Our Faculty – Delray Beach School of Dance

OUR FACULTY

OWNER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

STUDIO OWNER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Jackie Hernandez Byrd

Mrs. Jackie began her dance training at Thomas Dance Studio in Lake Worth, FL, at the age of 3. Under the guidance of Virginia, Tami, and Terri Thomas; as well as former New York City Ballet dancer, Charlotte Ray Hamer, Jackie received classical training in a variety of dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics, and contemporary dance. She graduated from Dreyfoos School of Arts, where she majored in Dance and got the opportunity to train with world-renowned artists from So You Think You Can Dance, The Ailey School, and The Juilliard School. After high school, Jackie went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Florida Atlantic University where she continued dancing as an FAU Owlette dancer.

With over 15 years of professional teaching experience, Jackie has dedicated her life to inspiring dancers of all ages. She spent 6 years teaching in the Lower School dance program (pre-k through 5th grade) as well as directing the Dance Etc. competition team at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is also a certified Acrobatics Arts Teacher (Module 1) and an award-winning choreographer whose works have been recognized for their creativity, emotional depth, and strong technical foundation.

Having immersed herself in the dance community throughout her life, Jackie has taken on many roles– teacher, mentor, coach, director, and now studio owner– gaining invaluable experience and knowledge in the field along the way. Her long-lasting goal of opening her dance studio became a reality with Delray Beach School of Dance, where she has proudly led for the past two years.

Now married and living between North Carolina and Florida, Jackie continues to oversee the studio with the same passion and commitment that inspired its creation. She is grateful to have an experienced, dedicated team of teachers who share her vision and work together to challenge, uplift, and empower the next generation of dancers. Above all, Jackie remains devoted to mentoring her students– instilling in them not just technique and artistry, but also confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love of dance.

Mrs. Jackie began her dance training at Thomas Dance Studio in Lake Worth, FL, starting at the age of 3. Under the guidance of Virginia, Tami, and Terri Thomas; as well as former New York City Ballet dancer, Charlotte Ray Hamer, Jackie received classical training in a variety of dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics, and contemporary dance. Jackie graduated from Dreyfoos School of Arts, where she majored in Dance and got the opportunity to learn from many world-renowned professionals who came from So You Think You Can Dance, The Ailey School, and The Juilliard School. After graduating, Jackie then went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Florida Atlantic University.

She has been teaching professionally now for 13 years. Additionally, she dedicated six years teaching in the Lower School dance program (pre-k through 5th grade) as well as directing the Dance Etc. competition team at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is also a certified Acrobatics Arts Teacher in Module 1. Having immersed herself in the dance community throughout her life, Jackie has taken on various roles, gaining invaluable experience and knowledge in the field along the way. Her long-lasting goal has been to start her very own dance studio in hopes of sharing her passion for dance and passing that along to the next generation of dancers. She is thrilled to now be doing that here at Delray Beach School of Dance. As a dedicated teacher, Jackie is very passionate about serving as a mentor and inspiration to her students and hopes to continue to do this for years to come.

CAITLYN

ANGELICA

Minis & Juniors & Adults Teacher

Petites & Juniors & Adults Teacher

Caitlyn is a Rhode Islander that has built a career that combines professional performance, competitive coaching, and dance education. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Dance and Fine Arts from Dean College, where she spent four years performing with the college’s hip hop team, Synergy. Following graduation, she pursued professional dance opportunities, performing and being a dance team member for the Providence Sky Chiefs with the ABA, the Boston Cannons Dance Team, Boston’s Major League Lacrosse & United Styles Dance Company. In 2017, she became a cheerleader for the New England Patriots, where she had the opportunity to perform alongside artists including T-Pain, Flo Rida, and Dropkick Murphys. During her time with the organization, she also traveled to Minnesota to perform during Super Bowl LII festivities. Alongside her performance career, Caitlyn has taught at various dance studios coaching competitive dancers and helping prepare them for prestigious events like World of Dance. In addition to teaching, she also works as a dance judge traveling along the east coast, bringing her industry knowledge and performance experience into every classroom and competition she is part of. She is passionate about inspiring the next generation of dancers and looks forward to her new role as Studio Manager at Delray Beach School of Dance!!

KRISTEN

Juniors & Adults Teacher

Mrs. Kristen is originally from South Carolina, where she trained for 16 years under former Radio City Rockettes at the renowned Miss Marion’s School of Dance. Throughout her training, she spent many summers and holiday breaks in New York City taking master tap classes from industry legends such as Charles Goddertz and Savion Glover at Broadway Dance Center and STEPS on Broadway. At just six years old, Kristen had the incredible honor of tap dancing at the rededication ceremony of the Statue of Liberty, and later, her studio performed in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. At age sixteen, she earned the title of Miss Dance of South Carolina and went on to represent her state at the Miss Dance of America competition with Dance Masters of America (DMA). In addition to her dance background, Kristen is a Medical Assistant, a devoted wife of 25 years, and a proud mom. She has taught at multiple studios across South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida, and continues to share her love and passion for tap with her students at Delray Beach School of Dance. Her classes are filled with energy, rhythm, and joy—reflecting her lifelong commitment to both the art and heart of dance.

