Heidi Conard is a dedicated dance educator with over a decade of teaching experience in acrobatics, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary styles. Her choreography has earned regional and national recognition, and many of her students have continued dance at the collegiate and professional levels. She is an active member of Dance Masters of America and Dance Educators of America and also serves as a competition judge. Heidi is known for her creativity, technical expertise, and commitment to student growth.

Sandi Duncan is a dance educator, choreographer, and mentor with over 40 years of experience in the dance industry. She has taught, choreographed, and adjudicated across the United States and Canada, including major conventions and touring productions. Sandi is also a writer and mentor focused on personal and professional development for dancers and educators. She is dedicated to empowering others to reach their full potential both in and outside the studio.

Karyn Farnsworth is an experienced dance educator with over 30 years of teaching experience in jazz, tap, lyrical, and musical theatre. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Fitness Studies with a minor in Dance from Salem State College. Karyn has been part of the MHDC faculty for over a decade, working with both recreational and competitive dancers. She is committed to helping students build confidence, strong technique, and performance quality.

Breanne Hiller is a lifelong dancer and educator originally from Pennsylvania who is passionate about helping students grow through movement. She holds a BA in Psychology with a minor in Dance from Franklin & Marshall College and a Master’s in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Antioch University New England. Breanne has been part of the MHDC faculty since 2015 and brings a supportive, thoughtful approach to teaching. Outside the studio, she works in trauma-informed mental health consulting in the Greater Lowell community.

Jaclyn Hoffman is a lifelong MHDC dancer and educator who has been teaching since 2008, working with students of all ages. Her choreography has earned multiple awards, including American Dance Awards National Young Choreographer of the Year. She holds degrees from Columbia University and Boston College and is also an English teacher at Londonderry High School. Jaclyn was recently awarded a Fulbright from the U.S. Department of State to study education internationally.

Melissa Hoffman has been a dance educator for over 40 years and is the founder and longtime owner of MHDC until 2024. She has served as an adjudicator and presenter at major dance events throughout her career. Melissa is especially proud of MHDC’s lasting impact on the community and the generations of dancers it has supported. She is thrilled to be back in the studio teaching and sharing her love of dance.

Julia is a graduate of Butler University in Indianapolis, IN where she earned a BA in Dance Pedagogy.  Before attending Butler, Julia trained with New England of Dance for 15 years.  Her training with NESD consisted of both competitive performances and classical ballet examinations.  Julia competed at the Youth America Grand Prix, the RAD Challenge, the Connecticut Classic, American Dance Awards, and several other regional and national competitions.  She also completed all Royal Academy of Dance examinations from Grade 1 through Vocational level Advanced 2 with Distinction.  Julia was fortunate to spend her summers training with pre-professional ballet programs across the country including Boston Ballet, Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, the Bolshoi Ballet, Ballet Austin, and Sarasota Ballet.  During her time with the Butler Ballet, Julia performed in several full length productions including The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and original modern works by Susan McGuire.  She also served as rehearsal assistant under Derek Reid for Butler Ballet’s productions of The Nutcracker.  Julia is  She is passionate about educating and inspiring young people both in the classroom and in the studio.  She strives to create a nurturing environment for all students to explore their passions and develop their self-confidence.

JR Linden is a professional dancer, educator, and choreographer with extensive musical theatre and ballet experience. He is certified in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz through Dance Masters of America and has taught and adjudicated throughout the United States and Canada. JR also works full-time as Director of Finance for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester. He holds degrees in Accounting and Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

Kendra LaPierre is a proud MHDC alumna known for strong technique, artistry, and dedication to dance. She earned recognition throughout her training for performance excellence and continued growth. With classroom assisting experience, she brings professionalism and enthusiasm to her teaching. Kendra is excited to continue growing as an educator and contributing to the MHDC community.

Destiny Maldonado is a dance educator and performer who earned her BA in Dance with a minor in Business from Dean College. She has experience choreographing and performing in collegiate showcases and creative projects, including screendance work. Destiny brings a strong passion for storytelling through movement and collaboration. She is excited to continue developing as both an artist and educator at MHDC.

Alicia grew up dancing at the Donna Miceli Dance Center in Lowell, MA where she trained in all styles and began her assistant career. She has received the top regional scholarships from conventions like The Pulse, West Coast Dance Explosion, NYCDA, Jump, and many others throughout the country training under top choreographers featured on SYTYCD. She was a member of the Hofstra University Dance Team, earning herself two UDA Division 1 National Championship titles as well as her minor in Dance. She was also a member of the 2016 USA Dance Team competing at the ICU World Competition and earning a World Championship title. She continued her dance career as an ensemble dancer in the production of Grease at the Palace Theatre. Today she continues to teach and choreograph at studios throughout the MA and NH area where her choreography has won regional competitions as well as Studio Standouts and Choreography Awards. Alicia prides herself on creating an environment where dancers feel free to express themselves and share their love of dance with others.

Val Nelson leads the Broadway Program at MHDC and began her training at the studio at age 11. She has an extensive choreography career, including multiple award-winning productions and recognition from the New Hampshire Theatre Awards. Val also serves as Director of School Counseling in Litchfield, bringing leadership to both education and the arts. She is passionate about storytelling through dance and theatre.

Roshni Pecora is a passionate dance educator with over 30 years of experience in ballet and classical training. A graduate of Dean College, former professional dancer with the New England Civic Ballet, and certified in Progressing Ballet Technique, she brings extensive knowledge and expertise to her students. Roshni previously owned and directed Northeast Dance Center and joined MHDC in 2019. She now serves as School Director while teaching Ballet and Pointe. Known for her energetic and creative teaching style, Roshni combines individualized instruction with a keen eye for detail and precision, helping dancers build strong technical foundations and master ballet technique.

Tori Russell is a preschool dance teacher and MHDC alum who began teaching in 2014. She continued her training in college while earning degrees in social work and now works as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Tori is passionate about supporting young children’s emotional and creative development. She creates a fun, supportive environment where preschool dancers build confidence and joy in movement.

Amanda Schultz has been part of MHDC since 1999 and teaches dancers from preschool through teens with energy and versatility. She serves as Director of the Competition Team, focusing on confidence, teamwork, and strong technical training. Amanda holds a degree in Exercise Physiology and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, with a strong emphasis on dancer health and safe training. She is dedicated to helping every student grow as both a performer and individual.