Meet our Teachers!
Ms. Tatyana Komarova, USA
Tatyana Komarova is the founder and executive director of the International Talent Academy & Carmel Arts Rising Star competition in Carmel, IN. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theater and Music Education and a Master’s degree in Executive Development for Public Services from Ball State University. Tatyana’s extensive 32 years of international experience in education has led her to a satisfying career as a music & piano teacher, theater director, international camp counselor, manager of extra-curricular activities and special events, and director of the nonprofit organization.
For the past 25 years, she has conducted her own research on early brain development and personal development and designed a number of programs for preschool/school-age children, and parents/educators. These programs include Music, Show Choir, Musical Theater, Etiquette, Public Speaking, Life Skills, Personal Development, Problem Solving, and Train the Brain program for gifted children.
With her students, Tatyana has produced over 50 Musical Theater productions, Piano Recitals, Music/Talent festivals, competitions, and concerts. During the lessons, she encourages her students to create, compose, improvise, boost their special skills, analyze and improve their work.
One of Tatyana’s favorite hobbies is international travel and every two years she organizes children’s groups to travel to international camps.
It is Tatyana’s present goal to enrich her talents as an educator and administrator, continuing to work with children and adults in a successful partnership. Tatyana is dedicated to the idea of the International Talent Academy and would like to expand its programs nationally and internationally.
Zhivko Yankov, Bulgaria/USA
Born in Bulgaria, Zhivko mastered Ballroom and Latin dance and quickly rose to national recognition. His competitive success led him to represent Bulgaria in World DanceSport Federation events and earn the title of Bulgaria’s Top DanceSport Athlete and High Performance Athlete. He later continued his career in Germany, ranking in the top 12 at the World Championship, and has won numerous competitions across Europe and the United States. Zhivko holds a Licentiate Bronze Degree from Arthur Murray International, as well as certifications from the Bulgaria DanceSport Federation and DVIDA/NDCA. He has coached internationally, directed an Arthur Murray studio in London, received the Global Dance Alliance “Top Teacher” award, and trained students who became national champions and finalists.
Zhivko is now excited to teach students in the Indianapolis area. His extensive training, professional choreography skills, and deep technical knowledge allow him to share his passion and love of dance with learners of all ages, from children to adults. His presence on the dance floor brings energy, insight, and inspiration to everyone he meets.
Ms. Teresa Appel, USA
Teresa is a professional voice artist, actor, teacher, and play-writer. She has a Bachelors’s degree in the Performing Arts from Purdue University, IN, USA. In the past two years she produced almost 3000 ‘voice overs’ for Tesla, Dell, Walmart, Microsoft, FedEx, Plumtree Baby, Random Potion and many more.
She has been teaching Musical Theater, Show Choir, early brain development classes with the International Talent Academy for almost 10 years. She is happy to have the opportunity to share the love for telling stories, growing imaginations, sparking creativity and inspiring dreams through theatre and music classes with her students!
Ms. Jennifer Zivoin, USA
Jennifer Zivoin is a well-known artist and a book illustrator. She has illustrated more than 40 children’s books, and her art has appeared in children’s magazines, including “Highlights High Five” and “Clubhouse Jr.” Several of her titles have been recognized with gold medals by The Mom’s Choice Awards, and her book “Something Happened in Our Town” is a New York Times children’s picture book top 10 bestseller. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the world’s largest children’s museum, featured her art in a special “Pirates and Princesses” exhibit.
Jennifer has provided artwork for celebrity picture books, including those by Bill O’Reilly, James Patterson, and Guns N’ Roses. Recently, Jennifer made her debut as an author with her book “Pooka & Bunni.” Jennifer lives in Indiana with her husband and daughters, whose daily adventures, explorations, and imaginings inspire her illustrations.
Jennifer is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and is represented by MB Artists.
Ms. Katerina Folkin, USA
Katerina Folkin is a graduate of the International Talent Academy where she went through all the programs starting with early brain development and continuing with music, theater show choir, dance, etiquette, public
speaking, acting on TV, leadership and more!
Her biggest accomplishments are participating and winning local and international music competitions, being a dance leader and a soloist in many Musicals, organizing and coordinating multiple ITA events for the community, as well as leading a team of USA kids at international camps.
Currently, Katerina is a Vice President of DECA Business organization and the Founder & President of the “Successful Leaders’ club.
Katerina has been teaching multiple programs at the International Talent Academy for the past 5 years. The programs included: private piano lessons, summer camps, etiquette, public speaking, show choir/dance, and theater. She has produced over 20 educational videos for children and has been working on research and writing educational curriculum for kids ages 8-18.
She has successfully completed “Tales of Musical Journey” piano teachers’ course from the Irina Gorins Institute as well as advanced international course in Public Speaking “Master of Successful Presentations”. Katerina’s goal is to continue her advanced studies, teaching, and pursuing leadership roles in different organizations to help kids improve in their personal development and grow their confidence.