out the unique qualities that define each individual. Through her work as a certified life coach, she has developed a deep understanding of the human condition, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and empathy in the pursuit of artistic excellence. Driven by a passion for cultural exchange and diversity, Jonna aspires to expand her impact internationally, particularly in Africa and other regions where she already works with students and clients. Her dedication to helping others find their voices and tell their stories is intertwined with a commitment to understanding culturally specific values and beliefs through the study of philosophy. By bridging the gap between different backgrounds and perspectives, Jonna is poised to foster connections and empower individuals from diverse communities to express themselves authentically in the entertainment industry and beyond.

Katrina Pitts

PRESIDENT & CEO

Katrina Pitts, President & CEO of Artistic Heights Academy, blends technical mastery with creative passion to drive visionary leadership. With a BSME and MBA along with extensive STEM experience, she brings innovation and strategic insight to every endeavor. Inspired by her son’s early entertainment career, Katrina embraced the role of “mom-ager,” igniting her commitment to arts education. This led to her interest in leading AHA, where she empowers emerging artists through elite training, mentorship, and immersive learning. Her belief that “Knowledge is Power & Knowledge is the Key to Success” fuels a mission rooted in excellence, discipline, and industry readiness — positioning AHA as a launchpad for confident, high-performing talent.

Lavelle Muhammad

Executive Director & COO

Lavelle Muhammad, Executive Director & COO of Artistic Heights Academy, brings 30+ years of transformative leadership in education and organizational strategy. His commitment to immersive, structured learning directly aligns with AHA’s mission to elevate emerging artists through elite training and mentorship. Grounded in vision and discipline, Lavelle ensures every operational element — from curriculum to student engagement — reflects excellence. His ability to foster collaboration, strategic alignment, and values-driven programming empowers artists to grow with clarity and confidence, helping position AHA as a premier destination for high-potential performers.

Charles White

Content Director

Bringing decades of experience in video editing, storytelling, and arts education, Charles blends industry knowledge with hands-on training to guide students in mastering digital storytelling tools and developing their unique voice. He is also the founder of Whitehouse Films, where he has produced award-winning documentaries, branded content, and educational media.

W. Davoe

HR Director

W. Davoe brings a steady and strategic presence to Artistic Heights Academy as HR Director. With a background in team culture development, compliance, and administrative leadership, she ensures the academy maintains a supportive and professional environment. Her work anchors the organization’s values in everyday operations, balancing empathy with structure to support both staff and students.