Our team shares a common philosophy: to bring each student the benefits of performing arts training - healthy lifestyles, alert minds, self-discipline, the spirit of team work and a love for the arts.
Meet our Team
Leadership Team
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Teaching Artists
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Adjunct Teaching Artists
LOREN LOMASTRO SPECHT
Loren LoMastro Specht (Founder & Executive Director) has worked as an instructor and choreographer throughout Illinois and Indiana since 1997. She is a member of the Cecchetti Council of America from which she holds her Associate IV Teaching Certificate, a member of the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, a certified Rhythm Works Integrative Dance instructor, a graduate of the NFHS Coaches Education Program and a graduate of the American Tap Dance Institute’s Teacher Training and Certification Program, the world’s foremost training program for professional tap dance teachers. During the 2001- 02 season she attended company classes and trained with River North Chicago Dance Company. She has performed at Dance Chicago, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, EPCOT Center, Dance For Dreams, Ela Festival of the Arts and Tango 21 (Ravinia Festival). She has danced in works by renowned choreographers Claire Bataille, Frank Chaves, Paula David, Jeff Hancock and others. From 2001-08 she was the dance instructor/coach of the Lake Forest H.S. Varsity Poms Dance Team leading them to win 4 consecutive State Championships and 2nd place at UDA Nationals. From 2002-07 She was the director of Euphony Tap Ensemble and Prelude Dance Theatre. From 2008-18 Loren choreographed/coached the Loyola Academy Varsity Poms/Dance Team. Loren has choreographed works for many Chicago area dance companies, CenterStage Theatre, and Lake Forest H.S. She has received choreography awards from the Chicago Dance Connection, Dupree Dance, and Universal Dance Association. Loren was a guest faculty member of the National Tap Ensemble's "Spirit of Tap" Conference. Loren is a Mentor for the Dance Studio Owners Association Inner Circle. In addition to being the director/founder of LoMastro Performing Arts Academy, she is the creator of Dance Mastery Institute, an dance curriculum used by dance instructors throughout the US and Canada. Loren lives in Lake Forest with her husband Brian and son Leo (11).
RACHEL BENZING
Rachel Benzing, native of South Elgin, IL, began her dance training at Copeland Dance Academy and continued her dance education studying at Joel Hall Dance Center, Visceral Dance Center, the American Rhythm Center, and as a member of Xtreme Dance Force. Her dance career has led her to learn from and perform for many great teachers and choreographers such as Sarah Burney, Brooke Pierotti, T ony Tzar, Laura Edwards, Lane Alexander, Lillian Barbeito, Rosalynde LeBlanc Loo, Sarah Savelli, and many more proficient teachers from diverse backgrounds and styles. Rachel graduated from Loyola Marymount University (2014) with a Bachelor's Degree in Dance and a Bachelor’s Degree in History, where she was able to work with professional dance artists such as Lillian Barbeito (BODYTRAFFIC), Barak Marshall, T ony Czar, and Rosalynde LeBlanc (Bill T . Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company). She choreographed numerous works, one of which was featured at the American College Dance Festival (2014). Rachel is a graduate of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance where she received a Master of Fine Arts Degree (2016) in Dance: Creative Practice and was able to pursue a performance art-based creative process. Rachel has performed on stage in the Chicago Human Rhythm Project Rhythm World Festival with the reunion of the all-female tap ensemble Rhythm ISS (2018) and performed with M.A.D.D. Rhythms in “A Journey Of The Dance Through Rhythm” (2019) and award-winning tap ensemble T apman Productions original work “What It’s Like T o Be Human” (2019). Rachel currently teaches in the Chicagoland area and choreographs for dance studios and competition teams around the country. Her work has won numerous awards for Choreography, Entertainment, Creative Concept, and Overall Presentation, and has been chosen as a contending nominee for the Industry Dance Awards (2022). Rachel has choreographed for the Children’s Theatre of Elgin, of which she is an alum. She is an Adjunct Faculty member of the College of DuPage Dance Program where she teaches Jazz, Tap, and Hip Hop. Rachel is also a writer for SeeChicagoDance.com, writing reviews of professional dance performances in the greater Chicago area. Rachel is an adjunct member of our faculty.
OLIVIA BAUSO
Olivia Bauso is a Chicago-based dance educator, choreographer, and NASM Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist. She began her pre-professional training with Absolute Dance Company in Upstate New York, where she developed a passion for both concert dance and musical theatre. She later attended the CAP21 (NYU Tisch) Artists-in-Residence Program before earning her BA in Communications and Media & Dance Studies from Nazareth University. Olivia has performed with contemporary choreographers including Heather Roffe, Heather Acomb, and Paige Cummings, as well as with regional theatre companies such as APT and REV. She has choreographed a wide range of works, from full-length productions to competitive routines, with her choreography recognized by ACDA Northeast, Beyond the Stars, Addiction Dance Competition, Spotlight Dance Cup, and more. Now working full-time as a dance educator and guest choreographer, Olivia is passionate about creating a physically and emotionally safe environment where her students can cultivate their love for dance.
