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(to name a few). 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!
Co-teacher, Amanda Carr’s (AKA Miss Amanda) love for dance and child development play an integral role in Exhale’s classrooms. She studied at the Studio of Performing Arts as a child and feels lucky to call Mrs. Jen her mentor, friend, and sister! She is currently a student at Umass Boston, where she has had the opportunity to study dance at the collegiate level. She is excited to receive her BA in psychology/sociology this spring. Jennifer is truly honored to work and dance alongside her sister, who constantly reminds her to ‘keep calm and dance on’!