MEET THE FOUNDER & Owner
Hi, I'm Ms. Carolyn!
Carolyn, the owner and director of Dance Inspirations, is a highly accomplished and talented individual in the world of dance. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Plymouth State University, specializing in Theater and Movement for Children with a minor in Dance.
Throughout her career, Carolyn has taught at various dance studios in New Hampshire, sharing her expertise and passion for dance with students of all ages. She has also served as an adjunct teacher of tap at PSU and as a tap and jazz teacher at the Cary Ballet Conservatory in Cary, North Carolina. Her dedication to her craft has even taken her as a guest artist to the Cleveland Ballet Conservatory.
One of Carolyn's greatest joys as a dance teacher is working on costumes. Her love for costuming has allowed her to work in the costume department for the "So You Think You Can Dance" tours in 2009 and 2010, showcasing her creativity and attention to detail.
Beyond teaching, Carolyn has an impressive choreography portfolio. Her credits include choreographing productions such as The Wiz, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Anything Goes, 42nd Street, Guys and Dolls, Footloose, Grease, Newsies, and many more. Her ability to create captivating and dynamic dance routines has earned her recognition and praise.
For over ten years, Carolyn has also been a choreographer for Broken Ground School in Concord, NH. She now also choreographs for Concord High School as well as RB Productions.
Carolyn's passion, expertise, and dedication to the world of dance have made her an influential figure in the dance community. As the owner and director of Dance Inspirations, she brings her wealth of experience and knowledge to provide a nurturing and inspiring environment for dancers of all levels.
Meet Our Team
Jamie Barnett
Music & Zumbini Teacher
Jamie Barnett is a graduate of Millersville University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. Jamie is currently an Elementary Music Teacher in Concord. Jamie teaches private piano lessons, voice lessons, Zumbini classes and Music classes. Jamie has worked in Concord as the Music Director for Broken Ground School’s “Kids in Action” Musical theatre program as well as Beaver Meadow School’s “Student Actors Program”. Jamie was the recipient of the Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award (2014), which is awarded to one music student who has had extraordinary achievements in the field of music or music education. Jamie was an instructor for Lancaster’s International Piano Festival where she taught students of all ages and skill levels. In addition, she was the lead instructor for a piano program for Wounded Warriors (Musical Moments), which provided stress-free and rewarding piano instruction to veterans in the city through group piano classes. When Jamie is teaching, she likes to express the importance of musicality as well as having fun through music.
Laura Cardello
Dance Teacher
Laura Cardello is a seasoned dancer and dedicated dance educator with a
passion for various dance styles. Her dance journey began at the age of six, and since then,
she has trained extensively in ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, musical theatre, and tap.
Laura pursued her love for dance at the University of New Hampshire, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance and Theatre. During her time at the university, Laura was a member of the Ballet Performance Company for four years. She had the privilege of performing in both classical and original works, including renowned pieces such as Swan Lake, Les Sylphides, and Dinetah. Additionally, Laura showcased her versatile talents by performing and choreographing for the student-run dramatic society, Mask and Dagger. After completing her degree, Laura returned to her home studio, where she dedicated eleven years to teaching. Her expertise and passion for dance led her to found and coach the studio's competitive dance team, a role she fulfilled for a decade. To further expand her knowledge and skills, Laura attended the Pulse's Teacher Workshops and dance intensives in New York City, immersing herself in the vibrant dance scene.
Laura's love for the performing arts extends beyond dance. She has also ventured into the world of theatre and has collaborated with community theaters in Henniker and Hillsboro, NH. Her talent and creativity as a choreographer have been showcased in productions such as The Music Man, The Wizard of Oz, and many more.
Laura's extensive experience as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer makes her a valuable asset to the Dance Inspirations community. Her dedication to her craft, continuous learning, and passion for the arts create a nurturing and inspiring environment for her students.
Jillian Calangelo
Dance Teacher
Jillian Calangelo has been a part of Dance Inspirations since she was a toddler, growing up in the studio and developing her love for dance.
