Destination Arts Faculty
Our Staff’s job is to instill confidence, pride and creativity in your student! We know they are the best around at what they do, but are pretty sure you will soon be thinking the same, too!
“We don’t teach kids to make great dancers, we teach dance to make great kids.” -Misty Lown
Cameron Ligon
Founder/Owner & Executive Director
As the Founder of Destination Arts, Cameron has been dancing and performing for over thirty years, but for the last eighteen has found that her true calling is actually in teaching – not just students, but also in leading a team of other talented dance professionals! Her training began locally in her hometown of Kernersville, North Carolina, and she continued dancing in the Piedmont Triad Area until she graduated high school. She has ballet, pointe and modern training from the North Carolina School of the Arts (now UNCSA). In addition to dance, Cameron previously had a promising singing career under the name ofCameron Marion as she likes to say, “many moons ago!”
She used both her singing and dancing abilities as part of an LA-based pop girl group that shared a short stint on the reality TV circuit and Cameron has also released an album and two singles on iTunes; one of which received regular airplay on XM country radio in 2010. She has opened for and shared a stage with Jeff Cook from the legendary country group ALABAMA, Jordan Knight & Donnie Wahlberg from the New Kids on the Block, Cartel, the Little River Band, and multi-platinum country recording artist Gretchen Wilson. She was also the musical entertainment aired at a birthday party on the television show “Outrageous Kids Parties” on TLC. Cameron enjoys traveling and taking master classes to learn all she can about the evolving studio business, and is mentored by some of the best in the studio owner “biz”. Cameron is on the Elite Board of Advisors for More Than Just Great Dancing
(MTJGD) affiliated dance studios, and also helps provide resources for other studio owners in their businesses through the tools she has created with her own company, Dance Teacher Dashboard.
As an educator, her students have been featured dancers on the “Drop Dead Diva” television show, been cast as dancers and actresses at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, and have accepted spots out of very few given in many exclusive summer programs including: The Joffrey, Broadway Artists Alliance and Oklahoma City University’s (OCU) High School Musical Theatre Program. Cameron works less in the classroom these days and more on the backend of the studio, but she still loves experiencing all of the magic that is created within the studio’s walls! She lives in Oak Ridge with her husband, Joseph, and kids Flynn (6) and Remi (3).
She enjoys sharing her passion for dance, music and performing with our community, and her biggest hope is to inspire children to set their sights high and always know they can dream BIG!
E-mail Mrs. Cameron
Amanda Gottfried
Studio Operations Manager & Oak Ridge Campus Director
Ms. Amanda has been involved with dance her whole life! She danced and competed from the time she was a young child, until she graduated high school. During that time she was able to become an assistant teacher and then teacher to young students at Susan’s Dance Unlimited, that operated in downtown Kernersville for over 30 years
. Amanda’s bubbly personality and attention to detail make her a huge asset to our program, whether in the office or in the classroom. She has two daughters, Abigal and Adrianne, and is the glue that holds us together! She is the smiling face that greets you when you walk in the front door or the friendly voice on the other end of the line!
Miss Amanda is also Acrobatic Arts Module One Certified. You might often hear Mrs. Cameron lovingly refer to her as her “string” – she keeps everything steering in the right direction and pulls Mrs. Cameron’s “kite” that is always dreaming and soaring back down to the ground when needed 🙂
E-mail Miss Amanda –
Amanda Gottfried
Studio Operations Manager & Oak Ridge Campus Director
Ms. Amanda has been involved with dance her whole life! She danced and competed from the time she was a young child, until she graduated high school. During that time she was able to become an assistant teacher and then teacher to young students at Susan’s Dance Unlimited, that operated in downtown Kernersville for over 30 years
. Amanda’s bubbly personality and attention to detail make her a huge asset to our program, whether in the office or in the classroom. She has two daughters, Abigal and Adrianne, and is the glue that holds us together! She is the smiling face that greets you when you walk in the front door or the friendly voice on the other end of the line!
