Passionate. Professional. Purpose-Driven.

At Michigan Academy of Dance + Arts, our faculty is more than a team, we are a family of educators, artists, and mentors who share a deep commitment to nurturing dancers of all ages and abilities. Each instructor brings a wealth of training, performance experience, and teaching expertise to the classroom, along with a shared passion for building confidence and character through dance.

Whether your dancer is just starting out or training at a pre-professional level, our team is dedicated to helping them grow as both artists and individuals.

MEET OUR TEAM

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OWNER AND DIRECTOR

AMBER MEGNA-MICHALIK

  • Amber Megna Michalik is the owner and director of Michigan Acadmey of Dance + Arts (formerly Ann Parsley School of Dance). She first connected with the school as a dancer when she was just 7 years old. Her love for the art, coupled with an inexhaustible passion to learn, create, and share, sustained her journey from student to teacher. A former member of the Macomb Ballet Company, Amber served as the Assistant Director to Ann Parsley from 2001-2006. Ms. Michalik founded the Junior Macomb Ballet Company in 2006, the first non-profit ballet company for young children in Macomb County. In 2007, she became the Artistic Director of the Macomb Ballet Company. Trained by many of the area’s finest teachers including Ann Parsley, Iacob Lascu, Laurie Eisenhower and Gregory Patterson, Ms. Michalik is certified to teach both students and teachers in the Cecchetti Method. Additionally, Ms. Michalik is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level Three of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. Amber attended Oakland University on an academic scholarship, where she pursued dance and business, and was a member of the Oakland Dance Theatre. She graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Performing Arts Management. She was awarded the Eastern Michigan Committee Board of Directors Scholarship in 2012 from the Cecchetti Council of America. Ms. Michalik currently sits on the Executive Board of the Cecchetti Council of America, and is the past Chair of the Cecchetti Council of America Eastern Michigan Committee. She has trained many successful dancers and teachers since 2000. Her students have received numerous awards and recognition in the dance community across the country and around the world; many have continued their study of dance at the college level, and have pursued professional careers in dance, choreography and teaching. Taking part in various conferences and workshops across the country fuels Ms. Michalik’s desire to continually learn and impart her love of dance and the methods and philosophies that she embraces.

FOUNDER

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ANN PARSLEY

  • Ann Parsley holds a BFA in Dance from Oakland University, graduating summa cum laude with honors in dance.  She holds the highest accreditation of Diploma Fellow of the Cecchetti Council of America.  She is a Permanent Examiner, Liaison Officer and Past President of the Council.  She has presented numerous students for examination and has presented teachers through the Diploma examination. Ann teaches at workshops and seminars throughout the country.  She also directed Ann Parsley School of Dance for over 30 years before selling the studio in 2009.  Ann has taught many students who have danced professionally in ballet and modern companies, industrials and videos.  She founded the Macomb Ballet Company in 1983.  Ann received the first Outstanding Alumni Award in Dance from Oakland University, has visited Taiwan three times to teach and examine, and is listed in Who’s Who in America. 

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ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

HANNAH CARDEN

  • Hannah (Budny) Carden  has been a part of the Michigan Academy of Dance + Arts ( formerly Ann Parsley School of Dance) family her entire life. Taking her first creative movement dance class at the age of two, this formed in her an infinite passion for dance. Hannah was a member of the Macomb Ballet Company since she was 7 years old. Through dance education, Hannah blossomed in her musical abilities through dance, music, and performing opportunities. Dance has given Hannah the confidence she needed to be the outgoing and driven woman she is today. Through the Ballet Company Hannah has been in shows such as Cinderella, Les Sylphides, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, Wizard of Oz, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs and she has taught as the Rehearsal Director since 2013. Hannah performed with The Enchanted Princess Ball for 4 years and DDC Dances as a trainee where she was then offered a company position. Hannah has furthered her dance education by completing the Cecchetti Student Certification Exams, Levels I-VII as well as Teachers Grade I through Diploma. Hannah has also received scholarships to attend The Cecchetti Council of America’s Summer Intensive Camp, CUSA Santa Barbara, both student and teacher scholarships to the Cecchetti Council of America’s summer school and in the summer of 2019, she received the Sylvia Hamer scholarship to be a guest at the Cecchetti Society of England teacher summer school in Birmingham, England. Hannah competed in the Cecchetti International Classical Ballet Competition in 2014. Hannah also enjoys guest teaching at numerous studios in the Metro Detroit area. She has been directing Ann Parsley’s homeschool dance program “The Art of Ballet,” since 2016. Hannah is also active in her community teaching adult special needs dance and leading small groups for the young professional program at her home church.