As a member of the Dance Inspirations competition team, she honed her technique, performance skills, and discipline, fostering a deep passion for the performing arts.
Through years of training and dedication, she not only strengthened her abilities as a dancer but also built lifelong friendships and a strong work ethic.
Jillian is now pursuing a degree in early childhood education, combining her love for working with children with the creativity and discipline she gained from dance.
Brady Coskren
Dance Teacher / Head of Social Media / Competition Director
Brady Coskren, the daughter of Dance Inspirations' owner Carolyn, has been an integral part of the studio since birth. Her passion for dance ignited at a young age, and she began teaching dance classes when she was just sixteen years old. Growing up within the Dance Inspirations community, Brady has evolved into a highly accomplished dancer and instructor.
In addition to her dance training, Brady has been actively involved in the Concord acting scene for over a decade. Her dedication to the performing arts led her to work with RB Productions and serve as the assistant choreographer and stage manager for Kids In Action at Broken Ground Elementary School for several years. Brady's diverse experience in both dance and theater has enriched her understanding of performance and storytelling. Brady's contributions to Dance Inspirations extend beyond teaching.
She plays a crucial role in managing the studio's social media accounts, ensuring that the studio remains connected with its students and community. Her creativity and digital expertise help showcase the studio's talent and events to a wider audience. Brady is also an Elevate Leader for Team Julie Kay, a platform dedicated to empowering dance educators. Additionally, she is certified through AcrobaticArts.
Driven by her passion for the arts, Brady pursued higher education at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in the Creative & Entertainment Industries, with a dance minor. After graduating from Belmont University, Brady had the opportunity to work at Creative Artists Agency, one of the world's largest talent agencies. This experience provided her with valuable insights into the entertainment industry. Currently, Brady works as a freelance professional in the film and television industry while continuing to contribute her expertise and talent to Dance Inspirations. Her multifaceted background and industry knowledge bring a unique perspective to her teaching and creative endeavors. Brady's journey as a dancer, instructor, and industry professional exemplifies her unwavering dedication to the arts. Dance Inspirations is fortunate to have her as part of its team, and her contributions continue to inspire and shape the studio's vibrant community.
Daniel Desmond
Theater & Music Teacher
Daniel Desmond is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, where he majored in Theatre Performance and minored in Creative Writing. His studies included courses in vocal performance, scene study, Shakespeare, directing and audition techniques. His undergraduate theatre credits include Cabaret, The 39 Steps, and Our Town, and he received the Nellie M. Bransfield award for an outstanding fourth-year actor. Following graduation Daniel worked in dual roles at Broken Ground School, as a Title I reading tutor and director of the “Kids In Action” theatre program. He has since directed three musicals with casts of students ages 9-12. Daniel finds joy in working with elementary, middle and high school students to develop their skills as vocalists and actors.
Melissa Desrosiers
Dance Teacher
Melissa has had a deep passion for dance since childhood, beginning her training in ballet at age 7 with Patricia Rousseau in Merrimack, NH. Over the years, her love for dance expanded to include various forms of classical dance, leading her to join Granite State Ballet in Nashua, NH during high school where she learned from esteemed instructors such as Betsy Collins, Clyde Nantais, James Reardon, and Allan Kinzie. Pursuing her dedication to dance, Melissa obtained a BFA in Dance Performance from Butler University in Indianapolis, IN, where she discovered a new love for modern dance under the guidance of Larry White, a former Martha Graham Company dancer. Throughout her career, Melissa has shared her expertise by teaching a wide range of dance styles, including classical ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap, and choreography to students of all ages. She has taught in southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts, and has performed and choreographed for Jennie & Company, a contemporary dance company in Fitchburg, MA. Melissa's teaching experience also includes a 15-year tenure at Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater, where she played a key role in staging productions such as “The Nutcracker” at the Palace Theatre and coordinating the dance school's membership in Regional Dance America. In addition to her work in traditional dance forms, Melissa has explored aerial fabric arts with Heather Dragoeiscu at Go Ninja in Manchester, NH, and has performed and instructed with the group at the American Youth Circus Organization national festival in Portland, ME. She is a certified Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT)® Instructor and is developing a ballet conditioning program designed to improve muscle tone and movement efficiency for dancers, athletes, and individuals seeking overall fitness enhancement. Melissa has also collaborated with various musicians to create original dance works, showcasing her versatile and innovative approach to choreography.
