Our Team
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Janet Strukely-Dziak
Executive Artistic Director
janet@northpointeballet.org
Janet Dziak is originally from Elyria, Ohio and founded North Pointe Ballet in 2016, pursuing a passion to make classical ballet accessible to the community. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Mercyhurst University with a B.A. in Dance, Janet danced professionally with Saint Louis Ballet under the direction of Gen Horiuchi. She has also danced with Lake Erie Ballet under the direction of Christina Maria, and as a guest artist for other companies. Choreographic credits include several contemporary pieces, musical theater productions, and full-length ballets including The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Peter Pan, The Sleeping Beauty, The Wizard of Oz, and Beauty & the Beast.
Dziak is a dedicated dance educator and has taught and choreographed for many institutions throughout the Midwest. She is certified in the National Dance Institute’s methodology and Dancing Wheels Physically Integrated Dance Technique. She loves leading NPB workshops at local schools, and currently teaches classes at Baldwin Wallace Community Arts School and Jillian Rian Dance School, and serves as a regular guest instructor for Oberlin College and Mercyhurst University. She was acknowledged with the Living the Mission Award from Mercyhurst University, and recently, the Heroes for Children Award from Blessing House.
Janet lives in North Ridgeville with her husband, Josh, two children, Lucas and Natalie, and dog, Maggie.
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Melaina McConnell
Assistant Artistic Director
Melaina McConnell is from Cleveland, Ohio and joined NPB in its founding year as Assistant Director. She began her ballet training at the age of four with the School of Cleveland San Jose Ballet, under the direction of Dennis Nahat and Gladisa Guadalupe, performing in Cleveland San Jose Ballet’s performances of Toreador, Coppelia, and The Nutcracker. In addition to her classical ballet training, Melaina also studied modern and contemporary dance under the tutelage of Tom Smith, Sabatino Verlezza and Tom Evert. At the age of sixteen she joined Dancing Wheels, America’s premier physically integrated dance company, as the youngest Trainee in their history. She soon became their Principal Dancer, performing featured roles in company works by world-renown choreographers such as Sabatino Verlezza, May O’Donnell, Hernando Cortez, Michael Medcalf, Rosalind Newman, David Roussseve, and Pilobolous Dance Theater. In addition to dancing in over 120 performances across the country annually, Melaina served as an instructor and the School Administrator for the School of Dancing Wheels, where she conducted weekly dance classes, workshops, master classes, and summer camps nationally for students with and without disabilities.
She currently teaches dance at Absolute Dance, Rock City Dance, and Beyond Words: Music and Dance Center. Melaina and her husband, Dan, live in Lakewood, Ohio with their dogs, Dexter and Odette.
Company Artists
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Sarah Bachman
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Kaitlyn Culp
Kaitlyn Culp is from Avon, Ohio and became a part of NPB in 2023. She graduated in 2021 from Mercyhurst University with a BA in Dance and Accounting. Kaitlyn opened her own studio, White Rose Ballet Academy, in North Ridgeville in June 2025 and currently teaches ballet, jazz, modern, and adaptive dance. She also teaches NPB’s on-site dance classes. Favorite roles she’s danced include Autumn Fairy as a youth cast member in NPB’s 2017 Cinderella and Gretel in Hansel & Gretel with Oyo Dance Company.
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Brianna Habel
Brianna Habel is from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and became part of NPB in 2020. She trained locally at Nan Klinger Excellence in Dance and went on to attend Cincinnati University. Currently, Brianna teaches at IRBD School of Dance. Among her past ballet roles, favorites include Belle in Beauty & the Beast, Glinda in The Wizard of Oz, Dew Drop Fairy in The Nutcracker, Serenade, and corps de ballet in Who Cares.
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Autumn Featheringill
Autumn Featheringill received her ballet training at Cynthia Kniffin Dance Academy (CKDA) in Norwalk, OH under the instruction of Kassandra Lee. She has performed with NPB’s youth cast for many years, and joined NPB as a trainee and then apprentice in 2025. Her favorite roles she’s performed include Princess Florine in CKDA’s The Sleeping Beauty and Marzipan in NPB’s The Nutcracker. Autumn is the choreographer for the junior productions at Norwalk Art Center, in addition to teaching ballet and contemporary at CKDA.
