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Enrichment Instructors
Akilah Parris
Cooking
This home cook is a busy Mom of two and a proud wife. She currently lives in White Plains, MD. Akilah enjoys cooking at home with her kids, teaching cooking classes, shopping, listening to music, and traveling. Akilah holds a degree in Nuclear Medicine/Cardiac Technician and previously worked in the medical field for an exceptionally large Cardiology Practice. She loves cooking family-friendly comfort food and sharing her recipes that have been passed down from her great-grandmother. One day soon, she plans on writing a kids and busy mom's cookbook.
Benita L. Gibson
Theater
Benita L. Gibson has dedicated her life to the craft of acting, starting her professional journey at the age of twelve. With a deep passion for the theater, Benita has graced stages in Maryland and California, while also making notable appearances on television shows such as E.R., Grey's Anatomy, King of Queens, and One on One.
Her extensive experience in acting is matched by her commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers. As the founder of BrightStar Entertainment, Inc., Benita has taught acting to children aged 4-17, guiding many of her students to successful careers in commercials and film. In addition to her teaching, Benita made a memorable appearance as the referee in the 2023 film Fidget King, produced by Upward Thrive Academy’s Actin' Up theatre troupe.
Currently, Benita shares her expertise with young actors in Charles County, fostering their growth both on and off the stage. While she plans to return to her own acting career in the future, her enthusiasm for teaching, along with her roles as an author, entrepreneur, and homeschool mother of three, remains her primary focus.
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