Therapeutic Living & Learning Centers (TLC) is proud to celebrate Allona Atkins. At just 22, Allona is a powerhouse in the Creative Arts Program (CAP) in Reseda. She brings talent, creativity and heart to everything she does. Whether she’s dancing, singing, acting, or creating visual art, she pours her whole heart into her work.
A Creative Trailblazer
Allona has been part of CAP for more than a year and a half, showcasing her ceramics and paintings at TLC’s monthly farmers’ market and selling more than 40 customized T-shirts inspired by The Greatest Family Story. She’s not only an artist but also a savvy entrepreneur.
Dance Dynamo
Allona lit up the stage at TLC’s 2nd Annual Dance Recital, Reflections, and earned a Platinum Award at the prestigious Rolette’s Experience Expo, led by professional wheelchair dancers.
“I am beyond proud of Allona and her peers. Her hard work and dance techniques speak volumes about what she puts her mind to when she dances.”
Morgan Phillips, Dance Instructor
Theatre Magic
From captivating audiences in The Greatest Family Story to helping bring Cinderella to life, Allona shines both on stage and behind the scenes—assisting with props, guiding cast members, and uplifting her peers.
Instructor Elizabeth “Betsy” Meiman recalls, “Allona created a powerful poem and added her own beat to it, which we recorded to capture its emotion. The next day, she brought me a follow-up poem, and now we’re adding music to it. She even produced a creative video to bring her vision to life. She’s talented, driven and incredibly generous with her creativity.”
Always Growing
This year, Allona began kickboxing and quickly mastered new techniques. This fall in the TLC Creative Arts Program, her schedule includes Music & Play Production, Musical Theatre, Culinary Arts, Acting & Dance, Aquatic Fitness, and Improv.
Community Heart
Allona regularly volunteers to perform at local venues including:
- Sherman Oaks/East Valley Recreation Center
- Granada Hills Women’s Club
- The Avant Garde
- Pacifica Senior Centers
2024–2025 Performance Highlights
- Cinderella – 7 live performances at TLC’s Black Box Theatre
- The Greatest Family Story – 8 performances for 250+ attendees
- Annual Tea Party – Granada Hills Women’s Club (200+ guests)
- Spectrum Dance Recital – 3 performances (200+ attendees)
- Boundless Dance Competition – Platinum Award for “Rock & Roll” routine
- Reflections Dance Recital – TLC’s Black Box Theatre
- Dynamite Dance Team showcases at senior centers
Allona embodies the spirit of the TLC Creative Arts Program: resilience, creativity and community. Her instructors, family and friends all agree: she’s a gifted artist, a generous friend, and a rising star.
Learn more about the TLC Creative Arts Program for Adults, where students like Allona explore the arts, grow their skills, and inspire others.