Meet The Team
Mayeisha A. Parker
Artistic Director
Instructor
Mayeisha A. Parker is a dynamic performing arts educator, entrepreneur, and mentor with over 16 years of experience in dance education and studio ownership. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to helping individuals grow through movement, creativity, and community, and she has dedicated her career to building programs that inspire confidence, discipline, and personal development.
As a mother of five, Mayeisha understands firsthand the powerful impact that movement, creativity, and performance can have on a child’s confidence, emotional well-being, and personal growth. That belief has become the foundation of her life’s work: creating environments where children and adults alike can build confidence, develop discipline, improve their health, and discover their full potential through the performing arts and fitness.
Today, Mayeisha is the Founder and CEO of MFA Studios, a premier Dance, Cheer, Tumbling, and Fitness organization serving families throughout the region. With two thriving locations and more than 16 years of community impact, MFA Studios has grown into one of the area’s leading youth performing arts and wellness organizations. The studio offers award-winning recreational and competitive dance and cheer programs, tumbling and acrobatics, adult fitness, and the region’s largest Preschool Performing Arts Program for children ages two through five.
Under Mayeisha’s leadership, MFA Studios has become known for developing confident performers, strong athletes, and compassionate leaders. The studio’s nationally recognized competitive teams have earned numerous awards while emphasizing teamwork, character, and resilience. At the same time, thousands of young children have taken their first steps into dance, music, and movement through MFA’s innovative early childhood curriculum.
Beyond the studio, Mayeisha is a passionate entrepreneur, mentor, and advocate for arts education. She believes every child deserves access to opportunities that inspire confidence, creativity, and lifelong success, and she continues to expand MFA Studios’ impact through community partnerships, outreach programs, and nonprofit initiatives that make the performing arts accessible to families throughout the community.
Whether she is coaching future champions, mentoring business leaders, or inspiring families to embrace healthier lifestyles, Mayeisha’s mission remains the same: to create spaces where people of every age can move with purpose, perform with confidence, and become the very best version of themselves.
Emily Critchfield
Dance Director
Instructor
Emily Critchfield began dancing at the age of 3 with the Orange School of Performing Arts (OSPA). At OSPA, Emily trained in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Modern, and Pointe. She has attended dance conventions and master classes with world-renowned dancers and choreographers, including classes at The Broadway Dance Center in New York City. At OSPA, Emily competed on the company team for 7 years, where she traveled to regional and national dance competitions throughout the east coast. She discovered her love of teaching when she became an assistant teacher at OSPA.
Emily places great importance on continuing her own education through master classes, workshops, and certifications, in order to better serve her students. She has completed the Acrobatic Arts Teacher Training and Certification program which teaches proper technique and spotting skills for Acro. Emily takes master classes with Acrobatic Arts every year. Miss Emily is certified in Alixa Flexibility, a program designed to educate instructors on how to teach flexibility safely & effectively. Miss Emily is certified in Giordano Jazz Technique through the Nan Giordano Certification Program. Miss Emily is also certified in Tap Roots where she received Tap training from Julie Kay Stallcup.
Emily started teaching at MFA Studios in 2011 and plans to share her love of Dance and Acro for many years to come!
First Aid/CPR Certified
Acrobatic Arts Certified
Alixa Flexibility Certified
NGCP® Certified (Giordano Jazz Technique)
Tap Roots Certified
Melissa Johnson
Instructor
Dinah McKemie
Instructor
Dinah McKemie started dancing at MFA Studios in 2013, and her love of taking class has translated to a love of teaching it. In her years as a student she trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary, and competed in numerous dance competitions. Dinah is part of the class of 2026 at the University of Mary Washington, where she is getting her B.A. in English Literature. She is also a member and a choreographer of UMW’s Performing Arts Company. Dinah is excited to pass on her knowledge of dance, and hopes to help her students find their passion for it the same way she did.
