Meet The Team | Mini Movers Studio

jackie bowden

Mini Movers Studio Director & Instructor

Jackie Bowden is the founder and director of Mini Movers Studio. Jackie is a alum of Salem State University were she graduated with a BA in Communications with honors, and a double minor in dance and graphic design. She received the Creativity Award in dance and was awarded an arts grant to study at Broadway Dance Center's Training Program. In August of 2020, she completed the Boston Ballet Adaptive Dance Training Program and continues to take classes to further her studies as a dance educator through programs like BAM Dance, NDEO and Inspire.Create.Educate. In the winter of 2024 she completed her 90 hour children's yoga course through Radiant Child Yoga. Jackie also works at Watertown Children's Theater as a choreographer for their Winter musicals. In 2025, she launched Moxie Dance Collective, which offers dance classes for ages 11+ and teaches adult contemporary dance classes at the studio.

In 2017, Jackie co-founded Kaleidoscope Dance Company where she was co-director until 2019. She was previously signed with Andrew Wilson Agency for commercial acting and modeling, before shifting focus full time to her business. She has danced with Kiniscape, Refine Dance Studio, OnStage Rep, Boston Community Dance Project Global and OnStage Dance Company. She continues to perform both independently and with companies.

Jackie has had the opportunity to perform at various festivals and shows around the New England area and continues to study under influential teachers and choreographers. In addition to dance, Jackie has also coached cheerleading, with over 15 years experience.

While working as a substitute teacher, Jackie realized how there is a lack of movement in the every day life of young children and was inspired to start Mini Movers Studio as a mobile program in 2018. In Fall of 2024, the Charlestown Studio opened and MMS continues to run classes in multiple communities plus school locations across the North Shore and Boston areas.

Jackie's mission for Mini Movers Studio is to get kids dancing and moving and to establish and nurture the building blocks of creativity, confidence and a healthy lifestyle! She believes in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for dance students of all levels and that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience a quality dance education!

Victoria R.-Dance Instructor

Victoria is a dance teacher/choreographer from Boston who grew up dancing from the age of 5 and got her B.A. in dance from Brigham Young University. She is very passionate about teaching dance and spreading her love for it with the younger generation. She has performed for the Walt Disney Company at Walt Disney World and on Disney Cruise Line in both parades and stage shows for the last five years. She has also performed a few musicals including “A Christmas Carol” with Emerald City Theatricals, and has also been a part of local dance companies such as “DanceWorks Boston” and “Boston Community Dance Project.” She is excited to be working with Mini Movers Studio and to teach all the young dancers!

Isabel - Dance Instructor

Isabel Darmon-Weiss (she/her) is a fifth grade teacher who graduated from UMass Amherst with an undergraduate degree in Gender Studies and then moved to Boston to receive her graduate degree in Elementary Education from Simmons University. She is originally from Northampton, MA and grew up dancing at a local studio. Although her focus was ballet, she has practiced all different types of dance including hip hop, modern, jazz, and contemporary. She is so excited to be getting back into the choreography world and immerse herself back in the studio with Mini Movers!

When Isabel is not at the Mini Movers Studio, you can find her working at the Charlestown boutique store, Slate, reading a book, tending to her plants/herbs, or re-watching a comfort show at home!

Kaleigh-Dance Instructor

Kaleigh grew up in Everett MA where she began her dance training at the age of two years old at her home studio Paula Terenzi’s Dance Complex. She was a competitive dancer and a studio assistant. She has studied many styles of dance including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, acrobatics, lyrical/contemporary, and hip hop. While being at her home studio she has performed in Disney World, Hershey Park, Providence Bruins, other various festivals and shows including Debbie Allen’s off-broadway musical “Brothers of the Knight” and Melrose Youth Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”. She has gotten the opportunity to take classes from many professional dancers over the years.
In 2017, Kaleigh graduated from the Dance Teachers Training course from the Dance Teachers Club of Boston.

