Our Team

Emily Knauer

About our CEO & Founder:

Founded by Emily Knauer, Creativities Studio brings interactive, engaging children’s classes to a school or studio near you. Emily has 17 years of teaching experience with an innate love for educating and enhancing the minds of children across the USA.

Creativities Studio offers the following for ages 1.5 - 14:

Dance lessons
Private tutoring
Culinary courses
Art courses
Summer camps
Birthday parties

Located in CT, FL, MA, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC & TX the CS team includes enthusiastic professional dancers, artists, chefs, and educators. Each class is upbeat, encouraging, inclusive, and fun, ensuring your children learn with a smile.

Sonal

*Westchester, Executive Assistant*
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!

Anna

*Greenwich & Westchester, Dance Instructor*
Anna Wroclawski is a dance, Pilates and movement instructor that has taught from the preschool up through the college level throughout Westchester County, New York City and Connecticut. Growing up she attended the Walnut Hill School for the Performing Arts in Natick, Massachusetts and later performed with the Ballet Theater of Boston and the Boston Ballet. Anna earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts at The Boston Conservatory where she majored in Dance and studied classical ballet and modern dance forms. She has enjoyed being a director of Westchester Circus Art’s Summer Camp which was held at the Shames JCC in Tarrytown. There she taught introduction to acrobatics, juggling, Lyra (hoop) and wire walking. Anna has taught ballet, modern and hip hop dance styles to students young, old and to all abilities. When not dancing, Anna can be found playing Gridiron Partners female flag football or playing WPGDA women’s disc golf on the local Westchester courses.

Nicole (Nikki)

NYC, Dance Instructor

Nicole Carroll is a native from Jupiter Florida who started her training at Florida School for Dance Education and went to high school at Dreyfoos School of the Arts. She then furthered her training at Point Park University where she earned her BFA in Dance and performed works by Rocker Verastique, Martha Graham, and Crystal Frazier. After graduating she moved to New York where she worked with multiple artists and also taught dance at various studios ranging from ages 2-13. Recently in 2023 she achieved her dream of becoming a Radio City Rockette and performed in the latest season of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular!

Gates

*Boston, Culinary Instructor*
Gaitskell Cleghorn Jr. (aka Gates) is the owner of his own multifaceted food business which is home to five different services. He is passionate about sharing his culinary experience and expertise with the community and especially youth. He has served as a culinary educator in Boston high schools, colleges, universities, and local restaurants. Chef Gates’s unique teaching philosophy is what drives his success with the youth in his community. As a ninth grader at Madison Park High School in Roxbury, Chef Gates recalls walking into the culinary department where “the air smelled like fresh baked goods.” That is where his love for culinary arts was born. Shortly thereafter, the young Chef Gates began working in the restaurant industry where he refined his skills that eventually granted him his title. Among many other talents (dance and playing piano to name a few), Chef Gates’s leadership and experience starting and running organizations enabled him to continue to change lives as a Culinary Educator and Culinary Director. Working with Creativities Studio will allow Chef Gates to continue developing and honing his skills as an educator.

Jeremy

*NYC, Culinary Instructor*
Jeremy—a farm-to-table chef and culinary instructor—grew up on a small, self-sustaining farm in rural Kazakhstan. His grandparents raised livestock and cultivated a variety of produce, nurturing his early passion for cooking and seasonal ingredients. At 19, Jeremy immigrated to the United States, eager to pursue his culinary aspirations. A graduate of Natural Gourmet Institute (a health-supportive, plant-based, alternative-ingredient school in New York City), Jeremy honed his skills under Suzanne Cupps, a renowned chef known for her vegetable-forward cuisine (Lola’s, Untitled, Gramercy Tavern). Jeremy's culinary journey continued to expand over the next decade. Today, he juggles a variety of roles, from catering and executing multi-course tasting menus to teaching cooking classes to adults and children, and he is thrilled to join Creativities Studio as an instructor. When he's not in the kitchen, he enjoys jogging, hiking, writing, food photography, creating book covers, and traveling the world with his husband.

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.

Elise

Boston, Dance Instructor

Elise Nakahara is a dance instructor currently studying Health Science at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. Originally from Westchester, NY, Elise has been passionate about dance since she was 10 years old, with training across multiple styles including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, modern, and contemporary. Throughout her high school years, she was part of the Elite Company at Artistry Dance Project in Pleasantville, NY, where she honed her skills and competed in the Tri-State Area. Additionally, Elise participated in the studio's Ambassador Program, which gave her hands-on experience choreographing and teaching younger dancers. Her dance education extends beyond her home studio; Elise has also trained with renowned organizations such as Steps on Broadway and New York City Dance Alliance. Now, she’s eager to share her love and passion for dance with her students with Creativities Studio!

