Learn about Smartt Steps
With You every Step
Smartt Steps is a dance studio in Hendersonville, TN, that has served the community for more than two decades. We stand apart with our dual commitment to our students to cultivate competitive success while building a supportive community. Our studio specializes in a range of dance styles, catering to both competitive and recreational dancers.
We provide excellent dance instruction in a welcoming environment that focuses on each student's mental, physical, and emotional health while developing exceptional technique and skill. We believe that this unique approach builds confident, supportive community members who will carry the lessons learned on the dance floor into all aspects of their lives.
2024-2025 FACULTY
Adam Ackerman
Adam Ackerman began dancing at 11 years old, training in all styles at Dancing Images in California and spent five years honing his craft at Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles. Now, with 21 years of experience, his passion for dance continues to grow.
He started teaching and choreographing at just 15 and has since spent 17 years creating for dance studios, music artists, commercials, and film. His dance education comes from hands-on experience—taking classes, learning from mentors, and studying the history of dance, particularly Hip Hop. He believes in passing down that history, ensuring students understand the foundation, not just the moves.Adam’s philosophy is simple: always be the hardest worker in the room and never fear failure—it’s essential for growth. For him, nothing compares to seeing a student’s excitement when they finally master a skill. The welcoming, family-like atmosphere at Smartt Steps, built by Marye and Kristi, makes teaching there even more rewarding.
Alicia Brooks
Alicia Brooks is a graduate of Western Kentucky University, where she earned a degree in Dance. Her training was shaped by incredible professors with professional company experience, as well as master classes from renowned industry professionals. Through her studies, she had the opportunity to train and perform at ACDFA, Giordano Dance, Broadway Dance Center, and beyond.
Her teaching career began in high school and continued throughout college. While pursuing a professional performance career, Alicia remained dedicated to teaching, sharing her passion with students along the way. Now, she is proud to teach all styles full-time, using her extensive experience to guide dancers of all levels.
With a BA in Dance and specialized pedagogy training, Alicia tailors her instruction to meet each student’s unique needs. Her philosophy is simple: never give up. She loves witnessing those breakthrough moments when students believe in themselves and everything starts to click.

At Smartt Steps, Alicia finds joy in watching her students grow year after year, building both their skills and confidence with every class.
Roshunda Brown
Roshunda Brown studied dance at Western Kentucky University, where she trained in ballet, modern, jazz, and tap under esteemed instructors including Carlos Dos Santos, Clinton K. Brown, Amanda Clark, Angelica Burgos, and Eric Rivera. Post-college, she furthered her training with Stacie Flood Popp through Nashville’s Found Movement Group and participated in the One Body One Career program, specializing in Countertechnique.
With a teaching career that began in 2004, Roshunda has instructed dancers at Georgetown High School, studios across Middle Tennessee, and community classes through New Dialect and Millennium Dance Complex Nashville. Her degree from WKU shaped her ability to break down movement with clear, safe instruction while diversifying her approach across multiple styles.
She believes dance is built on connection—within oneself, with music, and with others. She also prioritizes sharing the historical knowledge of dance with her students. A lifelong learner, Roshunda finds joy in guiding students through their own discoveries and growth.
At Smartt Steps, she values the studio’s people-first approach, where students and families are genuinely cared for. She also appreciates the ongoing support for her own growth as an educator, making it a place where both teachers and students thrive.
Caroline Leonard
Caroline began her dance journey at 12, training competitively at Smartt Steps and serving as captain of the JPII Dance Team. She continued dancing at the University of Notre Dame as a five-year member and choreographer for the Notre Dame Dance Company, as well as a two-time captain of the Notre Dame Pom Squad. Beyond performing, she took on leadership roles in coaching, choreography, fundraising, and teaching youth camps.
While at Notre Dame, Caroline also volunteered at a local civic center, teaching dance to underprivileged youth. Now in her third season coaching and choreographing at Smartt Steps, she also serves as the head coach of the Pope Middle School Dance Team, guiding young dancers in technique, teamwork, and performance.
With a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Management, Caroline takes a thoughtful approach to coaching, treating each dancer as an individual and fostering both structure and creativity. She finds joy in watching her students grow and believes in creating a supportive, confidence-building environment. Teaching at Smartt Steps feels like coming home—giving back to the studio that shaped her is something she deeply treasures.
Lydia McRae
Lydia began her dance training at the University of Alabama and has taught at multiple dance schools, including Smartt Steps.
Her teaching philosophy centers on empowering dancers by fostering a love for movement while helping them build confidence and discipline. She enjoys helping students discover their full potential and develop a deep appreciation for dance.
Lydia loves teaching at Smartt Steps because of its encouraging and supportive environment, where everyone is dedicated to uplifting each other and celebrating progress.
Caitlyn Parker
Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Caitlyn Parker trained, choreographed, and competed at a local studio and on her high school dance team. She assisted nationwide with Tremaine Dance Conventions before earning a BFA in Dance Performance and a Minor in Business Administration from Chapman University. Her career spans film, television, theater, concert dance, and industrial productions, with credits including Step One Dance Company, Holland America Cruise Lines, Solid Gold Soul, Cirque du Soleil collaborations, and the Vanity Fair Fashion Show.
With extensive training across multiple styles—including jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, tap, ballroom, ballet, aerial arts, and musical theater—Caitlyn brings a wealth of experience to her students. She has directed jazz and contemporary programs, installed shows on cruise ships, and mentored young artists in the competition and convention circuit.