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Jenni Hankey
Jenni Hankey is originally from New Castle, Pennsylvania and became part of NPB in 2017. She holds a degree in Dance from Point Park University and degrees in Architecture and Technical Theatre from Ball State University. Jenni danced and taught for MorrisonDance, and was the founder and director of her school Cleveland Modern Ballet. Among her favorite roles are Peter in NPB’s Peter Pan (2018 & 2024), Sugar Plum Fairy in NPB’s The Nutcracker, and Princess Florine (Bluebird Variation) in NPB’s The Sleeping Beauty. Jenni has a 4-year-old son named Arthur who also loves to dance!
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Laura Hankey
Laura Hankey is originally from New Castle, Pennsylvania and became part of NPB in 2018. She holds a degree in Graphic Design from Slippery Rock University, and is certified in Physically Integrated Dance from Dancing Wheels Company and School. Laura has enjoyed dancing such roles as the Columbine Doll in The Nutcracker, Little Swans in Swan Lake, and the Emerald Princess in The Wizard of Oz. Another highlight includes choreographing and performing at Cleveland Public Theatre’s Pandemonium. She currently teaches for NPB’s on-site education program in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties, and serves as the On-Site Education Program Manager.
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Kassandra Lee
Kassandra Lee is from Vermilion, Ohio and joined NPB in 2020. She spent her early dance training years with Ohio Dance Theatre, and currently holds teaching positions at Cynthia Kniffin Dance Academy and Dance Arts by Regina. She is also certified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) Level 1. Kassie’s favorite roles include Neos Dance Theatre’s A 1940s Nutcracker as Marie, NPB’s The Nutcracker as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and NPB’s Swan Lake as Odette/Odile. When not dancing, Kassie enjoys farming, camping, and backpacking.
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Daniel Natal
Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Daniel Natal ignited his passion for dance in 2007, inspired by the film Stomp the Yard. This passion led him to audition for Bellas Artes (Beautiful Arts), where he began his formal training in Hip-Hop. He secured a full scholarship to Ballet Señorial, one of Puerto Rico’s premier ballet academies, where he committed to dance as his lifelong career.
Daniel joined Over The Top Dance Complex and performed as a backup dancer for renowned reggaeton artists such as Nicky Jam, Daddy Yankee, Arcangel, TEMPO, Jowell & Randy, Ñejo, and Natty Natasha. He performed for Lisa Lisa and served as choreographer for Chinese artist Sunny Lukas, touring with the Boys of Summer tour.
In 2016, Daniel relocated to Connecticut with his family, honing his craft across various studios before moving to New York. There, he signed with Bloc NY Agency, expanding his repertoire to include live TV performances on ABC News and Comedy Central, as well as commercials and acting roles. Daniel and his family moved to Ohio, where he continued to share his expertise in Reggaeton and grooves with local studios. Joining NPB in 2021, he has had the honor of performing principal ballet and contemporary roles including Cavalier in The Nutcracker, Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Captain Hook in Peter Pan, and the pas de deux from Le Corsaire.
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Alexandra Martinez
Alexandra Martinez, Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2025, is an advocate for dancers with disabilities. Born with Spina Bifida, Alex has been a wheelchair user her entire life. A dancer, actress and singer, Alex started dancing when she was 5 years old. Dance has had a major, positive impact on her mental heath ever since. She has performed with Dancing Wheels, Near West Theatre, Beachwood Community Theatre, CHAGRIN Performing Arts Academy, and Heights Youth theater to name a few. She is thrilled and honored to play Mother Ginger and be a part of NPB and its accessible community.
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Craig Sams, III
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
James Weir
James Weir has been a guest artist with NPB since 2021. He may have two left feet when it comes to ballet, but he is no stranger to the stage and theater. James’ first break was in high school, singing in multiple choir ensembles and participating in drama. He then served in the military overseas, landing the role of Walter Lee Younger in A Raisin in the Sun. His opportunity was cut short when his unit was deployed to Somalia. James has been in over 30 commercials and movies, with ten credited roles in film. He has also begun working in collaboration on the other side of the camera, by starting his own photography and videography company.
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Jason L. Wang
Jason L. Wang is originally from Ames, Iowa and has been a guest artist with NPB since 2012. He holds an extensive resume that includes roles such as: Nana/Crocodile in Cincinnati Ballet’s Peter Pan; Troy Games with Louisville Ballet; Cavalier in North Pointe Ballet’s The Nutcracker; Momentum, Alice in Wonderland (The Caterpillar), and The Nutcracker (Arabian) with Cleveland Ballet. Jason currently teaches at Center Stage Dance Studio. He is also a self-taught breakdancer, and enjoys filming and acting in films that feature fight choreography. Jason uses his many years of ballet training to inform his approach to filmmaking as a director.
