Instructors & Dance Mentors
Our instructors are more than just teachers; they are dedicated mentors committed to nurturing each dancer's potential. They provide expert guidance, personalized feedback, and unwavering support to help our students build a strong foundation and flourish as artists.
Kelly McDermott
Kelly has been teaching dance and choreographing performances for over 25 years. She graduated from the Somerset County Gifted and Talented Dance Program with Honors and is trained in Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip-hop, and Modern. In 2002, Kelly opened The Dance Factory in Skillman, NJ. As the Artistic Director and Producer at The Dance Factory, Kelly directs hundreds of students each year in wonderful, Broadway-style productions held at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
She believes strongly in giving back to the community. In summer 2007 Kelly created The Dance Factory Tour Team, which includes a Summer Team and a Holiday Team. After teaching exciting routines to her dancers, Kelly and the team travel to the Senior Centers, Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Centers throughout Somerset County and Mercer County to spend time with and perform for residents. The Summer Tour Team also performs at the Somerset Patriots pre-game activities during the summer months. Kelly also oversees The Dance Factory's participation in Montgomery-Rocky Hill Rotary Club's annual Run With Rotary Rotary event.
Kelly also has a passion for and extensive experience in the theater. Her choreography credits include "Seussical", "Willy Wonka", "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", "Footloose", and "Shrek" with the Sourland Hills Actors Guild (SHAG); "All Shook Up" with the MHS Players; and "Annie", "The Music Man", "My Son Pinocchio", "Alice in Wonderland", "The Little Mermaid", "Bye, Bye Birdie", “The Lion King”, “Anything Goes”, "The Magical Wish", "Honk", "Matilda", "Finding Nemo Jr" (2024), and "Seussical Jr" (2025) with the Montgomery Lower Middle School (LMS).
She has continued her involvement in the local theater by overseeing costume, hair, and makeup design for shows, ensuring each element contributed to a cohesive and polished presentation. At Montgomery High School, she was responsible for hair and make up for "The Laramie Project" (2022), "Radium Girls" (2023), and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (2024). Kelly also managed costume, hair, make up, and the lobby display for "Chicago" (2022), "Grease" (2023), and "The Addams Family" (2024). Her most recent endeavor was "Newsies" (2025) where she did photography, hair, make up, and lobby display.
Kelly is fiercely passionate about dance and her students. She prides herself on running a comprehensive, multi-level dance program that is fun, inclusive, and educational for each and every student. In her twenty-plus years as an instructor and director at The Dance Factory, Kelly has had the pleasure of cultivating a tight-knit studio atmosphere that feels like a family. She finds joy in connecting with her dancers and their families and is especially honored to have watched so many dancers grow up at her studio -- from pre-school through high-school ages and beyond. Several Dance Factory alumni have also returned as instructors, office staff, and guest artists. Kelly is beyond grateful for her DF family and is proud that many alumni have remained connected to each other and to the studio long after graduation, whether it is through the alumni summer dance classes or helping during the year-end recital.
Sara Borden
Sara is a recent graduate of Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University with a BFA in Dance Performance. While growing up, she received her training at Dance Dynamics in Blandon, PA and Horizons Dance Conservatory in Leesport, PA. She has extensive training in ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, improvisation, and choreography.
She has worked with choreographers including Donielle Bailey Horst, Olivia Mode-Carter, Aaron Ramos, Kimberly Elliot, John Evans, and Michelle Manzanales. In addition, she was a Summer Intern at Parsons Dance Company during the Summer of 2022. She has also taught and choreographed at various dance studios in New Jersey. Recently, she collaborated and performed at Camping Dance Festival in Paris, France in June 2023. Sara is currently staying in the northeast to pursue a performance dance career, then later on in the future, pursuing her own dance company.
Anna Fredeen
Anna Fredeen (B.A. Dance Science, Rider University) has trained with multiple dance studios in Connecticut and New Jersey where she trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, musical theater, choreography, modern, and leaps and turns. Before attending Rider University, she studied at Texas Christian University for two years in the School of Classical and Contemporary Dance.
Anna has attended residential dance intensives in New York City and performed with dance companies at venues such as The Joyce Theater, Peridance, Disney World, and The Orange Bowl, where she had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Tyler Gilstrap, Sidra Bell, and Chris Judd. Fredeen has participated in American Dance Festival and the National Choreography Intensive, and made an appearance as a satellite member of the modern dance company Luminarium, based out of Boston, MA.
She has received awards from various institutions, including Rider University and the National Choreography Intensive, for her choreography and involvement in the dance community, and continues to set various pieces that have been performed in places such as New York City and Montgomery, AL.
Anna currently teaches dance at local studios and works with many studios over the summer as a guest artist. As a committed dancer, teacher, and choreographer, Anna strives to pass down her knowledge and experience to students, using Dance Science to bring awareness to the physicality required of dancers to ensure a safe environment for all, while allowing them to explore their passion for the art.
