OUR STAFF

Heather Meginniss is a pioneer in the dance industry and has been for the past twenty-five years. Heather’s credentials include choreographer, director, adjudicator, instructor, NBA Jr dance coach, and costume designer.  Heather has been dancing since the age of three. She trained with New Castle Dance Academy and Koresh Dance Center. Heather competed and attended workshops and competitions as a young dancer. She was selected and a standout for her incredible turnout. Heather is certified through UNLV and DEA in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Modern, and Acrobatics. She has trained under many iconic master teachers such as Pamela Bowling, Ray Leeper, Karen Hebert, Nan Giordano, Charles Kelly, Al Gilbert, Frank Hatchett, Gus Giordano, Tatjainna Smith, Steve Sirico, and Raymond Lukens. Heather loves to push herself to become the best instructor and choreographer she can be. In 2000, Heather started the NCDA competition team. Heather’s ambition and passion for dance has inspired many students to consistently be recognized and awarded for college scholarships, invites to Power Pak, AMDA, Dance Force, Discovery Spotlight, and Joffrey Ballet.  Heather’s students have moved on to become Broadway Performers in Tina & West side story, Sixers NBA Cheerleaders, College dancers at Temple and University of DE, TV and Music Video actresses, to name a few.  The NCDA Team celebrates its 25th award-winning season. Heather has directed the team to become regionally and nationally ranked, winning over 2,500 awards, hundreds of high score awards, Premier and Victory Cup Champions, Power rankings, and more.  Her routines are recognized for awards such as outstanding technique in Jazz and lyrical, along with countless Choreography and Entertainment awards. Proudly, she received the Choreography Achievement Award presented by Lifetime Television Network and Dance Moms, Choreographer of the Year 2019 and SDA’s is in the Circle of Excellence for the last 10 years.  Heather’s professional career started as a backup dancer in the 90s. She has choreographed for Realize Records on a Thriller film called “Days of Power” featuring Eric Roberts, along with the music video “Fire”. Heather has been Judging for Star Dance Alliance since 2017. Heather co-choreographed a line dance with Nicolette Pate for a Country music artist and Entertainer of the Year, Jimmy Charles’ new hit song “Country Up”. Most recently, Heather, proudly was the Regional Director for Believe National Talent in 2023 & 2024. Heather has a Degree in Applied Science with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. She graduated Cum Laude and was inducted into the Alpha Beta Gamma Honor Society for future entrepreneurs. In October of 2019, Heather launched her dancewear company, this was a dream come true for her. Heather’s attire company, Chique Designs, LLC. is sold online and in boutiques across the country. Heather is honored and excited to share her passion for dance with your child!

Maria Pomares is a passionate dance educator, choreographer, and performer dedicated to inspiring dancers of all ages through movement and creativity. She graduated from Shenandoah Conservatory with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. Her extensive training includes ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary partnering, hip hop, dance composition, and dance lighting design. Maria has several years of teaching experience, working with students from preschool through high school in both dance studios and public schools. She has taught summer intensives, children’s dance camps, and serves as both a dance and classroom substitute teacher. Her approach emphasizes strong technique, artistry, confidence, and creating a positive, encouraging learning environment for every student. As a choreographer, Maria has created works for concert dance and musical theater productions, including Newsies, Big Fish, Mamma Mia!, and Cinderella. Her original contemporary choreography has also been presented through Shenandoah Conservatory performances. In addition to her teaching experience, Maria is CPR and First Aid certified, has a background in exercise science and physiology, and enjoys helping dancers develop healthy movement habits that support both performance and wellness. She is excited to share her love of dance while encouraging every student to grow as both an artist and an individual.

