412-646-1718 Ext. 7006

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Chef Evelyn Sussman has been teaching Culinary Arts since 2007, working in high school and adult programs, as well as with special needs students to help them acquire the skills needed to successfully gain and hold employment in the food service industry. Chef Sussman’s educational journey began upon completion of her Associate’s in Culinary Arts with a certificate in Pastry. Continuing their culinary education,  they received their degree from Virginia Tech in Human Development and a master’s degree in Career and Technical Education. Chef Sussman also holds a Culinary Educator Certification through the American Culinary Federation. Their work experience ranges from simple quick, service locations to country clubs to high-volume food establishments.  During her time as an educator, Chef Sussman won multiple awards including the Idaho Potato Commission’s Innovative Culinary Educator Awards and the Award for the Effective Use of Technology in Culinary Education through Rational. She is always interested in growing her Culinary toolbox at summer conferences. When they’re not at Westinghouse Arts, Chef Sussman also works in food service and catering.

412-646-1718 Ext. 8032
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Travis Rigby is an educator, music director, composer, arranger, and orchestrator. He holds a Master’s Degree in Music Composition from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition from Trinity University. He received a Pennsylvania PK-12 Music teaching certificate and maintains an active membership in PMEA, ASCAP, and SCI. His music is published by T.U.X. People’s Music. Mr. Rigby is active in the theater community as a music director. This is Travis’s fifth year teaching at WAA.

412-646-1718 Ext. 8025
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Genna Malatino received her Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University with a major in English, a minor in Technical Writing with concentrations in Media Writing, Rhetoric and Writing, Creative Writing, and Professional Writing. During her time at Penn State, Genna worked for Penn State Learning as a Writing Tutor and serviced students, PhD, candidates, as well as professors. After her undergraduate degree, Malatino went on to pursue a master’s degree at Carnegie Mellon University and completed a program in Literary and Cultural Studies. During that time she worked as a Teacher’s Assistant for a freshman English course with students who studied English as a second language. After studying at CMU, Genna decided to pursue teaching full-time and got a master’s degree in Teaching: Secondary English from Chatham University. Professionally, Genna has worked as a copywriter for an educational firm located in New York City, as an instructional designer for an educational firm that focused on curating content for institutions in higher education, and as an Academic Counselor for students of varying disciplines and degree levels. Genna has had a wide array of experiences in writing and education, and brings that knowledge to the classroom at WAA.

412-646-1718 Ext. 8041

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With nearly two decades of unwavering commitment to Musical Theatre, Mr. Lenz’s journey has been marked by excellence, innovation, and an unyielding dedication to fostering inclusive artistic spaces. His journey in Musical Theatre began in Pittsburgh, where he trained and performed with institutions like Pittsburgh Musical Theatre and Stage Right! School for the Performing Arts. His quest for artistic excellence led him to Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Currently, he is diligently pursuing a Master of Education in Advanced Teaching from the University of the People, further solidifying his commitment to the craft of education.

Notable productions under his leadership include titles such as “Into the Woods,” “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “Seussical: The Musical,” “All Together Now (2022 Gala),” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and most recently “Godspell.” His artistic vision has not only brought acclaim to the program but earned regional recognition. Under his leadership, Westinghouse Arts Academy’s numerous nominations and impressive 11-time award recipient of the Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theatre (please see the Musical Theatre Program overview for a complete list of awards received)

Central to Mr. Lenz’s philosophy is the creation of inclusive and nurturing artistic spaces. His classrooms stand as a refuge, embodying diversity and inclusivity by warmly embracing all individuals, especially those from the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities. In his unwavering commitment to fostering acceptance and inclusivity, he ensures that students from all backgrounds not only feel welcomed, but genuinely valued.

412-646-1718 Ext. 7034

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Anna Very graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education. Certified in K-12 Music Education, Miss Very has taught in both middle and high school settings in North Carolina, American Sāmoa, and north central Pennsylvania. She has taught a variety of music courses, directed multiple musicals, and coached students all the way to state festivals. She also serves as the staff director for Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, a summer camp that provides students from all over the world with an opportunity to work on their chosen art with leading professionals in their field. At Westinghouse, she has dedicated her time to creating a strong vocal program with core values focusing on community, positive and safe spaces, innovative musicianship, and a commitment to excellence.