Our Staff
Elizabeth Kocianic
Development Director and A Chance to Dance Program Manager
elizabeth@northpointeballet.org
Leanna Ruegg
Community Engagement Director and Operations Manager
leanna@northpointeballet.org
Samantha Hovanic
Production Manager – Youth & Patron Services
samantha@northpointeballet.org
Laura Hankey
On-Site Education Program Manager and Lead Instructor
laura@northpointeballet.org
Kristie Culp
Costume Manager and Administrative Assistant
kristie@northpointeballet.org
Staff and company headshots by Cavanaugh Photography.
Terry Strukely
Finance Manager
finance@northpointeballet.org
Eric Stapelberg
Production Manager – Technical Production
production@northpointeballet.org
Gary Holsopple
Lighting Designer
Liz Genco
Scenic Artist
Dean Cinquemani
Set Designer & Builder
Rob Estridge
Medical Advisor
Our Board
M. Jane Christyson
President of the Board
Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of North East Ohio
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Read Jane's Bio
Jane Christyson has more than 35 years of nonprofit administration and management experience with a concentration in special events and corporate sponsorships. She is currently Chief Executive Officer for Girl Scouts of North East Ohio which serves almost 30,000 girl members and 14,000 adult volunteers in 18 counties. She also serves on the Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) National Strategic Partnership and Membership Category Committees.
With a budget of $11,000,000, the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio is focused on building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place through unique programs and opportunities. Three Council run camps serve as the anchors for outdoor adventures and leadership learning.
Jane also served as Director of Marketing and Golf Clubhouse Services for Cleveland Metroparks where she oversaw the marketing, visual communications, visitor services, research and program evaluation, and golf clubhouse divisions. Her department had a $6 million operating budget, and won numerous local and national awards for writing, design, video production, marketing materials, events, programs and campaigns.
Jane began her career at United Way Services of Cleveland and served in several capacities managing company fund-raising campaigns. She then became executive director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation a nonprofit health agency with a budget of $2 million.
Jane possesses a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Cleveland State University. She graduated cum laude. She has served in the community as a board member and officer of Cleveland Press Club, Ohio & Erie Canal Marketing Consortium, Ohio Museums Council, Cleveland Waterfront Coalition, United Way Council of Agency Executives, and ALCOA Community Relations Board. She is currently a member of the Education Committee for The Beck Center for the Arts and The Musical Theater Project. She also assists in costume design and construction with several local theater groups.
She has served as a guest speaker at many local, national and international seminars and conferences, including: The GSUSA National Board and CEO conference, the Annual Conference of the National Parks and Recreation Association, the National Association of Interpretation Conference and Best Practices in Parks and Recreation Conference in Melbourne, Australia. She was also a marketing consultant with the Parque Natural Metropolitano, near Panama City, Panama and worked onsite with their board and staff.
Jane is a resident of Strongsville, Ohio, where she lives with her husband Bob Mahoney and daughter Bridget, a former Girl Scout and college student at Ohio Northern University. Jane was a Girl Scout for 10 years, a Girl Scout Leader for 8 years and earned the First Class Award (now known as the Gold Award) the highest award in Girl Scouting.
Kevin A. Lumby
Treasurer of the Board
Senior Development Engineer, Moen Inc.
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Read Kevin's Bio
Kevin Lumby is new to non-profits. His Secretary then Treasurer positions with North Pointe Ballet are his first non-profit position. He has held several positions in Mechanical Engineering in his career.
Kevin has been in product development for over 15 years. He started as a Product Development Engineer in the automotive industry working for a tier 1 supplier. He spent a total of 6 years in automotive working for 2 local companies. Next, he went to Invacare Corp. as a Project Engineer where he gained experience in healthcare and developed new products for power and manual wheelchairs. Currently, Kevin is an employee at Moen, where he develops new and innovative designs for faucets, flush valves, and garbage disposals. At Moen he gets to work with fast paced cross functional teams to deliver high quality results.
Kevin possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Toledo. He graduated cum laude.
Kevin has always been active giving back to the community. He is an annual contributor to the United Way. He also gives to Berea Animal Rescue Fund, and enjoys participating in Habitat for Humanity.
Kevin is a resident of Olmsted Township, where he lives with his wife Angela, their son, and pet dogs.