Aleya Smith is a dedicated dance educator with a passion for helping children grow in confidence, creativity, and technique. She brings several years of teaching experience, working with dancers of all ages and skill levels through YMCA programs and movement enrichment classes. Aleya is committed to creating a positive, supportive environment where every student feels encouraged to learn, have fun, and reach their full potential. Outside of the studio, Aleya holds a Master of Social Work from Widener University and a Bachelor of Science in Health Behavior Science from the University of Delaware. Her background in social work, child development, and health allows her to connect with students in meaningful ways while fostering teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence. In addition to her dance instruction experience, Aleya has worked as a swim instructor, movement enrichment teacher, and youth mentor. She is CPR, First Aid, and AED certified and has specialized training in coaching children with autism, reflecting her commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for every dancer. Aleya is excited to share her love of dance with the students at New Castle Dance Academy and looks forward to inspiring the next generation of dancers to grow both on and off the stage.

We’re delighted to welcome Miss Stacy back to NCDA. Stacy began her dance career at NCDMA at four years old in all styles of dance.  She was a member of NCDMA’s Dancesations Performing Group and was selected to perform at the Galaxy Palace Theatre in Disney World. Miss Stacy was cast as the lead performer of “Clara” for our Ballet Company, Ballet Elite of Delaware performing the Russian version of The Nutcracker. Miss Stacy received a scholarship to Wilmington University for Cheerleading and won the College National Championship.  She is currently the assistant coach at Wilmington University and during that time the cheer team has won 8 National Championships.  Following in her footsteps, her 8-year-old daughter has been at the academy since she was 20 months old and is a member of our competitive dance team. Miss Stacy is an enthusiastic elementary teacher at MOT Charter, and it is evident in her teaching methods, where she brings structure and joy to all her students.

Ashley has been dancing since the age of 3 and started her dance training at Delaware Dance Company. She then went on to train at Encore Dance Academy & with many well trained faculty at Dean College. Throughout her college experience, Ashley has not only been a part of dance shows but was the president of the Dean College Step Team, performed at Gillette Stadium for the Patriots home opener in 2017 & was a part of musical theater performances. Ashley graduated from Dean College with a BA in Dance as well as studying business for a minor. She received her Masters Degree in School Counseling in Summer of 2024. Ashley is trained in ballet, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, tap, modern, creative movement, Broadway, & ballroom. Her passion is dance and working with kids. Ashley has been with NCDA since 2018 and has proven to be an asset to our team. Her students love her kind and nurturing demeanor.

Mary sang her first concert solo in kindergarten and has been excited about music ever since. She’s performed in a variety of musicals, band, chorus, and jazz ensembles, learned several musical instruments, and in her senior year of high school performed in Pennsylvania’s regional orchestra and all state band as a 2nd chair bassoonist. She went on to major in music as a bassoonist at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (“IUP”), working as the band secretary for several years and performing in many vocal and instrumental ensembles, as well as marching trumpet and cymbals with the IUP Marching Band. Mary had the privilege to study under bassoonist Dr. David Borst, march and work for Dr. Charles Casavant for marching band, and take classes and perform in ensembles for Dr. Jack Stamp, world renowned composer and conductor, among others. She is an alumni member and former Vice-President of Delta Omicron, a co-ed music fraternity, and several other music groups. Following IUP, Mary went on to work with Norfolk State University’s music department in Virginia as the chairman’s executive assistant, coordinating student recruitment and registration, general music classes, private lessons, supporting individual professors and assisting the marching band with touring, recruiting and other band secretary responsibilities. Mary obtained an associate’s degree in paralegal studies and has been working as a corporate litigation paralegal for approximately 20 years. To continue spreading the love of music and education, Mary enjoys teaching private lessons, singing in Wilmington’s Center City Chorale, and singing/performing with local cover bands in the Tri-State area.

Donna Von Lehmen Huntington studied with the Boston and Cincinnati Ballet, studied Vaganova technique, and performed as lead dancer/singer on the Royal Viking Norwegian Cruise Ship across Western Europe. She was featured as Winter Fairy in Cinderella with the Ithaca Ballet, NY. She served as a judge for the USA National Youth Competition with Dmitri Roudnev in Chicago. Donna also served as a choreographer for dinner theaters and summer stock theaters across the country and performed roles such as Cassie and Sheila in Chorus Line. She performed as a soloist at the Athaneum Theatre in Chicago, performed in Heartstrings at the Chicago Theatre, danced with Fox River Dance, and taught at studios on the west side of the city. Donna also taught at New Castle Dance Academy for several years. She is now a teacher and trainer and also has a career as a medical social worker. Donna is excited to work with the students at New Castle Dance Academy for a master class!

