The Dancing School

Jillian Fader began dancing before the age of three. She was trained in a variety of styles at the Patti Finelli School of Dance where she became an assistant in 2004 and a teacher in 2007. She has her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in biology, with minors in chemistry and dance from Youngstown State University, where she performed with and choreographed for the Dance Ensemble, and attended the American College Dance Festival.

Miss Jilli has taught at numerous studios in Northeast Ohio and attended the Dancers Making a Difference Benefit from 2002-2023 as both a dancer and teacher. She currently holds a Professional Educator License in 7-12 Science and works at Girard High School, where she teaches Integrated and Environmental Science, Microbiology, and Forensics. She has coached majorette for eight years and is entering her seventh season as majorette coach at GHS. Miss Jilli is a tested and certified member of Dance Masters of Ohio and America, Acrobatic Arts Level 1, National Dance Educator Association, and Basic Zumba! She continues to seek professional development during the off-season.

This year, Miss Jilli was able to organize “The Beat” fundraiser for the American Heart Association, which was held on March 1, and raised $5,000! When not dancing, Miss Jilli loves reading, exercising, thrifting, and traveling with her husband! TDS is Miss Jilli’s dream and she is so grateful to every staff member, student, and family for making it come true.

Erica Hays is a resident of Youngstown, Ohio. In May 2021, she received a Bachelors of Art in Dance Management with a minor in Developmental Psychology and an Entrepreneurship Certificate. She started dancing at Stacey’s Dance Studio in Marietta, Ohio at the age of 4, started competing with the Force Dance Team in 2007, and has been assisting and teaching since 2015.

During her time at Youngstown State, she was a Dance Ensemble Officer and performed in Dance Ensemble shows from 2018-2021. In fall of 2020, she attended the Acrobatic Arts Module 1 training and is now certified to teach the Acrobatic Arts syllabus.

When she is not dancing, she enjoys relaxing with her dog, Callie, and reading.

Hailey Gelzheiser is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer in the Youngstown and Cleveland areas. She received her B.A. in Dance Management from Youngstown State University, where she received an extensive education in technique, choreography, and pedagogy. She just finished her second year as a Dance Teacher at East Middle School in Youngstown City School District. When she isn’t at school or TDS, she spends her time teaching, choreographing, and performing with Cleveland Dance Project. She is a member of the National Dance Educator Organization and has obtained certifications through Dance Masters of America, Inc.

When she is not dancing, you can find her reading with her cat, Beansprout, curled up in her lap. She is so excited for her 4th recital with TDS and to see her musical theater and modern students shine!

Timmy Campbell, aka Mr. Timmy, is trained in Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Tap, Ballet, and Pas de Deux. Prior to dancing, Timmy trained in martial arts for 10+ years. He trained in numerous styles, competed, and taught for 4 years. He has choreographed numerous fight sequences, weapons demonstrations, and stunt scenes during his time as a martial artist.

Timmy has 10+ years of dance experience under his belt. During his time dancing, Timmy has competed, been in numerous productions, done an array of benefit performances, and has taught (competitively and recreationally). He enjoys spreading his love for dance. He wants to share the freedom, expression, and joy dance brings.

If not dancing, he can be found counseling or mentoring; he holds a Bachelors in Criminology and a Masters in Mental Health Clinical Counseling. In his free time, he loves nature, music (listening and creating), spending time with loved ones, and reading!

Melissa is a mom of four kids, all of whom she adores even when they are driving her crazy. She has 30 years of teaching experience with a BFA in Dance Performance and Education, along with a Masters in Leadership and Teaching.

When not with her kids, she enjoys serving as the Principal and Director of Special Services in Windham, as well as reading and being outdoors.

Deanna Daniels grew up in small town Vienna, OH. At age 4, she started attending ballet, tap, jazz, acro, and gymnastics classes. She feels that getting to perform en pointe was a dream come true and one of her biggest accomplishments.

Deanna began assisting teaching classes at age 13 and immediately knew it was her passion. Deanna has now been teaching gymnastics at Olympic Dreams Gymnastics for over 10 years, and taught acro at James Dance and performing arts studio from 2012-2015. She has taught kids from age 18 months old learning their very first forward roll, all the way to competitive team gymnasts trying their first layout on floor.

Deanna currently resides in Niles, OH with her husband and two beautiful children. In her spare time she enjoys crafting, playing video games, and reading.

Tina is a graduate of Girard High School. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education (K-8) and a Masters Degree in Curriculum from Youngstown State University. Tina taught in Girard City Schools for 35 years prior to retiring. Tina started twirling at the age of 13. In high school, Tina was a majorette, feature twirler, and drum majorette. During that time, she competed at local, state, and national levels, attaining numerous awards and titles. Tina was the director of the Golden Sabre Baton and Drum Corp for 5 years.

Over the past 48 years, Tina has worked with and choreographed for multiple high school majorette, flag, and pom pom lines, as well as feature twirlers at both high school and college levels. Tina is a member of the All-America Judges Association and a registered NBTA (National Baton Twirling Association) judge, coach, and contest director. She has judged numerous modeling pageants, parades, and twirling competitions, including Miss Majorette Pageants and State Championships in Ohio, New York, Michigan, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Arizona, Indiana, and Florida. She has also judged at AYOP (Nationals). Tina has taught at various twirling camps and clinics in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Many of Tina's private twirling students have won awards at State and National levels.

When Tina is not sharing her passion for twirling, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, doing puzzles, and tutoring.