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TANNER BOYER
Tanner graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts in Dance. Since then, he has danced with the contemporary company Dark Circles Contemporary Dance and the Chicago Jazz company Giordano Dance Chicago. He has also performed with Royal Caribbean Productions as a professional dancer and aerialist, entertaining audiences in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and North America. During this time, Tanner was part of the original cast for "Showgirl" and "Effectors." He danced in the world-famous cabaret Moulin Rouge in Paris, France, for the show "Féerie." Recently, he joined Step One Dance Co with RWS Entertainment, performing world-class shows on Holland America Line. Tanner has taught at numerous prestigious studios around the Chicago area, such as Dreams Dance, Extensions, and Visceral. He holds a certification with the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a personal trainer. Tanner loves teaching and is excited to dance and teach the next generation of dancers. At LoMastro, he serves as a Teaching Artist and Rehearsal Director for the Dance Company, where his award-winning choreography continues to inspire and challenge students.
MICA CARSON
Mica Carson began her dance training in Austin, TX, at the age of 8, training and performing as a member of an elite competitive dance company in ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary. She continued her education at Hope College, earning a BA in Dance Performance & Choreography. While at Hope, she danced with H2 Dance Company, performing modern and afro-fusion works by directors Matt Farmer and Crystal Frazier. Mica discovered her love for teaching at the age of 15 while assistant-teaching a special-needs dance program called 2dance2dream in Austin. Over the past 10+ years, she has developed her teaching career in both the Austin and Chicago areas, including serving as a faculty member for Activate Your Artistry Dance Convention, Director of Envision Dance Company, and leader of student ambassador programs. She is also an Acrobatic Arts Certified Teacher. At LoMastro Performing Arts Academy, Mica serves as Dance Company Coordinator and Rehearsal Director. Her passion is creating safe environments where students can explore their unique talents and abilities. She believes dance is one of the best ways to build character, community, and confidence, and she dedicates her efforts to uplifting the next generation of dancers.
BENNETT CULLEN
Bennett Cullen began his dance training in the suburbs of Chicago, and studied ballet through Arlington Dance Academy, Ballet Chicago and weekly class at The Joffrey Ballet. He continued his classical training at the University of Iowa mentored by Eloy Barragan, George De La Peña and Kristin Marrs. Since leaving school, Bennett has danced for The Big Muddy Dance Company, Visceral Dance Chicago, Trifecta Dance Collective (Guest Artist) and currently a Performing Artist with Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre. He has had the privilege to perform works choreographed by Ohad Naharin, Brian Enos, Shannon Alvis, Stephanie Martinez, Michelle Manzanales, Katlin Michael Bourgeois, Monique Haley, Prince Lyons, Nick Pupillo, Marguerite Donlon, Sarah Olson, Marc Macaranas, and Eloy Barragan. Alongside dancing, Bennett’s choreography has been featured in, Lindenwood University’s Fall Gala (2020), The Big Muddy Dance Company’s production of Brian Eno’s “Lemp Legends” (2021), Trifecta Dance Collective’s A New Light Choreography Project (2022), and Trifecta Dance Collective’s Works In Progress Showing (2023) and Youth America Grand Prix Regionals Competition (2024). He continues to teach ballet technique at many prestigious institutions across the Chicagoland area. Bennett also served as Executive Assistant for Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre from 2022-2024 and now currently is the Community and Engagement Coordinator, as well as the director of Cerqua Rivera’s second company, CRDT II. Bennett’s passions lay in education, community engagement and ballet pedagogy, and he hopes to spread his love of teaching movement wherever he goes.
JOEY FONTANA
Joey Fontana, originally from Sterling Heights, MI, brings a wealth of experience and talent to LoMastro Performing Arts Academy. Joey's impressive National Tour credits include Monty Python’s Spamalot! His regional theatre performances span a variety of beloved shows, including Shrek: The Musical, La Cage Aux Folles, The Producers, White Christmas (Barter Theatre), Something Rotten! (Phoenix Theatre Company), Disney’s Newsies (Fireside Theater), Oklahoma!, Anything Goes (Porthouse Theatre), A Chorus Line, Little Shop of Horrors (The Huron Playhouse), and Deck The Halls (Busch Garden Williamsburg). As a choreographer, Joey has lent his creative expertise to productions such as Assassins, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and The Theory of Relativity at Oakland University. Joey graduated Magna Cum Laude from Oakland University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Performance. He immediately joined the staff at Oakland University as a Guest Professor of Tap and guest choreographer for the musical theatre department’s main stage musicals. After moving to New York City, Joey continued to work professionally in theatre while teaching and choreographing for the past seven years. His work has garnered numerous overalls and choreography awards from competitions across the Midwest and Northeast. Recently, Joey served as the Assistant Company Director of Fusion Dance Centre in Roselle Park, NJ. He also contributes as an adjudicator and convention faculty member for Turn It Up, StarQuest, and Elite National Dance Competitions. Joey join our team when he relocated to Chicago in 2024 and is currently as Teaching Artist and Rehearsal Director for our Dance Company.