Anna choreographs and coaches The Dance Factory's Showstopper Dance Company as well as the Summer and Holiday Tour Teams.
Danica Sharpley
Danica began her dance training at Wendi Sue Porter School of Dance at 8 years old. With a passion for dance, she learned Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern and Hip Hop. She competed in dance competitions and workshops throughout the tri-state area with her first professional experience in 2005 with Rutgers University's African Dance Ensemble under the choreographer Pascal.
While attending Montclair State University as a biology major and dance minor, Danica danced at Six Flags Great Adventure and throughout the country with Silver Tree Productions in 2006-2008 in the pop-fusion, "STOMP" type show, "Industrial Movement". Danica joined a local Hip-Hop group, "Fast FWD", and performed in venues throughout the state. In 2010, she became a NJ Nets dancer, performing at NBA basketball games and charity events. Danica has also performed and danced in a Michael Jackson Charity Tribute Performance in south Jersey.
Danica has years of experience teaching dance to students age 3 to adult in all dance genres and experience levels. She has choreographed many routines from solo performances to small ensembles to large scale numbers.
The Dance Factory Tour Team Coaches
Led by passionate coaches, many of whom are accomplished alumni, our Tour Teams share the joy of dance with the community. These leaders guide our dancers in performance, teamwork, and community outreach.
Julia Kazmierczak
Julia danced at The Dance Factory from 2007 until she graduated form Montgomery High School in 2019, training in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary, and lyrical. She was very involved in the Intensive Program, Showstopper Dance Company, Summer/Winter Tour Teams, and assisting classes.
She worked remotely as the Operations Manager for The Dance Factory from 2020 to 2022 and continues to help out at end-of-year recitals and Tour Team Programs. Julia recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ithaca College in May of 2023 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Applied Psychology. While in college, Julia spent four years dancing, teaching, and on the Executive Board of Ithaca College’s Defy Dance Company. Post-graduation, Julia is back in the Montgomery area and working in Princeton University’s Chemistry Department as a Faculty and Grant Assistant.
Kimmie Klinger
Kimmie danced at The Dance Factory for 15 years and was very involved in The Showstopper Dance Company, Intensive Program, and Summer/Winter Tour Teams. In 2019, she joined The Dance Factory staff by becoming an assistant.
Kimmie graduated from South Brunswick High School in 2023 and is currently attending The University of Delaware studying Marketing, with a minor in Event Management. Each summer she continues to help with recitals and the Summer Tour Team Program.
Lacey Okamura
Lacey trained at The Dance Factory for 16 years in a number of styles including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, modern, lyrical, contemporary, and funk. For over 10 years, Lacey was an active member in the Intensive Program, Showstopper Dance Company, and Summer and Winter Tour Teams.
In 2019, she became a Dance Factory assistant, and has happily been a part of the team ever since. Lacey is a recent graduate of Notre Dame High School, where she served as dance captain of the musical and the Dance Performance class, and had the opportunity to showcase some of her choreography in the shows. Currently, Lacey is studying Political Science at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) on a Pre-Law track. Lacey is also a member of the nationally ranked TCNJ Dance Team, which competes at UDA Nationals every year.
Guest Artists and Master Class Instructors
We are proud to bring the city to our students by hosting master classes with talented, professional artists throughout the year. We are always looking to expand our program and bring new, diverse talent to the studio!
Samantha Butler
Samantha is a 2x NFL cheerleader for the Carolina Panthers, representing the team on and off the field through high-energy performances. She has trained with the Radio City Rockettes and performed with The Young Americans.
Her strong foundation in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, acrobatics, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, and modern supports her greatest passion: musical theatre. In addition to performing, Samantha works as a guest choreographer and teaches master classes in various styles.
Michael Crawford
Michael is from Takoma Park, Maryland. He began dancing with prestigious schools, including the Maryland Youth Ballet and Kirov Academy, with summer intensives at The Rock School and San Francisco Ballet on full scholarships.
In his senior year, he was accepted into the Kennedy Center’s Master Class Series, where he trained and performed with top international companies. Mr. Crawford then moved on to the Washington Ballet where, in their top training program, he performed with the company under the direction of Septime Webre. Upon graduation, he went on to study and perform in the Professional Division of The Pacific Northwest Ballet under the direction of Kent Stowell and Francia Russell.
After Pacific Northwest Ballet, he danced with Dance Theatre of Harlem, Jose Mateo Ballet, Ballet Memphis, American Repertory Ballet, Connecticut Ballet, and Oakland Ballet. At these companies, he performed several ballets as a principal artist. He has been privileged to work alongside top productions, such as “Guys and Dolls," "West Side Story," "Show Boat," and other musical performances at The Kennedy Center, as well as touring many other international stages. He has also worked as a principal guesting with The Washington National Opera, Adam Miller Dance Project, Kinetic Dance Works, TranscenDance Group, Brooklyn Ballet, and Ballet Neo.