Amy LeVan
Dance Teacher
Amy LeVan is a highly skilled and versatile dance instructor with a passion for teaching and a deep understanding of various dance styles. Trained in modern, contemporary, jazz, and classical ballet, she has been sharing her love for dance in the Southern New Hampshire area since 2008 and has been a valued member of the Dance Inspirations family since 2015.
With a background in Early Childhood Education and years of experience in dance studios, Miss Amy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her classes. At Dance Inspirations, she is often found teaching our Inspired Kids classes as well as leveled ballet and pointe classes. Her ability to connect with young dancers and create a nurturing and supportive learning environment is truly remarkable. Since 2021, Amy has also taken on the leadership role in our Dance With Friends program. Utilizing techniques developed through the Rhythm Works Integrative Dance certification, she is equipped to teach students with special needs. Amy's dedication to inclusivity and her commitment to providing a positive and enriching experience for all students is evident in her work with students of all ages and abilities.
In addition to her dance training, Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in writing and publishing from Emerson College. Her well-rounded education and creative background contribute to her unique approach to teaching dance, allowing her to foster creativity and self-expression in her students. Amy's passion for dance, combined with her commitment to education and inclusivity, make her an invaluable asset to the Dance Inspirations community. Her dedication to promoting a positive and supportive learning environment ensures that students not only develop their dance skills but also gain independence and responsibility that they can carry beyond the studio walls.
Julia Michael
Office Assistant / Class Assistant
Julia Michael is a junior at Merrimack Valley High School, where she shines as a varsity field hockey player. Beyond her own athletic achievements, she is also dedicated to coaching youth players in field hockey, sharing her passion and expertise with the next generation.
Julia is enrolled in the CRTC program for Education and Behavioral Science, demonstrating her commitment to learning and helping others.
Though she no longer dances, Julia has a deep appreciation for the art, a connection she shares with her younger sister, who currently dances at Dance Inspirations.
Melanie Najarian
Dance Teacher
Melanie Najarian has been teaching dance in New England since 2002. She holds a B.A. in Music from Clark University, where she danced with, choreographed for, and co-directed the Variant Dance Troupe. Following her passion for teaching dance, Melanie earned her A.A. in Dance from Dean College. At Dean, she took classes in all styles of dance as well as pedagogy, choreography, and creative movement for children. She has since then danced with the SRO Players of Lowell, participated in Boston Ballet’s Adult Summer Dance Program, attended the Dance Teacher Summit in CA, and been a member of Moving Arts Exchange’s Adult Dance Company. With MAX, Melanie had the unique opportunities to perform at the Sandisfield Arts Center, The Mount, Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, and twice on the beautiful Inside/Out Stage at Jacob’s Pillow. Before moving to the Berkshires, Melanie co-choreographed the annual musicals at Acton’s RJ Grey Junior High School, including the junior versions of Guys and Dolls, Honk, Willy Wonka, Once On This Island, and Bye Bye Birdie. Prior to college, Melanie studied at the former Belmont School of Ballet. Melanie received her Youth Protection Advocates in Dance certification in 2021.