In 2019, she got the opportunity to train at the University of Buffalo along with Dance Masters of America, the Student Honors Intensive Program.
Kaleigh graduated with a BA in Dance at Dean College. Kaleigh trained in all different styles of dance from the basics of ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, improvisation, modern and dance pedagogy.

While at Dean, Kaleigh was President of the Pom Team where they competed at UDA New England and performed at many events on campus. Kaleigh had gotten the opportunity to choreograph and perform in many shows on campus including New Dancers Showcase, Arts Mosaic, Collaboration showcase, Choreographers Concert, Senior Showcase and Dance Company.

Kaleigh currently resides in Danvers MA. Kaleigh is also a dance instructor at the Boston Ballet School and Beyond Dance of Lynnfield. Not only does Kaleigh have a passion for teaching, but also performing as she is a dancer for the NBA G-league Maine Celtics for the 2025-26 season. Her goal is to become a role model, a motivator and create a fun space for her students.

Amanda- Dance Instructor

Amanda Edmunds is from Revere, Massachusetts and has been dancing since the age of three. She danced competitively for 16 years at Sheila Rosanio’s School of Dance and Gymnastics and The Studio Dance Complex. Amanda has earned her BA in Dance at Salem State University with a minor in Education. Here she studied with Michelle Deane, Betsy Miller, Meghan McLyman, Jenna Pollack, Hollis Bartlett, Maria Larossa, Jenny Oliver and Jennette Neil. During her senior year she received the Creativity Award for her capstone solo choreography entitled "The Duet". She has won numerous high score awards along with multiple scholarships from the Dance Masters of New England. She has performed in Debra Mason’s: What The Dickens and she performed in the company “Contemporarily Out Of Order” with Wendy O’Byrne. She has danced in professional companies such as Dance LAB Creative founded by Libby Bulligner, and Afmohip founded by Joanne Caidor. Amanda dances to entertain, persuade, and inform her audiences of her thoughts, ideas and passions. She strives to create and perform her dances with immense expression and athleticism. Amanda is currently a dance instructor/studio administrator for various different studios in the North Shore and dances professionally in the entertainment industry. She is fueled by watching her students grow as dancers, humans, and artists. In her free time, along with taking class; Amanda also enjoys reading, yoga, pilates, and getting in touch with nature whenever she can.

Taylor - Instructor

Taylor is a teacher, choreographer, and theater artist from Baldwinville, Massachusetts. Taylor has been dancing since the age of two and discovered a love for theater at 12 years old. They specialize in musical theater, ballet, jazz, hip hop, and modern, and have experience teaching dancers of all ages and skill levels.

Taylor holds a degree in Dance and Theater from Salem State University. Alongside teaching, Taylor continues to pursue their love of theater and currently works at the New England School of Performing Arts as a Resident Choreographer.

Taylor loves helping students build confidence, express themselves, and find their own love for dance and performing.

Tehmina - Studio Administrator

Tehmina began dancing at the age of 4, taking classes in ballet and tap before transitioning into musical theater at the age of 9. She continued her dance training alongside theater, adding in hip hop, contemporary, jazz, modern, acro, and musical theater dance. Transitioning from theater to competitive dance at the beginning of high school, Tehmina studied at Rage Box in Harford County, Maryland, where she later joined the studio’s company team. There, she began competing in contemporary and jazz while continuing her training in ballet and tap.

At Rage Box, she trained under Emmy-nominated hip hop and contemporary choreographers, along with many influential dancers and choreographers in the industry. During her time on the competition teams at Rage Box, Tehmina competed nationally, performing in many high-scoring, award-winning pieces that contributed to numerous studio-wide awards. During high school, Tehmina also frequently assisted in children’s dance classes and developed a strong interest in childhood education through the arts.

