Kari Carter - Founder and Owner of Impact Dance (coming soon)

Susan Beebe

Susan has been teaching in the Atlanta area for twenty years. She began her studies at Point Park Conservatory in the children’s pre-professional division in Pittsburgh and spent several summers on scholarship at Chautauqua Institute. Susan graduated cum laude from Pointe Park University with a BFA degree in Dance and performed with Ballet Petrov, American Dance Ensemble and the Pittsburg Civic Light Opera, in roles including: The Nutcracker, Carmina Burana, Serenade, Paquita, Summerset, Carmen, Merry Widow Pas de Deux, Graduation Ball, Pas de Dix, Scherazade, Romeo and Juliet, and Song of Norway.

Susan's professional choreography includes Colors and Let The Angels Sing, for Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre; full-length Nutcracker, Muguet De Bois, Alice In Wonderland, and The Christmas Story, for Cobb Civic Ballet

Susan danced for two seasons with the Atlanta Ballet, followed by the Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre and the Atlanta Symphony. Susan was Associate Director with the Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre for over eight years and resident instructor/choreographer at Pebblebrook High School. Susan directed the dance program at North Atlanta School of the Arts in Acworth, Georgia and is also an instructor of ballet at Impact Dance of Atlanta.

Susan joined the staff of Impact Dance Of Atlanta 2001. In addition to teaching weekly classes, Susan is the Co-Director of the Impact Dance Company. She co-produces the annual holiday production of The Toymaker’s Christmas, and The Night Of Classical Ballet. Susan’s ability to pass her love for dance and her standard of excellence on to her students has enabled Impact Dance Of Atlanta students to repeatedly be accepted into prestigious national training programs, and for many of them to fulfill their dream of becoming professional ballerinas with companies such as Miami City Ballet and Ballet Magnificat!

Susan resides in Kennesaw, Georgia with her family.

Mandy Neeley

Mandy grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. She began her serious ballet training at the age of 8 and spent summers continuing her training in New York City. In 1992, at the personal invitation of Iris Hensley, Amanda became a company member with the Georgia Ballet. During her time with the company, a few of her dance credits include Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Carmen, and original works such as I Never Saw Another Butterfly.

Mandy has proudly been teaching ballet at Impact Dance since 1999 and has continually been rewarded with her students’ energy, diligence in their training, and zealous pursuit of dancing in the name of our Lord. She is passionate about the art of ballet and her students’ desires to pursue a professional career. Mandy shares in the joy with other Impact instructors of their students’ success in their consistent acceptance to prestigious summer dance training programs, college Fine Arts programs, as well as professional companies such as Ballet Magnificat and Miami City Ballet. In addition to teaching weekly classes, Mandy is the Co-Director of the Impact Dance Company. She co-produces the annual holiday production of “The Toymaker’s Christmas”, and “The Night Of Classical Ballet”.

In addition to teaching ballet, Mandy is also a professional photographer and is thankful for the numerous opportunities for her company, AMN Photography, to photograph the Impact Dance Company as well as various other area dance companies. Mandy also enjoys being a home schooling mom to two beautiful daughters, Anna and Sophie.

A Note From “Miss” Mandy “As I write this bio, I realize how much you have impacted my life, Kari! I thank you from the bottom of my heart that I get to spend my days teaching these wonderful students in an environment that always seeks to put the Lord first and my relationship with Him has definitely grown. You are truly wonderful and mean everything to me! I love you.”

Heather Salyers

Heather believes dancing is a passion, deep within -- just as with a painter painting on canvas or a musician playing an instrument or a singer hitting high notes. It’s not only the sense of accomplishment, but also the desire of the heart. There are many God-given talents and not all are necessarily visible or recognized. Heather’s goal as an instructor is not only to maximize dancing abilities, but to help the students understand that with hard work, “anything is possible”. We have all been blessed as individuals with special talents. Heather encourages everyone to always work hard for the Lord and not for man. She says, “Never give up! All things are possible with God.”

Heather has worked at Impact Dance since 2001. God placed within Heather a new talent and passion for children. Putting two and two together, she can hardly call it a job anymore. In addition to teaching weekly classes, Heather is the Co-Director of the Impact Dance Company – Lyrical Division.

Heather has training in ballet, lyrical, jazz, tap and modern. She has danced with Atlanta Dance Unlimited, Ruth Mitchell, Atlanta Ballet and Bo Wagner Dance Studio. She won the Gov. Honors award for New York and 1st Place in Ballet DEA (Dance Educators of America). Heather was part of a traveling dance group attending Georgia schools to help educate children in the art of dance. She has worked for Tammy’s Academy of Dance, Bravo Dance Studio and led “His Songs” at North Star Church where she attends with her family.

