West Chester Academy Faculty

Meet our instructors!

You definitely understand child development and the variable paths that your students will take. I think you can equally teach students who want to become concert pianists or merely develop their hobby. Mary Weatherington, Parent
Ms. Patsy Rabinowitz photo

Ms. Patsy

Director

Ms. Patsy is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music with a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of Cincinnati of the College Conservatory of Music where she was a recipient of a Van Cliburn Scholarship. She studied with David Bar-Illan and Bela Siki and has taught piano for over 50 years. She has appeared as soloist with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and was named Ohio Music Teacher of the Year for 2005-2006 by the Ohio Music Teachers Association. She has served as the president of the Ohio Music Teachers Association, Southwest District, and has served on the executive board of the Ohio Music Teachers Association.

Music Instructors

Andrew Hacket photo

Mr. Adam

Drums, Guitar

Adam Simmons is a seasoned musician with over 27 years of experience playing drums and 22 years mastering the guitar, along with proficiency in various rock and folk instruments. He has contributed to more than 10 albums with multiple bands and recorded dozens of singles throughout his career. As a singer-songwriter, he is also actively developing his own solo project. A lifelong resident of Cincinnati, Adam is the youngest of four brothers.

Aidan Schram photo

Mr. Aidan

Drums

Aidan Schram brings real-world performance experience and a passion for teaching to every lesson. Originally from Santa Rosa, California, he has been playing drums for over 16 years and performing regularly around Cincinnati since 2022. He specializes in jazz, rock, and funk, helping students build strong fundamentals while exploring the styles they enjoy. Aidan holds a degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and is committed to making lessons engaging, encouraging, and tailored to each student's goals.

Alayne Wegner photo

Ms. Alayne

Violin / Viola

Ms. Alayne is a versatile performer based in Cincinnati, Ohio, she captivates listeners through her orchestral pursuits. She is the Principal Second Violinist of the Lima Symphony Orchestra, and a Section First Violinist with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. As a founding member of the OLEA Ensemble, she champions new music and artistic exploration, driving the ensemble’s creative vision. A graduate of Kenyon College (’17) with degrees in Music and Sociology, she later earned a Master of Music (’21) and an Artist Diploma (’23) in Violin Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). With over nine years of teaching experience, Ms. Alayne nurtures her students' musical curiosity through detail-oriented, observation-based methods. She teaches violin lessons to students of all ages at West Chester Academy and Western Hills Music, while also maintaining a private studio for adult learners.

Alina Stroh photo

Ms. Alina

Voice

Ms. Alina is a versatile music educator with over a decade of experience specializing in elementary music and children's vocal instruction. Kodály Level III certified and trained in Bel Canto technique, she has taught in public and private schools, youth choirs, and private studios. With a warm, inclusive approach and a passion for creative learning, Alina inspires students of all ages to discover joy and build confidence through music.

Alyssa Soong photo

Ms. Alyssa

Piano

Ms. Alyssa Soong dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians through both teaching and performance. Hailing from Malaysia, she holds a Master’s degree in Piano Performance from Miami University and has performed as a soloist and collaborative pianist with vocalists and chamber ensembles. Alyssa’s well-rounded, expressive approach helps students reach their full potential and enjoy a meaningful, enriching musical journey.

Amelia Plante photo

Ms. Amy

The Music Class®

Ms. Amy has a real love for working with kids and youth. Her appreciation of the arts has blossomed into the life of an artist in the areas of poetry, song writing, singing, sketch, and illustration. Ms. Amy's classical training in voice began at age fifteen and she continued with private lessons through age twenty. She has lived internationally several times, and at age sixteen her family moved to the former Soviet Union where she entered musical college to study voice as a mezzo-soprano. She has experience singing professionally across many genres of music; in rock, folk, bluegrass, country, pop, indie, commercial anthems, worship, musical theatre, classical voice, and has taught vocal workshops and private lessons. The voice is her instrument of choice, and she is passionate to communicate to her students that it is the best instrument. She can be seen performing around town on stage with her sister duo, "The Carolines," and has a solo album in progress.

