My name is Jessica Johns, and I am excited to introduce myself as the new Director of Dream Center School of the Arts!
The arts have been a huge part of my life from a very young age. I grew up singing, participating in many choral groups and choirs, and performing in musicals and theater programs. Throughout my school years, I competed in Erie County Music Educators Association All-County Choirs and New York State School Music Association competitions, experiences that helped shape both my love for music and my passion for the arts. Today, I am honored to serve as DCSA’s Voice and Theater Teacher, a role I have held since the school launched almost four years ago. Since 2024, I have also had the privilege of leading the vocalists on the Buffalo Dream Center Worship Team.
Beyond the arts, ministry, and community outreach are deeply important to me. I have been serving full-time at the Buffalo Dream Center since 2021, where I have developed a passion for reaching our community and spreading light in dark places. My husband, Alex Johns, who is also our Drum Teacher at DCSA, and I have been married for over a year and recently welcomed our beautiful five-month-old son, who has been our greatest blessing. Together, we also lead the Buffalo Dream Center’s Kidz Club After School Program, serving children in a housing project on the East Side of Buffalo.
Over the past couple of years, DCSA has provided students with opportunities to grow in their artistic gifts while learning in a supportive and encouraging environment. I am honored to continue building on that foundation and helping our students discover, develop, and share their talents. One of the many things I appreciate most about DCSA is its faith-based and family-friendly approach to the arts. Having grown up in the theater and music world, I know firsthand that arts programs can sometimes become stressful, overly competitive, or expose young students to content and environments that are not always age-appropriate. DCSA offers something different, a place where students can develop excellence in their craft while being encouraged, supported, and surrounded by positive values.
As Director, my goal is to cultivate an environment where creativity thrives, character is developed, and every student feels seen and valued. I want DCSA to be a place where families can feel confident, teachers feel supported, and students are free to learn, grow, and express themselves in a healthy and uplifting atmosphere. I am looking forward to working alongside our talented teachers and wonderful families as we prepare for another exciting year. Thank you for being part of the DCSA community. I can’t wait to see all that our students accomplish this year and celebrate their hard work together at our annual showcase next June. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, ideas, or suggestions. I am excited to serve you and look forward to getting to know each of you.
With gratitude,
Jessica Johns
Director Dream Center School of the Arts