About Mia Bella

Lynne DiCianni

Lynne DiCianni was born and raised in Chicago, IL. Lynne started dancing at age 3 and became a professional at age 9 performing with the renowned “Kirov Ballet”. She studied with Ruth Page, Richard Arve, Loreeto Rozak, Larry Long, Mimi Rozak-Kelly, Delores Lipinski and Bruce Merrill in Chicago. Lynne was a member of “The Arve Connection” modern dance company, Ruth Page’s “Chicago Ballet”, “Richard Arve Trio” and appeared with the Urban Gateways Educational Theatre Co. which brought dance into Chicago area schools. She performed in Ruth Page’s “The Nutcracker” sponsored by the Chicago Tribune Charities. Also performed with The Chicago Lyric Opera and the Lithuanian Opera Company. Lynne did lecture demonstrations with New York City Ballet’s principal dancer, Maria Tallchief and Dance Magazines Dance Critic, Ann Barzel. Was artistic director of “Arve School of Dance” in Calumet City, IL. And taught for Dance Educators of America in the early 1990’s. And in 2000, was commissioned to set “Naja”, a modern piece from repertoire of “Arve Connection” for Chicago’s Gus Giordano Dance Company. Lynne joined the Mia Bella family in the fall of 2011, currently is a board member of Palm Coast’s City Repertory Theatre. Lynne is also certified in Progressive Ballet Training (PBT).

Kaila Schippani

Ms. Kaila grew up in Oxford, Connecticut and started dancing at the young age of 2. She received her training in ballet, jazz, and tap at Kicks Dance Center in Shelton, CT. When Ms. Kaila entered high school, she joined her school’s dance team where she fell in love with hip hop. Her competitive dance team competed with the Universal Dance Association (UDA) in both local and national competitions as well winning state titles. Following this dance team tradition into her college years, she has both danced for, then coached the Keene State College Dance Team in Keene, NH. In her second year as head coach of this team (2011), Ms. Kaila’s dancers qualified to compete in their first UDA national competition in Orlando, FL. She then graduated with two bachelor’s degrees; Education and Wellness and Movement (a collaboration of Health Science and Dance). At Keene State, Kaila had the opportunity to train under Marcia Murdock, William Seigh, Celine Perron, and attended workshops held by the acclaimed dance theater organization, Pilobolus. ​Since her move to Saint Augustine in 2011, she has taught at various schools and studios throughout St. Johns and Flagler counties. Ms. Kaila continues to teach dance at Mia Bella Academy of Dance in Palm Coast, FL. Ms. Kaila has been the director of the St. John’s County Center for the Arts dance program at St. Augustine High School since 2014. Some of Ms. Kaila’s students have been accepted into dance programs at CLI Conservatory, University of Florida, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), Elon University, New School of Florida, Nova Southeastern University. She is also a member of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) as well as the ’23-’24 High School District 4 Representative for the National Dance Coaches Association (NDCA) with which she is a certified Level 1 judge. Her love for dance has given her many opportunities that she is very grateful for. Her choreography has won awards at Artists Simply Human as well as American All-Star Dance Championships. She has also been hired to choreograph many musical theatre productions during her tenure at St. Augustine High School. Ms. Kaila was the head coach of the St. Augustine High School Dance Team from 2015-2018. During this time, the team won multiple regional competitions including winning a state championship in Small Varsity Jazz in 2018. After this accomplishment, Ms. Kaila and her honors students created an elite competition team; The Collective. This team, established in 2018, has won multiple titles at the American All-Star Dance/Drill Competition and made it into the “Top 5” at a national competition the Dance Team Union. Ms. Kaila will be pursuing many additional certifications and judging credentials while continuing to teach full time.

Mekenzie Messamore

Miss Mekenzie has been teaching with Mia Bella since 2019 and Co- Directing our Apprentice Team since 2023. She has a passion for inspiring kids and providing a safe and fun environment for any and everyone. She got her start traveling around the country as an assistant for the prestigious ASH (Artists Simply Human) Faculty, some of which include DJ Smart, Lissette Bustamante, Tovaris Wilson, Gregg Russell and more! She was granted automatic acceptance and multiple scholarships to AMDA, a performing arts/theater college in the heart of NYC. She has also danced backup for a groovy 70’s style band at the Hard Rock Hotel, as well as traveled to different states to choreograph solos for other competition dancers! She loves creating and choreographing, and her work has won countless awards at competitions and conventions alike. She is very proud to be sharing her love of dance with her Mia Bella family, as well as her dedication to shaping the next generation to not only be great dancers, but to be hardworking, strong, and kind!

