Faculty & Staff
Faculty
Sharron Miller
Adrienne Armstrong
Abiola Balogun
Suzy Borden
Carla Brothers
Kai Davis
Jacqueline England
Julio Jean
Ellie Kallay
Teressa Kallay
Kamille King
Leah Katz
Chris Lin
Christopher Livsey
Laura Marchese
Cecilia Mitchell
Aalayah Montgomery
Hannah Nijman
Qyera Parks
Irv Souljer
Ty Stephens
M. A. Taylor
Maria Rodriguez Tylek
Joe Van Loon
Lisa Van Loon
Melissa Villacres
Kristen Weaver
Sharron Miller
Artistic Director, Modern Lv-3, 4, 5 & 6, Chair of Modern Department
Sharron Miller is Founder/Director of Sharron Miller’s Academy for the Performing Arts (SMAPA). Ms. Miller is a former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater principal dancer and veteran of seven Broadway shows. She has appeared on television, in film, and in hundreds of radio and television commercials. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG/AFTRA.
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Ms. Miller, who attended The Juilliard School, is committed to enriching the lives of students at every stage of life through comprehensive, developmental training in dance and related theater arts. Her holistic philosophy inspires students to believe they can achieve by nurturing and encouraging the creative possibilities within. Her early training began with the late Fred Danieli, founder and director of the Garden State Ballet, who taught the value of self-discipline, self-respect, and a commitment to excellence.
In addition to her duties as Artistic/Executive Director of SMAPA, Sharron Miller has served on the faculty of The Renaissance Middle School in Montclair, New Jersey, where for 13 years SMAPA provided the dance and drama programs for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students during the school day. This program was developed with multi-year leadership support from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, praised by the State of New Jersey as an “outstanding arts education model,” and eventually fully funded by the Montclair Board of Education.
Ms. Miller has also served on the faculty of Montclair Kimberley Academy, Far Brook School, and continues her affiliation with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) as an arts-in-education consultant/partner. She continues to develop SMAPA’s arts enrichment programs, both in-school and after-school, which include working in partnership with Paterson Public Schools, North Star Academy in Newark, Arts Education Newark (AEN), and other neighboring communities within Essex County. Each summer, SMAPA provides Prime Time Summer Arts, a full-day dance and drama program for children 6-14; and Preschool Summer Arts, a half-day program for children ages 3-5.
In 2021, Sharron Miller was honored with the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award. In 2023, she was interviewed on the public television program One-on-One with Steve Adubato to discuss how dance teaches valuable life lessons.
SMAPA receives generous financial support from institutional funders including the National Endowment for the Arts, New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Victoria Foundation, Stone Foundation of New Jersey, Turrell Fund, New Jersey Arts & Culture Renewal Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation, and The Montclair Foundation among other contributors.
Ms. Miller resides in Montclair, New Jersey with her daughter Jaimie and her granddaughter Jubilee.
Adrienne Armstrong
Modern, Horton Technique
Adrienne is a native of Newark, New Jersey, and has attained a Bachelor of Science in Management from Rutgers University. She began her illustrious dance career at Garden State Ballet. She continued her professional training through scholarship programs at Dance Theatre of Harlem, Garden State Ballet, Joffrey Ballet School and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
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Carla Brothers
Drama
Carla Brothers holds a BFA in Theater from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and holds a “Teacher of Theater” certification from the N.J. Department of Education. As a dancer, Carla trained at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance and New York University.
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Carla is pleased to once again be part of the SMAPA team as a teaching artist. She began her tenure with SMAPA in 2000 as a drama teacher for children and teens. In the late 2000’s she continued to teach drama for the Renaissance School while it was onsite at SMAPA for arts classes.
Carla has directed and choreographed Lion King, Jr and Frozen, Jr. In addition, she has directed Aladdin, Jr., High School Musical, Jr. Romeo & Juliet, and Hamlet.
Carla began her teaching career in the 1980’s, serving 4 years as head acting instructor of the YOUNG PEOPLE’S ACTING PROGRAM at the LEE STRASBERG THEATRE & FILM INSTITUTE in New York City. Since then, she has conducted her acting workshops and classes throughout New York & NJ. For 8 years Carla served on the faculty of MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY’S GIFTED AND TALENTED YOUTH PROGRAM teaching a wide range of creative writing and performing arts classes. Additionally, Carla has formulated a methodology for dynamic public speaking.
