Our Instructors

Jeni Meeks has instructed ballet at the CAC studio since 1999. She was a student of the CAC School of Ballet from the age of 5 to high school and danced the lead role in the school’s production of Coppélia and had major parts in Cinderella, Nutcracker and Graduation Ball performances with honorary roles in many other performances. Meeks is a certified instructor with the organization “Cecchetti USA” (CUSA), a national organization dedicated to responsibly training and accrediting teachers and preserving the Cecchetti Method. She holds a "TC-1A" and "Grade 4" with CUSA. She is an English, Math, and Science Middle School teacher at Southern Wells Jr/Sr High School and a graduate of IPFW with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Secondary Education. She and her husband David have three children Cole, Grace and Sophia. Meeks has taught dance classes for the Operation Wellnesses AHA Camp, Norwell High School Dance Team, CAC Ballet Camp, and The Miss Wells County Queen Pageant.

Megan Litherland started dancing at Brandy’s Studio of Dance in Bluffton, IN, around the age of two, where she took dance classes for lyrical, tap, jazz, and hip hop. Once Brandy closed her studio in 2017, Megan moved to the CAC where she started taking Ballet and Modern, and eventually advanced into taking Pointe classes, and started up Tap once it was added on. When she graduated from Bluffton High School in 2022, she was offered a tap teaching position at the CAC. She is currently a student at Huntington University, Majoring in Ministry a with a Minor in Psychology. While at Huntington, Megan has the opportunity to be apart of the dance group/club called Undignified, which she is now a leader for. Undignified has a variety of different types of dances they do and perform at the end of each semester, it is a way for students to get involved in one of the many ways to worship the Lord.

Mike Needler’s journey with the guitar has taken him across the globe, allowing him to experience an incredible variety of musical settings and cultures. His versatility as a guitarist has led him to perform in music theater pit orchestras, where he provided the rich, dynamic textures that bring stage productions to life. For seven years, he performed aboard cruise ships, entertaining audiences from all walks of life while refining his skills in a fast-paced and ever-changing musical environment.

In addition to his work on the high seas, Mike has toured the United States twice, showcasing his musical talents to diverse audiences. One of these tours was as an original hip-hop artist, a testament to his ability to blend genres and push creative boundaries. His passion for collaboration and songwriting led him to co-write his most recent album with Jamaican star Dalton Harris, whose rich vocal talent and international recognition brought their music to new heights. Mike has also had the honor of performing with Grammy-winning artist Deniece Williams, an experience that deepened his appreciation for musical excellence and artistry.

Beyond his impressive performance career, Mike is a lifelong student of music, constantly seeking to expand his knowledge and mastery of the guitar. He views his growth on the instrument as an ongoing journey, one that mirrors his own personal and artistic evolution. His approach to music is one of continuous learning, exploration, and self-discovery.

More than anything, Mike loves to share his passion and inspire students of all ages. Whether working with beginners taking their first steps on the instrument or advanced players refining their skills, he brings enthusiasm, patience, and a deep understanding of the guitar’s expressive potential. His goal is not just to teach technique but to help students connect with music in a way that is personal, fulfilling, and lifelong.

Hannah Schrock is a passionate and dedicated violinist with over 25 years of playing experience. Her love for the violin began at an early age, captivated by its expressive sound and the joy of creating music. She was trained in the Suzuki method, a renowned approach that emphasizes ear training, technique, and a nurturing learning environment. This philosophy has greatly influenced her own teaching style, allowing her to foster a deep connection between students and their instruments.

As a violin instructor for the past five years, Hannah has worked with students of all ages and skill levels, from young beginners as young as seven to adults seeking to refine their technique or rekindle their love for music. She believes in creating a strong technical foundation while making lessons engaging and inspiring. Her teaching approach is patient and tailored to each student’s unique learning style, ensuring that they not only develop proficiency but also experience the joy and artistry of playing the violin.

Throughout her musical journey, Hannah has been an active performer, participating in numerous chamber orchestras, string quartets, and church ensembles. She has had the privilege of collaborating with other musicians in a variety of settings, from intimate chamber performances to large-scale symphonic works. Before moving to Bluffton, she was a member of the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra, where she performed alongside talented musicians and gained valuable orchestral experience. Her background in ensemble playing allows her to guide her students in both solo and collaborative performance settings.

Beyond teaching and performing, Hannah finds joy in a variety of creative and family-centered activities. She cherishes time spent with her husband and three young children, fostering a home filled with love, music, and creativity. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and baking homemade bread—a hobby that brings her a sense of warmth and tradition.

Hannah is thrilled to join Creative Arts in offering violin lessons in Bluffton. She looks forward to welcoming students into a supportive and enriching learning environment where they can grow as musicians and develop a lifelong love for the violin.