Jennifer Cote, owner and CEO, danced before she could walk. Dance has always been her release or ‘exhale’. She is humbled by the opportunity to share her passion for moving, learning and living with her community. Mrs. Jen comes from a rich background in her art form, graduating from Dean College in 2008, receiving her BA in dance and studying 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. Jennifer continues to attend dance workshops and classes, because, as her mentors taught her, dance education is a life-long process.
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.
Faculty member, Adrienne Matthews, began dancing at the Studio of Performing Arts in Canton, MA under the direction of David Connolly, Renae Maccioli McLeod and Jennifer Cote! Jennifer introduced Adrienne to the Horton technique which quickly became her favorite style of dance. Adrienne competed in dance for years, however found her true passion for performance at the Boston Arts Academy, where she had opportunities to dance across the country. Following a dance related injury, and a nagging curiosity as to why it happened, she decided to pursue Physical Therapy following high school to help future dancers train without having preventable injuries. She recently graduated from Plymouth State University’s inaugural DPT program with a degree in Physical Therapy. Adrienne was fortunate as a young dancer to have a role model like Jennifer as she was always so focused, kind, and dedicated to the art which radiates in her love for teaching! Adrienne loves dancing with Jennifer and Shannen again! It feels like home!
Faculty member, Melissa Campbell, has been a dancer since the age of 2. She has lived in Norfolk her whole life and is currently majoring in dance at Dean College. She danced at Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center where she studied tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary, lyrical and hip hop. She has also been an instructor/choreographer for several years as well. Melissa absolutely adores working with young dancers and she could not be more excited to join the Exhale family! Her goal is to share her love and passion with as many students as she can and hopes to inspire dancers the same way she was inspired by her teachers.
Faculty member and front desk coordinator, Lindsay Gibbons, has studied dance since the age of four under various instructors, including Jenna Nippert, Elissa Verholt and Robert Mulrey. She enjoys all styles of dance, but musical theatre holds a special place in her heart. She graduated summa cum laude from Keene State college with a Bachelor’s degree in both dance and psychology. While there, she trained under Cynthia McLaughlin, Molly Fletcher Lynch and Sarah Lass and performed in the work of various guest artists, including Jesse Jean Stinnet, Boris Willis and Ellen Oliver. Lindsay is a passionate teacher who seeks to instill a love of dance in her students. She is honored to be joining the Exhale family and is eager to inspire each dancer to reach their full potential.
Faculty Member, Emily Keller, started her dance journey at age 15 when she began studying ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical, while also serving on her studio’s company competition team. Emily is a graduate of Merrimack College, where she studied Psychology and Sociology. While there, she served as a member of the Merrimack College Dance Club, and became Vice President her senior year. As a member, she had the chance to gain experience in hip hop as well as Choreography. Emily is also a member of the Dance Teachers Club of Greater Boston, where she has taken workshops in different styles specifically focused on teaching students. Outside the studio, Emily works as a nanny in the Norfolk area. She is so excited to be welcomed into the Exhale dance family and to join in on their mission to inspire and empower all dancers.
Faculty Member, Shawn Simpson, has been a gymnast, dancer and coach for 40 years. Shawn is a member of the national gymnastics team, NCAA all-American, national and International Competitor, State, Regional and National champion. Title holder in multiple dance competitions in various styles of dance. Shawn is also a special educator for students with moderate to severe disabilities.
Office Manager, Kristin Cobb, graduated from Plymouth State University in 2011 with a BS in Business and Dance. She went on to study Movement Therapy at Lesley University to work with children with special needs. Kristin met Jen Cote at The Dance Inn, where she taught recreational dance classes, adaptive dance classes, and managed the studio for seven great years before relocating to her hometown in Connecticut. Now she spends her days with her husband and two beautiful daughters. Jennifer Cote is excited to have Kristin’s expertise and experience on the Exhale team and looks forward to working with her again!
Apparel Manager, Lynne Covel, is excited to be a member of the staff at Exhale! In her past roles she has been a manager of a local television studio, a website content writer, and corporate trainer. She is a mother (one of her kids is a dancer!), real estate agent, and loves taking part in community events. Lynne is here to make sure that your dancer has the clothes and shoes they need to dance their best!