For over 30 years, Carla Brothers has been a professional actor in film, television, and Broadway. Films include: THE FIVE HEARTBEATS and 10,000 BLACK MEN NAMED GEORGE for SHOWTIME. Television includes: COSBY, THIRD WATCH, and MIAMI VICE. On Broadway she starred in the hit a cappella musical, SHEILA’S DAY, which received international accolades as well. Off- Broadway venues: NEW FEDERAL THEATRE, THE MANHATTAN THEATRE CLUB and THE PUBLIC THEATER. Regional credits: CROSSROADS THEATRE, HARTFORD STAGE, FORD’S THEATRE, and THE KENNEDY CENTER. Carla is the recipient of 4 AUDELCO Awards for acting excellence.
Kai Davis
Ballet
Kai Davis trained at The Ruth Page School of Dance under Mr. Larry Long in her hometown of Chicago, IL.
She also studied at The Lou Conte School of Dance along with full summer scholarships to The Rock School of Pennsylvania Ballet and The Joffrey Ballet.
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Kai’s professional career began in 1996 with The Boston Ballet. During her five seasons there she performed corps and soloist roles in many of the Vaganova classics including Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Giselle, and La Bayadere. Kai also worked with Ballet San Jose for two seasons where she performed soloist roles in Balanchine classics including Polyhemnia in Apollo and the jumping girl in Who Cares.
She then spent six years performing with Ballet British Columbia in contemporary pieces by James Kudelka, Paul Taylor & Jiri Kylian along with participating in the creative process for new works by the Artistic Director, at that time, John Alleyne including his production of
A Streetcar Named Desire & Orpheus.
After retiring from the stage in 2010, Kai moved to San Francisco to teach for the Alonzo King Lines Ballet Training Program. Along with the LBTP, during her 10 years in the Bay Area, she also taught ballet and pointe technique for the BFA Dance Program at The Dominican University of Marin, for the Advanced Ballet Program for Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, and company class for both Smuin SF Ballet & Oakland Ballet.
Kai now resides in Montclair, New Jersey where she is an adjunct faculty member for the BFA Dance Program at Montclair State University as well as ballet instructor for the Certified Program at Peridance in New York City.
Jacqueline England
Senior Exercise
Jacqueline is an enthusiastic certified fitness instructor whose focus is enhancing physical awareness and increasing mobility among populations who benefit from low impact fitness movement. She creates environments that are enjoyable, beneficial and supportive, leading a class that is encouraging and conducive to overall well being.
Julio Jean
Afro-Haitian
Julio is a renowned master Haitian dance teacher and choreographer. He blends traditional Haitian forms with modern and contemporary dance to create compelling movement narratives. His extensive career of over 20 years includes work with Katherine Dunham and performances of his company’s work at Alvin Ailey and Central Park’s Summer Stage. Julio studied with Lavinia Williams, a company member of Katherine Dunham, at the National School of Arts in Haiti. In 1989, he moved to New York City and worked directly with Katherine Dunham, teaching traditional Haitian dance for her teacher trainings. He has been a guest teacher at Webster University in Saint Louis and Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany; and has taught workshops in San Francisco, Milwaukee, and at the Dance New England Dance Camp in Maine.
Teressa (Tess) Kallay
Theater Dance
Tess is a former Radio City Rockette and a musical theater veteran. She has done numerous regional theater productions, cruise ships and well as the My Fair Lady National Tour. She is a choreographer, instructor, and Executive Board member for Gas Lamp Players. The creator of Kid’s Corner Dance Program, Teressa also teaches creative movement at St. James Pre-school and MMO. Teressa started teaching musical theater dance classes in high school and continued her studies with a degree in musical theater and with many great instructors in New York. She has choreographed for the Melochords, The Theater League of Clifton, as well as for Orchesis Dance Company.
