Meet Our Staff
Stephanie Goddard
Stephanie Goddard and her family are the owners of Rhythm and Grace Dance Company and look forward to bringing the joy of movement to all. Stephanie began her dance journey for Gertrude Tyler before transitioning to Betty Jane Turner School of Dance and Laurie Nash Centre for Dance. She toured the country as an ambassador for Dance Olympus and trained under some of the best choreographers in the United States and Canada including Jo Rowan, Art Stone, Frank Hatchett and Gregg Russell. At Providence College she was the choreographer and captain of the Friar Dance Team. Dance didn’t end with college; it was now time for Stephanie to share her love and passion with the Enfield and Manchester High School dance teams. She also started teaching under the guidance of Laurie Nash where the spark grew into a flame and the desire to do more exploded. While jazz is her greatest strength, her desire to bring happiness to all forms of dance is passed on to students of all ages and disciplines. When she is not dancing, Stephanie is an English teacher at Enfield high school. She is married to co-owner, Darren and is the mother of three beautiful children, Andrew, Maya and Grace.
Karyn Deptula
Karyn began her love of dance at Aprille’s Danceprints in Ellington before transitioning to the Laurie Nash Centre for Dance. She has been dancing for over 30 years and has been teaching for the past 18 years specializing in lyrical and tap. She has travelled to NYC to learn from some of the best choreographers and teachers in the industry. Her greatest inspiration has come when attending class with Mia Michaels and the late Doug Caldwell. Karyn brings a strong teaching background to the studio and is loved by students and staff alike. Her approach is personalized, and she has a special ability to bring out the best in all her dancers. When she is not at the studio, she is the manager for Bliss Boutique, a server at Willimantic Brewery and the beloved mother of her fur baby, Baxter.
Katelyn Gagliardi
Katelyn Gagliardi began dancing at the Laurie Nash Centre for Dance in 1992. As a Tolland High School graduate, she took various classes and competed in both tap and jazz categories. She was also a member of the varsity cheerleading squad and the team’s captain for two years. After high school, Katelyn ventured to New York City
where she attended Wagner College for two years. There she became a member of the nationally ranked dance team while studying dance. Katelyn has travelled to attend classes with some of the best choreographers including Stephen “tWitch” Boss where her love of hip hop was born. She keeps her classes energetic and motivating which is who she is; whether you are in adult tap or beginner hip hop, be ready to have some fun and get moving. When not dancing, Katelyn enjoys spending time with her husband Matt and three boys – Elijah, Enzo and Eyon.
Margaret Schmidt.
Margaret Schmidt began her dancing career at local studios in Connecticut before pursuing an education at Eastern Connecticut State University. While at school she began teaching for Laurie Nash Centre for Dance and dancing for the ECSU Dance Team. Since college, she has continued to teach dance and expand her knowledge of the dance world through classes and conventions and is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique. Her passion for fitness instruction also led her to become a certified Pure Barre instructor which she has been teaching for 5 years now. You may also recognize her as your friendly Assistant Town Clerk in Ellington! When she’s not hard at work you can find her at home spoiling her two cats, Harpo and Leo.
Danielle Bergeron
Miss Danielle has been dancing for 16 years training in multiple styles. She trained at Laurie Nash Centre of Dance for 12 years in jazz, hip hop, and ballet before moving on to the Central Connecticut State University to study nursing. While at CCSU, Danielle joined the dance team where she performed at football and basketball games. She also competed at the UDA National Dance Championships held in Florida at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Danielle competed in division 1 hip hop, pom, and game day. In 2020, CCSU placed 4th in the nation for the game day competition; in 2022 they placed 7th in the country for hip hop; and in 2023 they finished 8th in the nation in hip hop. Danielle was also the captain of the team for the 2022-2023 season. Danielle joined the staff in January of 2023. Her energy, talents, and spirit were loved by the students and parents alike. We are excited that she will be working with our competition teams this year.
Susan Mundy
Susan Mundy began dancing in the 1950's and hasn't stopped yet. She is delighted to join the Rhythm And Grace Dance Company and will be teaching Senior Tap!