Meet Our Staff

Erin Umphrey started her dance career at the tender age of three, right here in Schuylkill County. She attended Kutztown University where she was president of Kutztown’s Dance Company. Erin has performed professionally with theme parks, industrials, regional theatre, national and international tours. She taught several competition teams and choreographed high school and college musicals and theme park shows. Although being on stage is Erin’s first love she has been teaching dance for the past 19 years. She has found a passion for teaching and fulfillment in passing on her knowledge. As a teacher, she hopes to inspire her students to become not only talented, dedicated, well-trained performers but more importantly respectful and kindhearted students.

Andrew D. Umphrey has been performing since he was 5 years old, and throughout junior high and high school participated in plays, toured with Missoula’s Children’s Theater, and sang as a member of Minnesota All-State Men’s Choir. Andrew studied acting and voice in college and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre and a BA in Communication with a performance emphasis. Following his undergraduate study, he earned his MFA in Acting. Andrew has been teaching acting at all levels for 14 years, as well as private acting and voice. On his resume, you will find an extensive list of roles, awards, and acting credits including musicals, plays, Shakespeare, regional theater, new works, film, industrials, music video, national and international tours, voiceover, and a television pilot. As a theater and voice instructor, he hopes to inspire a true passion for performance art in those he has the pleasure of teaching, and bringing forth the full potential that one has the capacity of achieving.

Brianna has been dancing since the age of 2. She has trained in jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, lyrical and contemporary. You may have seen her in the stand-out roles of Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen, and Soldier Doll in AIM’s Nutcrackers. Brianna’s acclaimed choreography has been award-winning at regional and national dance competitions. She is currently the director of the AIM Performance Company, an instructor in our Pre-Professional Day Program, and a full-time dance instructor at AIM. Brianna has a love for teaching. “Raising-up” the next generation of dancers and performers has become a passion for her. Brianna’s choreography can also be found in local musical productions. AIM is thrilled to have her on our faculty. @briannaaryan

Miss Dalynn was introduced to dance at the age of 3 at Marie Shaw School of Dance in Reading, PA. She continued dancing there until age 18. At 14 she began student teaching and continued teaching and substituting for several years. She studied tap, jazz, musical theater, ballet, pointe, lyrical, acro, and partnering. As a student, she participated in: NYCDA competitions and conventions, community performances, annual musical reviews, masterclasses with Gil Stroman and Mia Micheals. As an adult dance continued to be a theme of her life in many different ways. She danced with the Steam Team dance team for the semi-professional Reading Express Football Team. She had the wonderful opportunity to share dance with children from the Reading School District, offering free dance classes through an after-school program. Movement is vital for health and wellness and she used her dance experience as a fitness instructor including spin and Zumba for many years. She was also a cheerleading coach for Schuylkill Haven Area School District Midget Football Team. Dalynn is the Creative Director of the AIM Performance Company and has helped to grow the program to include mentoring, expanded team offerings, and more performance opportunities. Her award-winning choreography has been recognized at regional and national competitions in several divisions. Dalynn offers another facet to the AIM community as a practicing Pediatric Dietitian. She has a Master’s Degree in Nutritional Sciences from Pennsylvania State University. As a member of the AIM faculty, she focuses on goal building and accountability, positive self-image, and nutrition for dancers. Dance has always been a part of her life bringing wonderful experiences and friendships into her life. She is happy to have built a dance family here at AIM.

Kristina Grant began her ballet training in 1979 at the Ballet Society of San Diego, eventually joining BSSD’s performing company. There, she danced principal roles in The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, The Firebird, Serenade, Giselle, Les Sylphides, and Sleeping Beauty.

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Ms. Grant choreographed and coached competitive figure skaters, as well as high school and middle school show choirs, while continuing her professional dance career. In 2004, she joined the faculty of the Harrisburg Dance Conservatory as a ballet instructor and guest artist with the Harrisburg Dance Ensemble. In 2006, Ms. Grant was appointed Associate Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer.

A former member of the Professional Skaters Association in the discipline of choreography and style, Ms. Grant served as dance coach from 2006–2009 for the 2006 national champion synchronized skating team, Team Reflections. In 2008, she co-founded Harrisburg Ballet Theater and served as its Artistic Director until 2015.

After retiring from the stage in 2010 following a career as a freelance principal guest artist with ballet companies throughout the region, Ms. Grant continued to direct, guest teach, and choreograph for ballet companies, conservatories, and cultural events.

Ms. Grant’s students have gone on to study at renowned institutions including American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, Miami City Ballet School, the Ballet School of the Opéra National de Paris, the Kirov Academy of Ballet, The Sarasota Ballet School, Pennsylvania Ballet School, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, BalletMet’s trainee program, School of Nashville Ballet, and School of American Ballet. Her students have also gone on to dance professionally with companies including Universal Ballet, the Mariinsky Theatre Primorsky Stage, and New York City Ballet.

Ms. Grant currently serves as Director of Ballet and Director of the Pre-Professional Day Program at Artists In Motion Performing Arts and as a ballet instructor for the professional division of Pennsylvania Regional Ballet.