Holding a BFA along with NASM and Barre Connect certifications, Caitlyn emphasizes a supportive learning environment that fosters curiosity, self-expression, and confidence. She cherishes the opportunity to watch her students grow as artists and is grateful to teach at Smartt Steps, where the culture aligns with her passion for mentorship and inclusivity.
Meredith StAmour
A Smartt Steps alum, Meredith StAmour grew up dancing competitively, earning state and national championship titles in both studio and high school dance. She continued her training at the University of Tennessee, where she pursued a dance minor before earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After graduation, she returned to her studio home and has been teaching at Smartt Steps for 14 years.
Meredith’s experience spans all dance genres, training competitive teams of all ages, judging in the competition circuit, and choreographing for both studios and dance teams. She has also performed in music videos and worked as a backup dancer and choreographer for various projects.
With a background in anatomy and physiology, Meredith brings a deep understanding of the body to her teaching, ensuring safe and effective training. She believes work ethic is the key to growth and that success comes from nurturing both mind and body. For her, dance is both a science and an art, requiring balance between the two.
What she loves most about teaching is sharing her passion and fostering the sense of community that dance creates. At Smartt Steps, that community feels like family—a place where dancers support each other both in and beyond the studio.
Kayla Wilkerson
Kayla’s passion for movement began at three with gymnastics, leading to a competitive career with Intrigue Athletics through Level 9. She started coaching at 16, offering private lessons before teaching group classes at Hartsville Dance Studio and continuing at Intrigue Athletics during college. Even after earning her degree, she remained dedicated to coaching and skill development.
With a master’s in physical education, Kayla emphasizes body awareness, healthy living, and individualized learning. She believes every child is unique and focuses on building connections to create a supportive, fun, and safe training environment.

For Kayla, the most rewarding part of teaching is watching students’ progress and the excitement that comes with mastering new skills. What she loves most about Smartt Steps is the welcoming, family-like atmosphere—it’s more than a studio; it’s home.
Alan Word
Alan Word’s dance journey began at Smartt Steps at just two years old, and by four, she was already competing. She trained extensively through elementary, middle, and high school, gaining experience from competitions and conventions across the country. She also assisted at PHNX Dance Convention and was featured in multiple concept videos.
Her teaching career started in high school, cleaning choreography while continuing her own training. After graduation, she expanded her teaching schedule and now works with dancers ages 3-18 on a weekly basis. Alan’s training and mentorship from renowned instructors have shaped her approach, allowing her to integrate diverse styles and techniques into her classes.
She believes that dance is a powerful outlet for expression and that teaching is a privilege—an opportunity to guide students through their unique dance journeys while pushing them to exceed their personal goals. For her, the most rewarding part of teaching is seeing students grow and shine from within.
Smartt Steps has always been her home away from home, and teaching there is a true joy. Surrounded by a supportive community and mentors who lead with strong values, Alan feels grateful to be part of a studio that continually strives for excellence.
Taylor York
Taylor has been dancing for over 20 years and teaching for more than 14, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the studio. She has trained at prestigious summer intensives, including Nashville Ballet, Charleston Ballet, Huntsville Ballet, Ballet Magnificat, Houston Ballet, and Joffrey Ballet.
Taylor believes that dance is for everyone and serves as a powerful form of expression beyond words. She finds joy in witnessing those breakthrough moments when students truly connect with movement. At Smartt Steps, she feels at home, describing the studio as a place that is both calming and safe—a true family.
Kayla Breedlove
Bio Coming Soon!
ADJUNCT INSTRUCTORS
Carolyne Rowell
Carolyne Rowell trained at Smartt Steps in ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, modern, lyrical, tap, hip hop, and musical theater. She is currently pursuing a Dance Major at Samford University, training with the Samford Dance Company, and has served as a faculty assistant for both Revel Dance Convention and PHNX.
She began teaching in high school, working with Smartt Steps company dancers on rehearsals and choreography. Since graduation, she has continued choreographing, teaching private lessons, and leading workshops. In Birmingham, she has gained experience teaching various ages and styles at Vibe Performing Arts and Linda Dobbins Dance.
Carolyne believes in consistency, dedication, and lifelong learning. She encourages dancers to work hard, be bold, and approach training with humility and eagerness. She loves building connections with her students—sharing stories, offering guidance, and being a part of their journey. Teaching at Smartt Steps feels like home, and getting to watch students grow in the same space she did is something she treasures.
Mary Grace Rowell
Smartt Steps has been Mary Grace Rowell’s dance home since age seven. She has trained in ballet, hip-hop, modern, and jazz both regionally and internationally, attending Joffrey’s summer program, Stacey Tookey’s Camp Protégé in Canada, and currently serving as an Artist on the Rise with PHNX Dance Convention. She continues her dance studies at Samford University and plans to keep dancing for life.
With 20 years of dance experience and six years of teaching and choreography, Mary Grace’s passion for sharing dance began as a student teacher. She now teaches technique, choreographs for all ages, and leads rehearsals at both recreational and competitive levels. She believes in meeting dancers where they are, challenging them individually, and fostering growth both as performers and as people.
For Mary Grace, the joy of teaching comes from witnessing a dancer’s journey—from small victories to major breakthroughs. Smartt Steps has always been her second home, and now, with her parents leading the studio, she’s proud to be part of a community built on love, excellence, and a shared passion for dance.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Jason Rowell
Owner, CEO
Marye Rowell
Owner
Program Director
Kristi Word
Culture & Experience Coordinator
smarttstepsoffice@gmail.com
225 Molly Walton Dr, Suites C and D,
Hendersonville, TN 37075