FACULTY

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LILY ALATTAR

  • Lily Alattar is a passionate vocalist and performer best known for sharing her voice on the big stage as a recurring national anthem singer for the Detroit Red Wings, Tigers, and Pistons, as well as other major sporting events across the country.

    Her talent has earned her first-place awards in the Talent competition through the Miss America Organization at both Miss Oakland County and Miss Wayne County. Lily also writes and performs her own original music, exploring genres such as pop, musical theatre, R&B, country, and rock.

    With a B.S. in Psychology from Wayne State University, Lily combines technical vocal training with a thoughtful, student-centered approach—helping singers build confidence, creativity, and resilience.

OLIVIA AMORE

  • Olivia Amore has been dancing for most of her life and has trained extensively in both studio and competitive dance. While she enjoys all styles of dance, tap has always been her greatest passion. After several years of assisting classes and working with young dancers, Olivia is excited to begin sharing her love of dance as an instructor. She is committed to helping students build strong technical skills, confidence, and a genuine love for dance while fostering a positive, supportive, and encouraging classroom environment.

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SARAH BEAUPRE

  • Sarah Beaupre grew up dancing competitively at Gotta Dance for 15 years, where she developed her passion and skill for the art. After graduating in 2020, she transitioned into teaching dance, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation of dancers. Over the years, Sarah has been an active member of various dance groups, performing at numerous events as part of hip-hop crews, performance teams, and contemporary ensembles. In addition to her dance career, Sarah pursued higher education at Macomb Community College, earning an Associate of Applied Science degree from the Physical Therapy Assistant Program in 2024. She is a Licensed physical therapist assistant and certified Stott Pilates instructor. Her diverse background combines artistry, performance, and a commitment to physical wellness.

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  • Elise Borngesser grew up dancing at Michigan Academy of Dance + Arts while also performing with the Michigan Ballet Company for 10 years. She holds Cecchetti student certifications through Grade VII as well as a Cecchetti Teacher Grade I certification. She furthered her dance training through intensive programs with the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago and the Cincinnati Ballet.

    Elise earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Grand Valley State University before pursuing her teacher certification at Saginaw Valley State University. She is currently a 7th and 8th grade science teacher and is passionate about helping students grow both inside and outside the classroom. Elise is excited to continue sharing her love of dance at MADA and looks forward to inspiring the next generation of dancers.

ELISE BORNGESSER

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  • Alicia Bryson is a dedicated and accomplished music educator with over ten years of experience teaching piano and voice. She has directed one of the largest youth choirs in the Sterling Heights area, where she has built an inclusive, student-led program known for developing musical skill, confidence, and leadership in young performers.

    Alicia has guided countless students from early childhood through young adulthood, with many continuing on to collegiate and professional music programs. Her background includes extensive work in youth music direction, piano accompaniment, and private instruction, as well as curriculum design and mentorship for developing musicians.

    Outside of teaching, Alicia enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons.

ALICIA BRYSON

SADIE CATHERWOOD

  • Sadie Catherwood has been dancing for over 15 years, beginning her training at the age of three at Ann Parsley School of Dance, now the Michigan Academy of Dance + Arts. She has been a member of the Michigan Ballet Company for the past 10 years, where she has performed numerous featured and lead roles in productions including The Nutcracker, The Wizard of Oz, and Cinderella.

    Throughout her training, Sadie has studied a wide variety of dance styles, including ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and partnering. She has also earned her Cecchetti Council of America (CCA) Student Certificates in Grades I through VI, demonstrating her dedication to technical excellence and classical ballet training.

    Sadie is passionate about sharing her love of dance with the next generation. She strives to create a positive, encouraging classroom where students build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover the joy of dance.

CHARLOTTE CATHERWOOD

  • Charlotte Catherwood discovered her passion for dance at the age of three at Ann Parsley School of Dance, now Michigan Academy of Dance + Arts. She has trained extensively in ballet, pointe, tap, lyrical, jazz, acro, and conditioning, both as a student and an instructor. Throughout her training, Charlotte earned Cecchetti Council of America (CCA) Student Certificates in Grades I–VI and holds CCA Teacher Certification in Grade I. She is also a Certified Acrobatic Arts Teacher, licensed to teach Primary through Level 6.

