Founder, Director

Hi! In 2015 I surrendered everything I had to the Lord, including a little ballet class I had started called “Leaps of Faith” that was providing 10 kids with free ballet classes. Since then, He’s taken me on a wild journey of trusting Him and has called me to take big and small “leaps of faith”, including in 2021 leaving my career as a 1st grade teacher to start leading Leaps of Faith as my full-time job. I’ve found Him to be more faithful, good, and kind than I ever could have imagined.

Psalm 27:4

I ask only one thing from the Lord. This is what I want. Let me live in the Lord’s house all my life. Let me see the Lord’s beauty. Let me look around in his Temple.

Artistic Director, Lead Teacher

Hi there! This is my third year working full time at Leaps of Faith. What a JOY it is to serve God alongside our team. I am so incredibly blessed to know, love, and teach these awesome kids. God is worthy to be praised!

Romans 8:18-25

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.  Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.  For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all.Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Chief Opperating Officer

Assistant Teacher, Roots Rehearsals

Hi there! I am currently a Counseling Psychology Ph.D. student at USM, focusing on forensic and correctional populations. I grew up in my mom’s dance studio, which cultivated my love for dance at a young age. After hanging up my ballet shoes to attend college and now graduate school, I was reminded of the outlet dance was for me. The Lord has been so kind in placing Leaps of Faith in my path as an escape from the everyday academic hustle. I look forward to assisting this semester and am eager to share the Father’s love through the art of dance! 

James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 

Assistant Teacher, Roots

Hello! I am a ballerina, medical student, and Pilates instructor. Dancing my whole life allowed me to appreciate and fall in love with the human body and its ability to heal. Though I no longer dance professionally I am passionate about educating the future generation of dancers on ballet technique, injury prevention, and artistry. I am honored to share my knowledge of anatomy, health, and dance with Leaps of Faith this year.

Assistant Teacher, Petite Class

Assistant Teacher, Petite Class

Born and raised in northern California, I moved to Mississippi in 2021 and became involved with Leaps of Faith after getting to know LC through church.  I am a wife and mom of four. I volunteered to help with the ballet performance last year and was hooked! I am blessed to be involved with a ministry that loves the children of Hattiesburg and I truly look forward to loving on these young girls each week and demonstrating the love of Jesus.

John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Assistant Teacher, Plie Class

Assistant Teacher, Plie Class

Assistant Teacher, Chasse Class

I am attending nursing school at USM this year. I can’t wait to spend time with your girls, getting to know them, sharing Jesus with them, and teaching them ballet! I have worked with Leaps of Faith for three years. I have two younger brothers and my family is involved in foster care, so we always have kiddos in our home. Spending time with them and pouring into them is one of my favorite things in the world to do.

1 John 4:4

Greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world.

Assistant Teacher, Arabesque Class

Hi, I'm Sydney! I started dancing when I was 7 years old at my local dance studio, where I trained in many different styles of dance and competed with my studio’s competition team. I continued my dance career in college, where I was a member of both the football and basketball dance teams at Jones College and was a Dixie Darling at the University of Southern Mississippi. I graduated from Southern Miss in 2022 with my BFA in Graphic Design and now work as a graphic designer at RARE Design in Hattiesburg. There, my coworkers and I get to build brands for organizations all over the world! When I’m not designing or dancing, you’ll probably find me spending time with my family and pets.

Isaiah 41:10

So don’t worry, because I am with you. Don’t be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you. I will support you with my right hand that saves you.

Assistant Teacher, Jete and Pirouette Class

Hey! My name is Jasmine Tennis and I am currently a full time student working on my Masters of Music in Worship Studies at William Carey University. I also have a B.S in Dance with a minor in Music, English and Psychology from there as well. I grew up in my mom’s dance school and after a break picked up dance in college and once again fell in love. When I’m not in the studio you can typically find me working on choreography or lighting designs for different productions. I also love crocheting, playing video games and spending time with my puppy Magnolia.

2 Timothy 1:7

Assistant Teacher, Fouette Class

Hi everyone, my name is Hannah Ard. I am currently pursuing a degree in dance education at the University of Southern Mississippi. I have been dancing for 17 years, and my favorite dance style is classical ballet. I can't wait to meet everyone!