Stephanie’s passion for the performing arts began more than three decades ago. She received extensive training in a variety of dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, character, musical theater, variations, partnering, and pointe. Her love of dance only grew stronger as she began performing in seasonal productions including The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Swan Lake, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, and Dracula. Stephanie also had the honor of performing lead roles in original classical and contemporary works by renowned choreographers including Soili Arvola, Leo Ahonen, Ayman Harper, Amber Thornton, Olga Kostritzky, Alex Hasbany, Joe Istre, Amelie Hunter, and Slam. Stephanie spent the summers during her teen years training at intensive ballet programs with the Joffrey Ballet School and The School of American Ballet, as well as open classes in other styles at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway in New York City. At the age of fifteen, Stephanie accepted a full scholarship to attend The School of American Ballet’s year-round training program. There she received extensive pre-professional training in ballet, pointe, variations, and partnering. Stephanie also attended two Craft of Choreography Conferences at the University of Iowa and the University of Utah which solidified her interest in the art of choreography. She has been a guest teacher and choreographer for The Kinkaid School, San Jacinto College dance department, and other studios throughout Houston. Her choreography has received numerous awards and recognition over the years. Stephanie has served as an adjudicator and workshop presenter at the National ISAS Arts Festival. However, her most cherished title is “Mom” to her boys Lincoln and Jude and bonus son Jakob. Stephanie graduated with honors from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology-Exercise Science. Stephanie is currently pursuing a second degree in Neurodiagnostic Technology. She would like to thank Beverly Williams, her first dance teacher and current friend, for guiding her over the last three decades and instilling a life-long passion for dance and learning that she continues to pass on to her students every day. Stephanie has been honored, since its inception in 2010, to be the Co-Director/Owner of Premier Dance Academy.