Andrew Hacket photo

Mr. Andrew

Piano

Mr. Andrew has studied piano and organ since childhood. He serves as organist at Covenant-First Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati. Prior appointments include Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis, MN; First Congregational Church in Spencerport, NY; and the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas on the campus of the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN. He received his BA in organ performance from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, and his MM in organ performance and literature from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. Mr. Andrew has performed as choral accompanist and recitalist throughout the US and Europe. Also a prize-winning composer, he has received several private and institutional commissions. His pieces have been premiered by members of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the faculties of the University of St. Thomas and St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. The weekly syndicated radio program Pipedreams, hosted by Michael Barone, has featured his compositions for organ.

Andrew Smith photo

Mr. Andy

Piano

Mr. Andy is a Cincinnati-based keyboard player whose stylistic influences range from Elton John to Oscar Peterson. A native of Massillon, Ohio, he began studying classical piano at the age of 7. By the age of 15 Mr. Andy was performing with local blues and rock acts and later enrolled in the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music as a jazz studies major. Mr. Andy graduated in 2018 and moved to Nashville where he toured with multiple country and southern rock artists including Kyle Daniel and The Desert City Ramblers. He relocated to Cincinnati in 2021 and performs frequently around the city with various funk and jazz groups while continuing to tour with The Desert City Ramblers. Outside of music his interests include chess, reading, history, and basketball.

Angela Boyle photo

Ms. Angela

Acting

Ms. Angela has been in the performing arts since she took up dancing at three years old. She began singing in middle school and dove into musical theatre in high school. After studying English literature and secondary education at Washington University in St. Louis, she decided to combine her passions for English and theatre by earning her Master of Letters and Master of Fine Arts degrees in Shakespeare and Performance from Mary Baldwin University. Since then, she has been working as a professional theatre artist and teacher with groups such as Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company and St. Andrews University. No matter her students’ ages or experience levels, she’s dedicated to developing their skills and confidence, whether their goal is acting professionally or simply feeling more comfortable being themselves.

Anne Luetkenhaus photo

Ms. Anne

Flute

Ms. Anne is a dynamic flutist and educator based in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a teacher, she is dedicated to inspiring young flutists to enjoy the process of learning and practicing their instrument. She is passionate about giving her students the tools they need to grow into well-rounded musicians and individuals. As an active orchestral and chamber performer, Ms. Anne is always searching for new ways to bring the knowledge she gains from performing into her teaching. Anne earned her bachelor’s degree in Flute Performance from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where she studied with Dr. Shelly Monier. She completed her master’s degree at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) studying with Demarre McGill. She is currently working towards her Artist Diploma at CCM.

Audrey Green photo

Ms. Audrey

Percussion, MYC, Young Musicians

Ms. Audrey has studied piano since age seven, percussion since age 10, and voice since age 13. She is currently studying Music Education at Miami University. Ms. Audrey has played percussion with Miami’s symphony orchestra, symphony band, marching band, and percussion ensemble. She is a member of the Ohio Music Education Association and Tau Beta Sigma national honorary band sorority.

Beth Kufeldt photo

Ms. Beth

MYC, Piano

Ms. Beth is passionate about music. She began playing piano at age 7 and has been playing for church and choirs since her high school days. She studied piano and voice at Warner University (Florida) where she was able to participate in and travel with various choirs and ensembles. Ms. Beth began teaching piano in 1995. Married to a pastor, she has five children, all of whom excel in music. She loves teaching and is able to help her students develop proficiency in mastering the piano and in music theory.

Beth Kufeldt photo

Mr. Christopher

Voice

Mr. Christopher is an experienced pianist, vocalist, and music educator whose career has encompassed classical music, jazz, musical theatre, sacred music, and popular styles. He holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and has pursued extensive studies in classical piano and traditional Bel Canto vocal technique. As a professional performer, Christopher has appeared throughout the United States and internationally as a pianist, singer, accompanist, and music director, including performances in New York City and aboard international cruise lines. He has also worked extensively as a church musician, choral director, composer, and educator. Christopher enjoys working with students of all ages and experience levels, combining strong musical fundamentals and technique with each student’s individual interests and goals. His teaching encourages confidence, creativity, musical independence, and, above all, a lifelong enjoyment of making music.

Colin A photo

Mr. Colin

Piano

Mr. Colin began piano lessons at age five and has been exploring music ever since. He holds bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Piano Performance from SUNY Fredonia and is currently pursuing a master’s in Collaborative Piano at the University of Cincinnati College – Conservatory of Music. He has taught students of all ages in both classrooms and private lessons, and his performing experience ranges from classical recitals to rock, country, folk, and theater productions. His wide background makes him a versatile, open-minded teacher who tailors lessons to each student’s goals in both classical and modern styles.

