Heejin Thelen - Owner/Director
MHDS Owner/Director Heejin Thelen began dancing at the young age of four in South Korea. After moving to the US at eight years-old, Miss Heejin continued her dance training at numerous dance studios all over Massachusetts. Miss Heejin graduated from Plymouth State University, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in both Business and Dance, specializing in Dance Pedagogy, which certified her to teach early childhood - adult. While in college, Miss Heejin performed with the Contemporary Dance Ensemble and the Plymouth State University Dance Team. Post graduation, Miss Heejin continued her dance training and performed all over Boston, MA with various choreographers and worked as the campaign model for Health Works and City Sports.
While at Plymouth State University, Miss Heejin discovered her true calling - teaching dance and passing on her vast knowledge to the next generation of dancers. She began teaching in college and then went on to teach classes at numerous dance studios and camps in the New England area. Wherever she taught, Miss Heejin was well-known for the upbeat, positive energy that she brought into her classroom and her undeniable passion for dance.
Miss Heejin opened Miss Heejin’s Dance Studio in November 2012 and was quickly recognized for her high-quality training, award-winning choreography, and unparalleled dedication to her students. Miss Heejin believes strongly in creating a safe and nurturing environment at her studio that will help support every dancer, regardless of their age or level, reach their individual dance goals. Miss Heejin is thrilled to continue to share her over 20 years of teaching experience with her dancers and to help motivate them to be their best self, both in and outside of the studio!
Kristen Hopkins
Kristen was born and raised in Southern California, and grew up as a competitive dancer at Just Plain Dancin under the direction of Terry and Mandy Schulke. She won many awards, scholarships, and opportunities to travel and perform. She got to train and learn from many well known choreographers like Mandy Moore, Dan Karaty, DJ Guthrie, and Jackie Sleight, just to name a few. After graduating, she went on to be a member of the Orange Coast College dance team where they were undefeated in the nation that year. From there, Kristen followed her passion for performing and auditioned for the Disneyland Resort where she remained performing in parades, shows, and media events for 9 years. While working at Disneyland she was given the opportunity to perform with Nick Cannon, as well as the cast of Disney's Teen Beach Movie. For the last few years, Kristen began realizing her true passion was teaching and being involved in the dance competition industry. She has been teaching, choreographing, and judging ever since. She is so excited for this new opportunity at Miss Heejin's Dance Studio and cannot wait to get to work with all the amazing dancers there.
Danielle Carangelo
Danielle Carangelo joins Miss Heejin's Dance Studio with extensive training in Acro, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical/ Contemporary, Modern, Hip Hop &Tap. Beginning her career as a gymnast she broadened her education through the art of dance where her talents and strengths complimented one another. Throughout her dance career she was honored with many prestigious titles and overall high score placements from nationally ranked competitions and conventions. Danielle graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Health Science from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Danielle was a part of a NDA nationally ranked college dance team and also had the opportunity to assistant teach college level classes under the head of the dance department, Liz Lapuh at UMass Boston. Shortly after College, Danielle moved to Los Angeles, California to enhance her training. There she had the chance to train under many top choreographers; Galen Hooks, Jojo Gomez, Brian Friedman, Antoine Troupe and Kolanie Marks just to name a few. She was also part of LA’s 1st exclusive elite training academy known as KreativMndz Dance Academy where she studied with many hiphop legends. The limits do not exist for Danielle but what she enjoys most is passing on her abundance of knowledge of dance and being a positive influence on her students dance education. She is delighted to share her talents and knowledge with you!
Melissa Wintemberg
Melissa Wintemberg fell in love with dance at the young age of 2 and started competing in all styles just four short years later. Throughout her 22-year dance career, she went on to hold numerous dance titles on a national and international level. Upon high school graduation, Melissa attended Stonehill College to pursue a business degree. During her time there, she continued her passion for dance and advanced her technical training on Stonehill College’s Stoneworks Dance Company as well as the Stonehill College Dance Team. Stonehill’s dance team traveled to NDA Nationals and was ranked highly amongst the other Division II college teams. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing in 2016, she became a Financial Analyst for the Army Labs in Natick, MA. Although she enjoys her work and supporting the mission of the armed forces, Melissa could not stay away from dance. She began teaching dance in her spare time to find a renewed adoration for the art. Teaching has allowed her to learn the other side of the curtain and discover an enthusiastic interest for inspiring and training young dancers. Melissa is delighted to share her passion of dance with her students and is excited to be a part of Miss Heejin’s Dance Studio.
Laura Sampson
Laura is an experienced dance instructor and choreographer with over a decade of teaching and competitive dance experience. Originally from Wellesley, MA, she began dancing at just two years old and trained extensively in all styles. As a competitive dancer, she competed throughout New England, earning overall placements for solos, duets, and group routines, as well as scholarship and invitational awards. Laura continued her dance journey at Northeastern University, where she was a company dancer, lyrical choreographer, and Executive Board member of the Northeastern Dance Company. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and now works professionally for TJX Digital in Systems and Supply Chain.
