EXCEL STAFF
EXCEL School of Performing Arts is made up of a talented group of tutors and industry professionals, many of whom are not included in the list below, rather you’ll find reference to our core staff, HODs and executive team.
HOD dance - Kisha September
Email: kisha@excel.ac.nz
Kisha has her Masters in Dance Studies from the University of Auckland- where she has also been teaching from 2016-2019. Her research focus includes practice-led research that interlinks a myriad of disciplines (choreography/writing/music). She has choreographed for Tempo Dance Festival, Pointy Dog Dance Company and the University of Auckland (Choreographic Paper Year One). Kisha has danced for Identity Dance Company (2010-2014), Malia Johnston (2017), and is currently a member of Ambush (Mega).
HOD MUSIC - Michael (Kolo) Hansen
Email: kolo@excel.ac.nz
Michael, known as Kolo to family and friends, is a session musician who is currently the keyboardist for the Kiwi band Ardijah. Kolo is Tongan and grew up learning music in church. He has a Bachelor’s in Contemporary Music, a Diploma in Teaching and has been teaching music from 2018-present. Kolo has produced music for well known NZ artists and has played alongside many different artists and bands across the country.
ADMINISTRATOR - LEILANI WILLIAMS
Email: leilani@excel.ac.nz
A past student and an administrator super hero - Leilani keeps operations ticking along and everyone informed. Leilani looks after student relations and also operates as p.a. to the principal. On top of that, Leilani is a fantastic mother and wife and valued team member of EXCEL School of Performing Arts.
HOD PEOPLE & CULTURE - DEBORAH KNIGHT
Email: deborah@excel.ac.nz
With a heart for people and a passion for seeing students find their true identity, Deb represents EXCEL’s people and culture. Having been a part of EXCEL’s story for twenty three years now, her understanding of the school, its history and the vision for the future are all reasons why we’re lucky to have Deb on our team. Also a talented vocal tutor, Deb brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table.
PRINCIPAL & DIRECTOR - JOHN KNIGHT
Email: john@excel.ac.nz
John has spent the better part of twenty three years serving first as Course Director then as the Principal and Director of EXCEL School of Performing Arts. Having seen thousands of students pass through the doors of EXCEL, his greatest driver is seeing those students depart the school with confidence, purpose and a sense of identity. John is full of vision, a powerful speaker and enjoys playing keys and creating an atmosphere of worship and prayer.
HOD MARKETING - Tom Hollow
Email: info@excel.ac.nz
A past student of EXCEL School of Performing Arts, Tom has since founded multiple successful businesses in the photography and video production space. Whilst studying guitar, vocals and sound engineering, Tom saw his time at EXCEL as a solid learning platform which set the foundation for expanding his creativity & confidence. Tom is also an active board member of EXCEL School of Performing Arts.