While signed with New York Model Management, Mr. Crawford had the honor to internationally campaign. He has walked in several seasons of NYC Fashion Week. He also appeared in the feature film "Step Up" and can be seen on television in ABC’s production of “Forever.” Michael is also an award-winning teacher and choreographer. He has been teaching and choreographing nationally and internationally for 10 years. He has coached many prize-winning students for competitions, such as Youth America Grand Prix, NYC Dance Alliance, and Showstoppers Dance Competition. He has taught at many studios including Broadway Dance Center, Metropolitan School of the Arts, Princeton Ballet, and many, many more.
Andy Fredeen
With 10+ years in the Strength & Conditioning field, Andy served as an assistant Strength Coach at Yale University. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Andy oversees the education and training philosophy of Paragon Strength & Performance, as well as the growth of the company and the continuing commitment to our community.
Nicole Gallo
Born and raised in New Jersey, she trained in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and hip hop at Wendi Sue Porter School of Dance. Nicole graduated cum laude from Georgian Court University in 2018 with a BA in Dance under the direction of Silvana Cardell.
She has performed works by Steven Vaughn, Sidra Bell, Stefanie Batten Bland, Gregory King, and Daniel Gwirtzman, among others. Nicole attended Impulstanz Dance Festival in Vienna, Austria (2016), Parsons Dance Summer Intensive in New York City (2017), and presented her choreography “Exhale” at American College Dance Festival in Montclair, NJ (2018). She has had the privilege of performing at Manhattan Movement & Arts Center, Peridance Capezio Center, Koresh Dance Theater, DUMBO Dance Festival, and many other venues.
Katelyn Gaffney
Full bio coming soon!
Katie Hamrah
Katie has been a Radio City Rockette for 18 years, performing in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Today Show, and at the Tony Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.
She has extensive training in all areas of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and lyrical. She is also skilled in gymnastics/acrobatics as well as cheerleading. Katie has been teaching dance and fitness for many years!
Miles Keeney
Miles Keeney is a New York City based professional dancer, choreographer, and teacher represented by MSA talent agency. His credits include Peloton, the NBA Brooklynnets, HBO’s Wigstock, Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Adam Lambert, Usher, and Jason Derulo.
He's had the opportunity to train under the most revered names in the industry and has been noted for his power, ferocity, and versatility. Miles graduated from Connecticut College with a B.A. double majoring in Dance and Developmental Psychology.
Stefanie Lachenauer
Stefanie is a dynamic educator and wellness expert, and a nationally and internationally recognized speaker in mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and social-emotional learning.
She is a certified yoga teacher and resilience practitioner, known for her engaging presentations on mental health and creating safe, supportive spaces. Her upcoming book, Let the Glitter Settle: Mindfulness for Teens, will be released in October 2025.
Tom McKie
A self-taught dancer inspired by Michael Jackson, Tom's work has been seen at Walt Disney World and NYC's Apollo Theater. He is an adjunct professor at The College Of New Jersey and a teaching artist for NJPAC.
Throughout the years, Tom has had the privilege of molding the careers of students who have gone on to appear on television, film and even Broadway.
Kat Nejat-Thompson
Kat's career has taken her from the Philadelphia Ballet to Broadway, where she made her debut in WEST SIDE STORY and became the only person in history to perform both roles of “Maria” and “Anita” on Broadway.
Her National Tour credits include Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. On television, Kat has appeared on LAW & ORDER: SVU and DANCING WITH THE STARS.
Taylor & Lacey Okamura
Taylor and Lacey Okamura have been part of the Dance Factory family for 21 years, training for 16 years each at the studio. Both were members of the Showstopper Dance Company and assistants throughout high school.
They just finished their fourth and second year (respectively) on the nationally ranked dance team at The College of New Jersey, making program history by placing 3rd in Open Hip Hop.
Alexander Perone
Alexander is a ballet dancer with the New York City Ballet (NYCB) and a student at Columbia University. At NYCB, he joins the Corps de Ballet in performing several ballets choreographed by George Balanchine himself.
During his immense training in the Balanchine ballet technique at the School of American Ballet in NYC, he was awarded the Mae L. Wien award for Outstanding Promise in Ballet.
Melissa Szwarc
Melissa graduated from Rutgers with a degree in Exercise Science & Sports Studies. Her career as a personal trainer and yoga instructor roots back to her extensive experience as a gymnast and collegiate cheerleader.
She dedicates her work to helping individuals find their innate power through developing a healthy body and a healthy mind.