Faculty & Staff
Julie Reeves
Mrs. Reeves has been choreographing and teaching dance since 1983. Her experience includes dance teams, theater, talent shows, pageants, business shows, as well as studio and liturgical dance choreography and performances.
She has a BS in Management from Georgia Institute of Technology (1990) and is a certified member of Dance Educators of America. She is also licensed and certified in Progressing Ballet Technique as of June 2017. Her training spans most her life in ballet, clogging, tap, jazz, pointe, and modern.
She is the Artistic Director of Steps of Faith Dance Company, the non-profit performance and ministry group based at Steps of Faith Dance Studio, and has led the group on both stateside and international mission trips. She also enjoys promoting the arts in the community as a Board member and past Chairman of the Cultural Arts Alliance since 2010.
She also lends her time to judging Governor’s Honors programs, Distinguished Young Woman programs, and coaching dancers for scholarship and performance opportunities. She was awarded the Don Kordecki Arts Award in 2017 for her long-standing contribution to the arts in her community and county.
Julie feels blessed by the Lord and honored to be director of SOF, which she has seen grow from 22 to 300 students in over twenty years. Julie has 3 wonderful adult sons, Collin, Carter, Caleb, and dear daughter born in China, Caroline.
She is honored to serve with the priceless support of her dear husband, Robby.
Mrs. Reeves has been choreographing and teaching dance since 1983. Her experience includes dance teams, theater, talent shows, pageants, business shows, as well as studio and liturgical dance choreography and performances.
She has a BS in Management from Georgia Institute of Technology (1990) and is a certified member of Dance Educators of America. She is also licensed and certified in Progressing Ballet Technique as of June 2017. Her training spans most her life in ballet, clogging, tap, jazz, pointe, and modern.
She is the Artistic Director of Steps of Faith Dance Company, the non-profit performance and ministry group based at Steps of Faith Dance Studio, and has led the group on both stateside and international mission trips. She also enjoys promoting the arts in the community as a Board member and past Chairman of the Cultural Arts Alliance since 2010.
She also lends her time to judging Governor’s Honors programs, Distinguished Young Woman programs, and coaching dancers for scholarship and performance opportunities. She was awarded the Don Kordecki Arts Award in 2017 for her long-standing contribution to the arts in her community and county.
Julie feels blessed by the Lord and honored to be director of SOF, which she has seen grow from 22 to 300 students in over twenty years. Julie has 3 wonderful adult sons, Collin, Carter, Caleb, and dear daughter born in China, Caroline.
She is honored to serve with the priceless support of her dear husband, Robby.
Christina Weinzetl
Ms. Weinzetl grew up in White, Georgia where she trained at Steps of Faith Dance Studio in Cartersville, Georgia, since the age of 9.
Christina began dancing at the age of 4 years old, training in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, musical theatre, and hip hop. She has danced with such programs as the Georgia Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, City Gate Dance, Dance Canvas, and the Radio City Rockettes where she had the opportunity to perform at Radio City Music Hall and the Fox Theatre.
Christina studied dance at Belhaven University for a year and a half having to change majors suddenly due to an ankle injury requiring surgery. She went on to study and graduate with a degree in Anthropology at Lee University. Three years after the surgery her ankle was completely healed to the point where she is doing all the doctors said she would never be able to do again.
She returned to the United States after dancing with two Christian Professional Companies in London, England; Elevate Dance Company and The Rebirth Network. As well, she had the opportunity to work with such projects as the Natasha's Project being a research dancer for this anti sex trafficking dance company and taught for the Shuller school of the arts. She has also had the opportunity to take the arts overseas on outreach trips to places such as Norway, Sweden, Trinidad, and she was the assistant coordinator for trips to Spain and Italy, and stateside in Kentucky.
Christina became an instructor at the age of 15 teaching at Steps of Faith and went on to teach for churches and Theatre groups around North Georgia as well as international conferences such as the "Fellowship of Christian Puppeteers", the "Mississippi Baptist Fine Arts conference" and" International Dance Festival Ireland".
Christina recently danced professionally with Unity Dance Troupe in Cleveland TN. She is currently dancing in area theatre and performance groups as a soloist or featured performer along with her responsibilities as Company Director of Steps of Faith Dance Company since July 2015.
She makes her home in Dalton with her husband, Austin (affectionately know as DAD around the studio), and their dog, Astra.
Ms. Weinzetl grew up in White, Georgia where she trained at Steps of Faith Dance Studio in Cartersville, Georgia, since the age of 9.
