Faculty & Staff

Directors & Co-founders

Jess Naylon, M.Ed.
Director and Co-founder

  • Jess is a Maryland native and currently resides in Howard County. With over 25 years of experience, Jess has trained and taught the styles of jazz, hip-hop, ballet, tap, lyrical, NFL-style Jazz, heels, technique, burlesque, contemporary, musical theater, and pom. She attended the University of Miami in Miami, FL, studying Psychology and Dance Education, and was a 4-year member and Captain of the Sunsations Dance Team. Jess completed 3 seasons in the NFL with the Washington Commanders as a Command Force Dancer. Jess is a sought-out instructor and choreographer in the DMV area, choreographing for national dance companies, studios, and college and high school teams. Jess coaches the Official Professional Dance Team of the UFL Defenders, Shield Squad.

    Outside of her dance career and Co-Owning Maryland Dance Project, Jess holds a Master’s degree in Counseling and works as an Elementary School Counselor and Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. In 2025, Jess was named "Emerging School Counselor of the Year" by the Maryland School Counselor Association. Jess enjoys working with children and families to foster an inclusive, positive, and versatile dance environment at MDDP!

    In her free time, Jess enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her husband, Devin, and miniature labradoodle, Jimmy!

Emily Whitacre
Director and Co-founder

  • Emily began her dance training at age four in Columbus, Ohio. She attended the University of Dayton, where she studied Graphic Design and Fine Art and served as captain of the university dance team. During and after college, she performed with New Vision Dance Co. before joining Seven Dance Company in 2016, whose work was featured on PBS and at COSI.

    In 2020, Emily relocated to Virginia to join Gallagher & Associates as an Exhibit Graphic Designer. She continued training and teaching throughout the DMV area and went on to dance for the Command Force for two seasons, earning the team’s prestigious “Full-Force” Award.

    Following her professional dance career, Emily co-founded Maryland Dance Project with Jess Naylon, building it into a premier studio that fosters excellence, growth, and community for dancers of all ages and abilities. In addition to co-owning and directing the studio, Emily and Jess serve as Co-Coaches of the inaugural Shield Squad, the professional dance team for the DC Defenders.

Studio Coordinators

Tara Bellido
Administrative & Enrollment Coordinator

  • Tara began dancing at the age of four in Ellicott City, MD and quickly found a love for hip-hop and tap. She continued dancing through high school, and began performing with the equine stunt group DeBracey Productions while in college. Over the years, she has learned a number of equine arts using the skills she developed through dance, and has a passion for encouraging a love of art in youth and adults alike.

    In addition to dance, Tara enjoys working with horses, baking, and attending trivia nights with her friends. She is delighted to be working with Maryland Dance Project and strengthening the local dance community!

Addie Ung
Social Media & Marketing Coordinator

  • Addie has been dancing from a young age and trained in a variety of styles including salsa & bachata. A University of Maryland graduate in Public Relations, she deepened her love for movement and creativity while forming lasting friendships. She currently works as a Hospitality & F&B publicist in Washington, DC, while continuing to grow as a dancer and inspiring others along the way.

    Outside the studio, Addie enjoys cooking, fitness, and exploring food culture through travel, inspired by her Cambodian-French heritage and visits to family in Montreal.

Studio Administrators

Jessica Fair
Studio Administrator

  • Jessica began her dance training in Flint, Michigan and has been involved in the dance community for over 25 years. She was trained in classical ballet at the Flint School of Performing Arts and performed with renowned companies such as the Joffrey Ballet, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, and the Grand Rapids Ballet. Her passion for dance extends beyond performance, as she now dedicates her expertise to supporting studio operations and providing an enriching environment for both students and instructors. In addition to her dance experience, Jessica has a Master’s degree in Public Health and currently works as a Health Scientist Administrator, supporting research to better treat and prevent diseases. Jessica is thrilled to assist MDDP and looks forward to promoting a positive dance community!

Shaun Samuel
Studio Administrator

  • Shaun began cheering at the age of 5 and continued through to age 19, developing a strong foundation in performance and teamwork. Throughout her life, Shaun has always had a deep appreciation for dance and the arts. As she got older and became more involved in fitness and exploring various forms of movement, she began taking dance classes and discovered a true passion for the community and positivity that it brings.

    Currently, pursuing her graduate studies in Human Resource Management at Towson University. She is excited to contribute to MDDP’s mission by fostering a supportive and inspiring environment for both students and staff. Outside of the studio, Shaun enjoys fitness, music, and travel, and is always seeking new opportunities to grow and learn.

