Meet Our Faculty
Melissa Klassen
ADTA founder & president
Sports Management Degree MRU, ADAPT, NCCP Level 3, Tumbling/Trampoline Level 2, YPAD, First Aid Certified, Child Protection Certified
Melissa Klassen is an Acrobatic Dance specialist and Mentor. As creator of the Acro Dance Teachers Association, Melissa spreads her message of the importance of positive role modelling and mentorship for our youth. Melissa is a mentor, and Acro is her method.
Laura fleming
office manager
ADTA, AA, AF 1-5, PBT, SFT, CBPC, Graphic Design Diploma VCAD
Laura is an experienced and passionate dance instructor and studio owner with a background in ballet, jazz, and Acro Dance.
Known for her technical approach to teaching and her love for her students, Laura is a perpetual learner, seeking knowledge that will benefit her students and allow them to train safely and avoid injury.
Carlos Adell
Chief Technology Officer
Carlos Adell brings his visionary expertise as the Chief Technology Officer at the Acro Dance Teachers Association. With a keen focus on integrating cutting-edge technology to meet the diverse needs of the ADTA, Carlos leads the tech department with innovation and a profound understanding of the technological landscape.
His commitment to delivering top-notch tech solutions enhances the ADTA’s capabilities, driving forward the association’s technological advancement and ensuring it remains at the forefront of the industry.
Patty-jean felletti
membership coordinator
Patty-Jean Felletti has a background in dance, music and theatre spans over 40 years, with over 25 years of teaching experience in the Arts. Professionally trained at Winnipeg’s School of Contemporary Dancers (UofW), some of her training includes; RWB’s Summer Teacher’s Courses, Granville Ferry Summer Professional Dance Program, Instructor accreditation in Acrobatic Arts, Alixa Flexibility teacher training, and Kindermusik accreditation. She is currently in the ADTA Premier program. Patty-Jean is founder of iCreate Movement; creative, healing, and artistic movement serving all ages and dance levels. Several of Patty-Jean’s former students have gone on to University dance programs, becoming dance professionals and teachers themselves. Her passion for a process versus performance environment is evident; she believes that, “In some capacity everyone is an artist, a dancer, a creator.”
kara Haley
acro events director
Kara Haley is a highly accomplished dance instructor with a rich background spanning over two decades in the industry. Her journey began at a young age, where she demonstrated exceptional talent across various dance disciplines, earning prestigious certifications, awards, and scholarships. It was because of the exclusive 5678 Showtime Hollywood Summer Tour Scholarship, a distinguished dance career intensive in Hollywood held at Millennium Dance Complex, that she continued in the dance industry as performer, instructor, examiner and now adjudicator.
Saad bukhari
technology project manager
Saad Bukhari excels as the Technology Project Manager at the Acro Dance Teachers Association (ADTA), where he spearheads the development of digital solutions tailored to meet user needs seamlessly. With an unwavering passion for innovation, Saad is committed to crafting impactful web experiences that propel the association towards its objectives.
His expertise in web development and project management ensures that ADTA stays at the forefront of technological advancements, delivering enhanced digital experiences for its members and stakeholders.
Sheine llanes
Technology assistant
In her role as the Tech Assistant at the Acro Dance Teachers Association (ADTA), Sheine Llanes showcases her adept skills and experience in providing technical support. With a background in digital project management and a keen interest in technology, she effectively assists in managing various tech-related tasks and initiatives within the association.
Her commitment to ensuring smooth operations and leveraging technology for the advancement of ADTA’s goals highlights her invaluable contribution to the team.
Challen halverstock
ASsistant administrator
Challen has been dancing since she was 7 years old, as well involved in gymnastics before she could even walk. In her gymnastics career kicked off by her mom as her coach. She travelled internationally competing all over Canada and the USA. Some accomplishments include Winning Provincial Champion in 2010, as well Qualifying for Alberta Winter Games and placing 3rd in Beam Event Finals.
Allison San Martin-Feeney
Certifications Director
BSc, ADAPT, ADTA, AAC 1&2, AF1-3, Aerial Dance Academy F-M1
Allison is an experienced dance educator and choreographer from Edmonton, AB. She grew up dancing at Edmonton Dance Factory, Edmonton School of Ballet, and spent time training at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
Giselle Wilson
CERTIFICATIONs ASSISTANt
ADTA, ADAPT, RAD (RTS), AF1
I started dancing at the age of three and began my examination process at the age of 7. I completed examinations in ADAPT Jazz and Tap to the Intermediate 3 level; RAD Ballet from Primary to the Advanced 1 level; CDTA Ballet, Tap, and Jazz, achieving Advanced levels in all three.
Ana valeria calero
Central America Liaison
A professional with 8 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Specialist in digital marketing (B2C, B2B and OTAs), Operations management and customer service optimization. Dynamic person with organizational and management skills. Flexible and analytical with special attention on details. Passionate about learning and self-development because the more you learn, the more you have to share, teach, help the community around you.
Amanda Hillman
ADTA COACH
CAT(C), BHPE, ADAPT, ADTA
Amanda is from Calgary, Alberta and has trained since a young age in styles such as ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre and Acro. Her students range from beginner to advanced acro dancers and have continued to receive top marks at competitions across Canada.
MICHELLE GODIn
ADTA COACH
CDTA, ADTA, DMA
Michelle’s Acro Dance training began at the age of 8, under the tutelage of Ida Sauve (CDTA Acrobatic examiner and life member). She performed and competed in Acro Dance at an International level for many years.
Jamie Bessant
ATHLETIC THERAPIST Consultant
BKin, CAT (C), FMS Certified, DNS-A
Jamie specializes in Athletic Therapy, which rehabilitates active individuals with musculoskeletal injuries. She believes in using a combination of innovative techniques that will help individuals return to normal as quickly as possible.