Leah Katz
Iyengar Yoga
In 2009, Leah became a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher and in 2017 received her Intermediate Junior I certification. Leah is also a certified Yoga Therapist through the International Association of Yoga Therapists. Leah’s background in movement was originally in Pilates, which she embraced in 1987. A certified Pilates Instructor and teacher trainer, Leah has helped train many Pilates teachers, both in New York City and the Hudson Valley and she has worked with professional dancers including members of New York City Ballet, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and Dance Theatre of Harlem. Leah has shared her love of movement and bodywork with hundreds of students over the years. Her knowledge of anatomy and the human body make her a trusted and gifted teacher who creates an environment that promotes and enhances health and healing.
Chris Lin
Contemporary Jazz, Hip Hop
Chris grew up dancing in Los Angeles and is trained in hip hop, contemporary, jazz, ballet, and tap. She danced with the hip hop dance crew, Culture Shock, in both L.A. and Chicago. She has trained with choreographer Galen Hooks and numerous faculty at Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, and Peridance. She has been teaching dance since 2014, while living abroad in Nairobi, Kenya.
Chris Livsey
Hip Hop, Drama
A native of Irvington, NJ, “Mr. Chris” enjoys working with dancers and performers of all ages, helping them understand how choreography works and how to adapt it to their own ability and style.He began studying acting with the Theater Workshop Peppermint Players under Marie Thomas. He studied theater at Montclair State University and toured in musicals throughout the U.S. and Europe, as well as performing regionally and off-Broadway. As co-director of the Prime Time Summer Arts program and faculty teaching artist, Chris has taught drama and dance at SMAPA for over 20 years. He has worked with the Ailey School providing a five week intro to Drama/Improv. Chris also writes and records music, which has been featured on shows “Burn Notice” and “Single Ladies”. He is a certified Zumba instructor, performance coach, and an Event Host/Emcee.
Laura Marchese
Modern
Laura is a dancer and Teaching Artist with arts organizations and schools throughout New Jersey, conducting residencies and workshops for students, arts educators, and classroom teachers. As a co-author of Dance to Learn, Laura serves as a mentor and educational consultant to dance companies in the implementation of this 4-year developmental dance curriculum. She received a Young Audiences NJ/EPA Artist of the Year Award in June 2015 for her work with students in Newark, NJ.
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Laura is committed to the ongoing development of a thinking mind in a moving body. She believes that all students, whatever their challenges and strengths, can achieve, excel, and benefit from seeing and experiencing the world through the process of creating art.
Cecilia Mitchell
Contemporary Modern, Hip Hop
Cece is a professional freelance dancer, choreographer, and teaching artist working throughout the East Coast. With a dynamic background in performance and education, she brings bold artistry and thoughtful storytelling to every space she enters. Cece is passionate about creating work that connects deeply with audiences while nurturing the next generation of movers. Her practice blends technical rigor with curiosity, joy, and authenticity.
Hannah Nijman
Creative Movement, Pre-Dance
Hannah Nijman earned her Associate’s Degree in Dance from County College of Morris and completed her Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a concentration in Studio Teaching and a minor in Business from Montclair State University in the spring of 2025. Throughout her studies, she had the opportunity to perform in works by renowned choreographers such as Camille A. Brown, Cameron McKinney, Tweet Boogie, Andre Tyson, and Leslie Kraus etc . Hannah is now actively pursuing her path toward becoming a dedicated and inspiring dance educator.
Ty Stephens
Boys’ Ballet, Boys’ Hip Hop
Ty has performed on Broadway in the original cast of Sophisticated Ladies and Marilyn, An American Fable, and as a dancer with Rod Rodgers Dance Company. In addition to being on the faculty at SMAPA, he has been a teaching artist at public schools in Montclair, East Orange, Newark, and Paterson, NJ, as well as at Friend Of The Arts (FOTA) in Long Island NY, and Brooklyn middle schools with Creative Outlet (NYC), and Arts Connection (NYC) after school programs. He has been a Guest Vocalist for National Dance Institute’s school productions in NYC; Director/Choreographer for Cheyney University’s Fine Arts Scholars Summer workshop, and Assistant Director/Choreographer for Prep for Prep Commencement Presentations in NYC. He is also currently a vocal coach at the Bufford School of Music in West Orange.