David Krock photo

Mr. Dave

Guitar, Bass, Uke, Banjo

Mr. Dave has taught Music Theory, Keyboard Theory, and Guitar Theory at the post-secondary level, incorporating elements of theory, ear training, and the Nashville Number System into his instruction for guitar, bass, piano, and banjo. He played bass for Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods, achieving a #1 hit with “Billy, Don't Be a Hero” and appearing on numerous TV shows. After relocating to Cincinnati to be near family, he served as a rhythm and bass guitarist for a nationally broadcast church. From 1999 to 2006, he was a faculty member at Brownsville Revival School of Ministry, arranging for worship teams and teaching students how to create lead sheets, chord charts, and write vocal and horn parts. Passionate about musical theatre, he has played in orchestra pits for numerous productions. Mr. Dave holds a Master Certificate in Arranging from Berklee College of Music.

Dennis Betz photo

Mr. Dennis

Piano, Voice, Brass, Guitar

Mr. Dennis has been immersed in music since age three, studying piano and music fundamentals at CCM, and later adding trumpet and strings. A graduate of the School for the Creative and Performing Arts, he majored in art, vocal music, and music composition, minored in conducting, and performed with the Cincinnati Opera Company. He majored in Music Composition at The University of the Arts and continued private studies in brass and woodwind instruments. With over 30 years as a private instructor and five years as a classroom music assistant, he has served as music director and keyboardist for three congregations. Mr. Dennis has directed music for over fifty regional theater productions and has performed with notable artists like Dolly Parton and Leonard Bernstein. Currently, he is the Artistic Director/Music Director at Mt. Washington UMC, Music Director and Accompanist with the Cincinnati Choral Academy, and Choral Director of the Ashton Angels.

Dennitza Vassileva photo

Ms. Dennitza

Piano

Born and raised in Bulgaria, Ms. Dennitza started her formal music education at the age of 6 at the prestigious Dobrin Petkov Music School in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. After completing high school, MMs. Dennitza came to the United States to continue her studies with Dr. Virginia-Gene Rittenhouse and later Ms. Eda Mazzo Shlyam. She obtained her BM in Piano Performance at the Atlantic Union College and MM in Piano Performance at the Longy School of Music. Ms. Dennitza has performed as a soloist with the NEYE in US, Canada and Mexico. She has given recitals in Europe and the United States. Ms. Dennitza has been teaching piano since 2003 and is excited to share her love of music with her students.

Francis Boyle photo

Mr. Francis

Acting

Mr. Francis, a transplanted Rhode Islander, has held virtually every position in the theatre: actor, coach, director, playwright, professor, singer, stage combat choreographer, and more. His play Another Part of the Field was selected for the New Play Lab at the William Inge Theater Festival where he workshopped with Tony Nominee Lee Blessing and Tony Award winners Daisy Eagan and David Henry Hwang. Francis has also worked with Pigeon Creek Shakespeare, Thomas More College, St. Andrews University, Brown Mackie Cincinnati, and Children’s Performing Arts of Miamisburg, and many community theatre groups. He earned his BFA in theatre from the University of Rhode Island, and his MLitt and MFA in Shakespeare and Performance from Mary Baldwin University. His classes emphasize challenging work, positive reinforcement, and fun.

Jacob McFarland photo

Mr. Jacob

Piano

Mr. Jacob is a composer and pianist with a masters degree in composition from Bowling Green State University and a bachelors degree in composition from University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music. As a composer his music is filled with infectious grooves and lush textures. He frequently writes for many different mediums including concert bands and electronic music. As a performer, Mr. Jacob was classically trained but enjoys playing in a variety of styles including classical, jazz, funk, and blues. He believes that value can be found in all music and enjoys helping his students discover the music they value.

Jenna Schwenk photo

Ms. Jenna

Piano, Music for Young Children, The Music Class® Director

A graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Ms. Jenna has studied piano since age five. Ms. Jenna is certified as a Music for Young Children instructor and a The Music Class® instructor. She has won numerous competitions, and has attended summer camps and workshops. She is a member of the Music Teachers National Association and served as the Event Chair of the OMTA Masquerade Musicale. She teaches private and group piano lessons.

