Our Instructors & Staff

  • Brittany Thierman (Stevens)

    Is the current CEO /Owner of Neighborhood School of Dance. Brittany Started dancing at NSD in 1993, and her passion never left. Brittany has extensive experience teaching tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, acrobatic dance, contemporary and modern.

    What her students say: “Ms. Brittany is compassionate, understanding and energetic. If you are a new student, she does lots of review, and adjusts her classes to fit all levels of dancers. She also has a bomb playlist!!”

    Classes she’s teaching this season:
    Olean: Adult Tap, Advanced Tap, Advanced Jazz

    Trainings she’s completed: Acrobatic Arts Certified, Dance Masters of America Teacher Training School and has trained at world-renowned dance studios in New York City; Toronto, ON; and Rome, Italy. Dance Teacher Network Conference 2018,Toronto Dance Teacher Expo 2019, NSD Teacher Training 2022, and Toronto Dance Teacher Expo 2024.

  • Kyleigh Peterson

    is the Director here at NSD. She has been part of the NSD family since 2012 and began teaching in 2019. Kyleigh teaches at both the Olean and Port Allegany locations, sharing her expertise in modern, ballet, lyrical, hip hop, pointe, tap, and jazz. In addition to group classes, she has choreographed solos and duets, helping dancers shine on stage with personalized instruction. Most recently, Kyleigh earned her yoga certification and will be branching out into teaching yoga, expanding her passion for movement and wellness.

    What her students say: “Ms. Kyleigh is young, relatable and understanding. She is a good listener and builds strong connections with her students. We love Ms. Kyleigh!”

    Classes she’s teaching this season:
    Port: Modern, Advance Ballet/lyrical, Advanced Jazz, Pointe. Olean: Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary

    Trainings she’s completed: Toronto Dance Teacher Expo 2019, NSD Teacher Training 2022, Dance Masters Jazz Intensive in Boston, MA in 2016, DMA Teacher Training 2023, Attended classes at Steps on Broadway in NYC multiple times, Certified in ballet dance injury prevention, Toronto Dance Teacher Expo 2024.

  • Shelley Greene

    has been part of the NSD family since 2015 and brings a wealth of teaching experience to the studio. She has taught a wide variety of styles, including tap, jazz, ballet, modern, hip hop, adult fitness, and preschool classes. Beyond the studio, Shelley is also heavily involved with the Olean Area Community Theatre, where she continues to share her love for the performing arts.

    What her students say about her: “Ms. Shelley is Fun, energetic, and loves props. She is amazing at getting on our level, making us feel confident without rushing things. She has seasonal themes to keep class engaging and interesting every week, we love Ms. Shelley!”

    Classes she’s teaching this season:
    Olean: Twinkle Stars, Cosmic Combo 1/2/3, Jazz Funk, Hip Hop 1, Modern

    Trainings she’s completed: Dance Masters of America Teacher Training School, Dance Teacher Network Conference 2018, Toronto Dance Teacher Expo 2019 & 2024, and NSD Teacher Training 2022

  • Kathryn Sanchez

    has been part of the NSD family since 2020, bringing her energy, enthusiasm, and constant smile to every class. She began teaching Rising Stars in 2022 and added Cosmic Combos in 2023, where she continues to share her love of dance with younger students. A passionate tap dancer herself, Kathryn also enjoys supporting her 2 children, who have been dancing at NSD since 2017.

    What her students say: “Ms. Kathryn is kind and patient. She has a lot of Energy!”

    Classes she is teaching this season:
    Port: Twinkle/Rising Stars, Cosmic Combo 1, Cosmic Combo 2, Pre-Acrobatics

    Trainings She Completed: NSD Teacher Training 2022

  • Leigha Peterson

    She has been dancing at NSD since 2010, training in tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, modern, lyrical, and contemporary. In 2023, she stepped into a teaching role—beginning as a long-term substitute in the spring and officially joining the teaching staff that summer. Her journey from student to instructor reflects her dedication and love for dance, which she now shares with the next generation of dancers.

    What her students say: “Ms. Leigha is relatable, has a passion for her students to enjoy class!”

    Classes she is teaching this season: Port Allegany: Acrobatics, Jazz Funk, Pre-teen Ballet, Pre-teen Tap

    Trainings She Completed: Dance Masters of America Teacher Training School 2023 and Toronto Dance Teacher Expo 2024.

  • Boston Williams

    She has been dancing at NSD since 2014 and is passionate about both performing and choreographing. An avid ballet and pointe dancer, she has also trained in lyrical and modern. With a strong focus on technique, she brings precision, artistry, and dedication to every class and performance.

    What her students say: “Ms. Boston is relatable, understanding, and coolest teacher we have ever had. She likes to focus on technique which helps us accomplish our goals!”

    Classes she is teaching this season:
    Olean: Advance Ballet, Advanced Lyrical, Pre-Teen Lyrical, and Pointe

    Trainings She Completed: NSD Teacher Training 2022

  • Morgan Sage

    She joined the NSD family in 2025, bringing years of dedication and passion for dance. Beginning her training at the age of 11, she has studied a variety of styles including ballet, lyrical, jazz, musical theatre, hip hop, contemporary, modern, and tap. Her well-rounded background allows her to share both technical skill and creativity with her students at NSD.

    Classes she is teaching this season: Rising Stars, Shooting Stars, and Pre-Acrobatics.

  • Cailee Pollard

    became part of the NSD family in 2024 and brings a wide range of dance experience to our studio. She has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, musical theatre, hip hop, lyrical, Bollywood, and acrobatics. With eight years of competitive dance under her belt, Cailee continues to share her passion and dedication through performance and teaching. She is currently in her third year as a member of the St. Bonaventure University Dance Team, where she showcases her talent and spirit on and off the stage.

    Classes she is teaching this season: Hip Hop 2, Adult Hip Hop, Advanced Hip Hop, Ballet 1&2 Combo, Acrobatics, Jazz 1, and Tap 1&2

  • Jamie Bradford

    she is currently a Psychology student at St. Bonaventure University. She’ll be helping with front desk operations, assisting families with class questions, and keeping the studio running smoothly. With her friendly personality and passion for working with people, she’s here to create a welcoming environment for all our dancers and families.