Experienced, Qualified Instructors
Faculty
| 40730 Garfield Road │ Clinton Township │ 48038 │ 586.286.8300 │ info@annparsleyschoolofdance.com |
The Founder of Ann Parsley School of Dance
Ann Parsley founded Ann Parsley School of Dance in 1976. She holds a BFA in Dance from Oakland University, graduating summa cum laude with
honors in dance. She holds the highest accreditation of Diploma Fellow of the Cecchetti Council of America. She is a Permanent Examiner, Liaison
Officer and Past President of the Council. She has presented numerous students for examination and has presented teachers through the Diploma
examination. Ann teaches at workshops and seminars throughout the country. She also directed Ann Parsley School of Dance for over 30 years before
selling the studio this past winter. Ann has taught many students who have danced professionally in ballet and modern companies, industrials and
videos. She founded the Macomb Ballet Company in 1983. Ann received the first Outstanding Alumni Award in Dance from Oakland University, has
visited Taiwan three times to teach and examine, and is listed in Who’s Who in America.
The Director of Ann Parsley School of Dance
Amber Megna Michalik became the owner and director of Ann Parsley School of Dance in 2009. She began dancing at Ann Parsley School of Dance
at the age of seven and has been teaching at the studio since 2000. In addition, Ms. Michalik is the Artistic Director of the Macomb Ballet Company.
She is also the founder of the Junior Macomb Ballet Company, the first non-profit ballet company for children in Macomb County. Prior to becoming
director of the ballet company, she served as the Assistant Director to Ms. Parsley for six years. A former member of the Macomb Ballet Company,
she has danced in Les Sylphides, Peter and the Wolf, Cinderella and The Nutcracker and has danced solo roles in The Sleeping Beauty and Coppelia. Ms. Michalik
is a certified Cecchetti teacher and is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Cecchetti Council of America Eastern Michigan Committee. She
attended Oakland University on an academic scholarship where she pursued dance and business. While at Oakland, Amber was a member of the
Oakland Dance Theatre under the direction of Laurie Eisenhower. Ms. Michalik graduated with honors from Oakland University with a Bachelor of
Arts degree in Performing Arts Management.
Ann Parsley School of Dance Staff
Julee Albers began dancing at Ann Parsley School of Dance at the age of three. She has attended the CCA International Summer School, danced
advanced classes and completed Cecchetti student exams I-VI. Julee was a member of the Macomb Ballet Company for six years. She has taught at the
dance studio for seven years. Julee holds a B.A. from Michigan State University and a Masters Degree in Special Education from Eastern Michigan
University. Julee is a Special Education teacher in the Macomb Intermediate School District.
Beth Berube began dancing at Ann Parsley School of Dance at the age of four. She holds the Cecchetti Student Certification, Levels I-VI and the
Cecchetti Teachers Certification, Level I. She is a former member of the Macomb Ballet Company and performed in many classical ballets such as
Coppelia, The Sleeping Beauty, Peter and the Wolf, The Wizard of Oz and Cinderella. She augmented her training with summer intensives with the Cecchetti
Council of America's International Summer School and the Macomb Center's Dance Workshop. Beth attended Michigan State University and
graduated with a B.S. in Math. She completed her teaching certification for the State of Michigan and is now a math teacher at Fraser High School.
Sarah Boik holds the Cecchetti Student Certification, Levels I - VII and Cecchetti Teachers Certification, Level I - III. She is a former member of the
Macomb Ballet Company and has performed in many classical ballets such as, Coppelia, The Sleeping Beauty, Peter and the Wolf, Wizard of Oz, Cinderella and
Un Encuentro. She has been the Assistant Artistic Director for the Macomb Ballet Company since 2007. She augmented her training with summer
intensives with the Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, American College Dance Festival and Macomb Center’s Dance Workshop. In addition, Ms.
Boik taught at Oakland University Summer Dance Intensive. Sarah has performed in the professional opera Turandot at the Detroit Opera House and
was a member of the theatre’s company, The Civic Dance Ensemble. She received a dance scholarship from Oakland University and is currently
attending nursing school. Ms. Boik plans to continue her education with graduate school for the CRNA program in nursing.
