Meet The Staff
Miss Kelsay is the owner and director here at Trademark. She opened the studio with the help of her amazing staff in 2016 and has never looked back!
She has trained with some of the most amazing teachers and choreographers in the US, but one of her favorite experiences was dancing with Beth Level for Disney at the age of 11.
She has a Bachelor's degree in public health with a minor in dance from Stockton University.
One of her biggest accomplishments is Trademark becoming nationally ranked! "We are young but we are innovative and create the most beautiful dancers" She has trained multiple title winners, won multiple choreography awards and placed overall at a multitude of regional and national competitions. In 2023, she and her choreography partner/Co-Director/studio-bestie (Emma Smith) were nominated for choreography of the year for the SDA.
Miss Kelsays strengths are a variety and she tends to keep them that way. Between teaching technique (Her favorite) or a heart felt lyrical routine you can find her pouring her soul into all of these dancers which is part of what makes trademark so special. She also prides herself in choosing amazing staff members which creates such an amazing atmosphere and home for all of the dancers and staff.-
Her teaching philosophy is to always put forth your best for that moment in time. That can guide dancers to understand so much more, not only about their dancing, but about themselves. "I want dancers to love dance and never lose that passion so guiding them to that place is something I am passionate about"
Miss Emma is our assistant director and co-company director. Emma Smith is also our acrobatics director and our marketing and media manager.
Emma began her journey with Trademark in 2016 as a student and member of our Tda company. After a few years assisting alongside Miss Kelsay, she realized being in the studio was something she wanted to pursue forever!
Since becoming a full time choreographer/teacher in 2020, she has been awarded numerous national and regional choreography awards, and an SDA choreography of the year award nomination with Kelsay Stephensen this past season. Another recent accolade that was added to her list is, two national title winning soloists. Although, her favorite accomplishment is now being able to lead the team she once had been apart of.
Miss Courtney is the Recreational Co-Director.
Courtney has studied many genres of dance including tap, jazz, ballet, modern, contemporary, and improv. Courtney also studied to receive her BA in Dance with a minor in Business Administration from Georgian Court University.
Throughout her many years of both competitive and noncompetitive dance, Courtney has been trained by many different artists and teachers. During her competitive years, Courtney was awarded the “Most Photogenic” award at the national level from On Point Dance Competition. She was also invited to attend their nationals, take master classes, and perform in the Ultimate Victory Performance!
Overall, Courtney’s love for dance started at a very young age and continues to grow tremendously each day. She believes one of the most rewarding jobs is being a dance teacher and hopes to share that love with all of her students.
Courtney continues to aspire and work towards her goals not only as a dancer and performer herself, but as a teacher as well. She is so excited to be a part of the TDA team.
FUN FACT! Miss Courtneys favorite food is sushi!
Mr. Joey is the Studio Operations / Office Manager.
Joey grew up on the Jersey Shore and began his dance journey at the age of ten years old. After graduating from high school he made the move to Los Angeles, California where he auditioned and trained professionally. Since returning to the East Coast, Joey has begun working for a dance competition, judging for a pageant and talent competition, while choreographing for studios in New Jersey and New York. Throughout the past couple of years, his choreography has been recognized for its artistry and emotional execution.
When not at the studio, Mr. Joey is completing his Masters Degree in Social Work at Rutgers University. Upon graduating in May, he aspires to be a clinical therapist during the day and work at the studio at night.
Mr. Joey is very excited to be joining the TDA family for season 8! Make sure you stop by the front desk and say hello!
Fun Fact: Mr. Joey loves iced pumpkin spice lattes with oat milk (:
Miss Britt has experience in teaching, choreographing & inspiring for 15 years! She has been with Trademark Dance Academy since 2016.
Miss Britt has earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Delaware majoring in Fashion Merchandising. While fashion is another passion of hers, she enjoys designing, embellishing, and altering costumes each year. Miss Britt is well rounded having experience in teaching ballet, lyrical, contemporary, acro, pointe, hip hop, musical theater specializing in tap & toddler classes.
She has won several costume awards, choreography awards, special awards, and highest scoring awards. This past season she choreographed a regional title winning solo & is so proud! She enjoys working with the students, parents, & her friends/ co-workers in such a rewarding environment!
"I believe that dance class should be a safe learning space to grow & where it's okay not to be perfect, while also developing a fair relationship with each dancer! Respect for each other is very important for success!"
FUN FACT! Her favorite color is green!
Miss Sara is a professional ballroom dancer, specializing in International Latin dance such as Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble and Jive. She is actively working on “Standard” styles as well such as Waltz and Tango. She competes regularly and trains with top coaches; including Tony Dovolani from “Dancing with the Stars!”
Sara is passionate about sharing her love of dance, and looks forward to each opportunity to teach students and bring out the best in them. Her philosophy is to train hard, but to still have fun and remember the joy that dancing brings.
Sara’s love for performing and dancing started as soon as she could walk, and she is grateful to work and spend her time immersed in what she loves.
Miss Dawn brings 39 years of dance teaching experience to TDA! Professionally trained in Ballet, Tap and Jazz, she continues her training through dance teacher workshops, seminars and attending class whenever she can.
Dawn’s performance experience includes Lead Dancer at Six Flags Great Adventure, performer with Chandris (Celebrity) Fantasy Cruise Line, and summer community theatre with Plays in the Park, Middlesex County where she not only performed but choreographed as well.
A graduate of Rutgers University, Dawn founded and was artistic director for the Absolute Dance Co. in Monroe NJ, which is now owned by one of her former students.
“What I love about teaching at Trademark is that everyone is welcomed, accepted and encouraged to be the best they can be! I’m proud to be part of the amazing TDA Family!”
Fun Fact: In college, Miss.Dawn sang in a band.
Miss Madi is 17 years old and has been training with trademark since it began in 2016.
Madi started dancing when she was 4 and competitively when she was 10, training in many styles such as: tap, jazz, hiphop, lyrical, ballet, and more.
For several past seasons, Madi has assisted besides Miss Britt and other Trademark staff. Assisting and dancing apart of the company she developed a new love for teaching.
Madi’s goal is to inspire all students and watch them grow each class. She is grateful to work, learn, and spend each day doing what she loves.
Miss Ashlyn is one of our newest additions to Trademark staff. Ashlyn is joining our team as a teacher and company choreographer.
Ashlyn discovered her love for teaching and choreographing when she first began assistant teaching. Working along side Miss Emma, Miss Britt and Miss Courtney, she learned what it means to be a trademark teacher and she is excited to create her own legacy.
Musicality is definitely Miss Ashlyn’s strong suit. She is so eager to share her ideas and energy with our TDA fam throughout this season!