JOELL KEPKA

Hello to you. My name is Joell Kepka. Formally known as Joell Goodwin on the opry stage. I wanted to write my bio because I feel that it adds a much more personal touch. I am 29 years old and live in Newport News, V.A. I have been a member of Donk’s Theater since November of 2003. I was born in Willingboro, N.J., and moved to Virginia with my family when I was five. I come from a big Italian family; I have two sisters and three brothers. My mother is full blooded Italian whose maiden name is Carucci. Her grandparents came to America by boat from Sicily. My parents, brothers and sisters all live here in Virginia now. My remaining family still resides in N.J. I attended private school and graduated from Hampton Christian High School. I started singing from a very young age. At four years old, Kenny Rogers was one of my first big inspirations. I was in chorus all throughout school but was to extremely shy to sing solo. I really started coming out of my shell around 20 (Singing in front of people). Believe it or not, still to this day, I will not sing in a room with just a few people in it. It absolutely kills me; but I will get on stage and sing in front of hundreds of people. My shyness just eats me up when it comes to singing but it is my deepest desire and makes me happy. While growing up, I was in gymnastics for 6 years and played the flute for 2 years. My favorite color has always been pink. Some of my favorite things to eat are stuffed shells, an Italian hoagie, cheese cake and milkshakes! I’ve sang in such places as weddings, the Atlantic Dance Faire and several competitions…including Donk’s. I have also made a professional, commercial quality demo CD with producer Doc Holiday with which the tracks were cut at Bradley’s Barn Studios in Nashville, T.N.. I have been a dental assistant for 10 years now. I went to a tech college that was accredited by the American Dental Association. My favorite place to be besides Donk’s is in Nashville. My favorite things to do are go horseback riding, read, and spend time with my sweetheart, Jim Kepka, who is also a member of Donks. My MOST favorite thing to do is spend time with my kids Madelynn and Mason,who teach me something new everyday. I thank God everyday for sending me such sweet and loving children. I want to personally thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart for your support! It means the world to me! Jim and I recently got married in November of 2007. He proposed to me on stage in September of 2007. Our newest addition is Mason James Kepka born on Mother's Day, May 11th, at 12:44a.m. weighing 5lbs, 10oz & 17.6 inches long. Mason is almost 4 months now. God has blessed us again with a healthy child. He is a very happy baby! Madelynn will be 6 (going on 16) in September; My how time flies!