Christina began dancing at the age of 4 years old, training in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, musical theatre, and hip hop. She has danced with such programs as the Georgia Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, City Gate Dance, Dance Canvas, and the Radio City Rockettes where she had the opportunity to perform at Radio City Music Hall and the Fox Theatre.
Christina studied dance at Belhaven University for a year and a half having to change majors suddenly due to an ankle injury requiring surgery. She went on to study and graduate with a degree in Anthropology at Lee University. Three years after the surgery her ankle was completely healed to the point where she is doing all the doctors said she would never be able to do again.
She returned to the United States after dancing with two Christian Professional Companies in London, England; Elevate Dance Company and The Rebirth Network. As well, she had the opportunity to work with such projects as the Natasha's Project being a research dancer for this anti sex trafficking dance company and taught for the Shuller school of the arts. She has also had the opportunity to take the arts overseas on outreach trips to places such as Norway, Sweden, Trinidad, and she was the assistant coordinator for trips to Spain and Italy, and stateside in Kentucky.
Christina became an instructor at the age of 15 teaching at Steps of Faith and went on to teach for churches and Theatre groups around North Georgia as well as international conferences such as the "Fellowship of Christian Puppeteers", the "Mississippi Baptist Fine Arts conference" and" International Dance Festival Ireland".
Christina recently danced professionally with Unity Dance Troupe in Cleveland TN. She is currently dancing in area theatre and performance groups as a soloist or featured performer along with her responsibilities as Company Director of Steps of Faith Dance Company since July 2015.
She makes her home in Dalton with her husband, Austin (affectionately know as DAD around the studio), and their dog, Astra.
Theresa Shampine
Ms Shampine has been a part of SOF since 2001. She has enjoyed teaching and choreographing at Steps of Faith for over sixteen years,and worked as our Ballet Mistress during much of that time. The growth and exceptional success of the preprofessional program can be attributed to her tireless work of bringing the highest caliber of teaching and master instructors to our program.
Theresa is originally from Syracuse, New York and was a scholarship student at The Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet. She is a graduate of Mercy Hurst College, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. Professionally, she has danced with the Erie Ballet Theatre, Charleston Ballet Theatre, and The Georgia Ballet where she enjoyed being a featured dancer.
After a brief leave, Ms. Shampine returned in 2017 as our Ballet Mistress in addition to her teaching schedule.
She has one daughter, Zella, and lives with her husband Jack in Canton.
Ms Shampine has been a part of SOF since 2001. She has enjoyed teaching and choreographing at Steps of Faith for over sixteen years,and worked as our Ballet Mistress during much of that time. The growth and exceptional success of the preprofessional program can be attributed to her tireless work of bringing the highest caliber of teaching and master instructors to our program.
Theresa is originally from Syracuse, New York and was a scholarship student at The Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet. She is a graduate of Mercy Hurst College, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. Professionally, she has danced with the Erie Ballet Theatre, Charleston Ballet Theatre, and The Georgia Ballet where she enjoyed being a featured dancer.
After a brief leave, Ms. Shampine returned in 2017 as our Ballet Mistress in addition to her teaching schedule.
She has one daughter, Zella, and lives with her husband Jack in Canton.
Tonya Veitch
Ms. Veitch has been our long time office manager since 2001. She is responsible for all things “office” and manages our intern program. You can see her smiling face during all weekday office hours, and her warm welcome always makes you feel like family. She is trained in Quickbooks and JackRabbit Dance software, and it a vital member of our faculty.
Tonya and her husband, Gerald, make their home in Cartersville, where she enjoys gardening and her grandchildren.
Ms. Veitch has been our long time office manager since 2001. She is responsible for all things “office” and manages our intern program. You can see her smiling face during all weekday office hours, and her warm welcome always makes you feel like family. She is trained in Quickbooks and JackRabbit Dance software, and it a vital member of our faculty.
Tonya and her husband, Gerald, make their home in Cartersville, where she enjoys gardening and her grandchildren.
Teachers
Jacqueline Carroll
Ms. Carroll joined the Steps of Faith staff in the fall of 2014 as a SOF alumni.
She trained with the SOF Dance Company for ten years and also participated in programs such as The Georgia Ballet, The Georgia Governor's Honors Program, and the Woodland High School Dance Program.