Kaleigh Nelson
Dance Teacher /
Kaleigh Nelson is a talented and dedicated dancer and instructor at Dance Inspirations. She graduated from Bishop Brady High School in 2020 and is currently pursuing a degree in mathematics at the University of New Hampshire. Kaleigh's dance journey began at Dance Inspirations when she was just three years old. Over the years, she has honed her skills and developed a deep passion for various dance styles, including tap, jazz, ballet, and acro. Kaleigh's commitment to her craft and her love for teaching led her to assist with classes at the studio for many years before transitioning into a teaching role herself. As an instructor at Dance Inspirations, Kaleigh shares her expertise and passion with her students. Her versatile background allows her to teach a wide range of dance styles, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching experience for her students. Whether it's tapping to a catchy rhythm or gracefully executing ballet movements, Kaleigh's teaching style is engaging and inspiring, motivating her students to reach their full potential. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Kaleigh is actively involved in the competition team at Dance Inspirations. Her dedication to dance and her commitment to excellence have made her an invaluable member of the team, contributing to their success in various competitions.
Kaleigh's commitment to continuous learning and professional development is evident through her certification as an Acrobatic Arts instructor. This certification ensures that she is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to teach acrobatics safely and effectively.
Kaleigh's passion for dance, combined with her dedication to her education and personal growth, make her a valuable asset to the Dance Inspirations community. Her enthusiasm, expertise, and commitment to her students' progress contribute to creating a supportive and inspiring learning environment.
Cassie O'Keefe
Dance Teacher
Cassie O’Keefe brings over a decade of experience as a dancer, choreographer, and educator to Dance Inspirations. A Concord native, she began dancing at age 3 at Gen’s Dance Studio under Gen Woodward, where she trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and acro. She competed across New England from ages 6 to 18, and by high school was choreographing and teaching her own classes—earning choreography awards and sharing her love for creativity and movement with younger dancers.
Cassie earned a B.A. in Dance: Choreography & Performance and Women and Gender Studies from Keene State College, where she focused her studies in modern dance under faculty mentor Cynthia McLaughlin. While at KSC, she choreographed and performed in the annual Choreography Showcase and Evening of Dance, and premiered two original works, “Geraldine” and “The Dinner Party”. “The Dinner Party” was selected to represent Keene State at the annual American College Dance Association conference. In addition to her concert dance training, Cassie was a member of the Keene State Dance Team, where she performed in hip-hop and competed at UDA Nationals in Orlando.
Cassie loves creating joyful, expressive, and inclusive classes where dancers can build confidence and connection. She focuses on technique through movement that feels good, fun, and meaningful—helping dancers grow as artists, storytellers, and humans.
Outside the studio, Cassie works as a Patient Care Coordinator at a nonprofit healthcare organization in Concord, bringing the same compassion and care to patients as she does to her students.
Maddie Parent
Dance Teacher
Maddie Parent has had a passion for dance since the age of 3. She grew up in Connecticut studying ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, and jazz. In addition to classes Maddie was a part of her studio’s competition team for 10 years and participated in special performances such as dancing in Disney World and opening for the Radio City Rockettes. In high school, she participated in two seasons of Nutcracker where she danced the roles of Snow Queen, Marzipan, and Walz of the Flowers Corps.
Maddie also loves to share her love for dance with her students. She started as a teacher assistant in 5th grade and started teaching her own classes when she was 16. Her favorite classes to teach are ballet and contemporary. Maddie also enjoys choreographing and has choreographed multiple solos, duos, and groups in various styles for all ages.
After high school, Maddie attended the University of Vermont and graduated in 2023 with a degree in Environmental Engineering. While in school, she was a member of the Orchesis Dance Company, where she participated in weekly rehearsals in preparation for end-of-semester showcases. Maddie’s greatest accomplishment within the Orchesis dance company was organizing the first company showcase post-Covid as President.
After graduating from the University of Vermont, Maddie and her (now) fiancé moved to southern New Hampshire and works as an Engineer in solid waste. She re-entered the studio world in 2024 when she discovered Monarch Pilates and Barre, where she became a substitute Barre teacher. Now, Maddie is incredibly excited to join Dance Inspirations as a ballet teacher this year!
