Meet The Team
Janis Marks
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THEATER + MUSIC
Music and the Arts have been a constant “thread” throughout Janis’ life. From singing at Church at the age of 3, to studying classical piano and voice in college, Janis found a creative and healing outlet through the arts. She’s been blessed to perform the lead role in multiple musicals, and had the opportunity to travel with the Wartburg College Choir on a 5 week European Tour. It was the trip of a lifetime, getting to experience Europe's rich history while singing in cathedrals such as Notre-Dame in Paris. It was there she discovered the universal language of music and the arts, and has been immersed in them ever since.
Janis has worked in children’s/outreach ministry, directing children’s choirs, teaching private piano/vocal lessons, and directing musical theater for 30 years. She celebrates the roller coaster of life with her husband, Marty, and their two amazing daughters, Noelle and Caitlyn. Their girls remind her daily of the “why” behind Infinite Joy Studios: to provide an outlet for people of all abilities to discover and thrive within their Divinely-given gifts. To Janis, Infinite Joy Studios is a dream come true.
Elise Orlando
CHOIR DIRECTOR
Elise Orlando began singing in public at the age of three when she would accompany her father, a pastor, as he would hold services in the nursing home on Sunday afternoons and sing her Sunday School songs to a (mostly) captive audience. She was active throughout her school years in choirs and theater, studying piano and shifting her focus to voice in high school. She majored in Vocal Music Performance at North Central University and has training in classical music as well as extensive experience in contemporary styles including, musical theater, jazz and pop music. Upon completion of her studies at NCU she was a charter member of Exultate Chamber Choir in Minneapolis, frequently featured as a soloist and also the Soprano Section Leader. She was also the lead vocalist for KCGO, (Kev’s Cool Gospel Orchestra) a Gospel Big Band, also located in Minneapolis. Upon moving to Milwaukee, she won a scholarship and studied at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and fronted a Neo Jazz group and now is the vocalist for The Larry Moore Trio (jazz standards). She was co-creator and performer of a duo Broadway Revue entitled “Upstaged by Redemption.” As much as she loves performing all styles of music, her greatest joy is singing for an audience of one, leading people in praise and adoration of the King of all Kings.
Elise is entering her 16th year as a homeschooler and has been active in children’s ministry for over 20 years. She is currently the Children’s Ministry Director for the three Mercy Hill Church locations in Southeastern Wisconsin.