About MovementWorks
Who We Are and What We Do
At MovementWorks Dance and Fitness, we offer a welcoming, noncompetitive, and family-friendly environment where individuals of all ages can grow in body, mind, and spirit. Our programs support personal development through a variety of mediums, including dance, yoga, acrobatics, cheer, and early childhood education.
Our developmentally appropriate classes are designed for children and adults, starting as young as 6 months old. Whether you’re exploring movement for the first time or building on years of experience, MovementWorks provides a nurturing space to learn, grow, and thrive.
Our Staff
Jess W-P. (she/her)
Director/Choreographer/Dance Teacher/Enrichment Teacher/ RYT 500
Mrs. Jess began her dance training at a local studio, where she studied under Paul Wilson and Linda Adolphi of the Cleveland Ballet, as well as Rachael Palermo. She performed with the studio’s Chamber Ballet and participated in numerous local outreach performances. A proud graduate of Firelands High School, Jess was a dedicated member—and later Captain—of the school’s nationally competitive dance team.
Her training extended to New York City, where she studied with acclaimed master teachers including Frank Hatchett and had the honor of performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with the Mike Miller Dance Team. Throughout her dance career, she has earned many accolades, including being named a 2-time All-American Dancer and a 3-time UDA All-Star.
Jess has continued her dance education and professional development through programs with U.D.A., E.D.A., Cheerleaders of America Dance Division, Urban Jamm, Showstopper, and L.A.D.F. She earned An Arts Degree from Lorain County Community College and went on to pursue studies in Early Childhood Education after the birth of her son.
In addition to her academic background, Jess is trained in Montessori instruction through Oaksmont Montessori Teacher Training and holds additional certifications in Yoga Teaching, Mindfulness Coaching, and Meditation Guidance through My Vinyasa Practice.
Her teaching experience includes work with public elementary schools, numerous local studios, and a wide range of community organizations. She has choreographed for the American Heart Association’s Day of Dance, Erie Shores Girl Scouts, Horizon Activities Center, various churches, wedding parties, and several high school musical theater programs, cheer squads, and dance teams throughout the area.
In her personal time, this mom to one loves traveling, spending time in nature, dancing with her husband, writing, and chill game nights with friends.
Lindsey A. (she/her)
Administrative Director & Enrichment Sub
Lindsey holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and an Associate’s Degree in Agribusiness and Marketing Technologies. With experience in a wide range of industries including veterinary care, healthcare, eldercare, childcare, agriculture, and food service, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her work. A proud mother of two, Lindsey loves spending time with her family, going to Disney, and watching cooking shows, documentaries, and medical dramas. She is thrilled to be a part of the MovementWorks team and contribute to its vibrant community.
Tammy A.(she/her)
Enrichment Teacher
Miss Tammy brings decades of childcare, homeschooling, and early childhood experience to the Moving to Readiness team. A mother of three and grandmother of nine, Tammy has dedicated much of her life to supporting children’s growth, learning, and development in both home and classroom settings.
Tammy has experience working with toddlers and preschool-aged children through her time at Kiddie Kollege and as a longtime nanny and professional homeschool educator for young children from toddlerhood through kindergarten readiness. She also home schooled her own children through high school! Her nurturing personality, patience, and ability to create meaningful connections with children make her a wonderful fit as a Lead Teacher.
Tammy believes every child learns best when they feel safe, supported, and encouraged. She is passionate about helping children build confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning through caring relationships and hands-on experiences.
Danielle Bruner (she/her)
Dance Teacher
Danielle has been passionate about dance since the age of three, training in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. She was a dedicated member of the North Olmsted High School Dance Team, serving as captain during both her junior and senior years. Danielle continued dancing at Bowling Green State University with the University Dance Alliance while earning her degree in Education.
She went on to teach at Avon High School for several years, where she also coached the Avon High School Dance Team. After welcoming her second child, Danielle transitioned into her work as a postpartum doula, but her love for dance has remained a constant.
Danielle believes dance is a powerful form of physical and artistic expression that brings joy, confidence, and connection to those who practice it. She is thrilled to be sharing her passion by teaching lyrical at Movement Works this season.
CLaudia C. (She/her)
Dance Teacher & Enrichment Aide
Claudia Castro recently graduated from Oberlin College with a degree in dance and neuroscience. She specializes in Irish folk dance, but has also trained in Irish Step, Tap, Appalachian Flatfooting, contact improvisation and more! With experience collaborating with and leading teams of varying size within the field of dance, Claudia prioritizes dance and movement as a way to enforce community, as well as a way to encourage mental and physical development in children. She aims to aid in an inclusive and accessible environment for all participants, and foster healthy learning environments for growing minds. This is Claudia’s fourth season with MovementWorks.
Larissa F. (She/her)
Dance & Acro Teacher
Larissa has been passionate about movement and performance since childhood. She began dancing at the age of five and also trained as a competitive gymnast for eight years, developing strength, discipline, and artistry that now shine through in her dance. Her background in both athletic and artistic training gives her a unique style that blends precision, creativity, and expression. Larissa is dedicated to continuing her growth as a dancer and performer while inspiring those around her with her commitment and love for the art.
Veronica F.
Cheer Coach, ACro & Dance Teacher
With a lifelong passion for dance and working with children, Veronica Fortune brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a strong foundation in movement to the MovementWorks team. Her movement background began in gymnastics and expanded to include three years of cheerleading, along with continued training in jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dance.
Veronica is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology and Dance at Oberlin College, further developing her understanding of movement, human development, and the performing arts. Her dance experience also extends internationally, having traveled to Scotland to perform at the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Beyond her dance training, Veronica is actively involved in education and community engagement. She tutors students in English Language Arts and volunteers with Kids in Motion, where she teaches dance to elementary-aged children in Oberlin.
Veronica is excited to share her love of dance with MovementWorks students while fostering a positive, inclusive, and encouraging learning environment where children can build confidence, develop new skills, and discover the joy of movement.
Cassie p. (she/her)
Enrichment Teacher & Support Staff
Cassie is a mom of 2 who enjoys being outside and exploring the outdoors. She homeschooled her 2 children, providing them with a hands-on, individualized learning experience that is tailored to their unique needs and interests. Cassie believes that her work as an enrichment teacher and her experience as a homeschooling mom go hand in hand, allowing her to provide the best possible education for her children and the students she works with. Prior to her work as an enrichment teacher, she worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Director for those with disabilities. Cassie is so very excited to share her knowledge and passion of the outdoors with the MovementWorks community!