AYLA MAULDINGCreative Consultant
MacKenzie (Mackie) Kernohan is a Florida native who began her training in the performing arts at the age of three. A passionate and dedicated educator, Mackie has been teaching for over 15 years and has worked with students across South Florida. She has taught dance at several private schools, including American Heritage School and David Posnack Jewish Day School, where she also founded the school’s pom dance team.
In addition to her work in education, Mackie is an accomplished choreographer for a number of South Florida theater companies, bringing her creative vision to life in productions across the region. She also serves on the board of Selah's Song, a nonprofit organization that supports dance education for homeschool students throughout South Florida.
Mackie believes deeply in the power of the performing arts as a tool for personal growth. While some may say it’s “just theater,” her greater mission is to equip students with life skills that extend far beyond the stage—fostering confidence, collaboration, resilience, and a strong sense of self. She uses the arts not only to train performers and provide a creative outlet, but to help prepare young people for life beyond the classroom.
She is proud to serve as the Artistic Director of The Performance Project, where she continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of performers through meaningful arts education.
After being part of The Performance Project for over 10 years as a student, Ayla is honored to still be a part of such a wonderful company to this day. A graduate of East Carolina University with a BFA in Musical Theatre, Ayla has directed, choreographed, and performed in shows at both collegiate and professional levels. Ayla’s goal for The Performance Project is to provide professional learning experiences and performance opportunities for children and teens with the hope that these students will develop a deep appreciation of the arts for years to come.
Following a career as a professional actress, Nina Felice founded The Performance Project School of the Arts to nurture young talent and encourage the pursuit of their creative dreams. With a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and a master’s degree in Child/Family Psychology, Nina incorporates the two disciplines into her teaching techniques to guide and motivate young performers. For almost two decades, she has directed and produced more than 15 shows each year. Besides her work with The Performance Project, Nina has choreographed and directed several high-caliber, professional productions at the Broward Center.