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MEET THE TEAM
At St. Pete Dance Center, our team is made up of the most qualified professionals in the St. Petersburg area. With extensive training and advanced credentials in dance, dance medicine, fitness science, and childhood education, our staff is dedicated to providing the highest level of education and support for your dancer’s growth and future. Trust our experienced team to guide your dancer every step of the way.
Katie Fader
Studio Owner & Instructor
Katie began dancing at age three, training in multiple styles and performing in both theater and school productions. With certifications in AFFA group and dance fitness, she built a following teaching movement classes for moms and children before opening her own studio. Blending her passion for dance and education, she created an inclusive space where all dancers can thrive. A member of the Dance Studio Owners Association, National Dance Education Organization, and St. Pete Chamber of Commerce, Katie continues to train with top industry leaders while fostering creativity, confidence, and community through dance.
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Courtney Poppell
Instructor/ Competition Team Assistant Director/ Social Media Manager
Courtney is a dancer, choreographer, and fitness professional with a B.S. in Dance from Missouri State University. She has trained in all styles, worked with top programs like Millennium Dance Complex and LADM, and continues to perform with theme parks, theater companies, and entertainment groups across Florida. As an ACE-certified fitness instructor and Orangetheory coach, she blends her passion for dance, strength, and movement to inspire others.
Maddie Willett
Instructor / Competition Team Director
Maddie is a passionate dance educator and choreographer from St. Petersburg with a BFA in Dance from the University of Florida, along with certifications in K–12 Dance Education and Dance Medicine. She has trained extensively across styles, earning recognition for her performance and choreography, with credits including Film Florida, Hallmark Entertainment, Lifetime, and the House of Blues. As both a performer and educator, Maddie has worked with renowned institutions such as Joffrey Ballet, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and Broadway Dance Center. She currently teaches at Perkins Elementary Center for the Arts and leads the competition program at Saint Pete Dance Center, where she focuses on technical excellence and artistic growth.
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Lisa Duncan-Thayer
Studio Front Desk Manger
Lisa has been part of Saint Pete Dance Center since its very beginning and plays a vital role as our Front Desk Manager. With a warm, welcoming presence, she is passionate about supporting families and helping dancers grow both inside and outside the studio. Her dedication to creating a positive, organized, and friendly environment makes her an invaluable part of the SPDC team.
AnnMarie Giglio
Instructor
USF
Masters in Speech Language Pathology
I have been dancing since I was 3 and have taught dance for a total of 4 years. I have always had a passion for performing and aim to pass that on to all of my students!
Missy Donnelly
Instructor
Missy Donnelly is a passionate dance instructor at Saint Pete Dance Center, specializing in tap and clogging. She teaches Tap 2, Tap 3/4, Preteen/Teen Tap, and Clogging, inspiring students with her energy, expertise, and love for rhythm and movement. Missy is dedicated to helping dancers build technique, confidence, and a lifelong joy for dance.
Bella Hobbs
Instructor
Isabella Hobbs (Miss Bella) grew up in St. Petersburg. She has danced for 16 years and danced competitively, achieving regional and national awards. She has been trained in a wide variety of styles including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, musical theater, and clogging. She is currently attending the University of South Florida and is so excited to share her love for dance with the SPDC family!
Marta Ortega
Instructor
Marta began her ballet studies at the Elementary Ballet School and later trained at the National Ballet School, specializing in modern, contemporary, and folk dance. She graduated in 2008 with the prestigious Gold Title and went on to join Danza Contemporánea de Cuba, rising to the rank of Principal and Maître. Marta also earned a degree in Contemporary Dance from the University of the Arts of Cuba (ISA) in 2015 with Gold Title honors. A founding member of Acosta Danza Company, she has performed on renowned stages worldwide and collaborated with acclaimed choreographers. Marta now develops specialized training programs in Cuba, combining ballet and contemporary techniques to prepare students for professional dance careers and to cultivate versatile, well-rounded dancers.
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Sierra Braun
Instructor
My name is Sierra, and I was born and raised in Northern Virginia before moving to Florida five years ago. I’ve been a lifelong competitive dancer, training in styles such as pom, hip-hop, and jazz, and was a member of the Orlando Magic hype group. Today, I’m passionate about sharing my love for dance by educating the next generation in pom and inspiring adults through dancing.
