Our founder, Melissa Moody, has over 45 years of experience working in the modeling and entertainment industries. Melissa started EXCEL in 1986 to share her knowledge and then 14+ years of experience with aspiring models and actors.  Melissa has written an international award-winning curriculum that has been updated every six months with real-time industry information. We have had the privilege of teaching our students children and even grandchildren.

The Director of the revamped programs offered by EXCEL Academy,  Summer, was raised in the entertainment industry. She uses her 30 years of experience to assist aspiring actors to develop their gifts, build their confidence and connect them with top industry professionals and the major US markets.

Summer has studied under top industry professionals since she was 8 years old, she attends conferences all over the world to stay on top of the latest industry standards, received her Bachelor’s in Business  Management, as well as earning her Masters in Clinical Mental Health  Counseling to make sure EXCEL’s students have a well-rounded,  mind/body/spirit education.

Audra and Taryn have been an integral part of the development of this program. They have taken their expertise of not only what they have learned after spending $60,000+ on their educations, but also to form their years from experience in the entertainment and business industries, to bring the most important aspects to you!

Audra McAnally has been around EXCEL since she was 3 years old. She took classes at EXCEL  when she was in her teens and has helped many students EXCEL grow their confidence and fulfill their potential in pursuing their dreams. Audra graduated from UALR with her bachelor’s in business administration with a focus on marketing. She now owns her own business in downtown Benton, Retro Rose, which is a rad record store that sells records,  turntables, and band t-shirts.

Taryn Gaston started with EXCEL when she was around 12 years old and came back to take the classes again when she was ready to graduate high school. She attended the  International Modeling and Talent Association in New York City with EXCEL, signed with TRUE Model Management and CESD Talent, and worked in NYC as a model and actress for many years. During her time in NYC, she received her bachelor’s at the Fashion Institute of  Technology in Manhattan, to add to her bachelor’s in communications she received from the University of Arkansas.