Sara Brichta began studying with Ann Parsley at the age of three. Sara was also a member of the Macomb Ballet Company for six years. She has
danced in several ballets including Cinderella, Les Sylphides, Peter and the Wolf and The Nutcracker and has also performed soloist roles in The Sleeping Beauty
and Coppelia. Sara has taken Cecchetti student exams I - IV and has danced professionally. She has taught at the studio since 2000. Sara is currently
attending Macomb Community College where she is studying Surgical Technology.
Lynne Bretz-Cardeccia began her training at R/D Dance, Inc. at the age of 8 with tap as her primary focus. Dance studies also included ballet, jazz,
lyrical and modern at various studios in the Metro-Detroit area. While attending Oakland University, Lynne had the opportunity to dance under Laurie
Eisenhower and Greg Patterson; performed at the American College Dance Festival Association (ACDFA) in Philadelphia, PA; and was a member of
the Oakland Dance Theatre. Lynne graduated from Oakland University with a B.S. Marketing and Dance Minor and currently works full time as a
Technology Project Manager in the financial industry while she and her husband raise their three daughters. Lynne has been sharing her gift of teaching
tap classes and choreographing tap pieces at Ann Parsley School of Dance since 2002.
Hannah Ferianc began studying with Ann Parsley at the age of 13, was a member of the Macomb Ballet Company for five years and has taught at
Ann Parsley School of Dance since 2000. She has performed solo roles in The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Les Sylphides, The Nutcracker and completed
Cecchetti student exams I-VI. She holds a Master of Social Work, a Graduate Certificate in Social Work Practice with Couples and Families, as well as a
Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Dance from Wayne State University. Hannah performed with and choreographed for the WSU Dance
Company from 1999-2001. She has performed, choreographed and taught for dance studios, figure skating teams, church dance ministries, recording
artists and performance events throughout Michigan. Hannah is a clinical social worker in a private practice providing psychotherapy to individuals,
couples and families.
Melissa Hutchinson has been involved with dance for 30 years. She was trained in the Cecchetti method of ballet, as well as tap and jazz by Mary
Sherman. As a student, she was a member of the Romeo Civic Ballet Company for 11 years, and passed Cecchetti grades I -VI. She has been teaching
dance for 18 years to students ages three through adult. She directed competing tap and jazz companies for 12 years which earned top awards. She
holds Cecchetti teaching certificates for grades I -VI. Melissa also is a guidance counselor and AP Psychology teacher at Capac High School and recently
earned her Education Specialist degree in Administrative Leadership through Oakland University.
Brandon Koepsell received his training from the Walnut Hill School located outside of Boston, MA. There he studied ballet, modern, partnering and
pedagogy. Brandon has also participated in many summer programs including American Ballet Theatre and The Royal Winnepeg Ballet. Some of the
venues in which he has performed include Lincoln Center in New York City, Symphony Hall in Boston and Le Theatre d’Oliver in Marseilles, France.
Brandon was featured as Prince Desire in Eastern Michigan University’s production of Sleeping Beauty. He now teaches ballet, jazz, lyrical and
partnering technique classes at several studios in the Metro-Detroit area.
Julie Merkle has been sharing her love of dance with students and teachers for the since 1980. She is qualified to teach tap, ballet, pointe, jazz and
Hawaiian dancing. She has danced professionally, attended various master classes, workshops, seminars, and has been trained by highly regarded
teachers in the field of dance. She holds the highest level of certification possible through the Cecchetti Council of America, the Enrico Cecchetti
Diploma. She has presented many students and teachers for exams through the professional levels of the CCA. Julie is a member of the Cecchetti
Council of America’s National Executive Board and holds the position of Associate Liaison Coordinator. In January 2006, Julie was elected as an
apprentice examiner for the Cecchetti Council of America. Many of her students enjoy successful careers in the field of dance. They have danced
professionally with major ballet companies, accepted college scholarships, teach students and teachers and operate their own flourishing dance studios.
