Assistant Director * Teacher: ALICIA JACKVONY   This is my 12th year as staff member at TTP, but my 27th year as a dancer. Throughout my years of dancing I have had many wonderful experiences including competing successfully in various dance competitions, participating in many eye opening dance conventions, and performing in Disney 2 times.  As a child dancing, was IT for me!  I did not play sports or take gymnastics, my heart belonged to dancing.  I felt free when I was in dance class, all of my worries and troubles just disappeared.  Even when I attended college and worked part time I made time to keep attending dance classes.    All of these years of dancing all came together when I joined the TTP family 13 years ago.  Upon joining TTP I was given countless opportunities and was encouraged to express my creativity and talent in dancing.  I felt like I was a part of a family, but it was a family that had the same love of dance that I had. I was also given the opportunity to become a dance teacher at TTP.  After my first class of teaching dance I knew this was what I wanted to do and I know that I belonged here at TTP!!  I knew I wanted to teach dance to all ages in all styles of dance and I knew I wanted to pass of love of dance on to all of my students. Instantly Mrs.Sheri and I clicked and we just took off finding ways to make TTP be the best dance studio it can be.  Nothing makes me prouder then watching my students perform on stage.  I just love the hugs I receive when students greet me before class.  I truly love teaching each and every student I have, but I also love what I learn from my students.  Nothing is better than when I look into my students eyes and I see that same love for dance that I have.  Now I am taking on a new role in dancing as the mother of a young dancer, my daughter Gracyn.  I love watching her in class and the joy it brings to her.  There is no other dance studio in world I would want my daughter to learn the art and dance and grow as a dancer then TTP.   Now I can truly say I understand all sides of dancing: the dancer, the teacher and the mother of a dancer.  I love every side of dance equally. On a personal level, I have earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a minor in Communications from Bryant College.   I have been married to my husband Vinnie for 4 years.  We have a daughter named Gracyn , a son named Maddox and a French mastiff named Izzy.   In my spare time I love cooking and trying new recipes.  I enjoy nothing more than a long day at the beach with my family and friends.  On the other hand, I also enjoy a cozy snow day where we all stay in our pajamas all day and just watch the snow fall.  My goal as a mother is to soak up and enjoy every minute of my children while they are young because they grow up so fast.   In all, my goal is to be appreciative and not take things for granted. Mrs. Alicia

Office Manager * Receptionist: ANGELA ASPEEL This is my 8th year here at TTP as a staff member but my 11th as a studio mom. I earned a degree in psychology from Rhode Island College but was very fortunate to have been able to be a stay at home mom until I began to work here at the studio. The most enjoyable part of my job is being given the opportunity to meet so many wonderful families and interact with them on a regular basis. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know so many of you and being able to watch your children grow over the years! I hope that parents and students alike see me as friendly, approachable and easy to talk to. I want to help make your experience at To The Pointe the best it can be so please never hesitate to come to me with any questions or concerns! My goal for anyone who enters the studio is for them to feel totally welcome and leave feeling fully informed.   When I'm not at the studio, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing with my dog (aka my third child), reading and cooking (as many of you are aware since I never shy away from discussing recipes!). I have been married to my husband Greg for pretty much all of eternity (slight exaggeration) and we are both very proud of our two daughters, Karina, teacher at TTP, and Cristi, dancer at TTP. Mrs. Angela

Assistant Technical Director * Music Editor * Teacher: LIZ DRAPE I love music, fashion, and most of all DANCE! I attended Cranston High School West and studied business at CCRI. I've been dancing since I was 6 years old, where Mrs Sheri was actually my very first dance teacher. After many years, I changed studios and found Mrs. Sheri again at To The Pointe! I've been here ever since! This is my 6th year as a teacher at To The Pointe, I now work full time for Mrs. Sheri and I can't picture myself doing anything else. I don't look at teaching dance as my "job" but simply as something that I love to do. I love teaching all ages starting at 18 months old. One of my favorite things about being a dance teacher is being creative with choreography. Trying new things and being innovative with dance is something I truly love to do. I have enjoyed choreographing routines for our shows, whether it be our Annual Performances, Cruise performances, or Destination performances. When I am not "Miss Liz", I love to spend time with my friends and family, go shoe shopping, go to the movies, and paint my nails!!! :) I have made some great friendships and relationships here at TTP, it really is my "home away from home", and I hope to pass on my passion and love for dance to all of my students for a very long time!                                                                                                                                                               Miss Liz

