Heather ParkerOwner, Director, Instructor
Heather was born and raised in Dallas, Georgia. She began dancing at the age of 2 at a metro Atlanta studio under the direct supervision of Pamela Mitchell Lambert. At the age of 14 she began assistant teaching and at the age of 16 began choreographing and instructing. At age 17 she took her first full routine to a regional competition. The routine received a Platinum award and cash prize. Heather has competed in regional and national competitions throughout the south. She embarked on her dream of owning her own studio in 2005. She taught 5 students out of a basement. Despite the restrictions of instructing in a non-studio setting, Heather's routines brought home top honors at four regional competitions and one national competition that season. These students are still with her today. In 2005 she also performed and acted as show supervisor at Six Flags Over Georgia. In 2006 Heather began teaching at CAD. Within six months of working as an instructor for the previous owner, she became the studios acting director. In that same year, Heather started the CAD Company. That summer she was offered the studio and jumped at the opportunity. Since then, under Heather's ownership and direction, the studio has tripled in enrollment and moved to a more accessible and convenient location. CAD now offers four levels of CAD Company classes, over 40 classes per week, private lessons, and is still growing! Heather continues her dance education by attending conventions and workshops throughout the southeast. At these conventions and workshops Heather has had the opportunity to learn from great choreographers such as Mia Michaels, Tyce Diorio, Wade Robson, Chris Judd, Brian Friedman, LaurieAnn Gibson, and many more. She has been a part of several different community organizations by teaching dance camps to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Paulding County, and volunteering her time to the Tanner Health Systems Children's Camp and the Girl Scouts. Heather emphasizes the art of dance, technical training, age appropriate costuming and choreography, and life lessons through dance education. She hires only the best instructors who also believe in the value of teaching dance as an art form. While Heather emphasizes intensive training to her Company students, she also gives the same attention to recreational students. This season CAD will present it's second annual production of The Nutcracker Suite, a Winter Extravaganza Recital, and the End of Season Recital. Students at CAD are also given the opportunity to perform at local events, attend regional and national competitions, as well as attending conventions and workshops throughout the southeast. Performance opportunities are of utmost importance to Heather. "If a child can dance on a stage with poise, grace, class, and excitement, imagine what they can achieve in life!" Heather is looking forward to many more years as studio owner. She strives to provide the best dance education in the West Georgia area, encourage high self esteem in students, and spark a passion in all through the art of dance.
Terri Ducker - Instructor Terri is originally from Englewood, Colorado and has been teaching dance for 17 years with the past ten being with Carrollton Academy of Dance. She has a BFA in Musical Theatre and has performed professionally at several regional theatres. In addition to her love of the arts, Terri has a Masters of Science in Higher Education and a Master of Arts in Psychology. Terri currently is a full-time therapist for children at KidsPeace of Georgia and is certified as an LPC. Terri remains involved in Carrollton Community Theatre serving as Music Director for Peter Pan and was seen as Dolly in Hello Dolly. She provides private vocal coaching and continues singing at the Carrollton Presbyterian Church. She maintains current in her dance and choreography skills and traveled to NYC, this summer, to complete the Pulse Teacher Workshop, studying under many of the best choreographers to include Mia Michaels, Tyce Diorio, LaurieAnn Gibson, Andy Blankenbuehler and many more of the best teachers/choreographers throughout the United States. Terri's commitment to honing her skills has resulted in several outstanding choreography awards from several competitions the past two years. Terri loves teaching and is committed to building life skills through dance, raising self-esteem, and providing kids with the tools to discover their inner artist. Terri is grateful to be back with CADPAC and is looking forward to the best year yet!!!
Courtney Emmett - Guest InstructorCourtney is originally from Cumming, Ga but has lived in the west Georgia area since 2006. She began her ballet training at age 5 at Duluth School of Ballet in Duluth, Georgia, where she remained until attending college. While at DSB, Courtney danced with the Atlanta Ballet in their production of the Nutcracker in 1995, 1997 and 1998 and attended the International Ballet Competition's summer intensive program in 1997. In 2003, she began attending Georgia College and State University, where she participated in the Continuing Education department's production of the Nutcracker as a Snowflake and Spanish dancer, and danced with the GCSU Dance Team for two years. In 2006, she transferred to the University of West Georgia, where she earned her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She will graduate from UWG in May 2012 with her Masters of Education in Guidance and Counseling. Courtney composed the new CAD Ballet Program and will be responsible for implementation. As a company ballet teacher at CAD, Courtney has choreographed several recital pieces for the Senior company over the past 3 years and played an instrumental role in CAD's first production of The Nutcracker last year. She is very excited to be returning to CAD for a 4th year and looks forward to implementing the new CAD Ballet Program!
Deidra Bass - Instructor (Bio to Come)
Carly Steele - Instructor Carly was born in Germany and has lived the majority of her life in Cobb County, Georgia. She began her dance career at Christine's School of Dance in Marietta. While there she participated in numerous Regional and National Competitions where she won the titles of "Miss West Coast Dance Explosion" and "Overall Soloist" for Star Power Dance Competition. Carly has also been awarded scholarships from New York Dance Alliance and Hollywood Vibe conventions. She later became an instructor in the disciplines of Jazz, Ballet, and Tap for Christine's School of Dance. Carly attended as is a 2004 graduate of the Cobb County for Excellence in the Performing Arts at Pebblebrook High School in Mableton, Georgia. There she majored in dance and minored in vocal performance and was honored to be selected for the Governor's Honors Program as a dance major. This opportunity remains as one of Carly's best experiences and favorite memories of her life. In addition to GHP, she has traveled to New York where she studied at Broadway Dance Center, STEPS on Broadway, and ABT. Carly was accepted into Brenau University, in 2004, as an honors scholarship recipient. While attending BU, she danced with the Brenau Dance Ensemble with whom she attended the American College Dance Festival. Carly moved herself with the Gainesville Theatre Alliance, and performed the musical "The Mystery of Edwin Drood". In 2010, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with a degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education with a minor in dance. She was a member of the KSU Dance Company where she also held the position of Dance Company Treasurer. This year Carly begins anew with a teaching position at St. James Catholic Church, in Marietta, as a Pre-K teacher and as an instructor for Carrollton Academy of Dance. She is excited to be working with the staff and students at CAD!
NaShayla Jones- Instructorbio coming soon
Michael Hebert - Instructorbio coming soon
Joey and Lisa Parker-
Prop Manager, Office Manager
Joey...heads the team of "prop dads" at CAD. He creates, builds, paints, and manages props for our annual production of The Nutcracker and for our dance Company. He also works around the studio on general maintenance and can be found at all shows presented by CAD. He works full time in HVAC and resides in Dallas with Lisa and two of his daughters, both of which are CAD Company members. Joey has been a part of the "dance world" for over 22 as none other than Miss Heather's "Daddy" and is one of her biggest supporters!
Lisa...is the CAD office manager. She brings over 22 years (and counting) of "dance mom" experience to CAD. She attended Kennesaw State University for nursing and has over 10 years experience in office work and customer service. She was the office manager of another local dance studio for several years. She has been a part of CAD's newest ownership since the beginning creating and working on props and costumes, head ing fundraisers, being "Mama Lisa" to the Company dancers, and providing love and support for all involved with CAD. Lisa is a stay-at-home mother and is very involved in all things CAD. She has two daughters in the CAD Company and is also "Mama" to Miss Heather. She is very excited to be in the office working with all of the dancers, parents, and staff of CAD!