    Charlotte was a member of the Macomb Ballet Company, now Michigan Ballet Company, for 11 years, where she performed numerous leading roles in productions of The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, The Wizard of Oz, and Once Upon a Time. During her years as a student, she also had the opportunity to perform in The Sleeping Beauty with American Ballet Theatre and participated in CCA competitions and intensive training programs throughout Michigan.

    Charlotte attended Oakland University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in May 2026. She currently works as a Pediatric Registered Nurse at Children's Hospital of Michigan. Since joining the MADA faculty in 2022, Charlotte has loved sharing her passion for dance with the next generation. As both a dance educator and pediatric nurse, she brings patience, compassion, and encouragement to every class. Charlotte is dedicated to helping each student build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover a lifelong love of dance.

  • Taelyn Dykstra discovered her love of dance at Ann Parsley School of Dance, now the Michigan Academy of Dance + Arts, when she was just four years old. Throughout her training, she studied a wide variety of dance styles, including ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, tap, jazz, and hip hop.

    Taelyn was a member of the Michigan Ballet Company for three years, performing in productions such as The Nutcracker, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, and Cinderella. She also earned her Cecchetti Council of America (CCA) Student Certificates in Grades I through V, reflecting her strong foundation in classical ballet.

    This fall, Taelyn will attend Oakland University, where she plans to pursue degrees in Nursing and Dance. She is excited to share her passion for dance with her students while fostering a fun, encouraging environment where they can build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover a lifelong love of dance.

    Throughout her training, Sadie has studied a wide variety of dance styles, including ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and partnering. She has also earned her Cecchetti Council of America (CCA) Student Certificates in Grades I through VI, demonstrating her dedication to technical excellence and classical ballet training.

    Sadie is passionate about sharing her love of dance with the next generation. She strives to create a positive, encouraging classroom where students build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover the joy of dance.

TAELYN DYKSTRA

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CARLEY GLUGLA

  • Carley Glugla has been dancing for 20 years and for the past 14 years, she has been working with special needs children in an adaptive dance class. She also has experience with providing child care to children with special needs, and has been a camp volunteer for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She’s familiar with respite care services and is an RN who specializes in working with the pediatric and female population.

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KAREN GLUGLA

  • Karen Glugla, OTR/L has been an Occupational Therapist for over 25 years. She works as a Clinical OT Specialist at Children's Hospital of Michigan/Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan Stilson Specialty Center. She works with children from birth-20 with a very broad range of diagnoses. She works in the MDA clinic where she monitors children with Muscular Dystrophy diagnoses. Karen has 14 years of experience working with children in an adaptive dance class.

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SYDNEY HENDERSON

  • Sydney Henderson grew up at Ann Parsley School of Dance starting with her first creative movement class when she was three. Shortly after, she began dancing with the Macomb Ballet Company starting with her first performance in Un Encuentro. Sydney has supplemented her classes at Ann Parsley School of Dance with additional training with the American Ballet Theater, Joffrey Chicago and on scholarship with the Ruth S. Shur Carolina Ballet Company. She has also trained and performed at the Youth America Grand Prix in Pittsburgh 2014 and Chicago 2015. She studied at Arts Academy in the Woods and has attended master classes with Samantha Shelton, Meg Paul, Michael Vernon, Kristin Sudeikis and Ashley Bouder. Her training and her determination helped her achieve lead roles in Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Snow White and Alice in Wonderland. Sydney has completed her Cecchetti Council of America Student Certification exams Levels I-VI along with her teacher Grade I-II exams. In the fall of 2015, she attended Wayne State University as a BFA major in the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance as a talent scholarship recipient. She was also a member of their dance company, Company One. Sydney is honored to be a member of the APSD faculty.