Grace Fluckiger
Studio Administrator

  • Grace began dancing at age 5 in Wyoming at the local studio. She was instructed in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and ballroom. While in college at Brigham Young University, she continued to take classes in Indian, modern, and ballroom dance and competed in BYU’s Dancesport. 

    In addition to dance, Grace studied Elementary Education and was a kindergarten teacher before moving to Maryland. She now works for Columbia Association, and enjoys reading, cooking, and getting outside in her down time. 

Youth & Adult Program Faculty

Jordan Turner-Bailey, M.Ed.

  • Jordan began her tumbling/acrobatics career when she was 4 years old in Maywood, IL. Growing up Jordan was apart of Mr. Ernie’s Flip Flop and Fly competitive team, Atmosphere of Tumbling, Tri-Star Gymnastics, and Jesse White Tumbling  Team. Jordan also has  10+ years of experience in competitive cheerleading and pursued her cheer career at Grambling State University and Bowie State University, where she received her Bachelors in Child Development Early Literacy and Masters in School Counseling. Instructing the youth and giving them an outlet to express themselves as an athlete and as a student has always been a goal of mine! Jordan has been instructing tumbling since the age of 16 at The Atmosphere Of Tumbling where her coaches had admired her phenomenal leadership skills. Jordan has been an instructor in states such as Chicago, Louisiana, Memphis, Maryland, and DC. In the near future Jordan aspires  to own a Recreational center that provides mental health services, improving physical fitness, and social skills. 

Katie Schinzel

  • Katie began dancing at the age of 7 in Westminster, Maryland. She attended the University of South Carolina where she studied Sports and Entertainment Management. During college, Katie was a member and choreographer of the Carolina Club dance team and taught at a local studio. With more than 15 years of experience across all styles of dance, Katie is looking forward to sharing her passion and energy with MDDP youth!

Alexandra Olson

  • Alexandra began her dance journey at just two years old, training extensively in all styles at the renowned Juliana’s Academy of Dance in Metro Detroit. She has showcased her talents on some of the nation’s largest stages, performing professionally with the Detroit Pistons Dancers (NBA), Detroit Pride Cheerleaders (NFL), and more recently the Washington Wizards Entertainment Team (NBA). Some of her career highlights also include touring and performing on stage alongside artists such as Calvin Harris, The Goo Goo Dolls, Jesse McCartney, Diplo and Kid Rock.

    With over 15 years of teaching experience, Alexandra has inspired students on high school dance teams and at private studios, specializing in jazz, hip hop, lyrical/contemporary, and pom. She has directed three different high school dance teams as head coach and has led some of her dancers to compete on the prestigious UDA National competition stage. Alexandra was also honored as Coach of the Year for Michigan’s Catholic League after guiding one of her teams to their first State Championship. Her innovative choreography has earned multiple awards, including Judges’ Choice at UDA’s DC regional competition.

    Alexandra's commitment to excellence extends to her academic pursuits; she is currently working towards her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. Complementing her performance background, she holds an Associate of Fine Arts in Dance from Anne Arundel Community College, where she was a soloist in the AACC Dance Company and graduated Summa Cum Laude. In addition to her dance expertise, Alexandra is a certified Pilates instructor, holding a comprehensive certification in Reformer, Chair Apparatus, Fuse Ladder, and Level I CrossFit.

    Alexandra has also combined her love of dance and craftsmanship by sewing and designing costumes for over two decades. She has won multiple awards for her costumes in the competitive dance community and her work has also been featured by professional teams, including those of the NBA and NFL, as well as collegiate dance teams across the country.

    Alexandra is passionate about helping dancers achieve their full potential and is thrilled to bring her wealth of experience and enthusiasm to Maryland Dance Project!

Taylor Koehler

  • Growing up the daughter of a studio owner, the dance studio has always felt like home! Taylor Koehler has studied ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, modern, musical theater and acrobatics for 26 years. Studying under some of the masters, Taylor has trained with the Radio City Rockettes, Andy Blankenbuehler, the Paul Taylor Dance Company, Sheila Barker and more. Taylor received her degree in Dance Theatre from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA). While living in NYC, she also participated in Broadway Dance Center’s work study program under the tutelage of their star studded faculty. 

    Since then, she has dedicated herself to teaching and choreographing. Her choreography has been recognized and awarded by Starpower, and Headliners. A Howard county native, she’s excited to be back on her old turf! 