Joe Robinson photo

Mr. Joe

Guitar, Ukelele

Mr. Joe loves to inspire, enlighten, and empower others through music. In 2005, he started playing guitar while studying Digital Television Production at Scarlet Oaks Vocational School. He continued to learn bass, drums, ukelele, and keyboard over the years. In 2019, he began writing, recording, arranging, and releasing his own original music. He loves to spend time with his family and have fun!
 

Kate Kilgus photo

Dr. Kate

Clarinet, Saxophone

Dr. Kate is a clarinetist in the Cincinnati area, passionate about teaching, collaborating, and performing. She holds a Master of Music degree in Clarinet Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree. She served as the Graduate Assistant in Clarinet. She has performed with the CCM Wind Ensemble, Concert Orchestra, Chamber Winds, Queen City Orchestra, and in several musical theater pits. In 2016, she attended the Music Academy International in Italy, performing in the pit orchestra for Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutti. Ms. Kate was a finalist in the 2017 Lawrence University Wind Ensemble Concerto Competition and received a Graduate Incentive Award at CCM in 2018. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Clarinet Performance and Mathematics from Lawrence University. Her primary teachers include Christopher Pell, David Bell, Andrew Marriner, Amy McCann, and Meghan Cabral. She is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota and Phi Kappa Lambda.

Ken Taylor photo

Mr. Ken

Trumpet, Brass, Jazz

Mr. Ken earned a Bachelors of Science in Music Education and Master of Music degrees from Miami University. Post-graduate studies in Music Education and Jazz Studies were taken at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Mr. Ken’s professional background includes performances with Dizzy Gillespie, the Manhattans, Mills Brothers, George Benson, and others. Trumpet studies include master classes with Bobby Shew, Arturo Sandoval, and Alan Vizzutti. Jazz ensembles in southwestern Ohio, of which he is a part, include Xavier University, Sinclair College (Dayton), Jazz Central Big Band (Dayton) and Maple Knoll Big Band (Cincinnati). Mr. Ken is also a part of the Miami University Campus Owls Tribute Band in Oxford. Mr. Ken’s professional affiliations include the American Federation of Musicians, National Association for Music Education, Ohio Music Education Association, and Jazz Education Connection of Ohio.

Lillian Duhaime photo

Ms. Lillian

Cello

Ms. Lillian began piano at four and cello at eight. She has performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra Philharmonic, Southwest Ohio Regional Orchestra, and Butler Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, where she is principal cellist. A winner of the Dave and Marge Belew Concerto Competition, she performed as a soloist with the Butler Philharmonic. She also serves in her church's music ministry and continues formal cello studies, passionate about sharing her love of music with students.

Max Kreeger photo

Mr. Max

Piano

Mr. Max began studying Classical piano at age 7 and quickly took on a love for all sorts of music; from Bach to Bill Evans. Max has studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and is currently studying Jazz Piano at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, with Dr. Sergio Pamies. Max has led musical pits, church congregations, and jazz combos. He is excited to share the world of music with students!

Miles Denbow photo

Mr. Miles

Piano, Percussion

Miles is an instructor specializing in piano and percussion and is currently pursuing Music Production at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). With experience in teaching, live performance, and modern music technology, he brings an energetic, well-rounded approach to his lessons. Miles is passionate about helping students build a strong musical foundation, grow in confidence, and enjoy making music through engaging, encouraging lessons tailored to each student’s goals and interests.

Minjun Jo photo

Mr. Minjun

Piano, Saxophone

Minjun is a saxophonist, pianist, and educator currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in performance at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he also earned his Master of Music degree. His work centers on collaborative performance, emphasizing musical dialogue, balance, and expressive partnership, and he has performed widely in the U.S. and South Korea, earning recognition from the MTNA Chamber Music Competition. An experienced teacher across elementary through high school levels, he emphasizes strong fundamentals, musical confidence, and expressive playing. He supports students in saxophone and clarinet study while fostering effective ensemble collaboration.

Pete Riley drums photo

Mr. Pete

Drums

Mr. Pete is a longtime and respected member of the Cincinnati music community, with extensive experience performing in touring and recording bands. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, he studied jazz drums under John Von Ohlen, receiving rigorous training in technique, musicianship, and ensemble performance. He is passionate about rhythm as a universal musical language and the foundational role of drums across genres. In addition to his jazz roots, he performs contemporary styles and is currently touring nationally with a pop-punk band, keeping his teaching current and inspiring for students at all levels.