Angela Pacini has been dancing since the age of three. She has completed her student exams in Cecchetti with honors through Grade VII Advanced
Professional. Angela has enhanced her dance studies in New York with Alvin Ailey Dance Company and in Chicago with Joel Hall Dance Center and
Jazz World Dance Congress. She was a member of the Macomb Ballet Company for seven years and performed soloist roles in many classical ballets
such as, The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Wizard of Oz, Un Encuentro and The Nutcracker. Angela also performed with the Macomb Symphony Orchestra and
The Gaylord’s at the Macomb Center for Performing Arts. Angela attends Oakland University on a dance scholarship and is as a member of the
Oakland Dance Theatre.
Monique Sgro has been on faculty at Ann Parsley School of Dance since 1984. She is the former chair of the Eastern Michigan Committee of the
Cecchetti Council of America. Monique is currently the Website Liaison to the Cecchetti Council of America. In addition, she holds her Cecchetti
Advanced teacher’s certificate. She attended Marygrove College on a full dance scholarship where she danced with Dance Detroit and performed in The
Nutcracker. She is also a former Macomb Ballet Company member. Monique has studied and taught internationally in Canada, The Netherlands and
Italy. She has taught classes at CCA Ballet Day, The Macomb Arts Council’s Annual Dance Festival and the Cecchetti International Summer School at
Hope College. Monique has taught students in the Cecchetti levels Primary I through Advanced and has presented teachers from Grade I through
Grade VI.
Samantha Shelton received her professional training from the Joffrey Ballet and the David Howard Dance Center in New York and in Michigan with
Rose Marie Floyd. For the past eleven years, she has been on the ballet faculty for American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive, teaching, setting ABT
repertoire and choreographing new ballets for the final performance at the Detroit Opera House. She has also taught and choreographed for the
professional ballet program at the Walnut Hill School in Boston, directed by former ABT principal, Michael Owen and was on faculty at the Interlochen
Arts Academy for three summers. Currently, she is on the ballet faculty at Wayne State University and the Detroit Opera House where she was the
artistic director for the Detroit Opera House’s Civic Dance Ensemble. Samantha holds an M.F.A in Dance from the University of Michigan and a B.A.
in Political Science from the University of Michigan. She has also done graduate work at New York University in Performing Arts Administration with
internships at Carnegie Hall and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. Recently, she was elected to the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre &
Dance Alumni Society Board of Governors and the board of the Michigan Dance Council.
Dr. Jennifer Tillinger began dancing at the age of four and training with Ann Parsley at the age of eleven. Dr. Tillinger was one of the original
members of the Macomb Ballet Company and has performed the role of Cinderella. Her passion to dance drove her to continue her dance education at
the University of Michigan where she received a BFA in Dance. Dr. Tillinger has danced and choreographed professionally throughout the Metro-
Detroit area and has toured with the International Auto Show. Dr. Tillinger has been teaching dance since 1988 and is a certified instructor
of the Cecchetti Method of Ballet. She holds certificates for teachers grades I – VI and has been preparing and presenting students and teachers for
ballet since 1993. Dr. Tillinger also has a Ph.D in Biomedical Sciences from Oakland University, where she is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor
of Chemistry.
Studio Managers
Anne Macaulay has been at the studio for over 14 years. She has helped manage the front desk for the past three years. In addition, she sits on the
Executive Board and is the Treasurer of the Macomb Ballet Company. Anne has also participated in several performances with the Macomb Ballet
Company. Recently, she was the Queen in the Macomb Ballet Company's production of The Sleeping Beauty. Anne has a B.A. Degree in Psychology and
Therapeutic Recreation
Renee Sun has managed the studio for twelve years and has worked back stage at the recitals for twenty years. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from
Wayne State University. Besides managing the studio, Renee is a research assistant at Wayne State. Recently, she has been studying the Inuit in
Northern Quebec and has traveled to Adirondacks to complete her research.
