Meet Our Team

Ariana Ollendick

CEO & Founder

  • Voice, Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Music Exploration, Art Club, Piano Lab

  • Ariana has been playing and studying music for most of her life. From performing in front of empty rooms to stadiums filled with people, music has become her way of life. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology with an emphasis in child development and a minor in music from University of Missouri- St. Louis. She attended graduate school at University of San Diego with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and took many courses and classes focusing on the healing power of music and art.

    Ariana began teaching private lessons in 2010 from her grandparent’s basement and quickly grew to a full studio. In 2020, Ariana founded Pave Creative and opened her first commercial space dedicated to children who love all things creative.

    Pave Creative quickly grew and she added new wonderful teachers to her team that were dedicated to furthering passions for music and arts to the Overland Park area.

  • Ariana is available by waitlist only. Join in on one of her classes to wait for a private lesson spot to become available.

  • The most important thing you can know about Ariana is her love for Taylor Swift! When she’s not listening to Taylor Swift, she is spending time with her wonderful husband, their son and their three fur babies. Her favorite part of teaching is when her students show her new music, gain confidence on stage and watching her students try something new for the first time.

Jacob Souders

Lesson Instructor

  • Piano, Percussion, Guitar, Music Composition, Cello, Music Production & Sound Engineering

  • Jacob Souders is a composer, sound designer, performer, arranger and record producer from Kansas City. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Composition and a Bachelor of Music in Music Theory from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, and has studied with world-renowned composers Paul Rudy, Chen Yi, Yotam Haber and Zhou Long. He is currently working towards a Master of Fine Arts in Sound Design at UMKC. Jacob has worked on a number of collaborative projects, creating music for a video game, short films, ensemble concert music and a number of pop records. He also works as the current music director at Camp IHC and held the same position at Camp Echo Lake in 2022.

  • Jacob is available by waitlist only. Join in on one of our classes while you wait for a private lesson spot to become available.

  • As a multi-instrumentalist, teaching is another integral part of Jacob's musical world. He teaches guitar, cello, music composition and songwriting. His favorite part of teaching is seeing others succeed, especially when those "lightbulb moments" occur, and a once difficult concept finally makes sense to a student. Jacob loves working at Pave Creative, and loves to be the teacher that sparks a lifetime of music and creativity for someone.

Leslie King

Lesson Instructor

  • Piano, Clarinet, Music Exploration, Ukulele

  • Background coming soon!

  • Leslie is available by appointment Monday through Thursday.

  • Leslie hails from a town near Chicago, IL, where her love for music blossomed from a young age. Teaching allows Leslie to express her passion for music through the power of emotions, transcending the notes and connecting with others on a profound level. She is thrilled to guide and inspire others in their musical journey while ensuring a fun and enjoyable experience.

Emy Blake

Lesson Instructor

  • Voice, Acting, Piano,

  • Emy Blake is a music and theatre lover whose goal is to share her passion and inspire others. She loves all things Disney and has worked as a performer with Disney Cruise Line for the past four years. She also has a degree in Musical Theatre from Stephens College. She is excited to help guide students on their journey to discover their love for music and performing. She believes that music is for everyone and it is an integral part of life.

  • Mosés is available Mondays and Tuesdays by appointment only.

  • Coming soon!

Maddie Smith

Lesson Instructor

  • Violin

  • Maddie has deep love and passion for music, a is very exited to joining the Pave team! She is currently a full time student with 11 years experiencparticipating in contest, symphonies, concerts and orchestras. She is currently involve with the orchesa JCCC!

  • Maddie is available by appointment Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

  • Coming soon!

ERIN GILMORE

Daniel nace

Lesson Instructor

  • Piano, Drums, Percussion, Saxophone, Clarinet

  • Daniel Nace, a passionate musician, has been immersed in the world of music since an early age. From banging on his family's old piano to playing the clarinet throughout his school years, music has always been his chosen avenue for self-expression. Pursuing a bachelor's degree in music composition, Daniel's love for music has only deepened over time.

    With a lifelong dedication to teaching himself the piano and exploring other instruments like the saxophone and percussion, Daniel has developed a strong bond with music.

    Having experienced lessons at various levels, from beginner to collegiate, Daniel has achieved an advanced proficiency in the clarinet, piano, saxophone, and percussion.

  • Daniel is available Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays by appointment only.

  • He firmly believes that two qualities are essential for being a successful lesson instructor: a genuine passion for the craft and the ability to perform. He understands that music is for everyone and aims to empower and nurture the creative pursuits of musicians at any level. By fostering self-fulfillment in the craft and promoting personal growth, Daniel endeavors to guide and inspire his students on their musical journey.

  • Voice, Piano

  • Erin Gilmore is a passionate music educator and performer with a love for helping students find their voice—literally! With two master’s degrees, one in Musicology from UMKC and another in Vocal Performance from Emporia State, Erin brings a blend of historical insight and vocal technique to her teaching. Her research dives into the fascinating lives of early theater icons, and she’s excited to share her knowledge of music history, theory, and opera with her students.

    Erin has taught voice and piano to students of all ages since 2011. She’s also worked as a choir director, musical director, and vocal coach for a range of productions, most recently directing Chess: A Musical in Overland Park.

  • Erin is available Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays by appointment only.

  • Erin enjoys working with groups and individuals alike, whether in the studio or as a guest clinician for school choirs. Additionally, she is active performer around the metro and a principal soprano for The American Opera Studio.

    When she’s not teaching, Erin loves spending time with her family in Overland Park. She’s the proud mom of an energic 5-year-old son and a fun-loving 3-year-old daughter. Together with her husband, they enjoy local adventures and family time. Erin also finds joy in creative hobbies like painting, baking, and photography. So whether she’s mixing paint colors, experimenting with new recipes, or capturing a beautiful moment on camera, Erin’s love for the arts keeps her inspired in and out of the classroom.