Owner

Michael is the heart of INSPIRE, with credits including BYU's Vocal Point, Young Ambassadors, and as a featured soloist with Rob Gardner’s Spire Music. 

He is passionate about working with youth and teaching them the value of music and the arts. 

In his free time, Michael enjoys reading, traveling, playing soccer, and spending time with his family and six spirited children.

Owner/CEO

Eric feels blessed to have been surrounded by music and the arts throughout his life. His performance highlights include singing with BYU's Vocal Point and Young Ambassadors. 

A communications graduate from Brigham Young University, Eric has a background in marketing and has helped develop the INSPIRE brand. 

With over 15 years of teaching experience as a director and coach, he enjoys playing with his four kids, exploring cultures, serving in The Church of Jesus Christ, and creating.

Studio & Dance Academy Director

Shelley has been teaching dance and theatre for over 30 years, earning numerous awards in dance, choreography, and directing. From 2002-2010, she ran a renowned performing arts studio in Kansas and was named a "Woman of Distinction" by the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce in 2007. Shelley performed and choreographed professionally in Branson and Biloxi, attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and was a dance specialist at Pittsburg State University. In 2015, she founded INSPIRE Entertainment’s first Dance Company and continues to impact the industry nationwide. Shelley is married and a proud mother of four.

Office Manager

Rachel has been with INSPIRE for nearly 8 years, starting as a preschool assistant and quickly embracing the studio's vision. She spent 5 years as Office Manager before focusing on raising her new baby, continuing to handle payroll and financial reporting from home. Rachel is excited to return to the Office Manager role at the new South Gilbert location.

Vocal Performance Director & Combo Instructor

Erica's passion for performing began at age 5 when she started dance, and she has embraced every stage opportunity since. Her youth was filled with choirs, advanced vocal groups, dance, and musicals. Her favorite experience was with Light Entertainment Company, combining her skills in singing, dancing, and acting while traveling nationwide. After earning a business degree from ASU, Erica spent 10 years in real estate and entrepreneurship. A mother of five, she enjoys teaching fitness and is thrilled to be the Director of INSPIRE’s Vocal Performance Academy in South Gilbert.

Advanced Tech & Pom, Dance Academy Instructor

Rylee discovered her love for dance at a young age, competing throughout high school and continuing her training at ASU, where she earned a degree in Dance. She joined local dance companies for performance experience and later earned a Master's in Dance/Education from UNC Greensboro. Rylee's passion for teaching began in studios, where she won numerous choreography awards. In 2015, she founded the dance program at Casteel High School, including Project 15 and the Pom Team, achieving awards and fostering good character and unity. Rylee is dedicated to dance and instilling values, respect, and integrity in her dancers.

Hip Hop Instructor

Aijah began her performing arts journey in theatre at age 6, performing in over 10 musicals with various groups. An alumnus of INSPIRE Entertainment, she trained in Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Ballet, and Technique. She competed nationally in hip hop with the Electrolytes of Gilbert, Arizona, earning a U.S. Junior Crew Silver Medal from Hip Hop International. Aijah also choreographed for Williams Field High School’s Elite Dance Company and coaches gymnastics with Arizona Dynamics. She is excited to join INSPIRE Entertainment’s faculty!

Rec & Special Needs Instructor

Millie has been performing since childhood, engaging in modeling, dancing, singing, and acting. She competed in dance during high school and studied ballroom in college. As an adult, she has been a modeling and stage performance coach, led a children's choir, and worked for a Canadian talent agency. Millie has performed in Hale Theatre shows and on international stages, winning top awards at the World Competition of Performing Arts. Passionate about working with those with special needs, she looks forward to teaching them movement and performance. A proud mother of five and a new grandma, Millie is eager to share her love for music and movement with INSPIRE students.