Reba Herbst photo

Ms. Reba

Voice, Young Musicians, Music for Young Children (MYC)

Ms. Reba is a Miami University (OH) graduate that has performed in countless productions with Miami Opera. As an undergraduate student majoring in Vocal Performance, she has played the roles of Fiordiligi in W.A. Mozart's opera Cosi fan tutte, Nancy in Benjamin Britten's opera Albert Herring, and Madeline/Isabelle in Henry Mollicone's one-act opera The Face on the Barroom Floor. She was also in productions such as A Grand Night for Singing, where she performed a rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, The Christmas Waltz, The Christmas Song, and many more. Ms. Reba has also received awards, such as, 1st place in the sophomore and freshman women categories at the NATS Buckeye Chapter competition, she also won 1st place in the Undergraduate Artist Competition held at Miami, and she was awarded the Richard Miller Award for Singing her sophomore year at the NATS Buckeye Chapter competition - this honor is awarded to the singer who best displays overall vocal excellence and performance.

Stacey Ritz photo

Ms. Stacey

Piano, Piano Express, Young Musicians

Ms. Stacey is passionate about teaching piano and helping students cultivate a love of music, gain confidence, and reach their individual piano goals. Utilizing positive encouragement, Ms. Stacey is attentive to each students unique learning style and goals, offering students the tools they need to become confident, empowered piano players. Ms. Stacey’s approach to teaching meets students where they are in the learning process and provides curated tools specific to each students goals and aspirations. She combines method books, technical exercises, music theory, and supplemental material, along with goal-setting to emphasize a life-long enjoyment of music. An experienced piano teacher, Ms. Stacey has taught pre-kindergarten students to retirees, and every age in between. Her teaching philosophy is focused not only on the growth of each students musicianship, but also on fostering a positive and encouraging learning experience.

Yun Chyi Chia photo

Ms. Yun Chyi

Piano

Yun Chyi Chia is a Malaysian-born pianist with a Master’s degree in Piano Performance from Miami University (USA), where she studied under Dr. Siok Lian Tan. An experienced soloist, chamber musician, and collaborator, she has performed with the Miami University Symphony Orchestra and various ensembles. With over eight years of teaching experience, Yun Chyi has taught privately and at the university level, served as a teaching assistant and visiting faculty at Miami University, and adjudicated for the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs’ Junior Music Festival. She is passionate about creating meaningful musical experiences through both performance and teaching.

Dance Instructors

Abby Stephenson photo

Ms. Abby

Team technique

Ms. Abby began dancing at age three and started competition dance at age 11 with training in ballet, pointe, jazz, musical theatre, lyrical, and modern. She continued to dance through high school and college. All four years at Miami University, Ms. Abby participated in Dance Theatre, an on-campus contemporary dance company, where she gained experience choreographing, teaching, and performing. Ms. Abby has a passion for dance and learning, and enjoys watching her students improve and grow.

Addison Wheeler photo

Ms. Addison

Ballet

Ms. Addison began ballet at age 3 and joined a pre-professional company by 12. Over 14 years, she performed many ballets and trained in New York City, Arizona, and Cincinnati. After high school, she discovered her passion for teaching, instructing ballet for four years while earning a degree in Psychology. Now pursuing a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, she plans to use her dance background to inspire movement and self-expression in her clients. She is thrilled to be teaching at WCA!

Andrea Meyer photo

Ms. Andrea

Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop

Ms. Andrea began dance at the age of 6 for Darla's Dance studio. At 6 she joined The Dance Line Express where she danced competitively for 10 years. She has studied tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, clogging and hip-hop. She has over 16 years of dancing experience combined with 6 years of teaching experience. Ms. Andrea is very eager to work with the budding new dancers and believes that building good core dance skills are important for the futures of our tiny dancers.

Ariel Grace photo

Ms. Ariel

Jazz, Lyrical, Tap

Ms. Ariel started taking gymnastics classes at age seven and then began her dance career after watching a friend's recital. She started out in instructional tap and quickly joined the competition tap team the next year. Ms. Ariel has training in instructional tap, jazz, lyrical, and ballet as well as competitive tap. The competition teams, of which she was a member, won many overall awards at the Stage One Nationals in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for three years in a row. Her inspiration is watching her students improve each and every week. Ms. Ariel's greatest reward is seeing that she has inspired them to have a lifetime appreciation of dance.