Operations Manager * Receptionist * Teacher: LAUREN COTE Ever since I was young I’ve dreamed of becoming a performer. I grew up in a loving and supportive family that allowed me to explore my options and be my own person. I graduated from URI and have worked in numerous child development fields including daycares, after school programs, summer camps and working with the neglected and abused. I acquired a substantial background in all aspects of childhood through this work and it has lead me to where I am today. I walk into one of To The Pointe’s studios, and I feel at home. I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment at how far we as a studio have come and what our goals are for the future. Along with Mrs. Sheri, I have seen To The Pointe grow from it’s mere ideas, to the bustling hub it is today. There is no other place I would rather be. Whether it is teaching a class or working behind the desk, I am always willing to help out and answer any question I can to the best of my ability. I believe that one of To The Pointe’s main goals is to be a family-friendly atmosphere where a student and their family can feel a sense of camaraderie and commitment. I pride myself on passing that idea on to my students and the families I come in contact with each day. When I am not at the studio, which is a rare occasion, I am relaxing at home with those people most important to me. I also enjoy playing softball and being a part of the theater.   Miss Lauren

Teacher: JENNIFER LARSH  I have been dancing here at TTP for 11 years and prior to that I had started dance at the age of 10. I furthered my education first by attending St. Mary Academy-BayView and participated in their annual Cabaret, which was a very rewarding experience. I attended RIC and began my journey in early childhood education where I now teach preschool at Saint Paul School in Cranston. I enjoy spending time with my husband Joe, and our two children, Emma and Ryan. I love being a part of the TTP family because we promote an educational and nurturing environment. As a student, teacher and parent, I am able to be a part of every aspect of TTP and I hope to continue that for many more years. Mrs. Jen

Teacher: JESSICA  JOZWIAK     This is my 5th year teaching at To The Pointe. I have been dancing for 27 years, since I was 3. Through dance, I have been able to experience performing in Walt Disney World, on a Cruise Ship, in Parades, and on stage multiple times. In 2003, I graduated from RIC with a degree in Elementary Education, and I feel like teaching dance combines the two things I love most: dancing and children. I love being able to translate my love of the art to my students, no matter how young or old.   To The Pointe has been a second family to me. They provide such a warm and friendly atmosphere for everyone who walks through their doors. Mrs. Sheri was my dance teacher for many years and she gave me the confidence to pursue my abilities here at To The Pointe. You probably have seen me; I'm the only blonde teacher here! When I'm not at the studio, you can find me serving pizza at Nino's, spending time with my boyfriend, Rich and my family and enjoying a relaxing moment here and there (when there is time for one of course!). To The Pointe will always be my home away from home, and I look forward to many more memories here.      Miss Jessica

Teacher: ANGEL YEOMANS I am currently in my final semester at Rhode Island College where I am studying to be an Early Childhood/Special Education teacher. I am now student teaching in a Kindergarten classroom and loving every minute of it. I have been dancing at To The Pointe since I was 10 years old. I love hip hop, Michael Jackson, Harry Potter, and Justin Beiber. I have performed in competitions, performances on a Cruise Ship, and in numerous TTP performances. I work at TTP because I love to dance, I love to teach, and I love children. My goals in life are to acquire a job teaching kindergarten and travel the world. I love to read, draw, and spend time with my sisters Sheena and Brianna, along with my 2 nephews and niece: Gian, Xavier, and Riley. I love being a motivator, positive influence, and role model to others. TTP is a great place for me to practice what I love most! Miss Angel

Teacher: KARINA ASPEEL  This is my first year teaching at To The Pointe. I have been a student here for 11 years. I started dancing at age 3 where Mrs. Sheri was one of my first dance teachers and then transfered to To The Pointe when I was 9. I've been dancing for as long as I can remember and it is my absolute favorite thing to do. Recently, I performed on A Cruise with TTP, it was an amazing experience that I will never forget. Dance has been and forever will be the thing that I will do to enjoy myself. The idea of now being able to pass my passion and knowledge of dance to my students makes me feel extremely honored. I recently graduated from North Providence High School and I am currently studying general studies at the Community College of Rhode Island. I look forward to a successful year and many more to come! Miss Karina

Teacher: RIANA RUSSO  This past year I graduated from LaSalle Academy and am now continuing my education at Rhode Island College where I am studying Elementary and Special Education. I enjoy working with children and being able to pass on what I know to them. They are always asking questions and are so eager to learn and that is what keeps me wanting to teach them everything I can. I began taking dance classes at 2 1/2 years old and have been with To The Pointe for 10 years now. After completing TTP's Teacher Training Program, I am now teaching my own classes this year in all three locations. I love being part of the TTP staff because it's not just people I work with, they all are like my second family. The staff, students and families that make TTP what it is, is what makes me realize, I couldn't ask for a better job! To The Pointe has always been the second home that I could go to and put everything else behind me. It's not just a place to go and dance, it's a place to grow, learn and succeed in all aspects. I love TTP and everything that it's done for me. I look forward to many more years here with not only the staff but all my students and families that I get to meet along the way! Miss Riana