Cheer & Stunt Instructor

Shellie, a Gilbert, AZ native, grew up immersed in vocal performances, dance, and sports. From elementary through college, she was often found singing or practicing for games. As an adult, she taught 3rd grade, junior high history, and coached varsity cheer, leading stunt teams to USA Nationals in California. Married to her best friend Michael, she manages a bustling household of six kids. Her motto, "Create balance both in pushing beyond mediocrity and finding joy in what you currently possess," guides her as a mother and coach. Shellie loves helping children unlock their potential and shine through their talents.

Vocal Performance Instructor

Chelsey, raised in a musical family, has been singing and performing her entire life. She believes music is a divine tool for happiness and connection. Her achievements include state-ranked music chairs, singing under Dr. Marcy Spencer, awards for most valuable performer, and top placements in college vocal competitions. Previously a certified behavioral therapist, she now focuses on her family and business. Passionate about youth and music, Chelsey is thrilled to join INSPIRE’s Vocal Performance Academy, working with her sister, Erica Markham, in South Gilbert.

Dance Instructor

Kenadee began dancing at the age of 2 and is thrilled to share her passion for dance through teaching. She competed on INSPIRE’s top team for many years and attended Casteel High School, where she was the captain of the varsity pom team. During her five years on the dance team, she won numerous awards. Kenadee is excited to continue pursuing her love of dance and to grow through teaching and coaching!

Dance Instructor

Tausha has been teaching dance since her teenage years. She graduated from BYU with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, taking several dance and music classes along the way. With a lifelong passion for dance, Tausha has trained in all genres and owned the Better Balance Dance Studio for 8 years. As a mother of five, she cherishes sharing her love of dance with her children and the community. Her dedication to dance and education continues to inspire those around her.

Dance Instructor

Marie South holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre with a Dance and Music emphasis from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) and a Master of Science in Education from Colorado State University (CSU). For the past 18 years, she has directed and choreographed musicals for high schools and children's theatre, earning multiple Zoni and NYA nominations and awards for her work. Marie infuses her love of musical theatre into all her classes and also teaches dance and coaches pom at Casteel High School.

Dance Instructor

Kacie, a native of Arizona, has spent most of her life in Gilbert. She began dancing at age 3, inspired by her older sister's performances. Her training includes jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, ballet, and pointe. Kacie loved being on stage and competing, and she spent six years on an All-Star cheer team, also participating in her high school dance company and cheer squad. She attended ASU, earning a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. During college, she fulfilled a childhood dream by working as a performer at Walt Disney World in Florida. After graduating, Kacie briefly taught elementary school before choosing to stay home with her children. Now a mother of four, she is excited to return to teaching dance and is grateful to be part of a unique performing arts studio.

Dance Instructor

Kaylee grew up excelling as both a high-level gymnast and dancer. She was a member of Benjamin Franklin’s varsity pom team throughout high school, serving as team captain for two years. Trained in hip hop, jazz, contemporary, pom, and ballroom, Kaylee has won numerous awards for her talent and choreography. With a passion for musical theatre, her favorite performance experience was being part of "Les Miserables." Having taught dance and tumbling for several years, Kaylee is thrilled to join the INSPIRE team this year, ready to share her expertise and enthusiasm with her students.

Dance Instructor

Baylee Romney has dedicated 10 years to competitive dancing, primarily at INSPIRE. Her extensive training spans hip hop, jazz, contemporary, tap, ballet, and musical theater. She was an integral part of Casteel High School's dance team, Project 15, throughout her high school years. Having served as Shelley’s assistant for many years, Baylee discovered her passion for teaching and nurturing young dancers. She is thrilled to join INSPIRE Entertainment this year, eager to inspire and support her students' growth.

Dance Instructor

Lacie has been dancing and competing for about 14 years. She has trained in ballet, pointe, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, ballroom, acro and hip-hop. She was also part of Arizona Youth Ballet Company for over 4 years and enjoyed performing in The Nutcracker, Snow White, and Cinderella. She has extensive experience in Ballroom and her favorite styles are Cha-Cha and Samba. She says Samba is in her blood because her mom is from Brazil! Lacie is so excited to share her love for dance through teaching!