Dr. Michelle Cihak, Executive Director
michelle.cihak@gsarts.net
Dr. Michelle (Shelly) Cihak entered the journalism field after earning a B.A. from Vanderbilt University in communications and political science. After working for outlets such as Good Morning America, Bloomberg Personal Finance, and PennWell Publishing, she followed her passion into the field of education. As a Literary Arts Instructor at the York County School of the Arts, Dr. Shelly taught creative writing, art history, and dramaturgy, as well as wrote and directed numerous theatre programs. Going on to earn a M.S. in curriculum and instruction from Walden University and a doctorate in Education, Policy, Planning, and Leadership from The College of William & Mary, Dr. Cihak continued to support students and teachers as an International Baccalaureate Coordinator, Assessment and Compliance Coordinator, Assistant Principal, and Principal. She combines her love of both the arts and education in her current role as Executive Director of The Governor’s School for the Arts. Additionally, she serves as an adjunct professor in the graduate program at The College of William & Mary’s School of Education, preparing the next generation of school leaders. When not supporting young artists, Dr. Shelly can be found surrounded by rescue animals, while immersed in a good book.
Ms. Wallis Quaintance, Assistant Director
Foundation Director
wallis.quaintance@gsarts.net
Wallis Quaintance holds a BFA in theatre and history from New York University, where she studied with The Atlantic Theater Company. In addition to working as an actor in NYC, upon graduation she worked for talent agents representing actors working on Broadway, off-Broadway, regionally, and in film and television. Upon returning to her native Los Angeles, she pursued an MS in Education from Mt. St. Mary’s College focusing on arts integration. As a teacher, she carried her passion for arts integrated education into classrooms in California, North Carolina and Virginia, and worked as a museum educator for The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, providing in-school field trip opportunities for elementary students across Hampton Roads. In addition to her work in education, she continues to work as an actor with local theatre companies and film productions. In her current role at The Governor’s School for the Arts, she brings together her passions for arts and for education to support, nurture, and celebrate student artists across Southeastern Virginia.