She was a member of the Kennesaw State University Dance Company during the 2013-2014 season and spent a year and a half as a dance major training in ballet, jazz, and contemporary at Kennesaw State University. Jacqueline was also Resident Assistant for the Kennesaw State University Department of Residence Life 2014-2015.
Currently, Ms. Carroll dances with the professional ballet company The Georgia Ballet as a first season member. She is a vital part of our creative team at SOF, and teaches all levels of children, and is a lead teacher in our preprofessional ballet program.
She recently married her high school sweetheart, Nicholas Carroll. We are thrilled for her to bring her love for dance and technique to our program.
Ms. Carroll joined the Steps of Faith staff in the fall of 2014 as a SOF alumni.
She trained with the SOF Dance Company for ten years and also participated in programs such as The Georgia Ballet, The Georgia Governor's Honors Program, and the Woodland High School Dance Program.
She was a member of the Kennesaw State University Dance Company during the 2013-2014 season and spent a year and a half as a dance major training in ballet, jazz, and contemporary at Kennesaw State University. Jacqueline was also Resident Assistant for the Kennesaw State University Department of Residence Life 2014-2015.
Currently, Ms. Carroll dances with the professional ballet company The Georgia Ballet as a first season member. She is a vital part of our creative team at SOF, and teaches all levels of children, and is a lead teacher in our preprofessional ballet program.
She recently married her high school sweetheart, Nicholas Carroll. We are thrilled for her to bring her love for dance and technique to our program.
Taylor Gilliam
Taylor is currently studying as a dance major (with a ballet concentration) at Kennesaw State University. She received her dance training at SOF from ages 4-18 as well as performing in the company from ages 8-18.
She has assisted and taught dance since 16 years of age, as well as teaching preschool for The Trinity School and Excel Christian School. She recently completed a very exciting semester working at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida before returning to finish up her degree. Taylor thrives at teaching our youngest dancers about the art of dance!
Taylor is currently studying as a dance major (with a ballet concentration) at Kennesaw State University. She received her dance training at SOF from ages 4-18 as well as performing in the company from ages 8-18.
She has assisted and taught dance since 16 years of age, as well as teaching preschool for The Trinity School and Excel Christian School. She recently completed a very exciting semester working at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida before returning to finish up her degree. Taylor thrives at teaching our youngest dancers about the art of dance!
Colleen Myers
Colleen Myers joined SOF staff on January of 2010, though she has been a favorite guest teacher for many years prior.
Colleen trained with the Atlanta Ballet, and earned her BFA in Ballet Performance in 2001 from Texas Christian University.
She danced professionally with the Georgia Ballet, and has taught at Eastside School of Ballet and First Baptist Dallas Celebration Company.
She is also a registered nurse and lactation consultant at Kennestone Women's Services!
She is married to Patrick, and has one daughter, Julianne and two young sons, Evan and Andrew.
Colleen Myers joined SOF staff on January of 2010, though she has been a favorite guest teacher for many years prior.
Colleen trained with the Atlanta Ballet, and earned her BFA in Ballet Performance in 2001 from Texas Christian University.
She danced professionally with the Georgia Ballet, and has taught at Eastside School of Ballet and First Baptist Dallas Celebration Company.
She is also a registered nurse and lactation consultant at Kennestone Women's Services!
She is married to Patrick, and has one daughter, Julianne and two young sons, Evan and Andrew.
Kim Linenkohl
Kimberly Linenkohl began her early training in Gainesville, Florida at the Joni Messler Studio of Dance and Dance Theatre of Santa Fe.
She also studied on scholarship at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School and the Joffrey Ballet School.
She danced professionally with the Georgia Ballet under the late Iris Hensley and Gina Hyatt- Mazon where she was featured in many productions including Balanchine’s Allegro Brilliante and Serenade and Hensley’s Nutcracker as Dew Drop and Lead Spanish.
Kimberly enjoys teaching and choreographing throughout the metro Atlanta area and is pleased to share her love of dance with Steps of Faith.
Kimberly Linenkohl began her early training in Gainesville, Florida at the Joni Messler Studio of Dance and Dance Theatre of Santa Fe.
She also studied on scholarship at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School and the Joffrey Ballet School.
She danced professionally with the Georgia Ballet under the late Iris Hensley and Gina Hyatt- Mazon where she was featured in many productions including Balanchine’s Allegro Brilliante and Serenade and Hensley’s Nutcracker as Dew Drop and Lead Spanish.
Kimberly enjoys teaching and choreographing throughout the metro Atlanta area and is pleased to share her love of dance with Steps of Faith.