Her passion for teaching began in high school, where she led classes and summer camps for preschool and elementary-aged students. After college, she joined Miss Heejin’s Dance Studio, where she continues to inspire dancers of all ages. Laura’s experience spans from toddlers to adults, specializing in Ballet, Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Contemporary and she is a certified Acro instructor through Acrobatic Arts. In addition to recreational classes, she choreographs solos, duets/trios, and group dances for competition, with her students earning numerous overall placements, and special awards. Laura is dedicated to helping every dancer grow in confidence, technique, and artistry—and is proud to be a part of the MHDS family.
Tasha Stramecki
Tasha Stramecki is a distinguished ballet instructor with over 25 years of experience in teaching and a deep commitment to shaping the next generation of dancers. A passionate advocate for technical excellence and artistic expression, Tasha holds certification in the American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum (ABT NTC), a prestigious recognition of her dedication to the highest standards in ballet education.
Throughout her career, Tasha has cultivated a philosophy that emphasizes both discipline and the joy of movement. She believes that ballet is not just about mastering technique, but also about fostering self-expression, confidence, and a sense of community. Her approach to teaching is holistic—while she instills precision and strength in her students, she also nurtures their individual creativity, encouraging them to find their unique voice within the art form.
Tasha’s journey began with a deep love for dance as a child, which blossomed into a lifelong vocation. Over the years, she has trained dancers of all ages and skill levels, from aspiring professionals to those who simply wish to experience the transformative power of ballet. Her classes are known for their rigorous attention to detail, yet they are equally infused with warmth and encouragement, ensuring that each student feels supported in their personal journey. Training, teaching (directing) and performing experience includes Boston Ballet, ABT, Austin Ballet, University of Oklahoma BFA, Ballet New England, Northern Ballet Theatre, South West Ballet Theatre, White Mountain School among other New England Schools.
JBIZZ
JBIZZ has trained and performed in numerous forms of dance. He Spent part of his young dance career in the group "I.T.M", performing in professional venues, such as the Boston Celtics.
His dance career has lead him along side various artists, including training at Britney Spears performing arts camp. He is the inaugural Hip Hop dance professor at Endicott college. A role he still enjoys to this day.
He also Judges and teaches at several conventions and competitions throughout the country. JBIZZ prides himself on exposing dancers to new forms of movement and identifying their voice in the art form.
Alexa Lynn
Alexa Lynn grew up in Massachusetts as a competition and convention dancer training 30+ hours a week, winning many prestigious awards across the states. She just recently graduated from the CLI Conservatory back in June. During her 10 months there she took many classes and trained with some of the biggest names in the industry such as Robbie Blue, Martha Nichols, Jason Williams, Tina Landon, Brian Nicholson, Teddy Forance and more.
Along with her training, Alexa got the opportunity to work on films with Miguel Zárate & Christopher Scott as well as performances, on camera experiences and more! One day she dreams of pursuing her dance career and training in Los Angeles! Alexa is so excited to join the Miss Heejin's staff and share her love of dance with everyone!
Christina Koleoglou
Christina began dancing at the age of three on Long Island, NY. She trained and competed in a variety of dance styles, including Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Musical Theater, Pointe, and Tap. Christina graduated from the University of Notre Dame with Bachelor’s degrees in both Mathematics and Economics. While at Notre Dame, she was a member of the Notre Dame Dance Company and the Notre Dame Pom Squad, where she served as captain. In addition to performing, she led the team’s choreography, fundraising, and community service. Since graduating, Christina has spent her time teaching at studios in Central and Eastern Massachusetts. Her teaching focuses on fostering a safe, joyful space, developing confident dancers, and challenging students to reach their full potential.
Christina is delighted to bring her experience, patience, and love of dance to the beautiful dancers at Miss Heejin’s Dance Studio!
Kate Knauer
Kate grew up in Rockport, Maine, where she trained extensively at Studio Red in Rockport in a variety of styles including Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, and Jazz. During her time at Studio Red, she gained valuable performance and competitive experience, regularly participating in competitions, attending conventions, and performing at places such as Disney World and Hershey Park. In high school, Kate was selected for the CLI Trainee Program under the direction of Teddy Forance, which further enriched her training.
She continued her dance education at Stonehill College, obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Performing Arts with a concentration in Dance. There, she became a member of the Stoneworks Dance Company, where she discovered a true passion for teaching and choreography, creating numerous pieces for semester performances. Kate also founded and presided over Stonehill’s first dance honors society, aimed at deepening dance education and creating connections within the local community. In her senior year, she began teaching Hip Hop at In The Wings Academy of Dance in Easton.
