Director, Jennifer Cote (AKA Mrs. Jen), graduated from Dean College in 2008, receiving her BA in dance. After graduating from college she studied with several renowned institutions and companies such as The Ailey School and Parsons Dance. She feels blessed to have met and be mentored by numerous leaders in the dance industry including Joan Phelps Palladino, Denise Jefferson, Thelma Goldberg, Nailah Randall-Bellinger, David Connolly, Jill Silverman, and Margot Parsons. Jennifer continues to attend dance workshops and classes, because, as her mentors taught her, dance education is a life-long process. Her mission is to instill this life-long-love for moving and learning in her students.
Faculty member, Shannen Kelley (AKA Miss Shannen), studied dance under the tutelage of Jennifer Cote at The Studio of Performing Arts in Canton MA. There she gained a love for dance that followed her into adulthood. She continued studying dance in college and received her Masters in Education from Lesley University. This love for dance and education are the perfect ingredients for an exceptional dance teacher. Jen is honored to have Shannen lead the tap program at Exhale. She is excited to continue to watch Shannen grow and flourish throughout the years.
The talented Jen Oliver wears many hats at the dance studio including office manager, dancer, jack-of-all-trades, and (her most important job) Dance Mom! Jen has a passion for the arts, community, and childhood development. These passions allow her to be an asset to the dance studio. Jennifer Cote is thrilled that Jen has decided to join the Exhale team and looks forward to working with her for many more years to come!
Assistant teacher, Ariel Powers (AKA Miss Ariel), has been dancing since she was two-years-old. She has had the pleasure of having the wonderful Renae McLeod as a ballet teacher for the past 10 years, the same person who fostered Miss Jen’s love of ballet. Ariel has also been lucky enough to study under SKooJ-CorE-O for the past three years on her company Boston Community Dance Project. She has been able to participate in many performances and benefit shows like Holiday Hope. Ariel’s passion for dance and warm demeanor create the perfect recipe for an assistant teacher. We are absolutely thrilled to have Ariel share her love of dance and artistry with the next generation at Exhale!