W.A.R. Board of Directors
Scroll down to read information about each of our dedicated Board Members
Melodie Thompson is the Founding Director of Worship Arts Restoration, Inc, and also serves as the Artistic Director for Maplestreet Performing Arts Center & Theater (MPACT) in Pawtucket, RI. Ms Thompson is a RI State Council on the Arts Teaching Artist, actor, playwright, storyteller, and dancer. She was commissioned as an Apostle in the Arts by Harvest International Church (CA).
Ms Thompson also holds a Masters in Teaching and RI Secondary Special Education Certification. Best known as a professional Storyteller, Ms Thompson has contributed to theater arts in various capacities for over 30 years. Her Rhode Island acting credits include: The Providence Black Repertory Company, "Tribute to Langston Hughes" (multiple roles); Mixed Magic Theater, "Celebrations: An African Odyssey" (mother, chorus); Brown University’s Rites and Reason Theater, "ChangeUp" (playwright and lead role), directed by the late Marsha Z. West; "Only a Woman: America’s Only Known Female Buffalo Soldier," (playwright and lead role), directed by Don Mays and toured nationally; and Mixed Magic Theater, "The Red Tent" (Rebekah), directed by Ricardo Pitts-Wiley. Ms. Thompson was a co-founder of the Rhode Island Black Storytellers, aka, RIBS (1998-2010) and founding Director and Choreographer for God’s Providence Dance Assembly (2006- 2012). She served as the RI Chapter Chair for the National Liturgical Dance Network from 2009 – 2018. Her most meaningful title is “God’s Servant in the Arts.”
Kormasa Amos is a Dancer, Community Organizer and an aspiring Writer with a degree in Communications. She has been an active participant in W.A.R. from its humble beginnings until the present, and has contributed to the growth of this organization in a number of ways over the last 10 years. Kormasa was a member of God's Providence Dance Assembly and has served both in front of and behind the scenes for several GPDA and WAR productions. She also taught and choreographed for several years in her church's liturgical dance ministry. Kormasa's skills in communications and passion for contributing to the community led to her political run for office for the City of Providence in 2022. The intensity of this campaign stretched her and strengthened her resolve to work in the nonprofit sector for the betterment of the community-at-large, which coincides with the mission of WAR.
Alicia Siryon-Wells is the Co-Director of the National Liturgical Dance Network-MA and RI Chapters and a published Author of her first book, entitled, “Unashamed.” Alicia is a 2012 graduate of the Eagles International Training Institute (EITI), where she became a licensed Dance Minister; and a 2015 graduate of the Eagles International Pageantry Institute (EIPI). She served as the TEN (The Eagles Network) Massachusetts State Leader for three years. She was also a Liturgical Dance Instructor at Stajez Cultural Arts Center in Randolph, MA for five years and currently serves as the Associate Director and Minister for Living Water Outreach for Girls, Inc, a liturgical dance and community service organization for girls ages 9-16, as well as serving as Prison Ministry Coordinator for Worship Arts Restoration.
Martin Bowman comes to WAR with many valuable skills and credentials, including a career in architecture, an MBA from Columbia University, and more recently an MDiv from Drew University. Now retired, Martin has spent many years servicing some of the most challenging addicted and needy populations in the New York City Rescue Mission. He is an ordained Minister, a published author, and the Executive Director of Seasons of Purpose, a faith-based organization devoted to cultural arts & consulting. Martin is contributing his expertise in business and finance by serving as WAR’s Financial Consultant and Accountant.
Kim Trusty is a powerful and diverse vocalist, songwriter, guitarist and actress. Kim draws on Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, Vocal Improvisation, Soul and Roots, bringing her life, heart and work experiences into unforgettable and unique performances. Her foray into songwriting started at a young age and eventually brought her to New England to study songwriting at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. In the last 2 decades Kim’s reputation has moved well beyond the Ocean State as a consummate vocalist, lyricist and songstress. Kim has had the privilege to work with some of the industry's best, Paula Cole, Richie Havens, Rick Danko among others.
Kim is also known for her work in the community as a music teacher and for her countless contributions to music initiatives, including her role in helping to launch Providence's first school for the arts, Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts. Kim brings invaluable experience to WAR from her decades of work in the Music Industry, Arts Education and from her life of triumph over many and varied obstacles along the way.
Karen Russell spent many years serving the Lord through volunteer work in many different capacities. She has served food to the homeless, distributed clothing and toys to those in need, and she has also taught teens and children through both Catholic and Protestant churches. Karen's list of agencies and ministries for which she has volunteered includes the Davinci Center, The Providence Rescue Mission and Peace & Providence. She has also done extensive volunteer work for WSTL Radio, including their Annual Day of Prayer, pledge drives and other events. Karen's love of the arts also includes liturgical dance and singing. She has taken part in many musical presentations in churches and community groups. Karen brings to WAR a commitment to prayer, volunteerism, and a heart to serve the Lord.
William Wells is the Owner and Personal Trainer at WillpowerStrengthandFitness. His also works with youth in Brockton Public Schools as a counselor and Football Coach. Min Wells completed studies at Andersonville Theological Seminary in Georgia. This powerful man is a humble Servant of God in multiple capacities, not the least of which is as a devoted father and husband to Min Alicia-Siryon Wells. William brings a wealth of community involvement and heart for Outreach to WAR.