Upon graduating high school in 2024, Tehmina continued her education at Emerson College in Boston, where she currently majors in Business of Creative Enterprises with a minor in dance. She has held the position of Hip Hop Director for Emerson Urban Dance Theatre for three semesters. She also completed a hip hop repertory course with respected Boston native dancer and choreographer Ashton “Stiggity Stackz” Lites, where she performed alongside her classmates at the internationally recognized street-style dance event, Stackin Stylez.

From January to April of 2026, Tehmina took part in Crossfader, Ashton Lites’ Harvard Dance Residency, as an invited student. Through the residency, she researched Black vernacular street-style dance, which was presented through a showcase at Harvard’s dance center. She is continuing her work with Crossfader during the 2026–27 residency cycle through Boston Center for the Arts, further developing her research and practice within the Boston dance community.

Through her dance minor, Tehmina continues to actively train and develop her dance skills while also teaching outside of academic spaces. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge, helping young dancers grow, and creating positive and encouraging experiences through dance.

Victoria V.-Studio Administrator and Assistant Teacher

Victoria Verderese is from Stoneham, Massachusetts. She discovered her love for dance at the age of 10 and quickly immersed herself in training and competing at several dance studios, including Let’s Dance Inc., Encore Dance Academy, and Loperfido Dance Academy. Through these studios, she participated in numerous regional and national competitions and conventions, earning multiple awards for her performances.

Victoria is trained in a wide range of styles including Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theater, Lyrical, Tap, and Contemporary. In addition to her dedication to dance, she has a strong passion for theater. She has been involved in a variety of local productions and theater companies, often taking on the role of dance captain.

After graduating from high school, Victoria continued her education at Framingham State University, where she was a member of the school's performance dance team. As part of the team, she had the opportunity to perform at Boston Celtics games. Now an adult, Victoria remains deeply connected to her passion. She continues her dance education by taking contemporary, ballet, and jazz classes in the Boston area. She values staying creatively engaged and actively participates in dance film projects and live performances, contributing both as a performer and as part of the creative process.

Currently, Victoria is pursuing a degree in Psychology at Salem State University, while continuing to nurture her artistic side through dance and performance.

Emma M. - Assistant Instructor

Emma Marchi grew up in East Boston, Massachusetts. She started her journey in dance at Gateway Ballet, training under former School of American Ballet dancer, Ashley Richardson. Throughout high school, Emma attended classes with the Young Dancers Program at José Mateo Ballet Theater of Cambridge. After graduating, Emma joined the Dance Program at UMass Amherst, where she received her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Dance in May, 2026. In July, 2026, Emma received her Level 1 Progressing Ballet Technique certification. Aside from dance, Emma is working towards becoming a certified pilates instructor.

Hema - Dance Instructor

Hema is originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota and moved to Boston for school. She’s been dancing since she could toddle! She likes to joke that a new dance style chooses her each year rather than the other way around! Recently, she’s been an avid salsa and bachata dancer. Outside of dance, she is pursuing a career as a pediatrician. She loves working with children and is thankful for the lessons they teach!

Kyla F - Assistant Dance Instructor

Kyla grew up in Miami, Florida but is now now a Boston local. She is a enrolled at Boston Conservatory majoring as a professional commercial dancer. She loves to dance, sing, and act. Kyla is super passionate about film and hopes to be a film director someday. Kyla loves going to the beach, spending time reading books, and watching her favorite shows. She loves working with kids and hopes to inspire little ones to follow their dreams!

Ava - 2 Mindful Girls Kids Yoga

Ava is the co-founder of 2MindfulGirls Kids Yoga. She holds a a bachelor’s degree in Elementary/ Special Education & Psychology and a Masters in Social Emotional Learning, and is currently a first grade special education teacher. She holds a 95-hour children’s yoga certification as well. Ava has published two children’s books focused on social and emotional learning (Renee Finds Her Calm & Renee Finds Her Inner Strength). Ava teaches many of our mobile classes in the Boston area and enjoys coming to Central Mass to work yoga & art camps and speciality events.

