Karli Gundersen is thrilled to join Ayni Learning Space as the theatre teacher. A lifelong performer, Karli has been passionate about theatre since childhood and has participated in dozens of productions over the years. Some of her favorite roles include Joanne in RENT, Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, Lucy in Jekyll & Hyde, and Nadia in Bare: A Pop Opera.

Her work has been recognized in the Tampa Bay community, where she was named runner-up for “Best Leading Actress” in Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay. Beyond the stage, Karli has performed as a backup singer for Josh Groban and has served as an adjudicator for Florida State Thespian competitions, where she evaluated students competing in “Individual Events.”

Karli credits much of her passion and dedication to her high school theatre teacher and mentor, whose influence continues to inspire her. Through teaching, she hopes to honor his legacy by fostering a love of theatre in her students—encouraging them to be expressive, creative, inspired, and unapologetically authentic.

She is excited to connect with her future students and their families and looks forward to creating a little magic together at Ayni Learning Space.