Our Teachers

Inspiring Artists. Trusted Mentors.

At Performing Arts Academy of Jupiter, our teachers are more than instructors — they are working artists, dedicated educators, and mentors who believe in every student’s potential. Each member of our faculty brings professional experience, thoughtful training, and a deep love for the performing arts into the classroom.

From first steps in dance to advanced performance training, our teachers create an environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired. They focus on strong technique, creative expression, and confidence-building — helping every student grow not only as a performer, but as a person.

We’re proud of the talent, heart, and commitment our faculty brings to PAAJ every day.

Mr. Jesse

Mr. Jesse

Theater Department Head

SAG actor & director; founding member of The Jove; TV credits include HBO’s Ballers and USA’s Burn Notice.

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Toni Wright

Miss Toni W

Dance Artistic Department Head

Experienced, dedicated South Florida dance educator known for creativity, joy, and connecting with each student—pairing top-notch training with fun.

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Gillian Safran

Gillian Safran

Dance Artistic Department Head

Artistic Director and Ballet/Contemporary lead. Trained in classical repertoire; directs Nutcracker & Eleve; passionate about dancer wellness.

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Rose Accardi

Miss Rose

Dance Artistic Department Head

Decades of teaching & choreography; builds clean tap timing, jazz style, and strong fundamentals.

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Jessica Woodard

Miss Jessica

Dance Artistic Department Head

NWSA & Maltz Jupiter Theatre PTP alum; champions confident storytelling, audition skills, and rhythm.

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Christina Styer

Miss Christina

Music Department Head

Veteran performer & vocal coach; prepares students for All-State, auditions, and musical theatre success.

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Maria Elena Marso

Miss Maria Elena

Aerial Arts

Focus on safety, strength, and expressive movement; introduces students to aerial artistry.

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Ricardo “Flow” Barker

Flow

Hip Hop • Breaking

Roots in Breaking, House, Popping & New Jack Swing; teaches foundation, groove, and creativity.

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Kaitlyn Pineda

Miss Kaitlyn

Pre-Dance • Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Contemporary

Early childhood specialist who builds strong basics and a love of movement in young dancers.

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Lea Roy

Miss Lea

Acting • Musical Theater • Music

Performer/educator across acting, MT, and music; nurtures vocal storytelling and stage presence.

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Laurie Brandon

Miss Laurie

Jazz • Lyrical

Veteran educator focused on foundations, musicality, and building student confidence.

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Frances Weissler

Miss Frances

Jazz • Contemporary • Commercial • Musical Theater

Choreographer/coach across styles—focus on performance polish and stage confidence.

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Toni Lipscher

Miss Toni

Acro

Former Miami Heat dancer and veteran educator bringing high-energy technique and joyful training.

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Marguerite McNeilly

Miss Maggie

Ballet • Pointe

Ballet instructor emphasizing classical lines, alignment, and artistry.

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Gianna Spano

Miss Gianna

Acro • Pre-Dance • Ballet/Tap

Dynamic instructor emphasizing clean technique and performance quality across styles.

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Gabrielle Blake

Miss Gabrielle

Ballet • Jazz • Musical Theater

Encourages strong technique and confident performance for developing dancers.

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Austin Carroll

Mr. Austin

Male Ballet

Actor and educator focused on character development, scene work, and building confident, expressive performers on stage.

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Pamela Petersen

Miss Pam

Piano • Flute

Performer & music director; classical grounding with practical stage experience.

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Melissa Mocogni

Miss Melissa

Piano

Patient, goal-oriented piano instructor who supports steady progress and musicianship.

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Roseann Smith

Miss Roseann

Piano

Piano educator focused on fundamentals, reading, and performance readiness.

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Patrick Wilkinson

Mr. Patrick

Guitar • Ukulele

Gigging guitarist & educator; helps players build tone, technique, and repertoire.

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Cathleen Peel

Miss Cathleen

Piano • Voice • Guitar • Bass • Ukulele

Versatile musician and teacher helping students of all ages build technique, repertoire, and confidence.

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Miss Frankie

Miss Frankie

Voice

Voice instructor focused on healthy technique and expressive performance, encouraging singers to build confidence on stage.

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Tom Schiffer

Mr. Tom

Piano

Performer and director with extensive stage experience, guiding students in storytelling, character work, and performance readiness.

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Madeline Murray

Miss Madeline

Theater Tech and Stage Managing

A professional stage/production manager and theatre educator, she leads with industry standard practices to develop confident, disciplined artists.

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