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BRANDON KOEPSELL

  • Brandon Koepsell is a Detroit native and graduate of the Walnut Hill School in Natick, MA. Brandon holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State University, where he currently serves as a lecturer and choreographer in the Maggie Allesee Department of Theater and Dance. After graduation from the Walnut Hill School, Brandon spent time performing with Companie Coline in Istre, France, Rapture Dance Project, Ron DeJesus Dance in Chicago, Take Root, and the Macomb Ballet Company in addition to his guest artist work with the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Oakland University, Alma College, Wayne State University, and Eisenhower Dance Detroit. Brandon has appeared with the Michigan Opera Theater in the productions of “Aida" and "The Merry Widow". He was the assistant choreographer on the set of Disney’s “Oz, the Great and Powerful”, a credited dancer in “A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas” and a director and choreographer for Karen Newman’s Detroit Christmas Special in 2023. In collaboration with Jaclyn Walsh, Brandon has presented work at the Boston Contemporary Dance Festival in 2015 and 2018 and at Green Box Arts Festival in Green Mountain Falls, CO in 2019 as part of Larry Keigwin's “Dynamic Duets”. Brandon has served as a faculty member with the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, the Southern Association of Dance Masters, and the Montana Dance Arts Association. Brandon is also an Assistant Artistic Director for the Macomb Ballet Company.

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JULIE MERKLE

  • Julie Merkle has been sharing her love of dance with students and teachers for the past 45 years. She is qualified to teach tap, ballet, Pointe, jazz and Hawaiian dancing. She has danced professionally, attended various master classes, workshops, seminars, and has been trained by highly regarded teachers in the field of dance.

    She holds the highest level of certification possible through the Cecchetti Council of America, the Enrico Cecchetti Diploma. She has successfully presented many students and teachers for exams through the Diploma level of the CCA. Julie currently serves the Cecchetti Council of America as the National Registrar. The National Executive Board positions that she has held in the past are President, Assistant National Registrar, Recording Secretary, 1st Vice President and Summer School Administrator. In January 2016 Julie attained Principal Examiner status on the CCA Board of Examiners. In January of 2017 the National Executive Board appointed Julie to the position as Liaison Officer. Her current liaison assignment is the Ohio committee.

    Many of her students enjoy successful careers in the field of dance. They have danced professionally with major ballet companies, accepted college scholarships, teach students and teachers and operate their own studios.

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JESSICA PALMER

  • Jessica Palmer has been dancing at Ann Parsley School Of Dance for over 15 years. She was also a member of the Macomb Ballet Company for seven years. She studied various styles of dance including; ballet, pointe, jazz, and lyrical. Jessica holds grade I-IV student certification in the Cecchetti ballet method and received her teacher training from Amber Michalik. She has also been highly involved in show choir in high school. Jessica was a member of The Macombers college show choir. She recently graduated from Macomb Community College with her associates degree in general studies. She now studies through Oregon State University online, majoring in zoology. Jessica is thrilled to be a member of the APSD faculty!

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  • With over 30 years of experience, Kevin Rootes has dedicated his life to music and to sharing his passion with others. He believes learning an instrument goes beyond technique—it’s about creativity, confidence, and joy. Kevin has worked with students of all ages and skill levels, bringing a wealth of knowledge and practical strategies to every lesson.

    Kevin customizes his teaching to match each student’s interests and goals, creating a supportive environment where growth happens naturally. His lessons foster a fun, creative atmosphere that keeps students motivated and engaged. Whether you’re starting guitar, bass, or ukulele for the first time, or looking to refine your skills, Kevin guides students with patience, encouragement, and a deep love for music. His goal is to help every student unlock their musical potential while enjoying the process.

KEVIN ROOTES

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ANNA SAJE

  • Anna Saje began dancing when she was only three years old. She later discovered a new-found love for dance at Ann Parsley School of Dance. At APSD, she trained in various styles of dance including partnering, lyrical, jazz, and Contemporary, but she felt a specific calling to ballet and pointe. It was at APSD that Anna started her studies in the Cecchetti Method. Anna has completed her Cecchetti Council of America (CCA) student examinations for Grade I-VI, as well as her CCA Teacher’s Grade I Certification. Anna was a member of the Macomb Ballet Company for eight years. She enjoyed dancing multiple soloist roles in ballet such as The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, and The Wizard of Oz. She has also had the opportunity to compete in the Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP), as well as the Cecchetti Classical Ballet Competition. Anna is passionate about keeping the Cecchetti Method alive and looks forward to continuing her dance journey as an instructor.

