Michelle Marks is an actress who has trained with Performing Arts Studio West, located in Inglewood for years. Michelle recently had some super exciting news as she has been cast on the ABC Family Channel show "The Secret Life of the American Teenager." Michelle's character nameis Tammy and will be a re-occurring character "with lines" on the show this season. John Paizis is the dedicated founder and studio director of Performing Arts Studio West. The studio’s mission is to provide an environment where adults with developmental disabilities can enhance self-esteem, social skills, and employment opportunities through participation in a performing arts curriculum combined with a vocational training component. The studio has provided entertainment at various community events in Inglewood.“Our goal is to support our clients in achieving their optimum level of physical and emotional well-being while attaining the skills necessary to succeed personally and professionally,” says Paizis.Another Performing Arts Studio client also starring on "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" is Luke Zimmerman. He plays the role of Tom, Grace’s brother who has Down syndrome. The teen soap, starring Shailene Woodley and Molly Ringwald, snared 4.4 million viewers --the best-ever season-premiere ratings in network history. It also smashed records in demos including adults 18-34, adults 18-49 and teens 12-17."Praise God! Michelle was also in the season premiere commercial at the wedding wearing a blue dress. We all are thankful and excited about her opportunity to share the talents that God has given her,” stated her uncle Ivan Marks proudly. The show’s female audience was considerable and, in fact, was 10 percent higher (in women 18-34, the "money" demo) than its broadcast counterpart, The CW's "Gossip Girl"-- which it also defeated by 47 percent in total viewers. Michelle’s parents are Kenny and Carrie Marks and have been supportive and encouraging their daughter’s acting interest since she was a young girl. In addition to the encouragement of her parents Michelle also has a big sister, Dr. Kalaki Clarke who is one of her biggest fans. ABC Family is pleased to be collaborating with The National Campaign toPrevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy on the development of onlinecontent which will offer teens and parents various ways to explore, discuss andlearn about show-related themes.

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