CARLA GARIPPO
Carla Garippo was inspired to dance by her mother, who was a Gus Giordano jazz dancer. She received her professional dance training from the prestigious Ruth Page Center for the Arts under the famed direction of Larry Long, Dolores Lipinski, Patricia Klekovic, and staff. She has also studied at Gus Giordano, Lou Conte, and Joel Hall Dance Studios, as well as The Dance Academy and The Miami City Ballet in Florida. Fluent in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Modern, Acro, Lyrical, Contemporary, Poms, Pointe, Musical Theatre, Stretch/Conditioning, and Character dance, she teaches with great enthusiasm to dancers of all ages and levels. Carla has performed in The Chicago Tribune Charities production of The Nutcracker at The Arie Crown Theater and was a principal dancer of Ruth Page’s Civic Ballet Company of Chicago. She is a former company member of Hip Hop ConnXion and The Chicago Honey Bears. In 2006, she furthered her dance training in Los Angeles, California, at well-known studios such as Millennium, Debbie Reynolds, and The Edge. There, she became a part of Hip Hop International and was selected to perform at Carnival “Choreographer’s Ball.” Carla has toured with The New Invaders: Ultimate 60s Flashback Show and for multiple recording artists. She has extensive experience choreographing flash mobs and was selected to work with Resound at The Chicago Theatre. Her other performance opportunities include The Oprah 24th Anniversary Flash Mob with The Black Eyed Peas, Dirty Dancing, Carnaval at The Victor Hotel, Dance Chicago, MTV’s Sweet 16, as well as various music videos and concerts nationwide. She has held the position of Dance Coordinator at The Riverside Casino in Iowa and for Impulse Movement Company in Chicago. Carla is currently a talented emcee performing at Bar and Bat Mitzvahs locally and choreographs musicals for The Gorton Drama Studio. She is excited to join the staff at LoMastro Performing Arts, where she gets to share her passion for dance with her students.
ZOE HOLLAND
Zoe Holland is a dance artist based in Chicago and recently graduated summa cum laude from Loyola University Chicago with degrees in Dance and Communication Studies. She hails from Denver, Colorado, where she trained under the guidance of Elizabeth Shipiatsky in the Vaganova curriculum. During her time at Loyola, Zoe had the privilege of working with Miki Orihara, Sarah Cullen Fuller, Daniel Fetecua, Jessie Stegall, Raúl Díaz-Maroto Casasola, and Amy Wilkinson. She has also spent summers training in New York City at the Paul Taylor Summer Intensive, learning excerpts from Esplanade, Cloven Kingdom, and other works. Zoe taught various workshops while at Loyola and has continued teaching ballet, pointe, and contemporary throughout Chicago since graduating. She currently dances with Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre’s Second Company.
JC HOPKINS
JC Hopkins was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, where he started dancing at the age of 8, inspired by Aaliyah videos. His serious dance journey began at Dance Expressions, where he was trained by Cyx Wynne. JC also spent seven years with the renowned Hip Hop company, Hip Hop ConnXion, competing and placing 5th in the nation at the HHI USA Championship. After ConnXion, he met Tanji Harper, the artistic director of The Happiness Club and Blu Rhythm Collective & Crew. Since 2017, he has been a key choreographer and director there, producing engaging choreography and shows.
CHELSIE JACKSON
Chelsie Jackson has been a professional choreographer, dance educator, and performer for over a decade. She first started her dance training near Detroit, Michigan at the age of three. While growing up she participated in many conventions, master classes, performances, and competitions in all idioms of dance. Chelsie graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Dance from Western Michigan University. During college she trained with faculty members as well as guest artists including Derrick Evans, Eddy Ocampo, Willy Shives, and Ron De Jesus. She has also taken her training to various parts of the country such as The Edge Performing Arts Center, The Paul Taylor Dance Intensive, ACDF, Dance Masters of America's Teacher's Training School, Lou Conte Dance Studio, Visceral Dance Center, and Detroit Dance Collective. Chelsie has danced professionally for Chevrolet, Nabisco, Lisa Lamarre and Dancers, Tapestry Dance Company, and A. Deran Dance as well as many independent artists and choreographers. Her passion for teaching and inspiring the next generation of dancers has landed her many teaching positions throughout the Midwest. It has also given her opportunities to be on faculty at the Illinois High School Dance Festival and Raw Energy Dance Competition. Her students have gone on to prestigious higher education facilities, dance professionally, and are strong educators in dance throughout the United States. Chelsie is certified in Acrobatic Arts, Progressing Ballet Technique, Zumba, and ABT's National Training Curriculum in Pre-Primary through Level 3. She continues growing and sharing her love of dance with constant ongoing education.
