Special Guests

Hi, I’m Sophia! I’m originally from Hannibal, Missouri, but I now live in the Los Angeles area and am back visiting for the summer — and I’m so excited to be part of this camp! I’ll be sharing what I’ve learned about interviews, confidence, and communication. Over time, I’ve discovered how important it is to walk into a room feeling prepared — whether that’s for a job, an audition, or just meeting new people. I love helping others understand what to expect during interviews, how to present themselves with poise, and how something as simple as strong eye contact can make a huge difference.

Confidence doesn’t always come naturally — it’s something you build step by step. I’ve had to learn it just like anyone else, and now I love encouraging others as they grow in their own journey. Whether it’s answering questions clearly, standing tall, or just learning to smile and speak up, I’m here to help students feel ready for whatever opportunities come their way!

I’ve now lived in LA for 20 years, and most of that time has been spent behind the scenes supporting my daughter’s professional career in modeling and acting. She booked her very first audition at age five and has since appeared in numerous commercials, voice-over roles, infomercials, and films. I’ve been hands-on every step of the way—helping her memorize lines, prepare for auditions, find the right look, and navigate the industry with grace and professionalism.

Confidence comes with practice and exposure—and the more new people you meet and experiences you take on, the more it grows. I’m passionate about helping young talent discover their own confidence and have fun doing it.

I also have a new film coming out soon called Quarter, and I’m really proud of it. One of my biggest “almost” moments was being on hold for a major role in Marvel’s Black Widow. It came down to me and one other girl. Not getting it was tough, especially after all the preparation, but I’ve learned that staying positive and being open to what comes next is key in this business. If something is meant to be, it will happen—and when one door closes, another one really does open.

I love helping younger kids discover their confidence and creativity. Whether it’s practicing lines, learning to pose, or just feeling more comfortable trying something new, I’m here to help make the experience encouraging and fun.

After my time in the industry, I followed my passion for dance and opened my own studio — Karen’s Dance Academy LLC — which I owned and operated for 35 years. It was one of the greatest joys of my life to help young dancers grow in both skill and confidence through movement and performance.

Now retired from studio ownership, I continue to work professionally as a voice-over artist with VeryVocal.biz, where I specialize in audiobooks, movie trailers, commercials, and corporate voiceovers. I love using my voice to bring stories to life and connect with audiences in new ways.

I’m thrilled to join the Wiloki Dance Center camp and help inspire the next generation of performers. Whether you’re learning to walk a runway, express yourself on stage, or speak with clarity and confidence, I believe every student has something special to offer — and I can’t wait to help you discover it!