Miss Bryanna discovered her passion for performing at just five years old. She received the majority of her training at Dance Fusion Performing Arts Studio in Allentown, where she studied ballet, jazz, Broadway jazz, contemporary, modern, and hip hop. She is also a certified Acrobatic Arts instructor and is committed to continuous growth as both a dancer and educator. In addition to her studio work, Miss Bryanna has choreographed for local productions, including The Little Mermaid Jr. with MunopCo Music Theatre. She enjoys teaching students of all ages and brings a strong educational background to her classes, holding an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Outside of the studio, Miss Bryanna works as a preschool teacher at Neffs UCC Preschool. She believes that dance should be a joyful, encouraging space where students not only develop their technique but also grow as confident, respectful individuals. Her goal is to help every dancer become a powerful performer and a positive presence in their community.

Elly Forney has been a dedicated member of the AIM Performance Company for six years and has performed in AIM’s annual production of The Nutcracker for six seasons. Her passion for dance is reflected in her commitment to training more than 13 hours each week. Elly is excited to share her love of dance and acro while inspiring the next generation of dancers.

I started dancing when I was 3 years old at a local dance studio and dance all through school. I minored in dance at Bloomsburg University and taught Intermediate Jazz, Latin, and assisted in Country for the Bloomsburg Dance Ensemble. Upon graduation, I started teaching at AIM! After taking 2 years off, I’m ready to get back into it not only with my students but with my daughter as well! Dance has always been a huge part of my life and I’m so blessed to be able to share my passion at such a wonderful studio!

Anthony DiGregorio is a competitive dancer and accomplished acrobat in AIM’s Acro Program. Now in his third year teaching at AIM, Anthony enjoys sharing his skills and experience with his students and takes pride in watching the next generation of AIM dancers grow and excel. He is currently a graduating senior at Schuylkill Haven Area High School.

Jennifer started her dance career at the age of two at the Anna Marie School of Dance in Hazleton where she participated in various competitions for over a decade. She continued her love for dance and cheerleading throughout high school and college where she was a member of the Bloomsburg University Dance Ensemble and also the Cheerleading Squad. Jennifer went on to coach cheerleading for over 13 years at both the high school and collegiate levels throughout the area.

She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Bloomsburg University and two master’s degrees from Wilkes University in Classroom Technology and Educational Leadership. She is the 2019 recipient of the Pennsylvania Business Educator of the Year and 2025 National Secondary Business Educator of the year. Jennifer is a national advocate for Business and Career and Technical Education.

Jennifer is currently the Assistant Principal of Berks Career and Technology Center- East Campus. She resides in Cressona with her husband, Jake, and two children, Hudson and Ruby.

I have been professionally personal training and health coaching a variety of athletes aged 11-80 with a unique, holistic approach since 2018. My goal is simple: strategize and train to be the absolute best version of ourselves so we can perform at the highest level necessary to accomplish whatever we want in life – with joy and tenacity. I have an affinity and love for humanity, teaching, sport, athleticism, nutrition, artistic movement, and dogs! I believe our mindset and total health are the key to achieving whatever we are determined to do in life. And I am looking very forward to working alongside the athletes and coaches at Artists in Motion! You can find more about my training on IG: @powerfinesse_juls and powerfinessetraining.com

Olivia’s dance career started at the age of three at The Dance Depot in Collegeville, PA, where she took her first steps into the world of dance. Over the course of a decade, from 2008 to 2018, she became a dedicated competition dancer, where she was active in conventions, summer intensives, and made amazing relationships with her mentors and fellow teammates. Olivia’s dedication drove her to become proficient in various dance genres, including jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, tap and musical theater. These experiences during this period laid the foundation for her lifelong love for the art. She sustained her passion for dance consistently from high school through college. Olivia’s commitment brought her to West Virginia University, where she was accepted into the Dance minor program and was also an active member in the Student Dance Association. In 2022, Olivia obtained her Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Psychology from WVU, where she developed an interest in the psychology and growth of young athletes’ minds. Following her undergraduate studies, Olivia discovered another calling – the joy of teaching. Driven by her desire to make a positive impact on young minds, Olivia is currently pursuing a post-baccalaureate certificate in Early Childhood Education at Millersville University. Dance has always been a significant part of Olivia’s life, and it remains a lasting and essential element for her. The joy it has brought her is endless, and she is thrilled to share her love for dance with the AIM community!

Brandi has been the music director of the AIM summer musicals since our first show in 2018, we are fortunate to make use of her many talents! During the day she is a music teacher at North Schuylkill School District, a position she’s held for 20+ years. She was recently promoted to Director for the North Schuylkill Musicals. She is a lifelong Schuylkill County resident where she resides with her husband, Jason, and two children Jacob and Eliza.

Grace Lapachinsky is an 11-year member of the AIM Performance Company and is entering her third year teaching at AIM. A dedicated dancer and performer, Grace brings years of training and experience into the classroom. She is currently completing her senior year at Pottsville Area High School and enjoys encouraging the next generation of AIM dancers.