DANI JOHNSON
Dani Johnson is a dancer, choreographer, and instructor originally from Ramsey, MN. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a BFA in Dance and a certificate in Dance Studio Management in 2023. During her time at Western Michigan, Dani was an integral part of Western Dance Project and had the honor of performing works by renowned choreographers such as Kim Cooper, Kiki Lucas, Jeremy Blair, Monique Haley, and Katy Copeland. In 2021, she performed in the Maggie Allesee Choreography Competition winner Ten/10, choreographed by Sara Kausch. She was also nominated for an Industry Dance Award in 2023 for her work Don’t Leave Me and performed her collaborative piece Ascendancy with Sawyer McNamara at the Dare to Dance festival in St. Louis. Her choreography has been recognized for its creativity and impact, reflecting her passion for blending contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop styles. Dani has taught dance in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Michigan, and finds great joy in meeting new students and sharing her artistry. Based in Chicago, she is currently a dancer with Alluvion Dance Chicago and continues to grow her career as both a performer and educator. At LoMastro Performing Arts Academy, Dani serves as Assistant Director of Programs, Dance Company Director, and Teaching Artist. She also sponsors our National Honor Society of Dance Arts (NHSDA) chapter, helping to cultivate leadership, service, and excellence in young dancers.
DANNIE KRAY
Dannie Kray has been teaching and coaching dance since 2014, bringing a wealth of experience to LoMastro Performing Arts Academy. Her background includes working with dancers of all ages and skill levels, where she shares her passion for movement, creativity, and personal growth. Dannie grew up dancing at LoMastro, taking a variety of classes until she went to college. She graduated summa cum laude from DePaul University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education for Preschool. In addition to her work in the studio, Dannie is a dedicated special education preschool teacher, reflecting her deep commitment to supporting and inspiring young learners in both the arts and the classroom. She has extensive experience in dance instruction and team coaching, having worked with high school dance programs throughout the North Shore. She previously choreographed and coached for Loyola Academy, where her jazz routines earned top scores at multiple competitions, and she provided weekly technique classes to both the JV and Varsity teams. She currently works with the Vernon Hills High School Dance Team, continuing to lead weekly technique training for both levels. A proud alumna of the Stevenson High School Patriettes Dance Team, Dannie was a four-year member and later gave back by coaching the Jr. High Patriettes, a feeder program for 6th–8th grade dancers preparing to audition for the high school team. From 2015 to 2020, Dannie was part of LoMastro’s Pom Company as a teacher and choreographer, and we are thrilled to welcome her back to lead the program into its next exciting chapter.
BREE LEWANDOWSKI
Bree Lewandowski (Ms. Bree) has been an active member of the dance world for more than twenty years. She began dancing at a young age and was already teaching by sixteen, continuously expanding her knowledge and appreciation of ballet, jazz, and contemporary/lyrical dance. Bree received extensive training from respected instructors including Katherine Pearson Skleba, Donna Douglas, Shell Benjamin, Jennifer Price, Joyce Lang, Danielle Ipolito, and Fletcher Nickerson. She also studied Latin and Smooth ballroom styles with Susan Cole, Josh Torres, and Cinnamon Trammel. A two-time recipient of the Stephanie Ramos Scholarship, Bree was influenced by renowned educators such as Shel Benjamin of Juilliard and Joyce Lang, who helped shape her artistry and teaching style. Her teaching career began at Naperville Gymnastics Club, where she served as Director of Preschool Gymnastics, taught ballet, jazz, tap, and modern, and coached for more than a decade. She also choreographed College of DuPage’s 2011 production of The Frogs and taught ballroom at DuPage Dance Center. From there, Bree went on to instruct ballet at Aspirations (2012–2020), choreograph and teach for Elite Feet (2020–2022), and currently teaches and choreographs ballet, jazz, preschool, elite junior contemporary, and team classes at Front Street Dance Center. She has also been a member of the Esprit Dance Ensemble. Bree’s classes are known for their blend of strong technical corrections, positive reinforcement, and an appreciation of dance history. She strives to create an environment where effort is celebrated, progress is encouraged, and the joy of movement is always at the center of the experience.