Colleen Longville
Secretary of the Board
Supervisor of Preservice Teachers at Baldwin Wallace University, Retired Principal at Olmsted Falls City Schools
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Read Colleen's Bio
Colleen Longville has worked with children and adults in the field of education for thirty-two years. She believes educating the whole child, emotionally, artistically, socially and academically as being her most important goal. A long-time supporter of visual and performing arts, Colleen has worked for SPACES art gallery and is a patron of many arts organizations. Colleen has collaborated with local artists to work with students in her schools in the areas of dance and sculpture. During her sixteen year teaching career, she earned her National Board Certification and was awarded Akron Public Schools Teacher of the Year. As an elementary school principal, she collaborated with district and university colleagues to help improve student engagement and achievement.
She is moving from public education to working for Baldwin Wallace University. Colleen received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Akron, her Master’s Degree in Elementary Administration from Kent State University, and her Administrative Certificate from Cleveland State University. In her position on the Board she supports and promotes the mission of the North Pointe Ballet as they continue to share their love of dance with people of all ages in both educational and professional settings.
Brittany Dean
Vice President of Talent & Human Resources, FINSYNC
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Read Brittany's Bio
Brittany Dean received her degree in International Relations from Kent State University and has built her career centered around people. Whether recruiting and developing people, or solving complex talent issues, Brittany strategically partners with the organizations that she works with to develop and execute talent solutions. Additionally, she focuses on leadership, culture and engagement and succession planning strategies, impacting business results. She’s held several voluntary leadership positions in an array of HR professional organizations.
A proud mom of two daughters, Brittany has repeatedly lent her professional expertise to many organizations that her daughters are involved in. Having a true passion for optimizing resources and bringing the best forward she’s actively been involved in: school PTA organizations, youth soccer organizations, Girl Scout Troops, Rocky River Boosters Organization, and parent-led senior year traditions and activities. Brittany provides strategic thought leadership for the organizations close to her heart by helping them to make the most of their resources and directly impact their communities. She’s held board positions, leadership positions, and contributes regularly as an individual volunteer.
Brittany is thrilled to be a part of North Pointe Ballet’s board and the mission resonates with her deeply. A fan and participant of the arts always, Brittany believes in making classical ballet accessible to all.
Brittany resides in Rocky River, OH with her loving husband, Brian, and daughters, Charlotte and Margaux. They have two giant dogs and a cat.
Melissa Kozub
Physical Therapist, MetroHealth Medical Center
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Read Melissa's Bio
Melissa Kozub attended Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York where she received a Bachelors in Clinical Science and a Masters In Science/Physical Therapy. Melissa is a Physical Therapist at MetroHealth Medical Center where she has worked with children and adults for 23 years. She specializes in pediatrics and works on the Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units and General Pediatrics Unit.
With her job and 2 children, Melissa has been active in her community. Melissa has assisted as a sound tech, front office and usher for many theater performances. In addition to theater, she has helped raised money for various school functions and committees.
Melissa’s mom, Nancy Kryz, instilled a love and respect for the arts through dance and community theatre at a young age. This love for the arts would be extended to her daughter Lily. Lily Kozub, is an alumni dancer with NPB and is currently working towards a Bachelor of Arts degree in ballet at the University of Cincinnati. Raising a dancer has continued to influence Melissa’s appreciation for the arts. Melissa is thrilled to be part of organization with such an amazing mission as NPB.
Letitia Lopez
Executive Director, Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Read Letitia's Bio
While working in the corporate sector for a large chain restaurant company, Letitia Lopez found her true passion and purpose in art, culture and community in 2008 when she became a volunteer at Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center. Shortly thereafter, she joined the Board of Trustees and in 2009 accepted the position of Executive Director. Since then, Letitia has navigated this grassroots organization through small-scale changes, board development, and two moves in which she was able to secure a forever home for the organization. The most she enjoys about her work is witnessing how the arts, in all forms, impacts the youth and families she serves. She has also found her strength in planning large scale community events and celebrations where the outcomes truly reflect the center’s mission.
In 2013, Letitia joined an advisory committee that would go on to create the first Latino theatre ensemble in Cleveland. That same year she performed in her first play and continues to be an active founding member of Teatro Público de Cleveland, launched through Cleveland Public Theatre. Letitia is also a graduate of the Neighborhood Leadership Development Program, the Hispanic Alliance Leadership Development Initiative and As She Rises leadership program for Black and Brown Leaders. She was a member of the Support for Artists Planning Team of Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, a current Board member of North Pointe Ballet and has contributed to several other advisory committees and task forces. Outside of her community work, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and taking road trips.
We’re not hiring right now
There are currently no open positions available. Please check back soon or follow us on social media for future opportunities.
Though there are not currently artist positions available, our directors are always willing to receive your resume/CV and audition footage or photos. Please send materials to melaina@northpointeballet.org.
We appreciate your interest in joining our team!