Our Team

Emily Knauer

About our CEO & Founder:

Founded by Emily Knauer, Creativities Studio delivers interactive and engaging children’s classes to schools and studios in communities near you. We offer a wide range of programs including dance, culinary arts, visual arts, STEM, fashion, and yoga, along with summer camps and birthday party experiences. With partnerships in schools across nine states, our team of passionate dancers, artists, chefs, and educators brings energy and expertise to every class. Each session is designed to be upbeat, inclusive, and supportive, creating a fun environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Sonal

*Westchester, Operations Coordinator*
A highly organized and client-focused professional with over a decade of experience in event management and retail. Following a rewarding period dedicated to family, she re-entered the workforce at GAP Inc., further refining her interpersonal and operational abilities. When she isn't working, she loves spending time with her two daughters, exploring the local library, and writing poems and short stories on her blog. She is always looking for ways to improve and grow as a person, enhancing her ability to connect and communicate effectively. She is passionate about empowering individuals to confidently discover and pursue their career aspirations.

Instructors

Ally
*NYC, Dance Instructor*
Originally from the Greater Philadelphia area, Miss Ally Peter began dancing when she was 3 years old and has never looked back. Ally received her B.A. in Communications and Dance from Marymount Manhattan College and continues to train at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway, where she assists multiple faculty members. She is a devout member of the NYC dance and theatre communities and loves to collaborate with other artists on independent projects. She has also had the privilege to perform both in NYC and regionally. Favorite credits include: A Chorus Line, Footloose, Will Roger’s Follies, and “Truth” at Ailey Citigroup Theater. Ally has been teaching since high school, where she first developed her love for it after student teaching for many years. As a teacher, she loves helping young dancers explore their artistic voices and strives to bring passion and fun to her classes.

Camryn
*NYC, Dance Instructor*
Camryn Graves is an NYC based actor, dancer, singer and educator from Laguna Niguel, CA. She began dancing at the age of three and never stopped. Throughout her formative years, she trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary and musical theatre dance before moving to New York to pursue a career in theatre performance. She graduated from Hofstra University with a BFA in Theatre Arts: Performance and a minor in Musical Theatre. Since then, Camryn has performed with PMT Dance Company, Six Flags Great Adventure, and appeared in a halftime show for the WNBA while also acting in various independent theatre projects in the city. Camryn is currently on faculty at PMT House of Dance and is committed to her passion of dance education teaching both youth and adult classes.

Christina

*NYC, Dance Instructor*
Christina Morrison is an NYC based dancer, choreographer and teacher. During her early dancing years as a competition kid in Massachusetts, she discovered an appreciation for all styles, including ballet, jazz, pointe, modern, contemporary, tap and hip hop! She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance Performance from Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Christina has spent the beginning of her professional career in Chicago, training diverse student populations, dancing in modern companies and choreographing commissioned work for stadium spaces, outdoor venues, and concert stages. Christina's work with young children is especially notable, strengthened by her emphasis in Dance Pedagogy during undergrad as well as extensive experience working in creative dance spaces. She has over 10 years of teaching experience and hopes to never stop!

Andrea

*Charleston, Dance Instructor*
Andrea Griffin is a passionate dance instructor and choreographer based in Charleston, SC. She has years of experience teaching young dancers, specializing in introducing preschoolers to the joy of movement through tap, ballet, and creative dance. Andrea also teaches art, encouraging children to explore their creativity through fun, hands-on projects. She loves helping kids build confidence, express themselves, and discover new talents in a positive, supportive environment.

Abbigayle

*Boston, Dance Instructor*
Abbigayle started dancing at age 2 and has never stopped, with 10 years of experience in competitive cheerleading, and 15 plus years of living in the competitive dance world, travelling to competitions every weekend all over the East coast. Abby has been professionally trained in Ballet, Lyrical, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Musical theater and her personal favorite Hiphop. She has represented the U.S in a Worlds dance competition placing 2nd in 2016, She's been choreographing for dance teams and cheer teams all over the Worcester and Boston area since she was 15. As she got older, her love of dance never faded; she knew she needed to find a way to incorporate her love of dance into her everyday life, which led her to Creativities Studio. Abby has always believed that dancing is a way to express yourself and is always focused on embracing each dancer's own unique style. For her, dance was a creative outlet that turned to a passion that opened the door to life long friendships, an active lifestyle, and deeper love for feeling the music. She's dedicated to creating a classroom atmosphere that feels supportive and safe, so all dancers from all levels of experience can build confidence in their skills and themselves, to reach their full potential.

Alexa

*NY & CT, Dance & Culinary Instructor*
Alexa is a performer based out of NYC. She is from Westchester, NY, and received a BFA in Theatre Performance with a minor in Musical Theatre from Hofstra University. After graduating, she spent a year of her professional career working in Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, but is now back in the Westchester area. Alexa has been doing theatre since the age of 4 and hopes to continue for the rest of her life, whether performing or teaching. Alexa takes joy in working with children, and her teaching style is supportive and technique-driven. And she is so happy to be a part of the Creativities Studio team!