MORGAN LINWEAVER
Morgan Lineweaver was born and raised in Northeast Ohio and recently graduated summa cum laude from Point Park University with a BFA in Jazz Dance and minors in Entrepreneurship and Technical Theatre & Design. She currently works as a dancer and singer at Six Flags Great America in their main production shows. She trained extensively in classical ballet technique, jazz, modern, tap, and contemporary with the Canton Ballet Company and has attended programs with Commercial Dance Intensive, Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, Orlando Ballet, and Tulsa Ballet. During her time at Point Park, she performed in works by Kiesha Lalama, Sara Brians, Ahmad Simmons, Kiki Lucas, and others. She trained under faculty and guest artists including Kiesha Lalama, Kiki Lucas, Norbert De La Cruz III, Jason McDole, Marc Spaulding, Rocker Verastique, and Danny Herman, gaining exposure to a wide range of dance styles such as musical theatre, heels, Latin ballroom, house, locking, and African. In addition to performing, Morgan worked as the Costume Supervisor for Kentucky and Winter’s Tale at Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse, where she enjoyed learning about the creative process from a behind-the-scenes perspective. As an artist, Morgan strives to create a community-centered approach in her classes. By drawing on her diverse training and education across multiple aspects of the industry, she seeks to cultivate an environment where students can fall in love with dance.
MOLLY LOMASTRO
Molly LoMastro brings over two decades of leadership experience in operations, customer service, and team management to LoMastro Performing Arts Academy. From 2001 to 2019, Molly worked at AdvocateAurora Good Shepherd Hospital, where she served as Patient Advocate and Patient Relations Lead. During her 18-year tenure, she led a team of 18, specializing in conflict resolution, front desk operations, customer service training, and language services. Molly’s dedication to improving patient satisfaction and operational efficiency earned her a reputation for excellence. She also collaborated with risk management, physician medical directors, and hospital leadership on complex case reviews, performance improvements, and regulatory compliance.
After her healthcare career, Molly spent four years (2020-2024) as Administrative Coordinator for Gilead Sciences, supporting a global team of 85 within Medical Affairs. She managed over 80 contracts annually, tracked a $50 million budget, and planned team-building events that fostered collaboration and strengthened organizational culture. Her strategic projects ranged from mentorship programs for high school students to large-scale events, such as Habitat for Humanity builds. She also took on a leadership role in training over 275 administrative professionals and project managers nationwide. Molly’s connection to LoMastro Performing Arts Academy goes beyond her professional expertise—she is thrilled to be supporting her sister, Founder & Executive Director Loren Specht. After relocating back to Illinois from the San Francisco Bay Area in 2024, Molly joined the Academy full-time as Director of Operations & Office Manager. Her empathy, creativity, and solutions-driven approach ensure that LoMastro continues to provide an enriching and seamless experience for students, families, and faculty alike. When she’s not working, Molly enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, kayaking, attending live music events, and indulging in the arts. She’s also known for dancing like no one’s watching in her kitchen.
MARY MEO
Mary Meo is a movement artist from Chicago, Illinois. Her early dance education includes training at Légere Dance Centre, DeMaira Dance Studio, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and Lou Conte Dance Studio. In 2021, Mary graduated summa cum laude from Ball State University, earning a BFA in Dance Performance. While at Ball State, she had the privilege of working with artists such as Sidra Bell, Noa Shadur, Jamy Meek, Beverly Bautista, and Tweet Boogie. She performed in Sidra Bell’s piece Work Within Dreams, which was selected for presentation at the American College Dance Association South Conference in March 2020. During her collegiate experience, Mary discovered her love for improvisation and its role in the creative process. Following graduation, she danced with Pack Dance (formerly Consuming Kinetics Dance Company) in St. Louis, Missouri, for four seasons. She is currently a principal company dancer with Ardent Dance Company. As an educator, Mary strives to cultivate a classroom environment where curiosity exists at the forefront. She is thrilled to continue sharing her passion for movement with the students at LoMastro Performing Arts Academy, where she also serves as Curriculum Manager for our Early Childhood programs as well as Rehearsal Director for our Dance Company.