Jamie Tisbert
Dance Teacher
Jamie is blessed with natural ability and talent. She started dancing at age 2 and began competing at age 3, winning numerous overall high score awards, titles, studio and costume honors, and special recognition. Crowned Ms. Dance at several competitions between the ages of 3 and 18, Jamie has also trained at Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center in New York. She attended workshops and conventions up and down the East Coast, studying with performers such as Debbie Dee, Jo Rowan, and Dena Rizzo. In 1996, 1998, 2000, and 2001, Jamie tested through the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), earning scores of Commended and Highly Commended.
Jamie began assistant teaching at just 8 years old and choreographing competitive routines at age 12—earning numerous choreography awards at competitions and events. In July 2018, she became the owner of Dancesteps Etc. in Epsom, NH. Originally founded in 1989, the studio earned multiple studio and choreography awards under Jamie’s leadership, including recognition for age-appropriate routines. In August 2022, Jamie made the difficult decision to close Dancesteps due to the lasting impact of COVID-19. She is now enjoying a new chapter of life, focusing on her five young children and being active in the community. She is currently homeschooling her children, ages 1, 4, 6, 8, and 15.
Jamie has choreographed for several local theaters, including Concord Children's Theatre Group and Pittsfield Scenic Theatre. Her students have won countless high scores and title awards, with some going on to dance and choreograph professionally across the globe. In 2020, Jamie directed Rhythm of the Night at the Concord City Auditorium—a stage she’s been performing on since she was 4! She also served as the Dance Team Coach at Pembroke Academy from 2009–2018. Over her 10-year tenure, she built a successful high school program that won local competitions, held community performances, ran fundraisers, and produced annual holiday shows.
Jamie’s productions have included Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Pointe, Contemporary, and Lyrical. Her performers have appeared at venues and events including Disney, Monarchs games, Recycled Percussion, The Exhale Project, and dance competitions throughout New Hampshire, New England, and along the East Coast.
Jamie is thrilled to continue choreographing and teaching at various locations, with a current focus on Ballet, Hip Hop, and Jazz/Musical Theatre at Dance Inspirations in Concord, NH.
Jamie's students describe her as energetic, passionate, and direct. Her "no-nonsense" teaching style helps dancers reach their full potential.
As Jamie says, "It’s what I was born to do."
Marc Willis
Theater & Music Teacher
Marc Willis is a seasoned performer and educator with a passion for the arts. With over 35 years of performing experience, Marc has amassed an impressive resume of over 100 stage credits. His love for music and theatre began at a young age, as he was raised in a household where music was a constant presence. The son of a Southern Baptist Minister, Marc's life was infused with the sounds of hymns and gospel music.
At the age of seven, Marc began playing the piano, and his musical journey continued to flourish from there. He pursued classical voice and music training at the University of South Florida, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the art form. It was during this time that Marc's passion for musical theatre truly took hold.
After completing his formal education, Marc embarked on a career in the performing arts. He worked with various regional theatre companies and world-class choral organizations, taking him from San Francisco to Seattle. His talent and dedication to his craft were evident in every performance, earning him recognition and acclaim.
In 2008, Marc made the decision to settle in New England, a region he now proudly calls home. Since then, he has become a prominent figure in the local theatre scene, appearing in numerous productions and earning accolades along the way. His exceptional talent has garnered him five New Hampshire Theatre Awards nominations and three wins for Best Actor/Supporting Actor.
Beyond his performing career, Marc has a deep commitment to education and working with young artists. He has spent decades teaching voice, acting, and musical theatre to aspiring performers of all ages. Marc finds great joy in nurturing the talents of his students and helping them discover their own unique voices and artistic abilities.
With his wealth of experience and passion for the arts, Marc Willis continues to inspire audiences and students alike. His powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and dedication to excellence make him a sought-after performer and teacher in the New England theatre community. Whether he is captivating audiences on stage or guiding young artists in the classroom, Marc Willis is a true artistic force, leaving a lasting impact wherever he goes.
Concord, NH
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