Meet Our Staff
Meet Our Staff
Our people are among the most talented in the industry. We have certified dance educators & cheer coaches, well trained assistants, and professional dance & cheer instructors for all ages and levels. It would be our pleasure to put our extensive experience to work for you!
Artistic Director - Amanda Morey grew up in North Chelmsford, Massachusetts and is currently raising her four children in the neighboring town of Westford. She holds a Certification in Dance Education from Northern Essex as well as her Associates Degree in Dance. Morey has been a Chelmsford’s Pop Warner Cheerleading Coach for 11 seasons now. She enjoys teaching all styles of dance as well as continuing her dance education by attending conventions and classes at Dance Teacher Summit and other local workshops, conventions, and network events. Over the past twenty-five years, she has studied numerous forms of the art including gymnastics, cheerleading, ballet, hip hop, jazz, lyrical, musical theater, and many more. Morey has been a dancer and instructor for the FSU Dance Team, a Premiere Dancer for a family entertainment company, and has trained competitive dancers at a national and regional level for many years now.
Hip Hop Instructor - Shawn Krayenborg is originally from California and has trained from a very young age in Hip-Hop and Breaking. He has been in several movies including “Ten Things I Hate About You” with Heath Ledger. Krayenborg auditioned in 2007 for “So You Think You Can Dance” and made it through to the final Vegas cuts. Krayenborg expanded his dance range when he enrolled in Northern Essex’s dance education program in 2009 where he studied many forms of dance including World Dance, Ballet, and Jazz. Krayenborg was hired in 2010 as a Premier Dancer for Bates Entertainment where he performs live for hundreds of people all over New England every year. He enjoys furthering his dance education by attending several dance conventions each year such as “The Pulse”, “Monsters of Hip Hop”, “West Coast Dance Explosion”, “Jump”, and many more. He is a high energy teacher and performer, and we are excited to have him as a part of Studio A’s growing team!
Theater Arts Instructor - Lila Gordon
Kids Theater Arts Program Instructor Lila Gordon is a dynamic and experienced theater arts professional with a passion for inspiring young performers. With a background spanning directing, teaching, and stage production, Lila has cultivated her expertise through diverse leadership roles in theater and performing arts education.
Currently serving as the Dramatic Acting Ten Program Director at the Summer School for the Performing Arts, Lila oversees one of the organization’s largest programs, managing a team of 15 directors and coordinating the production of numerous plays. Her responsibilities include casting, scheduling, and mentoring both staff and students, all while fostering a collaborative and creative environment. Her leadership extends to crisis management and strategic decision-making as a member of the company’s leadership team.
Lila’s experience includes directing and assistant directing numerous productions, from ten-minute plays like The Cellphone Epidemic and When It Rains to full-length shows such as Charlotte’s Web and The Giver. She has a keen eye for nurturing young talent and guiding them through every stage of the creative process, from auditions to final performances.
Beyond theater, Lila’s dedication to the arts is evident in her work with fashion and modeling. As Vice President of George Mason University’s Fashion Society and Treasurer for the Regin Modeling Troupe, she has directed fashion shows, designed costumes, and managed large-scale productions. Her ability to bring creative visions to life while ensuring seamless event execution reflects her organizational expertise and artistic flair.
Lila’s commitment to education and leadership is further highlighted by her involvement with the National Society of Leadership and Success and her role as an assistant teacher at Studio A Dance and Cheer Company, where she contributed to productions and helped the company transition post-pandemic.
With a deep understanding of character development, stagecraft, and performance techniques, Lila brings enthusiasm, professionalism, and a wealth of experience to the Kids Theater Arts Program. Her goal is to empower young performers to explore their creativity, build confidence, and shine on stage.
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Dance Instructor - Victoria Whalen
Miss Victoria Whalen is a passionate and dynamic dance educator dedicated to fostering an inclusive and inspiring environment for students of all abilities. With a unique approach that combines research-based methods and psychological theory, Victoria strives to provide tools and guidance for success in fitness and dance. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the value of a strong work ethic, self-discovery, and embracing the ever-changing capabilities of the body.
Victoria has extensive professional experience in various instructional roles, including managing large classrooms, designing tailored curriculums, and applying innovative teaching strategies to meet diverse learning needs. At Showcase Performing Arts Center in Hudson, NH, she excelled in classroom management and developed curriculum plans for students with severe learning impairments and behavioral challenges. At The Vitality Place in Derry, NH, Victoria adapted fitness programs to individual progress, ensuring all participants achieved their personal goals.
At Drive Dance Company in Billerica, MA, she organized performances, supported individual growth through one-on-one instruction, and tailored classes to accommodate varying fitness levels. Her dedication to student success extended to her time with the Dean College Dance Team in Franklin, MA, where she collaborated with faculty, led community workshops, and committed to over 30 hours of fitness training weekly to maintain peak physical and technical performance.
Victoria earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Dean College and holds a certification as a NASM Personal Trainer and Nutritionist. She brings a wealth of skills to her teaching, including expertise in public speaking, classroom management, and creative problem-solving. With a steadfast commitment to inclusion, personal growth, and artistic excellence, Victoria inspires her students to test their limits and discover the joy of movement.
Preschool Dance/Combo Cuties Instructor - Jayla Garvey began her journey as a dancer 13 years ago under the training of Miss Amanda. She was selected to be one of Studio A's DreamGirl dancers in 2012. Before she was chosen as one of Studio A's Elite DreamGirls she was selected to dance in Disney World with a local Elite Competitive Dance Team. She also danced aboard an international cruise ship in the Bahamas during this time. Garvey continues to expand her range and resume by attending several dance workshops and master classes every year. She danced at the Orange Bowl Half-Time Show as well as on board the Intrepid Aircraft Carrier in New York City. She continues to expand her range by attending several workshops throughout the year. Some of
these workshops were taught by celebrity choreographers Victor and Angel from Dance Moms: Miami and lead choreographer Britney from Abbey Lee Dance Company in Pennsylvania. Mandy Moore, celebrity choreographer for "So You Think You Can Dance". Jayla is the Preschool Dance Instructor at Studio A Dance Company as well as one of our substitute instructors!