KATHLEEN MYERS
Kathleen Myers's illustrious journey in the performing arts began at the Dance Academy in Chicago, where her first tap class sparked a lifelong passion for dance. This early exposure laid the foundation for her extraordinary versatility in the arts. Kathleen's love for musical theatre blossomed in high school, leading her to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre from Western Illinois University. There, she honed her skills in various dance styles and showcased her talent with the modern dance company UDT, demonstrating her prowess as a true triple threat in the world of musical theatre. After graduation, Kathleen's career took a turn towards education and performance. She began a fulfilling journey with Lexington Children’s Theatre, where she contributed as a performer, choreographer, and teacher. This experience ignited Kathleen’s deep adoration for education, shaping her into not only a performer but a mentor and guide. Her professional performance credits are extensive, including noteworthy names like TheatreWorks FL, Big Noise Theatre, and Missoula Children’s Theatre. A fun fact about Kathleen is her geographic reach in sharing her art: she has taught and performed in 13 different states and 2 Canadian provinces, spreading her love for musical theatre and dance far and wide. Outside the limelight, Kathleen enjoys the simpler pleasures of life, like sipping hot tea, indulging in tacos, or unwinding with Disney/Pixar movies alongside her two children. Since beginning her teaching career in 2010, Kathleen has touched the lives of many aspiring performers. Joining LPAA in 2023, she brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm. She is most excited about forming meaningful relationships with students and families, fostering a lifelong love of dance and musical theatre in them. As the director of our Musical Theatre Program and the Enrichment Club Program Manager, Kathleen embodies a profound commitment to nurturing the next generation in an environment infused with creativity, discipline, and joy.
DEBRA ANN NANNI
Originally from Buffalo, NY, Debra has studied all styles of dance. In 1983, she earned a scholarship to Gus Giordano’s in Evanston, IL, which kickstarted her impressive career. She later became a core member and soloist with the contemporary ballet company, The Chicago Dance Medium. Working closely with CDM’s Artistic Director Rosemary Doolas, Debra took on roles as Associate Artistic Director and board member. As a guest artist, she had the privilege of performing with many esteemed Chicago artists and dance companies. Debra's passion for teaching blossomed while performing, leading her to own and operate her own studio, Progressive Movement Academy. Many of her students have received college scholarships, now dance with professional national and international companies, perform with recording artists, and teach dance themselves. Her choreography has earned top awards and accolades on the recreational, competitive, and professional stages, including creating international works for the professional Vaganova ballet company, F.V.G Neu Space in Udine, Italy. On the convention circuit, Debra inspires dancers to embrace ballet and modern dance with passion. With over 31 years of experience adjudicating various national dance and talent competitions, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. In 2019, Debra enjoyed judging episodes of "Dance Moms" and the A.S.D.U European National Dance Championships in Austria. After moving to Phoenix in 2019 to be with her mother, and continuing to teach at two remarkable studios, Debra is now returning to the Chicagoland area to continue her passion for dance education. She feels blessed to share her extensive experience and knowledge with our dancers at LoMastro.
SAMANTHA NAVARRO
Samantha Navarro, born in Illinois and a proud resident of Waukegan, enriches the LoMastro team in her roles as Boutique Manager, Reception and Enrollment Associate, and Enrichment Club Teacher. Samantha’s passion for working with children began at the Winter Club of Lake Forest, where she started as a camp counselor at 16. Now in her 5th year at LoMastro, she tailors her teaching to each child’s unique needs, using her bilingual skills to foster an inclusive and engaging learning environment. Her ability to communicate in Spanish has been essential in helping non-English speaking students integrate and feel supported in their classes and activities. Samantha values the personal growth and development she sees in her students, aiming to enhance their communication skills and character development. She is a Studio Fine Arts Club™ High Impact Certified Teacher and has completed classroom management training from Rhythm Works Integrative Dance. Outside of her professional life, Samantha enjoys building Legos and taking outdoor walks, reflecting her creative and explorative nature. Her goal for every student is to help them build essential skills and leave the Enrichment Club feeling happier and more enriched. Samantha's commitment to her roles at LoMastro and her impact on the preschool Enrichment Club program have made her a key member of the community, contributing significantly to a welcoming and dynamic learning environment for its youngest members and our advanced students alike.
BRENNEN RENTERIA
Brennen Renteria began his dance training at age 10 in his hometown of Corona, California. He went on to pursue a B.A. in Dance at California State University, Fullerton, where he performed and choreographed for dance concerts and appeared in works by Louis Kavouras and Colin Connor. In 2011, Brennen attended the American Academy of Ballet Summer Intensive on full scholarship, studying with master teachers David Howard, Sean Lavery, Galina Samsova, and Brian Loftus. While in college, he performed in several local ballets, including Snow White in the Old West and The Little Mermaid with Ballet Etudes of Huntington Beach, and he danced the role of the Nutcracker Prince with American Pacific Ballet Company in 2012. He also collaborated with Golsanam Dance and Music Company, learning and performing various styles of traditional Persian dance. After earning his B.A. in Dance from Cal State Fullerton in 2014, Brennen joined Thodos Dance Chicago, working with choreographers Brian Enos, Lucas Crandall, Garfield Lemonius, Brian McGinnis, Kevin Iega Jeff, Ann Reinking, and others. He toured nationally with TDC, performing, teaching, and producing new works through the company’s New Dances initiative. In 2017, Brennen joined Elements Ballet and later Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, where he performed alongside the Chicago Sinfonietta Orchestra and the company’s jazz orchestra. He went on to become Rehearsal Director for CRDT’s dance ensemble, collaborating with choreographers including Monique Haley, Shannon Alvis, Michelle Manzanales, Stephanie Martinez, and Sherry Zunker. His choreographic work has also been presented at Noumenon Dance Ensemble’s New Moves (2015), Links Hall’s annual THAWALLS (2017), and New Dances under Thodos Dance Chicago. During this time, Brennen expanded his training to include ballroom and social dance and became both an instructor and virtual ambassador for Duet Dance Studio. Since 2015, he has taught at Glenwood Dance Studio in Chicago and has also been on faculty with VH Dance Center, American Dance Center, North Suburban School of Dance, and most recently LoMastro Performing Arts Academy. In 2023, Brennen brought his professional experience into higher education as an adjunct professor at Columbia College Chicago and as a regular substitute at Northern Illinois University, where he has also served as a rehearsal director. He continues his tenure as Rehearsal Director for CRDT’s main ensemble while sharing his diverse expertise as an educator, choreographer, and mentor.
