Lisa Carissimi, Director --born and raised in Weirton, WV, and has been dancing since the age of five.  She graduated in 1993 from the Dance Teachers Club of Boston Teacher Certification Program, and also holds a BS degree in Medical Technology.  She also has spent some time as a substitute teacher in the Bristol-Warren Regional School District.  She is married to Joe and has two children, Brandon and Dayna.

Jen Mello--has danced since the age of 7, and she graduated in 2004 from the Dance Teachers Club of Boston Teacher Certification Program.  She also received a BS degree in Special Education in 2008 and works as a special education teacher.  She has danced and taught at Danceworks since 1999.

Natasha Hanley--danced for many years in both MA and RI, studying all forms of dance.  She received numerous gold, platinum, and diamond awards at various competitions.  She also has performed as a dancer on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and also performed at halftime at the Harlem Globetrotters.  She has a degree in Psychology with a Minor in Dance from RIC, where she also was a member of the dance company. 

Dayna Carissimi--is the daughter of Lisa, and has been dancing since the age of three.  She has studied all forms of dance while attending Danceworks, and is currently a student at Roger Williams University working towards a degree in Psychology.

Amanda Perry--has been dancing since the age of three and has studied all forms of dance while attending Danceworks.  She is currently a student at Rhode Island College working towards a degree in Special Education.

Alex Brodeur--has been dancing since the age of three and has studied all forms of dance while attending Danceworks.  She is currently a student at the Community College of Rhode Island working towards a degree in Business.

Chelsea Patterson--is also a former Danceworks students and is currently a student at RIC working towards her Bachelors degree.  Chelsea teaches hip hop, but also has studied tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, and modern.

Kermin Liu--teaches Ballroom dancing.  He has been dancing for 9 years, specializing in ballroom, latin, and swing dancing.  He has played the piano since the age of 4, and also works as an attorney in Newport, RI.