Our Instructors

Marissa Lee Hoffman was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and started her dance training at the age of three at Art of the Dance Academy and MKM studios. She was the vice president of the John Burroughs High School Junior/ Varsity Dance Team in 2009-2010 and continued on to study with the Radio City Rockettes in New York City after graduating high school . She has performed, choreographed, competed and cornidated performances with styles including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Contemporary.
Marissa is also a certified Early Childhood Educator and teaches at BFUMC Nursery School. Marissa is very involved in working with the local YMCA's teaching fitness classes to all ages. She also travels, working with multiple schools in the LA area, sharing her love and knowledge of dance and healthy lifestyles with children of all ages. Marissa is so excited to be teaching and assisting with the Burbank First Academy for her 7th year!

Dominique Napolitano has been dancing for 23 years. She trained at Art of the Dance Academy, Media City Ballet, and Millennium Dance Complex, She was President of the John Burroughs High School Junior/Varsity Dance Team. She has engaged in various showcases and stage plays. Dominique has experience teaching toddlers to teens. Her style comprises Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. On top of performing and teaching, she aspires to build her resume and one day have her own dance studio. She is grateful to her loving Mother Miss Monica for introducing her to the world of dance at a young age and encouraging everyone to "Dance like no one is watching!" 

KiLeigh Williams, was born and raised in Marion Indiana, where she started training in tap at the age of 3. She worked under Lisa Hopkins for 9 years touring in the off-Broadway show called Tap Kids. After high school, she studied Forensic Science at Point Park University, while teaching tap for the Community Tap program at the school. She now goes back to Pittsburgh every summer and teaches at Point Park's 6-week International Summer Dance Camp. She has also taught at many dance studios throughout her career and hopes to keep passing along her knowledge of the arts wherever she goes. 

Adele Shepherd is a professional dancer, actress and performer with over 20 years experience
in classical ballet. Born in Washington state Adele studied Classical ballet and neo-classical in
both vaganova and balanchine techniques. She has traveled the country and danced with
multiple companies such Dance Theatre of Tennessee, Nashville Ballet, Atlanta Roots Dance
Project, Anaheim Ballet, Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre and now finds herself dancing on set. She
has appeared in multiple film projects as the primary dancer or ballerina. Her love for teaching
advanced technique comes from her hometown studio in Yakima, WA where her passion for
ballet was motivated and nurtured in a hard working yet very healthy environment. Adele
shares this idea and wants to encourage young dancers to not give up on their dreams and no
matter what life gives you, keep dancing!

I've been practicing yoga for over ten years. I am a 200hr certified yoga teacher through yoga alliance. I also teach children gymnastics at an educational gymnast center. Through songs, innovative asanas, breath, and mindful practices children will enjoy their starting journey of the mind, body, and breath connection. I look forward to sharing my love and practice with fresh, imaginative souls as the future is theirs. 

Hola! my name is Oralia Kameny. I was born in Mexico and emigrated to the United States when I was nine years old. I love my culture and everything that goes with it, such as the food, music, community, and language. I am the mother of 3 amazing children, a son and two daughters, ages 25, 22, and 11. I find it inspiring how children are inclined to see the world in such a fresh and magical way. I am a preschool teacher at the BFUMC Nursery School, I am very excited to share my passion for creating learning opportunities for children, and allow them to feel safe, encouraged, supported, and loved, so that they can be brave and explore their world.
I feel excited to teach Spanish and share the fantastic and rich Latin culture with your children. Apart from a love of teaching, my hobbies include running, yoga, horses, arts and crafts, sewing,and home construction projects. 

Knowledge of languages is the doorway to wisdom – Roger Bacon

My name is Zeriah and I currently teach at the BFUMC Nursery School as a preschool teacher. I am excited to teach Pre-K Cooking for my second year at BFA! I am currently studying Child Development and Early Childhood Education at Pasadena City College. My favorite thing to cook is any dessert or pastry. 

Hello! I am so excited to facilitate art experiences in the “Art Your Way” class. Offering
children, the opportunity to express themselves and learn through art is a passion of mine. I
have two children (now 21 and 27) who both took this class when they attended BFUMC Nursery School many years ago and I saw first-hand how much they gained from creating art their way.

I am currently a preschool teacher at BFUMC Preschool, and when I am not teaching and
learning alongside children I enjoy baking, reading, solving puzzles, and cuddling with my dog,
Scully.