Lindsey Gaynor

Miss Lindsey, a Mia Bella alumina, was raised in Palm Coast, FL for the majority of her life, and is passionate about the art and aestheticism of dance. She started to dance at the age of 3, and it did not take long before she knew she wanted to teach and dance for the rest of her life by the age of 7 and by 14 it was confirmed by assistant teaching here at Mia Bella. She has been trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Acro, Musical Theater, and acting, but her favorite styles are Ballet, Tap, and Lyrical. She has participated in national dance competitions since she was 10 and assisted taught for 3 years at Mia Bella Academy of Dance. After earning her degree in Communication studies at the University of North Florida, she has returned to Mia Bella to teach. While working at Mia Bella she toured as an Assistant Convention Manager for Artists Simply Human (ASH) Productions, a national dance competition and convention. She is certified in Relative Motion (anatomy and technique training) and Progressive Ballet Training (strength and injury prevention/technique training). She was co-director for the Mia Bella Apprentice Team and is now part of our Office Staff as well as a teacher. Miss Lindsey is passionate about teaching and helping your children do what they love, and falls deeper in love with dance every class. Her goals are to create a classroom that produces creativity, discipline, and fun while giving children an activity to release any stress they are going through, learn how to use proper technique, safely stretch, strengthen and protect their bodies while exercising and dancing, but also make an impact on students that will benefit them in and out of the classroom like her teachers had made on her.

Kendra Sosa

Kendra grew up dancing in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Although she always wanted to be a ballerina, her mother put her in gymnastics at the age 3. She then transitioned into rhythmic gymnastics, which required a ballet class. It was there she finally found her passion and began strictly dancing at the age of 11. Kendra quickly mastered technique, and participated in competitive dance for four years; after which she began teaching at the age of 17. After her competition days, she continued her dance education at Pikes Peak Community College, while she also embarked on her teaching career. Kendra’s passion to teach began at a very young age and has continued throughout her life. Her specialties are in Combo Classes, Ballet, Lyrical, Jazz, and Pom; but she has experience in Tap, Acro, and Hip Hop as well. Her choreography has won numerous awards, and her students have gained strength and enthusiasm for dance through her passion and dedication to teaching and technique. Now in Palm Coast, Kendra has continued teaching and choreographing, sharing her love and passion for dance with her students. Kendra’s ambition in life is to help all kids gain confidence, enthusiasm, and to benefit from what they do even beyond the classroom and competition setting.

Bradleigh Crow

Meet Bradleigh! A Mia Bella Alumna with years of dance experience in various styles like ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop. She started dancing at age three and danced on the Mia Bella competition team for about eight years. Bradleigh is a former member of the ASH (Artist Simply Human) Company and has received numerous titles and scholarships for her performances. Bradleigh is currently a student at Flagler College, and is studying Psychology and Law. Bradleigh believes in authenticity and intention within a dancer’s movement, and strives to bring out every dancer’s individuality!

Angelique Braden

Angelique is a dedicated dance teacher and proud mother of two, with a warm and nurturing approach perfect for young dancers. Originally from South Africa, Angelique holds a strong foundation and certification in R.A.D. Ballet technique, paired with a dynamic background as a former competitive dancer. She proudly earned her South African Colors in both Hip Hop and Sport Aerobics—an achievement that showcases her dedication, discipline, and versatility. In addition to ballet and hip hop, Angelique is trained in a variety of styles including Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre. This diverse skill set allows her to bring a well-rounded and engaging approach to every class. Since beginning her teaching journey in 2013, Angelique has made it her mission to instill a lifelong love of dance in her students. While she values solid technique, she believes it’s the joy and freedom of expression that truly bring dance to life. Through her classes, students grow not only as performers but also in confidence, resilience, and appreciation for the art of movement.

Juicy Kersten

Jaliyah “Juicy” Kersten is a nationally recognized dancer, choreographer, and coach with over 17 years of training and performance experience across a diverse spectrum of styles, including ballet, lyrical, hip hop, contemporary, ballroom, modern, kick, pom, and tap. Her versatility, technical excellence, and commanding stage presence earned her a coveted Top 24 Finalist spot on So You Think You Can Dance, as well as a leadership role as alumni and now Assistant Coach of the University of Central Florida Dance Team. Today, Juicy travels nationwide choreographing for elite studios, high schools, collegiate programs, and major bowl game performances. She is highly sought after for her award-winning group routines, standout solos, and dynamic duets, consistently delivering innovative, high-impact choreography across all styles and age groups. In addition to her freelance choreography work, Jaliyah serves as a Professional Assistant with the Artist Simply Human (ASH) dance convention, supporting renowned faculty and mentoring the next generation of dancers. She also serves as Assistant Coach and Lead Choreographer for the nationally ranked Lake Mary Marionettes, contributing her signature blend of precision, creativity, and performance quality to the program’s continued success. Jaliyah is currently represented by the MSA Agency in Los Angeles and is actively pursuing her professional dance career in the commercial and entertainment industry. Through both teaching and performing, she remains committed to developing dancers not only technically, but artistically and professionally as performers. Known for her bold style, infectious energy, and unmatched ability to bring out the best in every dancer she works with, Juicy continues to elevate the standard of dance wherever she goes.