SHANNON RODRIGUEZ
Shannon Rodriguez graduated from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a minor in Dance Pedagogy. Passionate about both choreography and teaching, she has worked extensively at studios across the Midwest, where she has taught, substituted, and assisted in a wide range of styles and with students of all ages. As a performer, Shannon was a company member with H2 Dance Company under the direction of Matthew Farmer and Jasmine Mejia, collaborating with guest choreographers including Sharon Wong, Kristen Farmer, and Lindsey Hanson. She has also appeared in dance films such as Selah (directed by Lindsey Hanson and Kaleigh Estby) and Conform Me Not by Jasmine Mejia. Continuing to grow as both an artist and educator, Shannon is currently training as a member of Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre’s Second Company, contributing to the company’s mission of using dance to tell personal and culturally resonant stories. At LoMastro Shannon is a Teaching Artist, and Rehearsal Director for the Hip-Hop Company.
ABBY ROSSITER
Abby Rossiter grew up training and competing in dance throughout the Chicagoland area, including at LoMastro during her high school years. She was selected as an NYCDA Studio Showcase Dancer and received the Dupree Dance Convention Advanced Ballet Scholarship. She also performed as a Patriette and Concert Company dancer at Stevenson High School. Abby graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Miami, where she studied Motion Pictures, Dance, and Sociology. Some of her favorite opportunities during her time there include attending The New York: Invitation to Dance summer program on scholarship, collaborating with the Frost School of Music Dance Department and Composers Collaboration as a selected choreographer and soloist, and winning 1st place in the Standard division of Dancing With the UMiami Stars. Additionally, Abby was a key member of the Miami Motion Dance Team, serving as a performer, student president, and post-graduation coach. In 2015, Abby returned to LoMastro as a dance teacher, quickly becoming an integral part of our faculty for 9 years. During this time, she held the roles of Dance Company Director and Artistic Director. Abby's choreography has been showcased at Disney World in Orlando and has won various Choreography Awards, highlighting her talent and creativity. Currently, Abby holds the title of Artistic Director Emeritus and Advisor and remains connected to LoMastro as an adjunct member of our faculty. She resides in Minnesota and is also on faculty at Moore Than Dance, where she continues to share her passion for dance with eager students.
Abby enjoys choreographing musical productions, with credits that include Masque (University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL), Willy Wonka, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Little Mermaid (Area Stage Company, Coral Gables, FL), and The Wiz, 13, High School Musical, and Legally Blonde (Northbrook, IL).
HANNAH SALSMAN
Hannah grew up under the Southern California sun, where she first discovered her passion for art in her grandmother's ceramic studio. She went on to formally study Fine Art at Art Center College of Design and began her career as a working artist. Her love for creative expression led her to found an art therapy practice and collaborate with mental health and rehabilitation centers across Southern California, creating programs that continue to thrive today. In 2021, Hannah and her husband moved to Chicago, where she transitioned from clinical work into education. For the past four years, she has taught in the Fine and Practical Arts Department at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park. Outside the classroom, Hannah and her husband share a passion for home restoration, breathing new life into old spaces and returning them to their original charm throughout the Chicagoland area. At the heart of all her work is a belief in the transformative power of art, whether expressed on canvas, in the classroom, or within the walls of a home. Hannah now brings her passion for creativity, education, and community to LoMastro as our Studio Coordinator.