Julie Heintz
Instructor
Julie was trained in dance at Michelle Buschner School of Dance in Rochester, New York where she studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical and Modern Dance. Julie was selected to join a Senior Ensemble dance group at the age of thirteen and enjoyed competing both locally and regionally. During her high school years, Julie began teaching dance and her first fitness class, “Ballet Barre Fitness.” She moved to Virginia in 1982 and continued to teach dance and fitness classes for many years. Julie has been certified by AFAA and NDEITA (currently NETA), Kettlebell AMPD, Barre Above, Zumba and has taught a wide range of classes including Step, Body Sculpting, Strength & Tone, Interval Training, and Adult Tap. She was hired by Nike to perform demo fitness routines in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. to help promote Nike fitness attire. After taking an absence from instructing to raise her family and start a business career, Julie is excited to be teaching again and to be a part of the MFA Team!!
Ashley McCullough
Instructor
Ashley McCullough has over 30 years of dance experience, specializing in tap, contemporary, modern, and musical theatre. She also has extensive training in lyrical, jazz, and ballet, with experience in acrobatics, hip hop, folk dance, and ballroom, plus she is a Registered Yoga Teacher. In 2011, Ashley earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance at Brigham Young University. While at BYU she toured with International Folk Dance Ensemble, as well as performed and choreographed for the student based modern dance company. In college, she had the opportunity to perform with the Martha Graham Dance Company. Post-college, she has performed and choreographed professionally in Baton Rouge, Philadelphia, Chicago, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington D.C. In 2019 she co-founded Ash & Elm Dance Co., a non-profit professional contemporary dance company, which she co-directed, choreographed, and performed with in the DMV area until its completion in 2025. She has taught as a competition team instructor at several studios, winning various special judges awards, choreography awards and invitations to be part of dance battles at National competitions.
She loves everything tap dance and musical theatre and continues to grow her knowledge and skills by studying the history, attending tap festivals and regularly attending Broadway and local theatre performances. She strives to share her knowledge and experiences in her classroom to ensure her students have an appreciation for the art forms as a whole and for those who have come before and paved the way to what we enjoy today, as well as staying up to date with what is currently happening in the performance world. When she’s not dancing, she’s spending her time with her family, homeschooling her school age daughters and chasing around her two young boys. She’s grateful to have the opportunity to be a “stay at home mom” while also being a “working mom” by doing what she loves!
Melissa Morneault
Instructor
Melissa Morneault began her ballet training locally at the Fredericksburg Ballet Centre. Her training continued at the Boston School of Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and North Carolina School of the Arts year-round high school program. Melissa began her professional career at the Ballet Theatre of Pennsylvania under the direction of Mary Hepner. She has taught ballet for twenty years and is happy to join the MFA Studios team.
Bluann Faber
Instructor
Bluann's passion for dance began with her love of music. At the age of 5 she began piano lessons and from there has studied the guitar, organ, violin, and flute. Her enjoyment with music led her to take her first dance lesson at the age of 12. Since then, her dance education has continued from Ballet (Vaganova and Cechetti), Lyrical and Contemporary to Hip Hop as well as Ballroom Dance and her favorite style of social dancing - Lindy Hop.
She also enjoys taking fitness classes and learning various types of exercise programs, such as strength training and swimming.
Bluann aims to teach her students not only the enjoyment of dance and correct dance techniques, but also help them deepen their appreciation for the music as well.
Cari LeDoux
Instructor
Cari’s love for musical theater began while she was earning her Theater and Elementary Education degrees at SUNY Brockport in Upstate New York. With experience as a performer, choreographer, director, and educator, she loves helping young performers discover their confidence and shine on stage! Cari has performed in productions including Godspell, Annie, Beauty and the Beast, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cats, and The Wizard of Oz. She has also worked with Syracuse Children’s Theater as a lead choreographer and assisted with productions of Cinderella, Cats Jr., and High School Musical. She has directed and choreographed summer theater camps as well, including 101 Dalmatians and Wizard of Oz. Cari is passionate about creating a fun, encouraging environment where students can build confidence, develop their performance skills, and most importantly—love being on stage!