Audrey Nunley photo

Ms. Audrey

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Competition

Ms.Audrey began dancing at the age of 3 and was a member of West Chester Academy’s competition program for 10 years, training in tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, hip hop, and lyrical. She went on to attend Miami University, where she majored in architecture and was a dedicated member of Miami University Dance Theatre. During her time there, she focused on contemporary and modern styles and served two terms on the company’s executive board. She has previously taught dance while in high school and is thrilled to return to share her passion for dance with the next generation of dancers.

Charlotte photo

Ms. Charlotte

Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop

Ms. Charlotte loves the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with some of the most hardworking and kind-hearted students while helping them grow as dancers. Having danced her entire life, it brings her joy to share the beauty and discipline of dance with the next generation. Her training includes ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, tap, and pom.

Isabella Loccisano photo

Ms. Isabella

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, and Contemporary

Ms. Isabella began dancing at the age of 2. She spent 8 years training at Ballet Western Reserve in Youngstown, Ohio, where she studied ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, and hip hop. While at BWR, Ms. Isabella performed in many productions including The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Giselle. She is currently working toward a degree in biomedical engineering at the University of Cincinnati. Ms. Isabella is excited to share her love of dance with her students!

Isabella Loccisano photo

Ms. Katie

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary and Competition

Ms. Katie is a West Chester Academy alumna who has been dancing since she was a young child. After graduating from Lakota West High School, Ms. Katie attended Miami University, where she majored in Middle Childhood Education, minored in Dance, and was a member of the nationally recognized Miami Shakerettes Dance Team. During her time on the team, she performed at events across the country, including the MAC Football Championship, March Madness, a Cincinnati Bengals game, the Cure Bowl, and the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl. Ms. Katie is excited to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation of dancers and is thrilled to be teaching at West Chester Academy.

Mollie Riley photo

Ms. Mollie

Ballet

Ms. Mollie started taking dance at three years old where she attended The Academy of Dance Arts in Middletown, Ohio. Through years of recitals and performances, she starred in the ballet of Alice in Wonderland, and Coppélia. Ms. Mollie attended The University of the Cumberlands where she was a member of their dance team. She has studied all various types of dance but her favorite is ballet and broadway jazz. Ms. Mollie is excited to bring her special love of dance and teach the students the traditions she learned from her home studio. She resides in Middletown, Ohio. Ms. Mollie is studying nursing at the Galen College of Nursing.

Olivia Huff photo

Ms. Olivia

Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical

Ms. Olivia found her love for dance at age three. She was trained in Cincinnati, with Ms. Jennifer as one of her teachers. She has experience in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz and lyrical. In high school, she was very involved in competitions receiving many overall awards. Ms. Olivia student taught during high school and then continued on with her own classroom for three years after graduating. She loves choreographing and challenging her students. She attended Miami University for English with a minor in Spanish.

Piper photo

Ms. Piper

Ballet

Ms. Piper has been part of West Chester Academy for 12 years, starting as a student and later assisting classes from age 11. She has been a Together We Dance helper for 7 years, a Star Leadership member for 5 years, and has danced with WCA’s competition teams for 9 years, as well as being a part of the Ballet Étoiles program. Her performances range from her debut in The Little Mermaid to the Fairy of Grace in Sleeping Beauty to Peter Pan in Peter Pan. Dance has shaped who she is, and she’s excited to share that passion with her students.

Piper photo

Ms. Regina

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Competition

Ms. Regina grew up dancing and competing at West Chester Academy, where she developed a lifelong love of dance. She earned her bachelor's degree in Health Sciences with a minor in Dance from The Ohio State University and served as President of Buckeyes on Tap, Ohio State's only tap dance organization, where she expanded her training and choreography experience. After college, Ms. Regina served as Competition Director at Dance Extension and taught tap to company dancers. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Mount St. Joseph University and is excited to share her passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm with the next generation of dancers at West Chester Academy.