EMILY

Petites Teacher

EMILY

Petites Teacher

Miss Emily grew up in Orlando FL where she trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, acrobatics, and hip hop. She competed in regional, national, and international dance competitions where she was recognized for her technique, performance, and choreography receiving numerous convention scholarships and judge’s special awards. She however is most proud of being awarded Dancer of the Year by her teammates for her teamwork and dedication. Miss Emily attended the University of Miami where she earned her degree in economics. While at UM, she was a member of the Miami Motion dance team where she taught classes, choreographed, and performed with the team. She’s so excited to be teaching the petite dancers tap this season!

KYLIE

Tots & Minis Teacher

KYLIE

Tots & Minis Teacher

Kylie began dancing at the age of three and has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hawaiian, and acrobatic dance. Growing up in Southeast Michigan, she spent her elementary and middle school years on competitive dance teams, with tap and acrobatics remaining her favorite styles. In high school, she expanded her love of movement through competitive cheer, gymnastics, and even landed the lead role in her school musical. Since moving to Florida in 2015, Kylie has continued to share her passion for the performing arts. With years of experience working with children, she loves being both a dance mom and a dance student herself. Kylie is excited to inspire young dancers and help them discover the joy of performance.

KAILEY

Minis Teacher

KAILEY

Tots & Minis & Petites Teacher

Kailey Rogers, originally from Massachusetts, began dancing at age five and trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and acrobatics. She danced competitively with Elite Dance Center, attending conventions and workshops with choreographers from So You Think You Can Dance, Broadway, The Rockettes, The Boston Ballet, and Dance Imagination at Walt Disney World. Kailey began teaching during her sophomore year of high school and continues to share her passion for dance while home on breaks. She is currently a junior at Florida Atlantic University, pursuing a degree in Health Sciences, and is thrilled to continue her dance journey as an instructor at Delray School of Dance.

ANGELINA

Tots, Minis, Petites, & Juniors Teacher

ANGELINA

Petites & Juniors Teacher

Angelina is a commercial dancer from New Jersey who has been training since the age of three. Currently a Dance major at Palm Beach Atlantic University, she specializes in hip hop and contemporary while mastering a wide range of styles—from African to tap. Angelina has performed in multiple music videos and dance projects and aspires to go on tour as a background dancer, bringing her passion, precision, and artistry to stages around the world. In addition to her performance experience, Angelina teaches all ages of dance at Delray Beach School of Dance and works closely with the competition team dancers, inspiring them to grow both technically and creatively. Her energy, versatility, and dedication make her a favorite among students and a valuable member of the DBSD teaching team.

TERESE

Juniors and Adults Teacher

TERESE

Juniors and Adults Teacher

Terese Hoibye has been teaching Ballet for children and adults for over 15 years in Norway, New York and San Francisco/Bay Area. She performed at the National Theatre in Oslo, on Norwegian National Television, the Fringe Festival in Edinburg in addition to dancing with several modern dance companies in New York and the San Francisco/Bay Area. Terese has the equitant of a Bachelor in Dance Education from the Norwegian Ballet College and studied at the Alvin Ailey School and Peridance Center in NY. After moving to the San Francisco/Bay Area, she continued her dance training with Joan Lazarus at Shawl-Anderson Dance Center in Berkeley and Augusta Moore at ODC Studio in San Francisco. She was Program Director and Ballet Mistress at California Theatre Arts in Walnut Creek, taught at the ODC School in San Francisco and Conservatory of Classical Ballet in San Leandro.

DAYSI

Front Desk

DAYSI

Front Desk Administrator

Daysi is dedicated to creating a welcoming and organized environment for all who visit the studio. She manages the front desk and assists in all daily tasks, supporting studio operations with professionalism, care, and attention to detail. With strong customer service skills and experience working in customer service since the age of 15, Daysi takes pride in ensuring every guest feels supported and valued. Passionate about dance and community, she enjoys connecting with students and families to create a positive experience for all. A recent high school graduate, Daysi served as Student Government Association President and Historian for HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), where she developed strong leadership and organizational skills. She is currently pursuing a Nursing degree with a minor in Psychology at Florida Atlantic University, combining her passion for healthcare and human connection. Outside of work, she loves listening to music and roller skating.