Cari has done competitive gymnastics since she was 6 years old. She made it to Level 10 (highest level in gymnastics). She has also coached competitive gymnastics for 25 years. Cari is now a Level 10 gymnastics judge. She has obtained several certifications for gymnastics/ tumbling. She is a certified USAG coach and judge, Safe Sport certified, recognizing and responding to child abuse trained, and First Aid/CPR/AED trained. Outside of gymnastics/ tumbling, Cari is a wife, a mom to a son and daughter, and a full time 3rd grade teacher.
Ellie Vazquez
Instructor
Ellie Vazquez began her pre-profesional ballet training at thirteen with an aspiration to one day become a professional ballerina. She has trained at Avery Ballet for seven years, and has attended summer intensives at the Charlottesville Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. Additionally Ellie has been selected to participate in the Kennedy Center Ballet Masterclass series twice. She has also performed in several arts festivals in Fredericksburg. Ellie has recently completed her first season as a trainee with the Charlottesville Ballet's professional company for the 2025-2026 season!
Ellie cannot wait to share her love of dance with the students at MFA!
Hannah Kirkpatrick
Instructor
Hello MFA families, my name Hannah and I have been dancing for 12 years. I have taught for two and a half years, my own ballet class at a homeschool co-op, and at a local dance studio in Montross. I have studied ballet, pointe, and lyrical at The Dance Box king George and the Fredericksburg Ballet Center. I have performed in multiple ballets such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, variations from La Bayadère, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, and Coppielia. My favorite ballet is the Nutcracker and my favorite dance is Waltz of the Flowers. I am currently is working on her associates degree in Early Childhood Education while working here. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, cooking and baking, and reading books.
Ava Sherwood
Assistant
Ava has been doing musical theatre for many years, and she actually began acting right here at MFA Studios in “Alice in Wonderland Jr”! Since then, she has performed with various theater groups locally, including Stagedoor Productions, The Low Players, and Chancellor High School. She now attends college, and plans to get a BFA in Musical Theatre and Theatre Education. She also has experience in dance, having studied Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, and Tap. Ava has been recognized for excellence in theatre and music through receiving the CHHS Theatre Medallion, Best Original Score (VTA 2023), the Magnum Opus (Music) Award (CHHS 2025), and various acting recognitions.
Ava is so thrilled to be teaching Musical Theatre here at MFA, especially since this was where her own journey began.
Jennifer DelMonte
Front Desk
Youth Company Administrator
Jennifer has been performing her entire life and participated in musical theater, choir, cheer, and dance throughout her childhood and into her 20s.
While looking for a dance school for her oldest daughter, she found MFA Studios and has been honored to be a part of this little family since 2019.
Chrissy Taylor
Enrollment Coordinator
Hey there! My name is Chrissy and I’m from Manassas Park but I’ve lived here in Culpeper for the last 8 years. My background is in childcare and I earned my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2010. I love interacting with children and hearing all of their stories and encouraging them to be their best. When I’m not at the front desk I can be found working out at the Studio in Locust Grove, driving my kids to practice, listening to Taylor Swift, watching reality TV with my husband or cuddling my dog!
Amanda Gheen
Billing Manager
My name is Amanda Gheen. I am an Assistant Director at Children of America Deacon Road & the Billing Manager here at MFA Studios. I started childcare in January 2006. I have 2 AMAZING girls on the MFA Competition Cheer Team, Elite Force for 4yrs now. Chassity is a Captain and Nevaeh is a 2nd Base. I have an Associates Degree in Insurance Medical Billing & Coding. I'm excited to be a part of the MFA family.