A Note From Heather: When asked, “Why choose Impact Dance of Atlanta?” Heather responds, “Even with intensive training in the art of dance, I was never taught the most important aspect of dance which is to dance for the Creator who blessed me with the talent of dance. With Impact Dance of Atlanta, I have found an even deeper passion for the art form, which is to praise His name and to give glory back where it belongs. I am privileged to teach ballet, lyrical, jazz, tap and tumbling for the younger ages at Impact Dance and open to private lessons with any student that desires to improve in their God-given abilities. Being a mother of three and wife for eighteen years, I have learned that each of us needs different kinds of nurturing. I will listen and love your children as my own.”

Jenna (Kier) Lucas

Jenna began her dance and performing career at age 9. After training at Impact Dance of Atlanta for twelve years, Jenna was invited to join the staff of very accomplished instructors. Jenna was recently promoted to the Director of The Impact Dance Crew.

Jenna’s training includes master classes with The Georgia Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Ballet Rotaru and Hubbard Street in Chicago, Il. Jenna was accepted into the Summer Intensive program at Ballet Magnificat! for five consecutive seasons, also participating in the Ballet Magnificat! Trainee Program. Jenna is eager to continue to her personal dance training and most recently she has attended Word In Motion’s Urban Dance Intensive Workshop in Los Angeles, as well as receiving her certification in Zumba Fitness.

Jenna’s lead roles during her dance career, including “Mary” lead soloist in “The Toymaker’s Christmas”, “Don Quixote” Pas de Deux & variation solo, “Paquita” variation solo, “Carmen” variation solo, and also “Waltz of the Flowers”, “Marzipan”, and “Snow” variations from “Nutcracker”.

As Director of Impact Dance Crew, Jenna teaches and choreographs hip-hop, jazz and contemporary dance styles for outreach in the community. The Impact Dance Crew performs at local events in the community, schools and churches. Jenna is a member of Freedom Church and loves the contemporary style of worship there.

Jenna’s personal goal as a teacher is to see her students grow as dancers and as individuals. She desires to teach them to dance from their heart and also have fun in class! Another reason she loves teaching is because she loves to make people smile. She wants to help her students learn to dance to the best of their ability. More than anything, she wants to be there for them and “love on them”! When she enters the classroom, it’s all about them…not about her.

A Note From “Miss” Jenna: “I love teaching dance at Impact Dance of Atlanta. It’s more than just a studio, it’s my home and they are my family.”

Becky Simmons

All Becky has ever wanted to do with her life is dance! She is so thankful God gave her such a supportive family that encouraged her to work hard and train in dance. Being a Navy brat, Becky has moved 14 times in her life, each time from state to state. Wherever she lived, her parents enrolled her in dance. Becky now calls Smyrna home with her wonderful husband, Jimmy. They were married August 2, 2008 and love being married! She and Jimmy are very involved at The Church of the Apostles where they attend small group bible studies and teach 3 year old Sunday school. Becky loves mentoring young women and has had the opportunity to do so with some of the students at Impact. She also leads a small group Bible study for 11th grade girls at her church.

Becky is a graduate of Pebblebrook High School, the Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts, where she was a Dance Major and Vocal and Theatre minor. Becky graduated in 2007 from the University of Alabama with a BA in Dance and a minor in Human Development. While in college, she was involved with the Pre-professional company, Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre and also in Dance Alabama! all four years. Becky also received the title of Miss Tuscaloosa and later that year competed in Miss Alabama along with being named first runner up in the Miss University of Alabama pageant.

Becky has been performing professionally for many years now. She has been cast in regional theatre shows such as Peter Pan, Anything Goes, Beauty and the Beast, Will Rogers Follies and Hairspray. Other Musical Theatre roles include Lil' Abner, Footloose, Crazy for You and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Becky is currently represented by Real People Models and Talent, and travels the south east with some really neat gigs. She also performs with Bacchus Productions, Stella Entertainment, and Entertainment Design Group. She has had the opportunity to perform with Usher, Jaci Velasquez, Peabo Bryson, Aaron Nevell, Edwin McCain and was the opening act for Wynonna Judd and Jeff Foxworthy. She is also a Magician’s Assistant for Mark Robinson and Bill Clary and performs all over the world including two national tours to China!

