Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Dionne grew up singing gospel music in church and entered the Cleveland School of the Performing Arts High School and developed her craft. She formed singing groups with high school friends and was soon given opportunities to perform with R&B groups such as Men at Large and Levert. In her early teens is where she was introduced to the guitar, flute, and musical theatre and fell in love with performing.
Dionne majored in Music Education at Hampton University and learned her vocal skills from greats like Kathleen Battle, Lalah Hathaway, and Micah Paris. While in college, Dionne earned the lead role as Monisha in the Opera Treemonisha by Scott Joplin. She also landed the role as one of the Ladies in Waiting in the Opera Anna Bolena by Donizetti with the Virginia Opera. Dionne also took on other musical genres such as jazz and Rhythm & Blues.
Before taking on a full-time teaching career, Dionne was featured as an opening act for Michelle', High Five, Dr. Dre, Lonnie Liston Smith, Chubb Rock, Cash Money Millionaires, and was a notable background vocalist for artists Dave Hollister and Levi Little. She recently formed a Christian contemporary group where she carries out her spiritual calling.
As an actress, Dionne played a leading role in the play "Through the Crack" who plays the sister of the American film, stage, and television actress Aujanue Ellis, who desperately tries to overcome drug addiction.
Although singing has and will always be one of her passions, she fulfilled another one of her educational goals and received her doctorate in Educational Management from Hampton University in May 2018.
Named 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year at An Achievable Dream Academy for Newport News Public Schools, Dr. Ellis plans to use her credentials to continue to inspire and develop students in vocal and instrumental music, visual arts, dance, and musical theatre as the owner of Inspired Minds Performing Arts Studios LLC. As an arts advocate, Dr. Ellis dedicates her life to inspiring students to fulfill their dreams in the arts.
Blissfully married to Samuel Ellis, they have two wonderful sons, Jullian and Keenan.
Husband Samuel Ellis
Son Jullian and actress Aujanue Ellis