Salvatore

*Boston, Dance Instructor*
Sal Amico is a dedicated young dancer who has immersed himself in the world of dance from a very early age. Over the years, his passion has only deepened, guiding him to refine his technique and express himself through a variety of dance styles. During college, Sal took his commitment to the next level—not just performing, but also stepping confidently into teaching and choreography. He found great fulfillment in mentoring aspiring dancers, encouraging them to explore movement, creativity, and self-expression through dance. Sal’s true joy comes from sharing the lessons he’s learned on stage and in the studio, inspiring the next generation to discover their love for dance and appreciate the art form he’s devoted his life to.

Evie

*NJ, Dance Instructor*
Evelyn has been dancing in multiple styles since the age of two, developing a deep love and appreciation for movement from a young age. After graduating from her studio in 2023, she gained valuable experience working as an assistant teacher for hip hop classes of all ages, helping students build both skill and confidence. Now, Evelyn is happily pursuing her own path as a hip hop instructor, dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for every dancer. She believes in meeting each student where they are, encouraging growth, creativity, and self-expression in each class. Evelyn is passionate about sharing her enthusiasm for dance and inspiring others to find joy through movement.

Camille

*NYC, Dance Instructor*
Camille Giordano is a versatile dance instructor and performer with a passion for helping students reach their fullest potential. A graduate of Broadway Dance Center’s Professional Training Program, she combines technical expertise with artistic creativity. She specializes in contemporary, jazz, ballet, and street styles, offering dynamic lessons for all ages and skill levels. Her recent performance credits include White Wave's Solo/Duo Festival and Anthology 33's Volume VII. Known for her high-energy teaching and supportive approach, Camille creates a positive space where dancers can grow, explore, and thrive.

Alejandro

*Miami, Dance Instructor*
Alejandro is an urban dancer with over 10 years of experience, blending hip-hop foundations with Latin rhythms to create movement that is expressive, energetic, and inviting. For the past five years, he has taught at three elementary schools, a Jewish community center, and several studios throughout Miami. A big part of his work focuses on developing movement through free expression—encouraging kids to explore what they enjoy, discover their own style, and learn what feels authentic to them. Whether working on foundational grooves, musicality, or creative improvisation, his goal as a teacher is to make every class a supportive, inspiring space where students feel confident, curious, and excited to grow through movement.

Debra

*Boston, Art Instructor*
Debra Vitt is a visual artist, having taught in both private and public schools for over 25 years. She’s served on the Massachusetts Arts Advisory Council to the Commissioner of Education, was the recipient of a Woodrow Wilson Scholarship for the Teachers as Scholars program at Harvard, and shows her photographic work throughout various US galleries. Her most enjoyable moments have been in the classroom, supporting and inspiring her students to stay curious and explore beyond their horizon.

Xenia

*Miami, Art Instructor*
Xenia is an artist and art educator with a degree in art education and additional training in art therapy. She teaches drawing, painting, mixed media, and sensory-based art, along with a wide range of hands-on crafts and creative projects. Xenia loves giving kids space to explore materials, experiment, and create with their own hands. Her focus is on building skills in a relaxed, supportive environment while helping children express themselves, gain confidence, and develop their own artistic voices.

Tess

*Boston, Dance Instructor*
Tess Saoirse Liddy is a Boston-based dancer and choreographer who teaches special education full-time in the Boston Public Schools. She began her dance career at Center Stage Dance Academy in Sagamore, MA, and found her choreographic voice in the Drew University Dance Department in Madison, NJ. As an adult, she has participated in a myriad of dance opportunities in the New England area. Tess was a participant and choreographer in the aMaSSiT program through Monkeyhouse and The Dance Complex, and a co-director of Let's Talk About It in the POP Series through Arts at the Armory. She has been a choreographer in local New England shows such as DanceWorks in Progress, OnStage 360, Boston Dance Studios Showcase, NACHMO Boston, Dance for World Community Festival, Leaps and Bounds Choreography Showcase, and Extensions Dance Projects' annual showcase. Tess is the director of Tess Saoirse Dance Company, an adult recreational dance company that seeks to provide performance opportunities for dancers of all experience levels and backgrounds. TSDC produces an annual showcase the first weekend in September, as well as 2 community-based shows each year, Expanding Community, in both Boston and New Jersey.

Gwen

*Boston, MA, Art Instructor*
Gwendolyn Gavin is a designer, weaver, and self-proclaimed fiber maven. She has extensive experience in the creative industries, having worked in sewn product manufacturing and the non-profit sector. She has been crafting since she was a child, but a simple sewing project when she was nine sparked a lifelong love of designing and making. After earning an A.A. in Fashion Design and working in the industry for a few years, her obsession with fabric and desire to travel led her to study in the U.K., where she earned a B.A. (Hons) in Creative Textile Crafts. She is passionate about textiles, craft, and arts education. She earned her M.S. in Arts Administration with the goal of making textiles and design more accessible.