Piper photo

Ms. Riley

Ballet and Hip Hop

Ms. Riley has loved dance since she was a young child, training in ballet and competitive dance at the Toledo School for the Arts. She is passionate about creating a fun, encouraging classroom where students build confidence, strong technique, and a love of dance.Outside of the studio, Ms. Riley is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology at the University of Cincinnati and is the co-founder and treasurer of the university's SHIFT Dance Club. She is excited to inspire the next generation of dancers at West Chester Academy.

Savannah Biedenbach photo

Ms. Savannah

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Aerial Silks

Ms. Savannah trained at New Paltz Ballet Theater with former New York City Ballet members Peter Naumann and Lisa Chalmers-Naumann, and former Radio City Rockette Deanna Ford. A highlight of her career was dancing the lead role in Carmina Burana with NYCB Principal dancer Nilas Martins. She trained at prestigious schools like the School of American Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and Miami City Ballet. In 2005, she joined the National Broadway tour of Contact, performing across the U.S. and Canada, then spent a season as a trainee with Cincinnati Ballet. She has danced with Louisville Ballet and Columbus Dance Theatre, performing in both contemporary and classical roles. Certified in Progressing Ballet Technique, Ms. Savannah has also been a dedicated teacher and choreographer throughout her career and plans to continue sharing her passion for dance.

Stacie Fancher photo

Ms. Stacie

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop

Ms. Stacie began dancing at Downie School of Dance in Fairfield, OH when she was 9 years old. Later renamed The Dance Company, she studied tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, lyrical, hip hop and acrobatics for over 10 years under Elizabeth Eckhoff. She has performed with the Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre, and loves to continue her education with different genres of dance as often as possible including Bollywood, swing, and modern. Ms. Stacie loves sharing these techniques and styles with her students in order to ensure a well-rounded dance education, and hopefully spark a lifelong passion for the arts.

Taylor Cole photo

Ms. Taylor

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Competition

Ms. Taylor began dancing at age 3 with Ms. Jennifer, Ms. Olivia, and Ms. Ariel, training in jazz, lyrical, tap, and ballet/pointe. She was on her high school's cheerleading and dance teams and performed at the 2015 Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl and Disney World. Now an acute care physical therapist at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, she combined her love of dance and physical therapy during a clinical rotation at the Cincinnati Ballet. Ms. Taylor enjoys teaching in the WCA competition program, helping to build strong and healthy dancers.

Gymnastics Instructors

Olivia Sayre photo

Coach Olivia

Gymnastics Department Leader

Coach Olivia was a cheerleader and gymnast from the start of 1st grade to the end of her senior year in high school. She is a Lakota West graduate and now attends the University of Cincinnati. Coach Olivia is a Middle Childhood Education major and has a great passion for working with kids. She is a certified tumbling instructor and is CPR certified through the American Red Cross. Coach Olivia says her favorite part about working in the gym is cultivating new relationships with students and parents. She has been coaching at West Chester Academy since 2017. When outside of the gym, Coach Olivia dedicates her time to getting involved within her university. She also volunteers for a non profit sports organization. She loves spending time with her family and friends and her favorite hobby is traveling!

Danielle Haenning photo

Coach Danielle

Assistant Gymnastics Department Leader

Coach Danielle brings a strong background in gymnastics, cheerleading, and dance to her coaching. She trained in gymnastics from age 4, cheered for 9 years, and studied dance for 5 years. In addition to her own training, she has given back to the sport by volunteering as a cheer coach for 3 years and coaching gymnastics for many years. Her passion for working with young athletes is evident in the way she encourages and celebrates each student’s progress. One of her favorite memories from her own training was the excitement of landing her back handspring all by herself – an achievement that inspires her to help her students reach their own milestones with the same confidence and joy.

Stacie Fancher photo

Coach Stacie

Aerial Silks

Coach Stacie began gymnastics lessons when she was 6 years old, and gravitated towards acrobatics a few years later. She is USAG Safety and Risk Management certified, as well as CPR and First Aid certified. Besides gymnastics, she has 15 years of dance experience ranging from ballet to hip hop to modern. She practices yoga and enjoys blending dance technique, gymnastic instruction, and yoga discipline. She finds that it creates a stronger athlete overall. While participating in a dance workshop a few years ago, she discovered the art of Aerial Silks and fell in love with it. Coach Stacie has trained under Erin Welch and Tracey Wozny and is fond of sharing this unique and challenging art form with her students, both dance and gymnastics alike.

Call us Text us Request info