Gemma Myers has been dancing since the age of four, training extensively in ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, tap, and musical theatre at En Pointe Studio in Camden, DE. Over the past 14 years, she has competed and attended master classes at prestigious regional and national competitions, including JUMP, NYCDA, Groove, Onstage New York, and Diva Dance. Throughout her competitive career, she has earned top placements, recognition for her artistry, and multiple scholarships. Additionally, she has had the honor of performing at Disney Springs on two occasions. Beyond performing, Gemma is deeply passionate about working with children and helping young dancers grow in both skill and confidence. With over three years of teaching experience, she has worked with students of all ages, specializing in expressive movement across all styles. Her choreography has been featured in annual recitals and competitions, and she currently serves as the choreographer for the Milton Theatre’s Children's Education Program, where she mentors and trains young performers for their productions. Gemma is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Dance at the University of Delaware. She is committed to blending her love for teaching with her dance expertise, fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment for every student. In the future, she aspires to continue in the performing arts industry, where she will continue to inspire and mentor the next generation of dancers. She is excited to share her knowledge, creativity, and passion for dance with her students!

Miss Nicolette Pate has been dancing and competing since she was two years old at NCDA and is the third generation of the family business following in her grandmother’s (Miss Valerie) and mother’s (Miss Heather) dance steps. Miss Nicolette is trained in the Vaganova Syllabus and portrayed Clara in Ballet Elite of DE Russian version of the Nutcracker choreographed by Andrei Govorov, Sophia Govorov and taught by Mr. Val Goncharov. Miss Nicolette is proficient in all styles of dance and was a title champion, performed in a Disney parade on ABC, a film and music video backup dancer for Realize Records, Glamour costume model and performed in Barcelona during the Summer Olympics 2016 as part of Diamond Elite Performing Co. representing the USA. She has been a Starpower “Power Pak” recipient and has won titles too numerous to mention. Most recently, she heads the NCDMA Summer camp programs where she demonstrates her creativity and attention to each student due to her kind rapport. She is a UD Sophomore majoring in communications and looks forward to bringing fresh ideas to NCDMA’ s dance program to include Hip-Hop and lyrical. Look for Miss Nicolette as a backstage manager for Believe National Talent Competition.

Malia Kita has been dancing at New Castle Dance Academy since the age of four and has spent the past 10 years as a dedicated member of our award-winning competition team. Throughout her dance career, she has earned numerous accolades, including the title of National Champion, while training in a variety of dance styles. Known for her incredible stage presence, strong work ethic, and positive attitude, Malia has become a leader within the studio and a role model for younger dancers. She is passionate about sharing her love of dance and helping students build confidence, technique, and a genuine passion for performing. As she begins her journey as an instructor for the 2026–2027 season, Malia is excited to inspire the next generation of NCDA dancers by creating a fun, encouraging, and supportive environment where every student can grow both as a dancer and as an individual. We are proud to welcome her to our teaching staff and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our studio family.

Melanie has been a part of the New Castle Dance Academy family since she was three years old and has been a dedicated member of our competitive dance team since the age of seven. Her lifelong passion for dance, combined with years of competitive training, has shaped her into both an accomplished performer and a positive role model for young dancers. Melanie’s professional dance experience includes performing in the award-winning film Days of Power, starring Eric Roberts, where she appeared as a featured dancer. She also performed in music videos produced for the film, further expanding her experience in the entertainment industry. Outside of the dance studio, Melanie has achieved success in the medical field as an Embryologist. She holds a Master’s degree and is passionate about science, demonstrating the same dedication and discipline in her career that she brings to dance. As an instructor, Melanie loves sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation of dancers. She is committed to creating a supportive, positive environment where students can build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover a lifelong love of dance.