MEREDITH ANN SEELEY
Meredith trained in Rochester, NY at the Orcutt/Botsford School and the Draper Center for Dance Education. She received further training from the Hartford Ballet School, Pennsylvania Ballet School, Chautauqua School, and the NYSSSA Program. At a young age, Meredith joined Timothy Draper’s Rochester City Ballet as a soloist dancing leading roles in productions including The Nutcracker, Firebird, Don Quixote, and Cinderella. She also performed with Rochester’s modern dance company, Present Tense Dance, directed by Anne Harris Wilcox. Later, Meredith joined Gen Horiuchi’s Saint Louis Ballet, where she originated the leading role in his production of Beauty and the Beast and danced numerous pieces by resident choreographer Francis Patrelle. She later went on to perform with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Dallas Opera, Civic Ballet of Chicago, Chicago Festival Ballet, and many others. Meredith loves helping students of all ages and abilities develop a true connection to their bodies. She has a passion for teaching dancers how to cultivate healthy and sustainable movement patterns both in dance and in everyday life. She enjoys sharing skills that help students regulate their bodies for optimal learning and performance and to help boost confidence. Learning how to move well and be well is essential for building and maintaining robust whole-body health. This philosophy has led Meredith to explore and study many other styles of movement and somatics beyond the dance realm including Pilates, Restorative Exercise, natural movement, aikido, climbing, parkour, Somatic Experiencing, and nervous system regulation. Meredith is a Certified Restorative Exercise Specialist (CPT-RES) through Nutritious Movement, a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT), and a movement teacher and coach. She graduated summa cum laude from Saint Mary’s College of California’s LEAP program and holds her BA in Performing Arts. As of 2025, Meredith continues as an adjunct member of our faculty after 18 invaluable years shaping countless dancers as part of our Ballet program, choreographing the Snow Scene in our Nutcracker, and continuing to support our team through private lessons and mentorship
ABIGAIL STACHNIK
Abigail Stachnik was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She began her dance training at the Young Dance Academy under the direction of Sandra Young. Abigail became a faculty member at the Young Dance Academy in 2010 and has continued to teach and choreograph since then. In 2015, Abigail earned a BFA in Dance with Honors from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She has trained in the Scholarship Program at Lou Conte Dance Studio, apprenticed with Chicago Repertory Ballet, and performed in the Mezzo Company with Cocodaco Dance Project where she eventually joined the main company in 2018. Additionally she has performed as a guest artist with Marlene Skog Dance and performed at Harvest Chicago Contemporary Dance Festival in works by Jessica Miller Tomlinson and MitchellMovement Collective. Abigail is currently dancing with Moonwater Dance Project and Symbiosis Arts, and one of her choreographic works “Windmill” has been commissioned by Simantikos Dance Chicago for their 2020 season! Abigail was honored to present her choreography at the Athenaeum Theatre, the College of DuPage, and the “Take Up Space” festival this past year. Her choreography has also been performed at the University of the Arts, DanceChance, Simantikos Dance’s Celebration of Chicago Art and Choreo Kick-Off. Abigail is an adjunct member of our faculty.
LILA TURNER
Lila Turner has a love of movement and has been teaching dance for more than 30 years. She has taught a broad spectrum of students ranging from children as young as 18 months to senior citizens. Her teaching styles include Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Swing, and Latin and Standard Ballroom dance. Throughout her career Lila has had her own competitive teams and has run her own large dance company. She is an experienced competitor, coach, choreographer, and dancer. Lila utilizes her extensive knowledge of Pilates and therapy to be a better foundational teacher for her students. Lila has personally performed and coached in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Utah, Michigan, St. Louis, Chicago, and London. She has an undergraduate degree in dance education, a master’s degree in exercise physiology, is a Certified Pilates Method Alliance instructor with an emphasis on rehabilitation (studio certification: reformer trapeze table, barrel, chair & mat), and is a certified Dance Master of America. Lila and her husband have traveled throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe to represent the United States in International Dancesport Competition (ballroom dance). They were national champions for several years. Together they performed guest television spots for NBC, ABC, and numerous music videos.
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BLAIR VAUDELLE
Blair Vaudelle was born in Houston, Texas. Her training began at the Houston Ballet Academy and later continued at the Dallas Metropolitan Ballet School and the Atlanta School of Ballet. At the age of 14, she was invited to attend ballet classes at Northern Illinois University while training and performing with the Rockford Dance Company. She studied ballet at NIU throughout her high school years and went on to receive her B.F.A. in Dance Performance there after graduation. Professionally, Blair has worked with Ballet Nouveau (Colorado), Ballet Deviare (New York City), and the Sarasota Ballet of Florida, and she has also guested with the Civic Ballet of the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, the Faubourg Ballet, State Street Dance Studio, and Alma Ballet. She has been teaching and choreographing for more than 15 years and most recently served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Northern Illinois University, where she taught ballet and set contemporary ballet works. At LoMastro Performing Arts Academy, Blair directed the 2024 production of The Nutcracker and currently serves as Curriculum & Performance Manager for Ballet Programs.