Jordyn Luks - Director and Co-FounderJordyn is a co-founder and current Director of Performing Hearts. She is an active performer at the events hosted by Performing Hearts. Jordyn has been a member of the USA Tap Dance Team competing for the US in Riesa Germany! Jordyn has been a frequent performer at events supporting numerous community service organizations including Kids for Kids, Dancers Responding to Aids, Hancock French Woods Arts Alliance, and Performing Hearts of course. Jordyn is a high school senior involved as a member of Honor Council, dance and theater productions, school ambassador, community service events, and Yearbook Editor-in-Chief.
Having the opportunity to share what I love with others in a way that is helpful to them provides me with joy that is hard to describe. I encourage all people my age, whether they are dancers or not, to make a difference in the world around them. All it takes is an idea, some initiative and supportive friends and family - you can do it! I would be happy to exchange ideas and experiences with anyone, including how we keep Performing Hearts active and fun. E-mail:
jordyn@performinghearts.comJason Luks - Co-Founder
Jason is a co-founder and past Director of Performing Hearts. He has hosted many of the organizations’ events, including participating as a workshop leader and as a performer. Jason is a graduate of the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. Jason's recent commercial credits include Irving Berlin's White Christmas, Ted Kennedy's birthday celebration at the Kennedy Center, Saturday Night Live and Law and Order. His modern and tap choreography has been featured in several shows in New York City, Michigan, Illinois and Las Vegas. Jason performed in the 55th Presidential Inauguration celebration along with featured dancer Hilary Duff in America's Future Rocks Today: A Call to Service hosted by the President’s daughter, Barbara Bush, and attended by the President and First Lady! Jason is a member of Mike Minery’s Tapaholics Dance Company, which has performed in New York City at the Duke Theater and at the new Ailey Studios Joan Weill Center for Dance as well as in Mclean, Virginia at the Alden Theatre. Jason led the USA Tap Dance team as its male junior and adult champion between 2000 and 2003. He earned the Gold Medal/World Champion title in 2003 and 2004 in the International Dance Organization’s World Tap Dance Festival held in Riesa, Germany. Jason has held many other titles from national dance competitions including American Dance Awards, Hall of Fame, Shock, Break the Floor, Dance Masters of America, and StarQuest.
Web Site:
www.jasonluks.comKristin Lavo - Founding MemberKristin is a founding member of Performing Hearts. She is an active performer at the events hosted by Performing Hearts and directs the teaching programs for children. Kristin is the 2000 and 2001 Female US Junior Tap Dance Champion. She has represented the United States in the International Dance Organization World Tap Dance Festival held in Slovenia and Gemany in each of the past four years. In December 2003, Kristin earned the Gold Medal for the USA becoming the World Female Tap Dance Champion. Kristin also won the Gold Medal for her duo performance (with Jason) of Sammy Davis Jr.'s "Love Me or Leave Me." Kristin teaches dance to young children and she was elected to the Future Leaders of America.
E-mail:
kristin@performinghearts.comJohn K. Cowles - Board of Directors and TrusteeJohn has been a senior executive and consultant to the consumer packaged goods industry. His resume includes the following positions: Head, OTC North America, Novartis Consumer Health, Inc.; and Senior Vice President, Kraft Foods North America and General Manager, Beverages. John began his career at Booz Allen & Hamilton and has held positions in Marketing, Sales, and Operations in domestic and international locations. John received his B.S. with distinction in Engineering from Cornell University and M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. John and his family reside in Wayne, PA.
Alan D. Sobel, CPA, MST - Board of Directors and Trustee
Alan is the Managing Partner of Sobel & Co. where he is responsible for facilitating the strategic direction and the day-to-day management of the firm. Mr. Sobel provides expertise to clients in the areas of financial reporting, tax planning for closely held businesses and SEC registrants, and strategic business planning. Alan has considerable experience with mergers and acquisitions, and provides value by working with clients on sourcing deals, negotiating and structuring transactions, financial and business due diligence, and transaction financing. He has “developed” strong industry expertise in the manufacturing, construction, distribution, real estate development, and financial services industries. Alan is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey and New York. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, as well as the New Jersey (NJSCPA) and New York State Societies of Certified Public Accountants. Alan currently is the Chairman of the NJSCPA Audit Committee. He is a former Vice President and trustee of the NJSCPA, and a past President of its Essex Chapter. Alan presently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for The Children’s Institute, a non-profit school for emotionally disturbed and autistic children. He is also a member of the board of trustees of Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey, an organization dedicated to providing social and emotional support to people with cancer. Alan is a former Adjunct Professor of Taxation at Fairleigh Dickinson University and has frequently lectured on the topics of mergers and acquisitions, financial reporting, and business planning. Alan received a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Bentley College. He earned his Masters of Science in Taxation from Fairleigh Dickinson University where he was elected to the National Honor Society for Business Administration. Alan and his family reside in Rockaway, New Jersey.
Web Site:
www.sobel-cpa.com