Receptionist * Certified Zumba Instructor * Teacher: KAYLA RUHLE This is my first year on the To The Pointe teaching staff. I am 20 years old and I attend CCRI where I am studying Special Education. I am a certified Zumba Instructor where i teach at TTP and other local Gyms. I hope to become a special needs teacher for grades 9-12. Along with being a member of the To The Pointe staff, I am also a Pass worker for a child with autism. I have been dancing since I was four years old and I am very excited to begin my career in teaching dance. I have loved dancing and performing since I was very young. I have competed in multiple competitions, danced for my high school and I have been with To The Pointe for 5 years. Dancing with To The Pointe is a different experience compared to other studios. I feel very confident in myself while dancing here and I feel like I am part of a family. I wanted to start teaching at To The Pointe because I wanted to pass on what I have learned to other dancers. I remember the joy I felt while learning to dance and I want to be a part of other children's lives to help them become better dancers and better people. Miss Kayla

Teacher: DENISE VITI I have been a dancer since I was 6 years old. It has always been my passion. I never got involved with sports or any other activites because all I ever wanted to do was dance. My best dance memory was when I got the chance to dance in Disney World. Mrs. Sheri and I have been great friends for years. We danced together for many years before she even opened TTP. We even became certified dance instructors together through DEA. Most of all, we always had such a great time together. Shortly after she opened TTP, I couldn't imagine a better dance studio to teach at. What I didn't realize is that I would be joining a family. I am the proud mom of a 7 year old little girl named Natalia who of course dances at the studio. She loves her classes so much. When I watch her dance it literally brings tears to my eyes. As a mom, it is an overwhelming feeling to know that my daughter has the opportunity to dance at the best studio in the world. I work full time as a medical secretary at Ocean State Pediatrics. I love spending time with my family and friends. In the summertime, I love going to the beach and hanging out by the pool. In the colder months, I love snuggling up with my daughter and watching movies. I also love to shop! Being a part of the staff at TTP is wonderful. When I open the doors of the studio I feel like I am home. No matter if I am teaching, working at the reception desk or running around back stage at the recitals, I feel so lucky to be a part of this studio. I look foward to many more years to come. Ms. Denise

Receptionist * Teacher Trainee: KATIE HITTE I am eighteen years old and live at home with my mom, my dad, and my little sister, Jessie, who also dances at To the Pointe. I am a freshman at Rhode Island College where I am studying to be an Elementary School Teacher with a concentration in Special Education. I have always loved kids and worked well with them. I have spent many years babysitting and volunteering in elementary schools. I started dancing at the age of three and have loved it ever since! This will be my second year working as a receptionist at TTP and my first year as a teacher trainee. I truely could not ask for a better job in a better atmosphere! I am a very happy person and love to talk, so come visit me at the desk or in between classes! I look forward to helping you with any of your dance needs. Miss Katie

Receptionist: APRIL OLMSTEAD I have been with TTP since 2007 as a Dance-Mama and have enjoyed watching my daughters thrive in a truly warm and nurturing dance atmosphere. I enjoyed it so much I wanted to work here! I myself have danced since age 3, even dancing the role of Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio at age 7 and competing with my line dance team "Shut Up And Dance" placing 2nd at the World’s Competition in 2000. After working as an RN in the mental health field for 17 years, I love being home with my three children Olivia, Analiese and Robby. Besides spending most of my days homeschooling, I also enjoy scrapbooking, sewing and baking. I am so glad to be a part of the TTP staff and I look forward to this year helping the dancers and their families. Mrs. April

Teacher Trainee: JAMIE  DUSSEAULT I have always loved dancing and To The Pointe made it that much more enjoyable. I've been dancing with the studio for 11 years, starting at the age of five. This past summer, I performed with TTP on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas Cruise Ship, it was an unbelievable experience. Three years ago, I performed in Disney as well. The studio had always held a special place in my heart so I asked to teacher train, and I am currently in my second year. I am a Junior at Cranston High School West and maintain an A/B average in all of my classes. Coming from a large family, I have hung around little children my entire life and have a great respect for them. Dancing has always been a talent that I have possessed and I hope to share that knowledge with future generations when I become a teacher myself. Miss Jamie

Teacher Trainee: MADDIE PIZZUTI When I first started dance at the age of 3, I never knew that dance would mean so much to me and be a huge part of my life! This year, I have entered my 11th year of dance and my 1st year of teacher training here at TTP. I have lived in Cranston since I was born and attend Cranston High School West as a freshman. In the future, I want to do something in Childhood Education and Dancing, of course! I love dancing because I can be myself. When I go to dance, all my troubles go away. I'm surrounded by my bestfriend and awesome teachers and I can be safe in a loving environment. I hope I continue to dance for the rest of my life. Miss Maddie

Teacher Trainee: SABRINA  LEDO I have been a student of To The Pointe Of Performing Arts for seven years now. When I was four years old I had joined dance at To The Pointe Of Performing Arts but I was a little shy so I decided to quit. When I was seven years old I saw a dance performance at my elementary school and knew I had to go back. I have continued dance ever since. I am now a freshman at Cranston High School East. I love being at To The Pointe and being surrounded by the upbeat staff and students. I am excited for this year since it is my first year as a teacher trainee. I look forward to working with the teachers and the staff as I am still growing as a dancer myself. To The Pointe feels like a second home to me. Miss Sabrina