Gianna

*Westchester & Connecticut, Dance Instructor*
Originally from New York, Gianna began dancing at the age of 2. She grew up training in many different styles, and taking class from top choreographers at dance conventions around the country. She's learned from the Radio City Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, and has been mentored by some of Broadway's finest. She's performed in many half time shows as a part of the Mount Saint Mary College Dance Team, and was a member of the Mid-Hudson Ballet Company, where she performed in The Nutcracker with the Moscow Ballet Company. Upon graduating college, she was a cast member at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida! Gianna has been on the teaching staff at many studios in New York and New Jersey, and is now teaching master classes and setting competition choreography for studios and dance teams along the East Coast. Growing up in the competition world, she found a love for the industry very quickly. Gianna stage managed and emceed for 3 leading competitions, and now works alongside her brother Rocco, as a co-founder of Industry Dance Challenge. She loves sharing her passion for dance with all of the students she encounters in her travels, and is so excited to be teaching for Creativities Studio!

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.

Kate

*Charleston, Art Instructor*
Kate Montella is a full time middle and high school art teacher in Charleston, SC. She has a BFA in Art Education from the University of South Carolina. She has taught children of all ages, all over the world! Kate lived in Italy during her studies and was able to learn by seeing and making art while teaching students in schools around Tuscany. Kate has experience teaching in Montessori preschool, charter, private, as well as traditional public elementary, middle and high schools. She is originally from New York and loves to go back to Montauk in the summers to visit family and go to the beach. Her favorite artist is her daughter , Ava, who loves the arts and crafting just as much as her mom does!

Dakota

Boston, Dance Instructor

Dakota Jusem-LaPorte grew up dancing in Manchester, CT, where she spent years discovering and cultivating her passion for movement, creativity, and storytelling. She graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a BFA in Acting, and while in school, continued her dance training by taking classes with industry professionals Scott Wise and Jen Turey. Having been homeschooled until college, Dakota has been able to focus on her interests – which include dance, art, music, and more – and has developed a strong appreciation for the arts and creative freedom. She has experience working with children through assistant teaching and babysitting, and takes joy in instilling confidence and creativity in today’s youth.

Kayla

*Charleston, Dance Instructor*
Kayla has taught dance classes since 2011. She moved to the U.S. from the Philippines in 2017 and continued to teach. She is a member of a hip-hop dance crew and participated in Philippines Got Talent in 2012. Zumba and line dancing have always been her favorite styles of dance. She has also taught cheerleading, hip-hop, and ballroom. Her diverse knowledge and passion for dancing have led her to teach multiple age groups across large numbers. Dancing is her passion, and she wants to continue passing her knowledge on to her students.

Sara

*Boston, Dance Instructor*
Sara Henneberry’s passion for dance has been a driving force in her life for over a decade. Whether in ballet, jazz, hip hop, or contemporary, dance is her way of fostering creativity, confidence, and self-expression. As a teacher, Sara creates an inspiring and supportive environment where every dancer feels valued and encouraged to grow and develop. A graduate from the Arts Academy of New Hampshire, Sara trained extensively at Carlene Nazarian Dance Center and has worked with dancers of all ages. She has taught competitive teams, led students to national events, and developed technique-driven classes that nurture both artistry and confidence. Sara combines her deep love for dance with her experience to help students reach their full potential, both in dance and in life.”

Stephanie

*NYC, Dance & Culinary Instructor*
Stephanie Benson believes in the arts’ power to positively shape young people’s lives, enabling them to be active members of their community and fostering joy and hope. Originally from Southern California, Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Theatre, with a minor in Education, from Loyola Marymount University. Stephanie has experience with a wide variety of the arts, from being a professional dancer in NYC to baking wedding cakes. She has worked as an educator and administrator for several performing arts organizations, including Dance 4 Joy Ministries, Joffrey Ballet School, Greenhouse Art Center, Anointed Feet Dance School, Dance Works OC, and Creativities Studio. Stephanie is passionate about serving her communities, particularly at the intersection of art and education, as recognized through numerous esteemed service awards, including the Marian, RSHM Senior Service Award, Presidential Citation, and the Raymunde McKay, RSHM, Award.

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.

Anna

Boston, Dance Instructor

Originally from Salem, Oregon, Miss Anna Tandy began dancing at the age of 2 at the Discovery School of Dance (DSD). For over 15 years at DSD, she studied Ballet, Pointe, Irish Soft Shoe, Irish Hard Shoe, Jazz/Hip-Hop, contemporary, and lyrical dance, alongside participating in various forms of music and theater outside of dance classes. Anna worked as a teaching assistant and dance teacher at Children's Educational Theater (CET) and has also worked as a teaching assistant at Danceworx Academy & Yoga Studio. As a classically trained vocal student at Berklee College of Music, Anna is studying to major in Music Education and minor in Choral Conducting. Anna is passionate about teaching, creating a welcoming and communal space for all, and nourishing a love for dance and music!