Devynne Peppiatt is a Pennsylvania based educator, choreographer, performer and artist. Devynne grew up in Wyomissing dancing at Horizons Dance Conservatory under Donielle Bailey-Horst. She has been performing professionally, competitively and collegiately throughout her career. Most recently she performed in works by Bubba Carr and Hui Cha-Poos as a member of Kaleidoscope Dance Company, University of Central Oklahoma’s touring dance company. She additionally worked professionally at Six Flags in Oklahoma City in a variety of Dance, musical, magic and stunt shows under Angie Sellers. She was educated under the renowned choreographers such Mike Esperanza and Gretchen Patchell of the New York City Ballet. Through her experience as a dancer she discovered that her true passion is for dance education and sharing her love for dance with the next generation of emerging dancers and artists.

Iley Polston is a competitive dancer and dedicated ballerina who brings both experience and enthusiasm to the classroom. This winter, she will take the stage as AIM’s Sugar Plum Fairy for the third consecutive season. Iley is passionate about sharing the joy of dance with her students while helping them build confidence, technique, and a strong foundation for continued growth.

Lily Snyder has been with AIM for nine years and is going into her third year teaching. She has experience as part of AIM’s performance company, pre-professional day program, ballet company, and the Nutcracker. She is very excited to continue to share her passion for dance and acrobatic arts with younger dancers.

Sophianna Stricker is a proud Artists in Motion alumna, having danced at AIM for eight years, including four years as a member of the Performance Company. She continued her dance training while attending Bryn Mawr College as a member of the advanced contemporary dance team, /Shift/, where she also had the opportunity to choreograph.

During her time with /Shift/, Sophianna served on the Executive Board for two consecutive years and was a co-head of the annual Tri-College Consortium Dance Showcase, helping coordinate a collaborative performance featuring dancers from Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore Colleges.

Now completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology, Sophianna is excited to return to AIM and share the creativity, leadership, and connection that dance has brought to her own life with the next generation of dancers.

Hannah has been dancing since she could walk! She has worked with acclaimed instructors and choreographers Twitch, and Travis Wall. She attended Towson University in Maryland and was a 3-year member of the 18x division 1 national champion dance team. Transferring after her third season to pursue her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. Her choreography has included award-winning numbers most notably a special judge’s awards for choreography. When she’s not at AIM she is a full-time OR Nurse. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, husband, and 2 puppies, doing yoga, and traveling.

Izabel is a sophomore at West Chester University, where she is a proud member of the WCU Dance Team. An alumna of Artists In Motion, Izabel was a dedicated member of the AIM Performance Company.

Izabel is excited to return to AIM in a new role, sharing her love of dance with the next generation of students. She looks forward to creating a positive and encouraging classroom environment while helping her dancers build confidence, strengthen their skills, and grow throughout the season.

Katie has been an AIM parent for many years, transitioning to our front desk team two years ago and accepting the position of Office Manager in 2024. She works for the Schuylkill Haven School District in special education.

Kristin joined our staff in 2021 filling the need for a liaison between Erin and Andrew’s vision for studio growth and expanded opportunities for AIM students, and the implementation of these goals. When she’s not behind her computer working for AIM she is a Private practice RN, IBCLC, Lactation Consultant, and mother to two homeschooling children.

I’m so excited to be joining the dance studio family! Dance & theater have been such a special part of our lives, as I’m a proud mom of four daughters who each have their own love & passion for the performing arts. You can find me here at the studio one day a week, but most of the time, you’ll find me cheering on my girls & supporting them in all of their adventures. I’m so grateful to be part of a place that celebrates creativity, confidence, friendship, & the joy of performing. I can’t wait to get to know all of our dancers & families!

Aubriella Marrero is a member of the AIM Performance Company and has been part of the AIM Office Team for two seasons. You’ll find her at the front desk on Saturday mornings, where she enjoys getting to know the students and families and helping make everyone feel welcome at AIM. Aubriella is currently a graduating senior at Pottsville Area High School.

Cherie became an AIM dance mom in 2023 when her daughter enrolled as a student and got involved in all things AIM! She loves the many opportunities AIM students have to develop their skills and grow as people, and especially loves all the opportunities to watch her daughter perform. When she’s not doing that, she’s spending time with her family and working as the Director of Marketing for Kissinger Associates.

Liz has been in the AIM family since day one! Her daughter Brianna Ryan was an original student and continues with AIM today as an instructor. Liz enjoys her time at the AIM front desk getting to know our students and their families! When she’s not at AIM Liz is a travel agent guiding travelers through planning dream trips!

Amiee is a proud dance mom at AIM! Her daughter is a student at AIM and participates in our musicals, Nutcracker, Performance Company, and Pre-Professional Day Program. When she’s not at AIM or her son’s soccer games, Aimee works as a Sales Force Administrator for Evans Delivery.

I’m a mom of three—two daughters who love dance and a son who races motocross, so there’s never a dull moment! I work at a local hospital and enjoy helping at Artist in Motion Performing Arts. Watching all the kids grow over the years and improve is such a joy. Between work, dance, motocross, and family, we’re always on the go!