    When not in a dance studio, you can find Taylor with her family- her husband Brian, 2 year old son, PJ, and silver Labrador, Sadie! 

Hannah Evenson

  • Hannah started dancing at the age of 3 focusing on ballet, tap, jazz, conditioning, and lyrical. She attended high school at Archbishop Spalding High School where she was on the UDA nationally ranked varsity dance team for 4 years. She was elected senior captain her senior year, leading the team to nationals performing in pom and jazz. Upon graduation from high school, she attended Penn State University where she was a member of the Penn State Lionettes dance team, performing for thousands of fans during football and basketball games as well as preparing for nationals. Hannah also became a member of the Universal Dance Association Staff where she taught high school and college dancers pom, jazz, hip-hop, and kick during the year as they prepared for nationals. She has since been with the company for 6 years and has become a Head instructor with UDA. She has also taught young dancers ballet, tap, and jazz at various studios in the last few years. Most recently, Hannah has become a certified flexibility coach to help dancers reach their full potential in their movement and continues to teach conditioning/technique, pom, and jazz throughout the Maryland area.

Taylor Mitcham

  • Taylor is a passionate and versatile dancer with over 20 years of dance experience. She most recently danced as a member of the Purdue Golduster Dance Team, where she performed at athletic events for crowds exceeding 60,000 and learned from top industry professionals. Prior to that she competed at many national dance competitions including World of Dance. While also training in Jazz, Ballet, Pom, Hip Hop, Tap, Contemporary and Ballroom. 


Imani Rollins

  • Imani started her dance career at the age of 3 at Studio A Modeling and Dance Studio and continued her dance education dancing competitively for 15 years at savage dance company. She became the assistant coach for Westminster and Winter’s Mill high schools dance team for 4 years (2014- 2018). After graduating high school, Imani taught hip hop, jazz, and tap at savage dance company for 5 years. Imani has been teaching drop-in classes at MDDP for the past year!

Sarah Schwartz

  • Sarah grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and started dancing at Karen Sachs Academy of Dance in Reisterstown, Maryland when she was 3 years old. She competed in dance competitions through high school, taking classes and competing pieces in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and modern. Sarah began dancing with Charm City Ballet in 2015, performing in their first A Christmas Carol performance, as well as their productions of Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. She attended George Washington Carver Center for the Arts and Technology, graduating in 2017 from the dance prime, where she performed in works including The Firebird and Petrushka, among many other faculty and student choreographed works. After graduating high school, Sarah attended The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where she graduated in 2020 with a bachelor's degree in both Dance and English. At UA, Sarah performed in classical ballets such as Giselle and excerpts from Sleeping Beauty, among performing in the student choreographed show, Dance Alabama! and numerous faculty/guest artist choreographed pieces. Since moving back to Maryland post-college, she has continued dancing at both Charm City Ballet and Maryland Dance Project. Her love of dance has not diminished and the studio is still her favorite place to be. 


Mikaela Mallin

  • Mikaela Mallin holds a BA in Dance from the University of Iowa (2019) and has over 20 years of formal studio training in modern, jazz, ballet, and contemporary dance, as well as many years of drill team training in pom and hip-hop performance. She has performed across the US, including at the 2015 NCAA Orange Bowl, and has toured with notable groups such as Innovative Soul Dance Company (Waterloo, IA) and Dancers in Company (Iowa City, IA). Currently, Mikaela dances professionally for the United Football League’s D.C. Defenders 2025 Shield Squad (Washington D.C) and performs with Charm City Ballet (Cockeysville, MD). Mikaela began assisting dance instruction over 10 years ago and has taught various styles of dance including ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, and improvisation to dancers between the ages of 3-18. As a choreographer, her work often explores sociopolitical themes including feminism, environmental sustainability, and the destigmatization of mental health, inviting audiences to reflect and engage with these issues in new and thought-provoking ways. Facing Shadows, her widest-reaching, non-profit work as both a choreographer and performer, was selected for screening at three screen dance festivals across the nation during the 2022-2023 season (New York City, NY; Portland, OR; Iowa City, IA). It is available for public viewing online at www.facingshadows.com. In addition to a life of dance, Mikaela has also devoted herself to a life of scientific research. She holds a BS in Biomedical Science from the University of Iowa (2019) and a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine from Johns Hopkins University (2024). Mikaela is currently a scientist at the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, MD). As both a biomedical researcher and a performer, she finds meaning in movement—whether uncovering how cancer cells metastasize through the body or creating dance that gives voice to the human experience.

Adult Drop-In Instructors