Kate is thrilled to bring her love and passion for dance to Miss Heejin's Dance Studio!
Reed Duncan
Reed Duncan is a versatile performer and dedicated dance educator with a BA in Theatre Arts and Dance from Salve Regina University, where she trained in acting, voice, dance, and technical theatre. She has performed on notable stages including Lincoln Center, the Joyce Theater, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, experiences that deepened her artistry and passion for live performance.
As a teacher, Reed is committed to sharing both the joy and discipline of dance. Her teaching style balances encouragement with clear instruction, creating an inclusive environment where students feel both challenged and supported. She strives to develop not only skilled dancers but confident individuals who carry the artistry, teamwork, and discipline of dance into all aspects of life.
Ruby Francis
Ruby began dancing at age 3 in Auburn, MA. She trained in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and modern, but was always drawn to tap the most for its rhythm and musicality. She attended Fairfield University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Politics. While at Fairfield, she was a member of the Fairfield University Dance Ensemble, and served as a tap choreographer and board member of the ensemble. Since graduating, she has continued taking classes at a studio in her hometown and open classes in the Boston area. Ruby teaches an adult tap class at a studio in Rochdale, MA as well.
Ruby is also a crew member for Turn It Up Dance Challenge. As a tabulator for the competition, she helps set up the equipment for each event and works with the judges by monitoring their scores, finalizing their special award selections, and troubleshooting any tech issues. She loves watching dancers of all ages and abilities shine on stage. Ruby is excited to join MHDS and share her love of tap with the students.
Megan Mayfield
Megan grew up in Marlborough Mass and started dancing when she was three. She developed a love of musical theatre in high school, and continued to perform in college. During her time in university, Megan attended an opera intensive, performed in multiple show premieres, and traveled to Vietnam to compete in a choir competition with the university Chamber Singers. She graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a BA in Musical Theatre Performance and a minor in Dance. Megan had plans to pursue her masters in Theatre Education, and is working as an actor and makeup artist in the mean time. As much as she loves to perform, Megan absolutely lives to see her students nail routines and have the time of their life. She is very excited to be apart of Miss Heejin’s Dance Studio!
Guest Instructor/Choreographer - Shay Sales
Shay was born and raised in Boston, MA. She began dancing at the age of 9, training in styles such as Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, and more. Shay is an alumni of Boston Arts Academy. Her journey began with the help of her family to dance in the Boston community. Shay was soon under the influence of Isaiah “MoveLikeZay” Beasley, Jerome Johnson, and Joshua Greene from Status Quo Crew who was on TV Hit Show “Americas Best Dance Crew”. Shay started choreographing at the age 15 and became a Hip Hop teacher at 4 Star Dance Studio. Her choreography was shown on Boston Neighborhood Network (BNN) featuring Jermaine Dupri’s Artists Young Lyric and Lil Poopy. Shay’s choreography was also showcased at Prelude New England, Tremaine Dance Convention, Bring The Hype Dance Competition, and Artistic Dance Exchange(ADE) in the Boston area, winning 11x Best In Teen Competitive HipHop, 3x Best 1st Overall, and 1x Junior Hip Hop Divison Winners.
Shay’s goal is to inspire the youth, and provide a safe space for any skilled level dancer. Shay is excited to dance with you!
Guest Instructor/Choreographer - Kat Pantos
Kat Pantos received her B.S. in Dance Performance and Management from Plymouth State University. Upon graduation, Pantos toured nationally with multiple contemporary dance companies. She has worked with artists such as Robert Battle, Roni Koresh, Amanda Whitworth, & Tommy Neblett, among others. In 2012, Pantos moved to New York City with a vision to expand her artistic library and research. She founded Pantos Project Dance (PPD) and moved the professional company to Boston. PSU featured Pantos as an 'Alumni in the Arts' commissioning PPD for an evening of dance splitting the bill with Whitworths, Tributary Dance. Since the inaugural season, PPD has performed in venues across New England, PA, & New York, including Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out stage. Pantos is sought out for her educational classes and innovative choreography. PPD holds annual intensives and a pre-professional youth program, the MOVERS, composed of dancers looking for additional training and performance opportunities. In addition, Pantos choreographs commercial work for studios throughout the New England area and is an adjunct faculty member and guest choreographer at University of New Hampshire, Salve Regina University, Rhode Island College and Endicott College (spring 2024) November 2023, PPD Company will bring Rain or Shine to Endicott College as a part of their Encore series. Most recently Pantos Project has set ground in Waltham to house the professional company, the adult collective, the pre-professional youth company, and welcoming the growing artist into our studio programming. Pantos strives to inspire students to develop their own artistic abilities while continuing to advance technically and create choreography that is stimulating to the artist and audience alike.