Becky loves teaching dance at Impact and is so thankful for a studio where she not only teaches the hard working students but also has the opportunity to mentor them. She loves teaching jazz, modern and musical theatre. Her goal as a teacher is to not only teach dance but to teach performing, improvisation, build strength, and to have her students be able to pick up combinations quickly so they will always be ready for any audition they attend!

A Note From “Miss” Becky: "God Bless and Roll Tide!!"

Rosanne Walters

Rosanne has thirty years of teaching experience. She received extensive training from Tom Ralabate, current jazz director at the University of Buffalo. She also trained several years with Tap Master Debbie Dee in Boca Raton, Florida. Rosanne received a BS degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Business Administration. She is also a member of Dance Masters of America. Additionally, Rosanne owned two successful studios on Mississippi Gulf Coast, and has experience as a guest choreographer for many college ensembles and children’s workshops. She currently resides in Kennesaw with her husband and three children. Carly, Rosanne’s youngest daughter is receiving her dance education at Impact Dance of Atlanta.

Rosanne truly enjoys being a dance instructor. Every lesson offers a new challenge. It is very fulfilling when a student masters a combination they have been working on for weeks. Their smiles and willingness to try is why she continues to teach.

Joining Impact Dance of Atlanta during the 2004 to 2005 season, Rosanne works with ages 3 to adult, teaching Tiny Tot combination classes, Beginner – Elite Tap, and Pre-level to High school ballet. Rosanne is available for private lessons

Her personal goal is to provide a challenging class every week, continuing to learn and grow as a teacher. She wants her students to know dance terminology and the correct execution of combinations. The ultimate goal is to give them the tools they need to compete in the dance world.

Rosanne attends St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Rosanne’s mother was the person who inspired her to dance. Although she was not a dancer, she would always critique Rosanne on her dance routines. “Everyday I think of her and the wonderful gift she gave me.”

A Note From “Miss” Rosanne: "I chose Impact Dance Of Atlanta because it is a cutting-edge and innovative studio. I enjoy the level of training my daughter is receiving. The teachers and office staff are very professional and knowledgeable. I love being a part of that!"

Rachel Truitt

“Dance is not a thing that you do. It is a relationship you have with a living, breathing force. Like any other relationship, it has its ups and downs. One day you are in Euphoria and on top of a mountain. The next, you might be sore and discouraged. But, you can never let it go because it is a vital part of who you are!”

Rachel enjoys constantly honing her dance skills and is passionate about continuing to grow! She currently dances professionally with Georgia Dance Theater. She believes that it is crucial for a teacher to stay current in their craft, therefore daily class is a must for her. As a modern dancer, she studied at Kennesaw State University (KSU) with Ivan Pulunkalia, department head and director. She is well versed in both Horton and Limon Modern Dance techniques. Rachel has had the opportunity to study and take class with contemporary greats such as Mandy Moore and Travis Wall.

As her training has expanded, Rachel was blessed with many opportunities to showcase and perform her work in venues locally, “Koru” for dance 101 at the 14th Street Playhouse, “Traansfermotion” for dance 101 at The Alliance Theater, “Autumbration” at KSU, with upcoming “Passion2Dance” for Gotta Dance Atlanta at the 14th Street Playhouse, “Copelia” for Georgia Dance Theater in Peachtree City.

Rachel believes that there is not greater honor than the opportunity to train the next generation of dancers in excellence and passion.

A Note From “Miss” Rachel: “If I can instill even a small spark of how much I love this art form, then I can die a happy woman.”

Katy Poulton

Katy began her dance career in the Detroit area where she studied classical ballet, music and acting. She received her BS with honors in Psychology at Middle Tennessee State University and worked in Dance and Music Therapy. As co-founder and dancer of “Epiphany”, a modern dance troupe, Katy danced and choreographed for Amy Grant’s “A Tennessee Christmas” at the Opry House in Nashville.

Katy developed a passion for teaching children at The Nashville School of Ballet, where she taught for four years and continued teaching dance in many other local studios and churches in the Nashville area. She eventually opened her own dance studio in Mt. Juliet, TN, teaching and directing original ballets including The Creation Story, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Hind’s Feet on High Places. After 20 years of teaching dance, Katy still finds great joy in watching her students grow and develop their gifts and talents.

Katy is also a certified Pilates instructor and has a heart for helping people become physically fit for the challenges of everyday life. She has been living in the Atlanta area for two years after moving from Michigan with her husband, David, and her daughter, Sarah.

A Note From “Miss” Katy: "This is my favorite dance quote: “I move my feet. I go through the motions, but He gives purpose to chance. I am the dancer. He is the Lord of the Dance.”"

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Kari Carter - Founder and Owner of Impact Dance (coming soon)