Ann Parsley founded Ann Parsley School of Dance in 1976. She holds a BFA in Dance from Oakland University, graduating summa cum laude with
honors in dance. She holds the highest accreditation of Diploma Fellow of the Cecchetti Council of America. She is a Permanent Examiner, Liaison
Officer and Past President of the Council. She has presented numerous students for examination and has presented teachers through the Diploma
examination. Ann teaches at workshops and seminars throughout the country. She also directed Ann Parsley School of Dance for over 30 years before
selling the studio this past winter. Ann has taught many students who have danced professionally in ballet and modern companies, industrials and
videos. She founded the Macomb Ballet Company in 1983. Ann received the first Outstanding Alumni Award in Dance from Oakland University, has
visited Taiwan three times to teach and examine, and is listed in Who’s Who in America.
The Director of Ann Parsley School of Dance
Amber Megna Michalik became the owner and director of Ann Parsley School of Dance in 2009. She began dancing at Ann Parsley School of Dance
at the age of seven and has been teaching at the studio since 2000. In addition, Ms. Michalik is the Artistic Director of the Macomb Ballet Company.
She is also the founder of the Junior Macomb Ballet Company, the first non-profit ballet company for children in Macomb County. Prior to becoming
director of the ballet company, she served as the Assistant Director to Ms. Parsley for six years. A former member of the Macomb Ballet Company,
she has danced in Les Sylphides, Peter and the Wolf, Cinderella and The Nutcracker and has danced solo roles in The Sleeping Beauty and Coppelia. Ms. Michalik
is a certified Cecchetti teacher and is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Cecchetti Council of America Eastern Michigan Committee. She
attended Oakland University on an academic scholarship where she pursued dance and business. While at Oakland, Amber was a member of the
Oakland Dance Theatre under the direction of Laurie Eisenhower. Ms. Michalik graduated with honors from Oakland University with a Bachelor of
Arts degree in Performing Arts Management.
Ann Parsley School of Dance Staff
Julee Albers began dancing at Ann Parsley School of Dance at the age of three. She has attended the CCA International Summer School, danced
advanced classes and completed Cecchetti student exams I-VI. Julee was a member of the Macomb Ballet Company for six years. She has taught at the
dance studio for seven years. Julee holds a B.A. from Michigan State University and a Masters Degree in Special Education from Eastern Michigan
University. Julee is a Special Education teacher in the Macomb Intermediate School District.
Beth Berube began dancing at Ann Parsley School of Dance at the age of four. She holds the Cecchetti Student Certification, Levels I-VI and the
Cecchetti Teachers Certification, Level I. She is a former member of the Macomb Ballet Company and performed in many classical ballets such as
Coppelia, The Sleeping Beauty, Peter and the Wolf, The Wizard of Oz and Cinderella. She augmented her training with summer intensives with the Cecchetti
Council of America's International Summer School and the Macomb Center's Dance Workshop. Beth attended Michigan State University and
graduated with a B.S. in Math. She completed her teaching certification for the State of Michigan and is now a math teacher at Fraser High School.
Sarah Boik holds the Cecchetti Student Certification, Levels I - VII and Cecchetti Teachers Certification, Level I - III. She is a former member of the
Macomb Ballet Company and has performed in many classical ballets such as, Coppelia, The Sleeping Beauty, Peter and the Wolf, Wizard of Oz, Cinderella and
Un Encuentro. She has been the Assistant Artistic Director for the Macomb Ballet Company since 2007. She augmented her training with summer
intensives with the Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, American College Dance Festival and Macomb Center’s Dance Workshop. In addition, Ms.
Boik taught at Oakland University Summer Dance Intensive. Sarah has performed in the professional opera Turandot at the Detroit Opera House and
was a member of the theatre’s company, The Civic Dance Ensemble. She received a dance scholarship from Oakland University and is currently
attending nursing school. Ms. Boik plans to continue her education with graduate school for the CRNA program in nursing.
Sara Brichta began studying with Ann Parsley at the age of three. Sara was also a member of the Macomb Ballet Company for six years. She has
danced in several ballets including Cinderella, Les Sylphides, Peter and the Wolf and The Nutcracker and has also performed soloist roles in The Sleeping Beauty
and Coppelia. Sara has taken Cecchetti student exams I - IV and has danced professionally. She has taught at the studio since 2000. Sara is currently
attending Macomb Community College where she is studying Surgical Technology.