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CHRISTINE SMITH

  • Christine Smith's passion for dance was sparked early, inspired by her parents, particularly her father, a dedicated breakdancer. She began her formal dance training in 1992 in Chesterfield, Michigan, where her natural talent for hip hop quickly expanded to all styles of dance. By the age of seven, Christine was the youngest competitor on her team, training intensively in contemporary, lyrical, modern, jazz, character, tap, Hip Hop, Russian, and Cecchetti ballet under renowned instructors like Tatiana Kitlak and Sam Shelton. She has been mentored by industry icons including Liz Schmidt, Denis Caspary, Joe Lanteri, Paula Abdul, Mia Michaels, Lauren Adams, Jason Parsons, Bobby Newberry, Wade Robson, Travis Wall, Chris Jacobson, Sonya Tayeh, Kim McSwain, and Nick Zibrowski. As a decorated competitive dancer, Christine consistently placed in the top five while traveling across the U.S. with her team, earning numerous titles such as Miss Show Biz, Miss Teen Elite Dancer, Miss Dance, Elite Dance Champion, and Hall of Fame All-Star for seven consecutive years. She has received scholarships from organizations including Hip Hop Urban Legends, Hip Hop and Tap NYCDA regionals, Break the Floor, Adrenaline’s Standing Ovation, Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive, The Centre Summer Intensive and more. Notably, Christine was a featured dancer for Mariah Carey during the Super Bowl in Detroit. She went on to join a jazz dance company Gravity under Veronica Chapp, and modern dance company Mack Avenue under Chris Masters, performing across Metro Detroit. Teaching competitively Ms. Smith was nominated for The Industry dance award for her competitive hip hop choreography. She has went on to guest teach at, WSU, U of M, Harrison and Novi High School, Art Academy in the Woods, and L’Anse Creuse H.S North, where she choreographed North’s musical production Chicago. Christine has developed the Hip hop program at Ann Parsley School of Dance since 2015. She has a tremendous passion for dance education in K-12 and has worked as a professional dance instructor since 2005. She continues to inspire young dancers, nurturing their growth in both their craft and confidence, both in the studio and in life.

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SOPHIE TEOLIS

  • Sophie Teolis began her dance journey at the age of two, training extensively at Ann Parsley School of Dance (APSD) in a variety of styles including Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, and Lyrical. She has studied the Cecchetti Ballet method, successfully completing Grades I-V. As a long-time member of the Macomb Ballet Company, Sophie performed in numerous productions such as The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, The Wizard of Oz, and many more. Additionally, she had the opportunity to compete at prestigious events like the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and the Cecchetti Council of America (CCA). Sophie is thrilled to share her passion for dance as with the younger generations!

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JENICA TREMBERTH

  • Jenica Tremberth has spent most of her life as part of MADA family, where her love of dance began at the age of three under the guidance of Ann Parsley. She was a member of the Macomb Ballet Company (MBC), where she enjoyed performing in productions including Sleeping Beauty, Coppélia, and Cinderella.

    Jenica holds Cecchetti Council of America Student Certifications through Grade VII and Teacher Certifications in Grades I and II. She remains actively involved with the Macomb Ballet Company, where she serves as President of the Executive Board, helping guide the organization’s mission of providing meaningful performance opportunities and quality dance education.

    Jenica loves sharing her passion for ballet with students of all ages, from young dancers taking their first ballet class to adults continuing their love of dance. Her classes emphasize strong technical foundations, artistry, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for dance in a positive and encouraging environment.

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BRIAN WIRGAU

  • Brian Wirgau began his training at the age of six with Bonnie Allard. He furthered his training under the direction of Jenny Meeks and Liz Schmidt-Mazurkiewicz. In high school Brian was a member of Macomb Ballet Company; a pre professional ballet company under the direction of Amber Megna Michalik. He received a BFA in dance from Oakland University and is the recipient of the 2019 Oakland University MaTilDa award in Outstanding Dance Performance. During his time at Oakland University, Brian was a member of Oakland Dance Theater and Oakland University’s Repertory Dance Company, and has had the opportunity to work with various choreographers, and has trained with professional companies and choreographers through summer intensives. During his final year at Oakland University, Brian apprenticed with Eisenhower Dance Detroit and was able to participate in the 2019 Inside/Out performance series at Jacob’s Pillow. In 2019 Brian became a certified instructor of the Acrobatic Arts curriculum. Brian enjoys sharing his love of dance with his students and getting to help cultivate their passion and artistry.

STUDIO MANAGERS

Kathy Megna + Renee Sun