Hanna

NYC & NJ, Dance Instructor

Hanna Tsao received her dance education from American Ballet Theatre (ABT) School, Gelsey Kirkland Academy, Cincinnati Ballet, English National Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, and SLK Ballet School. As an active professional dancer, Hanna has performed with Chevalier Ballet, Jersey City Ballet, Long Island Ballet Theatre, the Battery Dance Festival, Queensborough Dance Festival, and Cork City Ballet in Ireland, in both classical ballets and new works by contemporary choreographers. She was also featured in British pop singer Chad Valley's official music video for his North America Tour "Arms Away."

Hanna specializes in teaching creative movement, classical ballet, pointe, contemporary, variations/repertoire, floor barre, and stretch/strength to dancers of all ages and levels. She has also worked as a rehearsal director for school and professional productions involving large casts, and has conducted outreach workshops and performances at hospitals and schools in New York City and England. When not teaching, rehearsing, or performing dance, she works as an EMT!

Her teaching credentials include Creativities Studios, Long Island City School of Ballet, Dance Theatre of New Jersey, The Tate Academy, SLK Ballet School, HeArt in Motion Dance Studio, and Huntington Center of Performing Arts.

Molly

*Boston, Dance Instructor*
Originally from Keene, New Hampshire, Molly Thomas is a Boston-based dancer and teacher specializing in modern and contemporary dance, with additional training in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, house, and tap. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 2025 with a degree in dance and education, and is a licensed dance educator in the state of Massachusetts. Molly loves working with dancers of all ages, from 18 months to 18 years, and sharing her love of dance. She is passionate about ensuring access to the arts for all youth and supporting her students as they take risks and challenge themselves. When she's not dancing or teaching, Molly can be found exploring the Boston area, trying new recipes, and reading.

Victoria

*Boston, Dance Instructor*
Victoria is a dedicated dancer with over 20 years of experience and a passion for sharing her love of dance with others. She began competing at age 15 and started teaching dance classes at just 13, earning her first solo class at 18. Victoria’s ultimate goal is to open her own dance studio and inspire the next generation of dancers.
In addition to her dance career, Victoria is a certified nursing assistant and has recently accepted a new position in the ICU. She aspires to become a pediatric oncology nurse, driven by her commitment to caring for and making a difference in the lives of children. While she has no children of her own, Victoria considers her students family and takes great pride in nurturing their growth and enthusiasm for dance.
Victoria is also a proud cat mom to a spirited tuxedo cat named TJ (Toby Jr.), who keeps life interesting. She is thrilled to be part of this team and looks forward to an inspiring year with her students.

Beth

*Dallas, Art instructor*

Beth is a dedicated art teacher passionate about sharing her knowledge and skills with her students. She holds a B.A. in Art Education from the University of North Texas, with minors in both Art History and Drawing & Painting. With 15 years of experience in both private art businesses and public education, she has honed her teaching abilities and loves encouraging her students as they explore their creativity.
Beth believes that the best teachers are those who continue to educate themselves, so she is always learning and developing her own artistic practices. She is proficient in a variety of mediums and techniques and enjoys sharing her expertise with her students.
Beth is committed to creating a supportive, nurturing environment in her classroom where students feel empowered to express themselves through art. She is dedicated to helping her students develop their artistic skills and uncover their unique creative voices.

Aria

*Boston, Dance Instructor*
Aria Frehner was born and raised in Hancock, New Hampshire. She began dancing in the kitchen with her family and has carried that sense of playfulness and joy throughout her dance career. Aria’s early dance training took place at Peterborough Dance Theater, where she was mentored by Pati Cloutier, encouraged to try many styles, and began her choreographic journey. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Dance. During her time there, she trained extensively with Shakia Barron in House and Hip Hop, and with Barbie Diewald in Modern. Aria has also trained in Tap, Waacking, Ballet, Breaking, and Jazz. She has had the pleasure of performing in the repertory works of Balinda Craig-Quijada, Ellie Goudie-Averill, and Angelica Monterio. Aria has been teaching for over two years and is overjoyed to join Creativities Studio!

Dominique

*NYC, Art Instructor*
Dominique Robin is a mixed-media artist who works with photography, drawing, books, video, and sound. He creates his works in a variety of contexts—such as with street children in Rwanda, a group of scientific researchers in Paris, the landscapes of the Hudson Valley, and the Val d'Arno in Tuscany—with a particular focus on environmental topics. Robin has had more than 100 exhibitions in about ten countries. For the past 20 years, he has dedicated himself to sharing his passion for art with the public through exhibition visits, classes, and art workshops. Robin has taught a wide range of groups, including art school applicants, museum visitors, young children, long-term unemployed individuals, and teenagers.

Tori

CT, Art Instructor

Tori Hanna is based in Connecticut and is a university student studying art and design. They are a certified teaching artist and, through Creativities Studio, enjoy working as an after-school teacher. They also serve as a queer youth facilitator for the Connecticut Pride Center. Tori has worked in various roles, most recently as a newborn baby photographer. They appreciate every opportunity to work with children and to expand their teaching skill set. In their free time, Tori makes art, vends at art markets, and volunteers within mutual aid networks across Connecticut and into New York.