Lynne Bretz-Cardeccia began her training at R/D Dance, Inc. at the age of 8 with tap as her primary focus. Dance studies also included ballet, jazz,
lyrical and modern at various studios in the Metro-Detroit area. While attending Oakland University, Lynne had the opportunity to dance under Laurie
Eisenhower and Greg Patterson; performed at the American College Dance Festival Association (ACDFA) in Philadelphia, PA; and was a member of
the Oakland Dance Theatre. Lynne graduated from Oakland University with a B.S. Marketing and Dance Minor and currently works full time as a
Technology Project Manager in the financial industry while she and her husband raise their three daughters. Lynne has been sharing her gift of teaching
tap classes and choreographing tap pieces at Ann Parsley School of Dance since 2002.
Hannah Ferianc began studying with Ann Parsley at the age of 13, was a member of the Macomb Ballet Company for five years and has taught at
Ann Parsley School of Dance since 2000. She has performed solo roles in The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Les Sylphides, The Nutcracker and completed
Cecchetti student exams I-VI. She holds a Master of Social Work, a Graduate Certificate in Social Work Practice with Couples and Families, as well as a
Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Dance from Wayne State University. Hannah performed with and choreographed for the WSU Dance
Company from 1999-2001. She has performed, choreographed and taught for dance studios, figure skating teams, church dance ministries, recording
artists and performance events throughout Michigan. Hannah is a clinical social worker in a private practice providing psychotherapy to individuals,
couples and families.
Melissa Hutchinson has been involved with dance for 30 years. She was trained in the Cecchetti method of ballet, as well as tap and jazz by Mary
Sherman. As a student, she was a member of the Romeo Civic Ballet Company for 11 years, and passed Cecchetti grades I -VI. She has been teaching
dance for 18 years to students ages three through adult. She directed competing tap and jazz companies for 12 years which earned top awards. She
holds Cecchetti teaching certificates for grades I -VI. Melissa also is a guidance counselor and AP Psychology teacher at Capac High School and recently
earned her Education Specialist degree in Administrative Leadership through Oakland University.
Brandon Koepsell received his training from the Walnut Hill School located outside of Boston, MA. There he studied ballet, modern, partnering and
pedagogy. Brandon has also participated in many summer programs including American Ballet Theatre and The Royal Winnepeg Ballet. Some of the
venues in which he has performed include Lincoln Center in New York City, Symphony Hall in Boston and Le Theatre d’Oliver in Marseilles, France.
Brandon was featured as Prince Desire in Eastern Michigan University’s production of Sleeping Beauty. He now teaches ballet, jazz, lyrical and
partnering technique classes at several studios in the Metro-Detroit area.
Julie Merkle has been sharing her love of dance with students and teachers for the since 1980. She is qualified to teach tap, ballet, pointe, jazz and
Hawaiian dancing. She has danced professionally, attended various master classes, workshops, seminars, and has been trained by highly regarded
teachers in the field of dance. She holds the highest level of certification possible through the Cecchetti Council of America, the Enrico Cecchetti
Diploma. She has presented many students and teachers for exams through the professional levels of the CCA. Julie is a member of the Cecchetti
Council of America’s National Executive Board and holds the position of Associate Liaison Coordinator. In January 2006, Julie was elected as an
apprentice examiner for the Cecchetti Council of America. Many of her students enjoy successful careers in the field of dance. They have danced
professionally with major ballet companies, accepted college scholarships, teach students and teachers and operate their own flourishing dance studios.
Angela Pacini has been dancing since the age of three. She has completed her student exams in Cecchetti with honors through Grade VII Advanced
Professional. Angela has enhanced her dance studies in New York with Alvin Ailey Dance Company and in Chicago with Joel Hall Dance Center and
Jazz World Dance Congress. She was a member of the Macomb Ballet Company for seven years and performed soloist roles in many classical ballets
such as, The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Wizard of Oz, Un Encuentro and The Nutcracker. Angela also performed with the Macomb Symphony Orchestra and
The Gaylord’s at the Macomb Center for Performing Arts. Angela attends Oakland University on a dance scholarship and is as a member of the
Oakland Dance Theatre.