M. A. Taylor
Jazz
M. A. Taylor is currently a member of Art of Motion Dance Theatre and Alfred Gallman’s Newark Dance Theater. He teaches dance at SMAPA and Plainfield High School. He has recently danced with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra in the film Emerge PT2 and performed in The Nutcracker at Union County Performing Arts Center and The George Faison Fire House in New York City.
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Taylor has danced in such ballets as Romeo and Juliet (Paris), The Thief of Baghdad (Villain), Treemonisha, and The Nutcracker (Arabian/Russian/Cavalier/Drosselmeyer). He has danced in regional theater productions of Dreamgirls, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and The Wedding Singer. He choreographed Cinderella and Me and My Girl.
Taylor has performed in several music videos, and previously danced with Premiere Dance Theatre, Newark City Ballet, Footprints, Sharron Miller’s Performance Workshop Ensemble, Acrodanse Theatre, Rahway Dance Theatre, Julio Jean Afro Haitian Dance Company, and MTV. Taylor has worked with such choreographers as Fred Benjamin, Freddie Moore, Tally Beatty, James Wiggins, Lynn Needle, Jason Warley, Alfred Gallman, Julio Jean, Adrienne Armstrong and Olivia Galgano.
Taylor received his dance training from the School of the Garden State Ballet, Alfred Gallman’s Newark Dance Theater, Science University Arts Academy, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Rahway Dance Theatre, Broadway Dance Center, and Steps on Broadway. He holds a dance/vocational arts certification and has received his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University.
Maria Tylek
Flamenco
Born in Ecuador, Maria has studied Flamenco, Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and ethnic dances from several countries. At 15, she became one of the youngest members of Ballet Hispanico, touring all over the USA. At 17, she toured extensively in South America with The Ecuadorian Ballet Dance Company. She has also toured with The Grand National Opera, Alborada Dance Theatre, which focuses on Flamenco and ethnic dances, and Callpulli Mexican Dance Company. She resides in Montclair.
Joseph Van Loon
Tap
Joe is an Essex County native. He has been tap dancing since the age of 6, and has studied under the training of Karen Calloway-Williams since the age of 8. He joined the New Jersey Tap Ensemble in 2004, and is still an active member of their first company. In addition to his tap dancing credits, Joseph is also a classically trained tenor, studying at Lincoln Center.
Melissa Kersting-Villacres
Ballet
Melissa was born and raised in Newark, NJ. She received her early dance training at The School of the Garden State Ballet. She performed in Garden State Ballet’s productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Nutcracker. She attended NYU’s Tisch School of The Arts and received her B.A. from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of The Arts. Melissa attended various summer programs studying with David Howard, The Joffrey Ballet, Hartford Ballet and San Diego Ballet.
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Kristen Weaver
Creative Movement, Pre-Dance, Modern, Associate Artistic Director
Kristen studied ballet first at Joffrey and then at the School of American Ballet. She performed in many ballets with the New York City Ballet, as a child. She went on the study at the New York School of Ballet with Barbara Fallis and Richard Thomas and was invited to join their company at age 15. After performing with the New York School of Ballet for 3 years, Kristen chose to go to college instead of touring with the ballet company. After graduating college she studied acting at the Herbert Berghoff Studio, specializing in Shakespeare. She performed in several off-Broadway productions and did many voice-overs and commercials in NYC. Kristen began teaching and joined the SMAPA family in 1995.
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She has taught a variety of classes over the years including Dance with Me, Creative Movement, Pre-Dance, Pre-Modern, Beginner Modern and Modern L-1 and L-2. She created the summer camp program for 3-5 year olds and ran it for many years. Kristen is currently the head of the Preschool and Junior divisions in modern dance and a founding member of SMAPAPO (SMAPA’s Parent Organization).
Kristen also studied at the Dance Education Laboratory and is currently taking classes through National Dance Education Organization. Kristen also has been teaching dance at Montclair Kimberley Academy’s primary school since 1997.
Administrative Staff
Sharron Miller
Artistic Director
Sonja Cole
Director of Operations
Madison McHugh-Thieke
Director of External Relations
madison@smapa.org