Camille Jones
Camille is a Steps of Faith alumni and is excited to join the staff for the 2017-2018 season!
She is entering into her senior year at Kennesaw State University where she is majoring in Dance with a ballet concentration. Through this program, she has trained in ballet, pas de deux, pointe, modern, and contemporary.
She has been a part of the KSU Dance Company since her freshman year. She has performed multiple pieces while a part of this company including Coppelia and Friends set by Christine Welker, Table Manners choreographed by Lisa Lock, Disquietude choreographed by McCree O’Kelley, To Walk a Mile choreographed by Erin England, as well as Bask choreographed by Emily Peay. Through this company Camille has also had the opportunity to perform at the Cobb Energy Center, the KSU Dance Festival, and the Modern Atlanta Dance Festival.
Camille is Progressing Ballet Technique certified and is passionate about injury prevention in dancers. This passion has led her to do undergraduate research in popular dance injuries.
Outside of Steps of Faith, Camille is a youth leader at Expedition Church and also a teacher and staff member at The Georgia Ballet.
Camille is a Steps of Faith alumni and is excited to join the staff for the 2017-2018 season!
She is entering into her senior year at Kennesaw State University where she is majoring in Dance with a ballet concentration. Through this program, she has trained in ballet, pas de deux, pointe, modern, and contemporary.
She has been a part of the KSU Dance Company since her freshman year. She has performed multiple pieces while a part of this company including Coppelia and Friends set by Christine Welker, Table Manners choreographed by Lisa Lock, Disquietude choreographed by McCree O’Kelley, To Walk a Mile choreographed by Erin England, as well as Bask choreographed by Emily Peay. Through this company Camille has also had the opportunity to perform at the Cobb Energy Center, the KSU Dance Festival, and the Modern Atlanta Dance Festival.
Camille is Progressing Ballet Technique certified and is passionate about injury prevention in dancers. This passion has led her to do undergraduate research in popular dance injuries.
Outside of Steps of Faith, Camille is a youth leader at Expedition Church and also a teacher and staff member at The Georgia Ballet.
Tiffany Tindall
Tiffany Tindall studied dance for the past 32 years and has over 20 years of teaching experience.
She studied with several dance schools growing up, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Dance Education from the University of Georgia.
She taught dance for numerous studios in the private sector as well as in public education, creating and directing dance education programs for McCleskey, Awtrey, and Barber Middle Schools in Cobb County.
She was named Teacher of the Year for Barber Middle School for the 2006-2007 school year and served on the committee which crafted the Georgia Power Standards for Dance Education in 2009.
In addition to dance training, Tiffany also earned a M.Ed. and a Sp.Ed in Educational Administration from Jacksonville State University.
She is on the dance faculty at Reinhart University, and as a choreographer for various musical productions through The Grand Theatre.
Tiffany Tindall studied dance for the past 32 years and has over 20 years of teaching experience.
She studied with several dance schools growing up, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Dance Education from the University of Georgia.
She taught dance for numerous studios in the private sector as well as in public education, creating and directing dance education programs for McCleskey, Awtrey, and Barber Middle Schools in Cobb County.
She was named Teacher of the Year for Barber Middle School for the 2006-2007 school year and served on the committee which crafted the Georgia Power Standards for Dance Education in 2009.
In addition to dance training, Tiffany also earned a M.Ed. and a Sp.Ed in Educational Administration from Jacksonville State University.
She is on the dance faculty at Reinhart University, and as a choreographer for various musical productions through The Grand Theatre.
Christine Shipley
Christine Shipley owned and operated a dance school for children ages 2.5 – adult , beginner – professional. She was the owner and director of Christine’s School of Dance and West Cobb Dance Explosion from September 1984 – May 2016. She is very proficient at teaching jazz, tap, and lyrical or contemporary to beginners thru very advanced students. She has also produced various outstanding dancers and title winners within her years as a studio owner.
Christine has had several dancers go on to dance professionally such as dancing on Glee, touring with Pharell ,Katy Perry, currently touring with Iggy, dancing on broadway, back up for Beyonce and America’s Best Dance Crew. She has also had students that attended the summer Joffery camp and SAB in NYC and were recently accepted into the Aspire program at Atlanta ballet. Christine studied with Rolann Crowe Owens, Beverly Fletcher, and David DeMarie as a kid but always stays up with the latest trend of dance and continues to educate herself. Ms. Shipley recently auditioned and dances with Atlanta Classix Crew with the Hawks!