Certified USA Cheer Youth Coach
Completed Athlete Protection Course
Completed Youth: Cheerleading Safety/Risk Management
Completed Youth: Coaching Young Athletes
First Aid/CPR Certified
MAT Trained
Robin Stark
Front Desk
Hi! My name is Robin, and you'll often see my smiling face at the front desk at our Locust Grove location and Culpeper Location.
I came across MFA Studios while searching for a part-time job, and I'm so glad I did - it truly is the best place to be, filled with warmth,kindness, and a strong sense of community.
I can't wait to cheer on your little ones as they grow,learn, and thrive as part of the MFA Family!
Mandy Suttles
Front Desk
Hi there! I'm Mandy! I have been a part of the MFA dance family going on four years now. We found this loving studio when my daughter wanted to start dance. You will be seeing me more at the front desk where I can meet all of our wonderful MFA family! I cannot wait to be able to help you with anything you need help with, while also encouraging and supporting our awesome dancers and tumblers!
Delaney Wensel
Front Desk
Instructor
Hi there! My name is Laney, and I just recently joined MFA Studios. Growing up, dance was always a big part of my life. I’ve danced for eight years and cheered for two, and now you’ll mostly find me at the front desk—or hear me when you give us a call! I’m excited to support our wonderful MFA family in any way I can and cheer on our amazing students.
Kyla Lardie
Instructor
Originally from Fredericksburg, VA, Kyla Lardie is an international Entertainer and Choreographer, as well as a Stretch Therapist, Certified Personal Trainer (NASM), Group Fitness Instructor (AFAA), and Master International Makeup Professional (QC Makeup Academy). Kyla began her training in dance with local studios from 1997-2013, danced competitively for 16 years, and has since traveled the world studying many different styles; From Contemporary and Ballet to Hip-Hop and Breaking, she has a passion to learn and has even practiced in Irish, Highland, Latin Ballroom, Afro Jazz, Hula, and more - and hopes to continue progressing her studies every chance she gets! For about 5 years, she also trained as a gymnast and competitive cheerleader. Her professional dance education continued with scholarships to NYC to work with the contemporary company “:pushing progress” and Broadway Dance Center's Professional Semester, after which she moved to Los Angeles and completed Millennium Dance Complex's Certificate Program. Throughout this period, Kyla also assisted SYTYCD alumni on tour for 5 years with Excel In Motion Dance Convention, choreographed for various studios and shows, and later toured with various competitions as a Judge. She then expanded on this expertise in 2019 by branching out into a variety of Fitness and Wellness Certifications, deepening her knowledge of biomechanics and kinesthetics to further develop her skills as a performer, instructor, and choreographer.
Nowadays, after 10+ years of professional work, her biggest accomplishments include performing at Madison Square Garden with Latin artist J. Balvin, dancing at Super Bowl LVI, working on several projects with “You Got Served” choreographers Dave Scott and Shane Sparks, traveling the world with Virgin Voyages, performing at 5+ major global resorts and theme parks, cheering in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade with the Universal Cheer Association (UCA), and featuring as both Backup Dancer and Assistant Choreographer on the “Drop the Mic” tour. In addition to her dance, cheer, gymnastics, and fitness backgrounds, Kyla has also cultivated a diverse range of alternative skill sets to continue fostering growth as an entertainer. These include stilt walking, Martial Arts (Taekwondo, Krav Maga, Capoeira), stunt work, lyra, weapon/prop flow, and more.
While Kyla continues to perform and train as a dancer, stilt walker, character entertainer, host, and stunt performer for various shows/events worldwide, she is thrilled to be back in a studio space as a Choreographer and Instructor and looking forward to the upcoming season(s)!
Haylee
Front Desk
Assistant
Haylee started dancing at MFA in 2011 and it has been apart of her life since. She is a member of the Youth Company competition team and is so thankful for the opportunity and experience. She says dance is truly so much more when you are passionate and serious about something us humans were born to do. When she isn’t in class, she is probably doing schoolwork and hanging out with her cat.
