Meet The staff

Meredith has played a key role here at Willow Street dance Steps since 1999, she has been the director of LEDC since 2006 and then later bought the studio in 2014. A dancer of 38 years, Meredith has always loved performing lyrical as she can tell a story through movement and emotion. As a choreographer she enjoys open as she states, “anything goes, I love the opportunity to think creatively and create quirky, unexpected concepts and movement.” In addition to owning the studio Meredith is the Elementary Special Education Supervisor at Hempfield School District where she exercises her BA in Psychology, MS in School Psychology, and Ed.D in Educational Leadership. Meredith’s schedule keeps her busy but she loves traveling whenever she gets the chance.

Karen Hedrick has been dancing for 33 years and has been part of Willow Street Dance Steps since the very beginning. A proud WSDS/LEDC alumna, Karen’s dance journey started when she was just four years old. “I told my mom I wanted to be a dancer when I grew up,” she recalls, “so she signed me up for classes at a new studio just opening up in Willow Street. That was in 1992, and I haven’t left since!”

Karen holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance with a concentration in Dance Education from Towson University. She loves all styles of dance and brings that passion and versatility into every class she teaches.

Outside the studio, Karen enjoys spending quality time with her family and continuing to share her love of dance with the next generation.

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Kristy Anthony has been dancing for 45 years and has been sharing her passion with students at Willow Street Dance Steps for the past 26 years. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Related Arts and a concentration in Dance from Kutztown University, Kristy brings a deep knowledge and gentle spirit to every class she teaches.

Her favorite styles of dance are ballet and lyrical, drawn to their elegance and expressiveness. “I have always loved soft, fluid movement,” Kristy shares, a quality that shines through in both her dancing and teaching.

In addition to WSDS, Kristy also teaches ballet at the Sight and Sound Conservatory. Outside of the studio, she enjoys reading, camping, and just about anything that involves spending time with her family.

Sandie Peifer is our main office administrator. She has been a part of Willow Street Dance Steps since the studio first opened in 1992. Both of her daughters are WSDS/LEDC alumni! Sandie enjoys watching tap and musical theater. Sandie is a substitute teacher for Penn Manor School District and has her BS in Elementary Education. Sandie enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

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Kayla Hansen has been a part of Willow Street Dance Steps since 2004. A proud WSDS/LEDC alumni, Kayla brings her lifelong passion for dance into the studio every day. Her favorite style is contemporary, which she loves for its emotional depth and storytelling power. As she puts it, “I love contemporary because it is expressive and has the ability to tell a story.”

Outside the studio, Kayla holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and works as an Adult Blended Case Manager with Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, tackling puzzles, and staying active at the gym.

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Rebecca Estime has been part of Willow Street Dance Steps since 1999 and is a proud WSDS/LEDC alumni. With a lifelong love for dance and the studio, Rebecca’s favorite style is tap. She’s drawn to its complexity and creativity, sharing, “I love tap because of the intricate sounds and rhythms that can be made to tell a story.”

Outside of the studio, Rebecca works at Worship Center as part of the Kid’s Ministry team. She has a deep passion for working with children and loves creating spaces where they can grow, learn, and have fun. Rebecca also enjoys volunteering and serving in her community, spending time with family and friends, and all things Disney.

Jackie Kontis is a proud WSDS/LEDC alumna who has been teaching at Willow Street Dance Steps for the past 15 years. Her favorite styles of dance include jazz, lyrical, and tap, and she brings energy, emotion, and rhythm to every class she leads. Jackie shares, “Willow Street Dance Steps has always been my home, and I never want to leave!”

Jackie holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Millersville University and is currently a stay-at-home mom to her daughter. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and friends, cherishing the community and connection that mean so much to her—both inside and outside the studio.

Haley Davis has been dancing for 7 years and is a Willow Street Dance Steps/LEDC alumni! She started dancing here at the studio after a friend joined our dance team and loved it! Haley’s favorite styles of dance are contemporary and hip hop because she loves the element of creativity that both genres bring! Haley studied at Cecil College, is a certified EMT, and also works at a local coffee shop in Maryland. When Haley is not dancing she enjoys reading and spending time on the water.

Kaitlyn Stauffer, LEDC/WSDS alumni has been dancing for over 20 years and brings a wealth of experience and passion to the studio. Her favorite style of dance is ballet, which she values for its technical foundation and artistry. “Ballet provides fundamental technique for all other styles of dance,” Kaitlyn says. “I admire the discipline it requires and love the elegance of performing it.”

Kaitlyn holds a B.A. in Dance, Biology, and Spanish from Franklin and Marshall College. In addition to teaching at Willow Street Dance Steps, she is a Team Member for Starpower National Talent Competition and teaches at both Catalyst Dance Studio and Viktor’s Ballet Academy.

Outside the studio, Kaitlyn enjoys hiking, reading, and creating art—always finding ways to stay inspired and creative in every part of her life.

Colette Evans has been at Willow Street Dance Steps for 11 years and is an LEDC alumni. Colette enjoys contemporary/lyrical because of the ability to express herself and tell a story. Colette is a student at Lancaster Bible College on track to obtain a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health and Counseling. Colette works at her families candy store, Evan’s Candy. In her free time, Colette enjoys reading, spending time in nature, and being with her family and friends.

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