Ms. Christine now teaches classes at SOF and another dance studio. We are proud to have an experienced educator join the staff at SOF!
Christine Shipley owned and operated a dance school for children ages 2.5 – adult , beginner – professional. She was the owner and director of Christine’s School of Dance and West Cobb Dance Explosion from September 1984 – May 2016. She is very proficient at teaching jazz, tap, and lyrical or contemporary to beginners thru very advanced students. She has also produced various outstanding dancers and title winners within her years as a studio owner.
Christine has had several dancers go on to dance professionally such as dancing on Glee, touring with Pharell ,Katy Perry, currently touring with Iggy, dancing on broadway, back up for Beyonce and America’s Best Dance Crew. She has also had students that attended the summer Joffery camp and SAB in NYC and were recently accepted into the Aspire program at Atlanta ballet. Christine studied with Rolann Crowe Owens, Beverly Fletcher, and David DeMarie as a kid but always stays up with the latest trend of dance and continues to educate herself. Ms. Shipley recently auditioned and dances with Atlanta Classix Crew with the Hawks!
Ms. Christine now teaches classes at SOF and another dance studio. We are proud to have an experienced educator join the staff at SOF!
Lauren E. Smith
Lauren “Elsie” Smith is an emerging choreographer and dancer from Jacksonville, Florida. She was among the graduating class to receive a BFA in Dance with Honors from Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Elsie Project located in Jacksonville, Florida. Her specialty is Modern dance.
She has trained and received scholarships from the flowing companies: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Jennifer Archibald’s ArchCore40, Bates Dance Festival, Atlanta Dance Connection, Visceral Dance Company, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, The Dance Company Experience, The National Choreography Intensive, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, and Jacksonville Centre of The Arts, where she began her dance training under Kezia Rolle.
As a trailblazer, she has represented ASU’s Theatre Arts department on many stages including: The International Association of Blacks in Dance, John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center, The National American College Dance Association and Alabama Dance Festival to name a few.
Her work has been accepted and presented at the Alabama Dance Festival, ModArts Dance Collective Thread, Bates Dance Festival and a new work commission on Canton Ohio Ballet.
Lauren “Elsie” Smith is currently a resident of Atlanta, GA, participates as a company member with Gotta Dance Contemporary and Infinite Theater Performance Company. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and one of the twelve Founders of Beta Phi Alpha Dance Honor Society.
Lauren will begin her SOF journey with us this fall as our Modern master teacher. Her personality and spirit are contagious!
Lauren “Elsie” Smith is an emerging choreographer and dancer from Jacksonville, Florida. She was among the graduating class to receive a BFA in Dance with Honors from Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Elsie Project located in Jacksonville, Florida. Her specialty is Modern dance.
She has trained and received scholarships from the flowing companies: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Jennifer Archibald’s ArchCore40, Bates Dance Festival, Atlanta Dance Connection, Visceral Dance Company, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, The Dance Company Experience, The National Choreography Intensive, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, and Jacksonville Centre of The Arts, where she began her dance training under Kezia Rolle.
As a trailblazer, she has represented ASU’s Theatre Arts department on many stages including: The International Association of Blacks in Dance, John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center, The National American College Dance Association and Alabama Dance Festival to name a few.
Her work has been accepted and presented at the Alabama Dance Festival, ModArts Dance Collective Thread, Bates Dance Festival and a new work commission on Canton Ohio Ballet.
Lauren “Elsie” Smith is currently a resident of Atlanta, GA, participates as a company member with Gotta Dance Contemporary and Infinite Theater Performance Company. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and one of the twelve Founders of Beta Phi Alpha Dance Honor Society.
Lauren will begin her SOF journey with us this fall as our Modern master teacher. Her personality and spirit are contagious!
Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you.
- Psalm 25:4-5 -
|
|
Did You Know?
Steps of Faith ALUMNI have been accepted to many Summer Programs around the country including: American Ballet Theatre, Atlanta Ballet, Ballet Austin, Ballet Magnificat, Belhaven University, Georgia Ballet, Joffrey Contemporary, Kansas City Ballet, AND Kennesaw State University.
Steps of Faith ALUMNI have been accepted to many Summer Programs around the country including: American Ballet Theatre, Atlanta Ballet, Ballet Austin, Ballet Magnificat, Belhaven University, Georgia Ballet, Joffrey Contemporary, Kansas City Ballet, AND Kennesaw State University.