Maddie - Assisstant Dance Instructor

Maddie is so excited to be a part of Mini Movers Studio this summer! Maddie recently graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, TN and holds a BFA in Musical Theatre. She has most recently performed with Bigfork Summer Playhouse as Bea in Something Rotten and looks forward to her upcoming ensemble position in Sister Act at Flat Rock Playhouse in September. She most recently has taught at Enchanted Dance Academy in her hometown of Winchester, MA and adores teaching private voice, acting and dance students while pursuing performing arts!

Anna -Dance Instructor

Anna began her dance training at the young age of three, where she found her passion for dance. Growing up attending a local dance studio, she studied a variety of dance styles and was a competitive dancer, competing in Regional and National Competitions up and down the East Coast. She went on to study dance technique, production, theory, and composition at Stonehill College where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Visual and Performing Arts with a concentration in Dance. There, Anna was a two-time finalist in Team Dance at the National Dance Alliance Collegiate Competition with the Stonehill Dance Team, a dancer and choreographer for the Stoneworks Dance Company, an instructor of the Dance Outreach Program, as well as a two-year performer for the Mayfair Festival of Boston.

As a member of the Dance Masters of New England Chapter 5, she continues her dance education by attending dance classes and conferences instructed by some of the most outstanding names in the dance industry in cities like New York and Boston. Anna continues her dance career by choreographing and teaching at local dance studios for all ages and dance levels. Her choreography has been recognized in multiple dance competitions receiving high scores, special awards, and top placements.

As a dancer, instructor, and choreographer, Anna prides herself in creating a fun, enthusiastic, hard working atmosphere enriched with artistic expression in every class to build a memorable and positive experience for every dancer who walks in. She encourages all of her dancers to dream beyond the stars and is so excited to share her passion of dance with each and every one of them!

Molly-Dance Instructor

Molly Walker is a dance educator and performer originally from Memphis, Tennessee. She began her training at the New Ballet Ensemble where she had the opportunity to study and perform with renowned artists including Katie Smythe, Kim Jones, Francesca Harper, and Blakey White-McGuire. She furthered her training through summer intensives with American Ballet Theatre and The Joffrey Ballet.

Molly later attended Loyola University Chicago where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance under the direction of Sandra Kaufmann, Amy Wilkinson, and Sarah Cullen Fuller. She then completed her Master’s in Education at Loyola, combining her passion for dance with a commitment to accessible and engaging arts education.

For the past four years, Molly has taught dance in public schools throughout Chicago, creating inclusive classroom spaces where students can build confidence, creativity, and community through movement. In June 2026, she relocated to Boston and is excited to begin teaching with Boston Public Schools this fall. Her teaching style blends strong technical foundations with storytelling, collaboration, and joyful self expression, helping students of all ages connect to dance in meaningful ways.

Jenna - Instructor & Assitant Instructor

Jenna Cohen (she/her) recently completed her PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Vermont. She grew up in Glastonbury, CT, and danced at Glastonbury Dance Center from the age of two, training in jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, and hip hop. She competed in small and large group dances and performed in recitals, local fairs, and sporting events including minor league hockey, baseball, and football games.

As an adult, Jenna has danced with many studios from Burlington, VT to Princeton, NJ, always looking to better her technique or learn a creative combo. She loves spending as much of her time as she can with little ones as a dance instructor, babysitter, and camp staff member, teaching kiddos to point their toes, take turns, and be kind! Her favorite moments as an instructor are seeing her dancers get excited about choreography and watching them feel proud when they master a new skill. She also enjoys learning something new from her dancers every day.

Outside of dance, Jenna teaches Pilates- and barre-inspired fitness classes, tutors students in math and science, and conducts research on the relationship between movement and childhood mental health.

She can often be found outside on long walks, baking banana bread, planning her wedding, and, more often than not, dancing around her kitchen