Ashley Fay Cateriny

Ashley Fay Cateriny has been dancing for twenty five years and has dedicated the last ten years to developing confident, technically strong, and versatile dancers. She trained at The Dance P.A.D. and Focus Performing Arts Studio under the direction of Tera Primm, Jenny Strickland, and Shellah Harkcom, where she built a strong foundation in technical excellence, artistry, and performance. As a competitive dancer, Ashley Fay earned numerous top overall placements and titles throughout her training and was consistently recognized with scholarships from prestigious dance conventions. These experiences ignited her passion for performance and continue to influence the way she mentors and prepares today’s competitive dancers. Ashley Fay is trained in contemporary, lyrical, jazz, musical theatre, acrobatics, tap, and hip-hop, specializing in contemporary/lyrical, jazz, acrobatics, and technical training. Throughout her career, she had the privilege to refine her artistry by training with respected industry professionals including Chris Jacobsen, Caroline Lewis-Jones, Melody Lacayanga, Cooper Zamorano, Justin Giles, Marinda Davis, and Rachael Hopkins. These experiences have shaped her innovative choreographic style and fueled her passion for developing well-rounded, confident performers. An award-winning choreographer, Ashley Fay has received numerous choreography awards, with her work consistently earning top overall placements at both regional and national competitions. She also creates choreography for local high school dance teams, helping young dancers elevate both their technical abilities and artistic confidence. Ashley Fay is certified through Acrobatic Arts and the MUVMETHOD Stretch Program, allowing her to provide dancers with safe, progressive training that emphasizes proper technique, strength, flexibility, and injury prevention. She is known for combining high expectations with genuine encouragement, creating a classroom where dancers are challenged to reach their full potential while feeling supported every step of the way. In addition to her work in the studio, she currently travels across the country as an assistant to Jaliyah “Juicy” Kersten, assisting with master classes and setting choreography for competitive studios and dance teams nationwide. This opportunity allows her to stay immersed in the ever-evolving dance industry while bringing fresh ideas, current trends, and valuable professional insight back to her students. Ashley Fay believes dance is about so much more than winning awards or perfecting technique—it is about building confidence, resilience, discipline, and a lifelong love for the art. Her mission is to inspire every dancer to believe in their potential, embrace the process of growth, and leave each class feeling stronger than when they walked in. Whether preparing students for the competitive stage or simply helping them discover a deeper love for dance, Ashley is committed to making a lasting impact that extends far beyond the studio walls.

Mina Macera

Mina Macera is a dedicated dance educator and performer who began her training at the age of seven in Rhode Island. Shortly after, she entered the competitive dance world, where she traveled extensively and earned numerous regional and national titles. By age fifteen, Mina was assisting Nicole Cavalloro at conventions and master classes, an experience that helped shape her artistry and passion for teaching. In 2020, Mina continued her training at Sacred Heart University as a member of the Dance Company and the pre-professional track. Throughout her four years at SHU, she worked with choreographers from across the globe and performed in a wide range of works. Mina also served as an administrative assistant and dance ambassador for the program, working closely with faculty to coordinate auditions, master classes, and events. One of the highlights of her training was traveling to Italy to attend the World Dance Movement, where she earned a scholarship and had the opportunity to perform works by international choreographers. Mina’s performance credits include works by PILOBOLUS, Matthew Westerby, Jesse Obremski, Garet Wierdsma, SKooJ CorE-O, Dina Castelluccio, and Fabrizio Prolli. She has also appeared in dance films such as Retrograde by Mike Esperanza and TOAW by Nicolette Alberti. After graduating in 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Fashion Marketing, Mina began sharing her love of dance as an instructor. She currently teaches lyrical, jazz, and contemporary, emphasizing a strong technical foundation while inspiring dancers to bring individuality, storytelling, and artistry to their performances. Mina is thrilled to be part of Mia Bella Dance Academy, where she looks forward to guiding young dancers and helping them grow both technically and creatively.

Jennifer Stone

Jennifer Stone brings more than 20 years of teaching, choreography, and studio leadership experience to Mia Bella Academy of Dance. As the former owner and director of The Dance Center on Main in Alabama, she trained dancers of all ages while fostering a love for dance, confidence, discipline, and artistry. Jennifer is certified through Acrobatic Arts and Dance Masters of America (DMA) and has earned numerous choreography and studio excellence awards throughout her career. Her students have received overall high-score awards, scholarships, special judges’ awards, titles and have gone on to perform and compete successfully at regional and national levels. Passionate about helping every dancer reach their potential, Jennifer creates a positive, encouraging environment where students can grow both technically and personally. She believes that strong fundamentals, creativity, and confidence are the foundation for lifelong success—both on and off the stage. Jennifer recently relocated to Florida with her daughters, Charlie, Chelsea, and Jaylee and is excited to share her experience and passion with the Mia Bella Academy of Dance family. She looks forward to inspiring the next generation of dancers while helping each student build confidence, character, and a genuine love of dance.