Kai
Student Class Assistant
Kai has been dancing since she was 2 years old. Since joining MFA in 2019 and becoming part of the Youth Company Team in 2022, she has found a true passion for dance. She trains in ballet, contemporary, acro, and jazz, steadily advancing each year from emerald to sapphire, and now a diamond for two years. She enjoys being part of this team and feels grateful for the friendships and growth she experiences. Her dedication is inspiring, as she strives for excellence in every performance.
Competition season is especially exciting for her. She loves stepping onto the stage and sharing her talent with the audience and judges. She feels honored to be part of such an amazing team and cherishes every moment of her dance journey.
Ava
Student Class Assistant
Ava began dancing at MFA Studios at just three years old, and it remains her favorite place to be. She joined the competitive dance team in 2022, performing in Jazz, Lyrical, and Musical Theater. Ava also enjoys sharing her love of dance with MFA’s younger students as a class assistant. Outside of the studio, Ava loves modeling, and participating in math competitions. Through dance, Ava has gained self-confidence, creativity, and a strong appreciation for hard work—qualities she brings to everything she does!
Cami
Student Class Assistant
My name is Cami. I am ten years old and I have been dancing at MFA Studios since I was three. I love dance and my favorites are acro, tap, lyrical, and jazz. I have been on the competitive team since 2022 and I hope to see you in class!
Charlotte
Student Class Assistant
Charlie is an 11-year-old fifth grader who began dancing at the age of three. She joined MFA’s Youth Company competition team at six and is now entering her fourth competitive season. Charlie’s favorite styles are jazz and musical theatre. She loves working with younger dancers and enjoys helping teach dance and tumbling. Charlie is excited to begin another competition season with MFA.
Karleigh
Student Class Assistant
Karleigh started dancing at MFA at the age of 4 and is entering her 3rd year with the Youth Company competitive dance team. Karleigh loves dancing at MFA, the friends she has made and the confidence dancing gives her. She loves assisting and helping with the younger dancers.
Stella
Student Class Assistant
Stella started taking tumbling lessons as a 2 year old and dancing at MFA Studios at the age of 3. She is currently a member of our Youth Company, on both the dance and acro teams. She has trained in multiple genres, but Jazz and Acro are her loves.
Madisyn
Student Class Assistant
Hi I’m Madisyn and I’ve been dancing for MFA since I was 3. I am on the competition team. I love teaching kids to love dance just as much as I do.
Genevieve
Student Class Assistant
Genevieve began dancing at the age of 5 and hasn't stopped a day since! She has tried a variety of genres and currently does musical theater, lyrical, tap, ballet, prepointe, and acro. Her ultimate love is Musical Theater, and she lives to perform it on stage for an audience. When Genevieve is not dancing, she is likely creating an artistic masterpiece using various materials/mediums. Genevieve aspires to choreograph and run her own dance studio one day.
Jerrica
Student Class Assistant
Jerrica has been doing tumbling, gymnastics and cheerleading since she was 2. She started at MFA last season and has found her love for dance at this wonderful studio! Jerrica is a member of the Acro competition team and the musical theater team. Jerrica loves helping friends learn new skills and is excited to assist in Acro classes this year!
Mallorie
Student Class Assistant
This is my fourth year on the competition team. My favorite genres are jazz and tap. I love to dance because it expresses my feelings in a way that I can't off stage. Working with kids is my favorite thing. I enjoy helping and guiding them to learn new skills and believe in themselves.
Isaac
Student Class Assistant
This is my second year on the competition team. I have always enjoyed listening to music. Acro is my favorite with jazz being second. This is my first time assisting and I'm really looking forward to it.
Audrey
Student Class Assistant
Audrey is 12 years old. She loves dancing and acting. In her free time she enjoys diamond art and reading. When she grows up she wants to be a teacher and a librarian.
Chloe
Student Class Assistant
Chloe has been dancing with MFA for going almost 3 years now, and this is her second year as a classroom assistant.