Monique Sgro has been on faculty at Ann Parsley School of Dance since 1984. She is the former chair of the Eastern Michigan Committee of the
Cecchetti Council of America. Monique is currently the Website Liaison to the Cecchetti Council of America. In addition, she holds her Cecchetti
Advanced teacher’s certificate. She attended Marygrove College on a full dance scholarship where she danced with Dance Detroit and performed in The
Nutcracker. She is also a former Macomb Ballet Company member. Monique has studied and taught internationally in Canada, The Netherlands and
Italy. She has taught classes at CCA Ballet Day, The Macomb Arts Council’s Annual Dance Festival and the Cecchetti International Summer School at
Hope College. Monique has taught students in the Cecchetti levels Primary I through Advanced and has presented teachers from Grade I through
Grade VI.
Samantha Shelton received her professional training from the Joffrey Ballet and the David Howard Dance Center in New York and in Michigan with
Rose Marie Floyd. For the past eleven years, she has been on the ballet faculty for American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive, teaching, setting ABT
repertoire and choreographing new ballets for the final performance at the Detroit Opera House. She has also taught and choreographed for the
professional ballet program at the Walnut Hill School in Boston, directed by former ABT principal, Michael Owen and was on faculty at the Interlochen
Arts Academy for three summers. Currently, she is on the ballet faculty at Wayne State University and the Detroit Opera House where she was the
artistic director for the Detroit Opera House’s Civic Dance Ensemble. Samantha holds an M.F.A in Dance from the University of Michigan and a B.A.
in Political Science from the University of Michigan. She has also done graduate work at New York University in Performing Arts Administration with
internships at Carnegie Hall and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. Recently, she was elected to the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre &
Dance Alumni Society Board of Governors and the board of the Michigan Dance Council.
Dr. Jennifer Tillinger began dancing at the age of four and training with Ann Parsley at the age of eleven. Dr. Tillinger was one of the original
members of the Macomb Ballet Company and has performed the role of Cinderella. Her passion to dance drove her to continue her dance education at
the University of Michigan where she received a BFA in Dance. Dr. Tillinger has danced and choreographed professionally throughout the Metro-
Detroit area and has toured with the International Auto Show. Dr. Tillinger has been teaching dance since 1988 and is a certified instructor
of the Cecchetti Method of Ballet. She holds certificates for teachers grades I – VI and has been preparing and presenting students and teachers for
ballet since 1993. Dr. Tillinger also has a Ph.D in Biomedical Sciences from Oakland University, where she is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor
of Chemistry.
Studio Managers
Anne Macaulay has been at the studio for over 14 years. She has helped manage the front desk for the past three years. In addition, she sits on the
Executive Board and is the Treasurer of the Macomb Ballet Company. Anne has also participated in several performances with the Macomb Ballet
Company. Recently, she was the Queen in the Macomb Ballet Company's production of The Sleeping Beauty. Anne has a B.A. Degree in Psychology and
Therapeutic Recreation
Renee Sun has managed the studio for twelve years and has worked back stage at the recitals for twenty years. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from
Wayne State University. Besides managing the studio, Renee is a research assistant at Wayne State. Recently, she has been studying the Inuit in
Northern Quebec and has traveled to Adirondacks to complete her research.
| Top Row: Julie Merkle, Sarah Boik, Renee Sun, Monique Sgro, Melissa Hutchinson Middle Row: Angela Pacini, Beth Berube, Amber Megna Michalik, Lynne Cardeccia Bottom Row: Anne Macaulay, Jennifer Tillinger Not Pictured: Julee Albers, Sara Brichta, Hannah Ferianc, Brandon Koepsell, Chris Masters, Samantha Shelton |
| Ann Parsley School of Dance Staff |