Miss Amanda is also Acrobatic Arts Module One Certified. You might often hear Mrs. Cameron lovingly refer to her as her “string” – she keeps everything steering in the right direction and pulls Mrs. Cameron’s “kite” that is always dreaming and soaring back down to the ground when needed 🙂
E-mail Miss Amanda –
Joecelyn Rowe
DAC PAC Team Technical Director & Instructor
If you want to be an all-star tapper, beautiful ballerina, or really anything in between, then Mrs. Jocelyn is your girl! Jocelyn has been involved with dance for the past 32 years, and has been teaching dance for the past 18 years, both in public school and private studios. She has studied all genres of dance from tap and ballet to West African and Ballroom. While growing up, Jocelyn won multiple awards, honors, scholarships, and titles. She has performed leading roles in Ballets and Musicals, including the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker and Leisl in the Sound of Music
.
She has studied dance across the East coast including Broadway Dance Center in NY, Youth Performing Arts School in KY, New England Dance Conservatory in MA, North Carolina School of the Arts, University of North Carolina – Charlotte, and University of North Carolina – Greensboro, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree, with honors, in Dance Education. She has been an on-site choreographer and performer for professional and historic outdoor theaters. Jocelyn was a certified teacher and examiner with Carolina Dance Masters, Inc. Chapter 15 of Dance Masters of America, Inc. for over 10 years.
She has also judged dance competitions and scholarship opportunities. Mrs. Jocelyn is certified in teaching Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT). PBT is an innovative body-conditioning and strengthening program that has been designed to enhance students’ technique by focusing on training the muscle memory required in each exercise in all forms of dance. It is a unique training system using ballet-technique specific exercises to train skill acquisition in a graded and progressive manner from junior through to advanced levels. PBT helps teachers around the world prepare their students to receive the strength they need to achieve their personal best. She is also Acrobatic Arts Module One Certified.
Through dance, Mrs. Jocelyn has been given so many wonderful opportunities through the years, and her true passion is in teaching dance and sharing her love of dance with others! We are so proud to have her at Destination Arts!
Dylana Alred
Summerfield Campus Director & Instructor
Miss Dylana has been with Destination Arts since day one when we opened our doors! Though her role at the studio has morphed and changed over the years, she has continued to be an asset in and out of the classroom. Miss Dylana now teaches at and oversees our Summerfield Campus. Miss Dylana is a mom of two, and loves to continue training and learning all she can about the evolving dance world! Dylana is Acrobatic Arts Module One Certified and a Certified Adjudicator through the Acro Dance Teachers Association.
Dylana Alred
Summerfield Campus Director & Instructor
Miss Dylana has been with Destination Arts since day one when we opened our doors! Though her role at the studio has morphed and changed over the years, she has continued to be an asset in and out of the classroom. Miss Dylana now teaches at and oversees our Summerfield Campus. Miss Dylana is a mom of two, and loves to continue training and learning all she can about the evolving dance world! Dylana is Acrobatic Arts Module One Certified and a Certified Adjudicator through the Acro Dance Teachers Association.
Trinity Salimeno
Dance & Acrobatics Instructor
As a current elementary school teacher and Mrs. Cameron’s very first hire for the studio back in 2013, Mrs. Trinity is truly a “jack-of-all-trades” that can jump into any classroom at any time any teach any age and style! Trinity grew up dancing in Kernersville, NC and was an accomplished competition dancer herself before moving into teaching. She is Acrobatic Arts Module One Certified. Mrs. Trinity is married with two kids, one of who dances at the studio, and is such an asset to us at Destination Arts!
Zoe Phillips
Dance Instructor
We love having DAC Graduate, Zoe, on our staff! She started as first a class assistant during high school trained by Mrs. Cameron, then moved on to a teacher-in-training for a couple of years after graduating, and has now moved to having her own classes after shadowing our instructors and being fully immersed and trained in our curriculum and culture! To know Zoe is to love her, and we can’t wait to watch her continue to grow on her teaching journey with us!
Zoe Phillips
Dance Instructor
We love having DAC Graduate, Zoe, on our staff! She started as first a class assistant during high school trained by Mrs. Cameron, then moved on to a teacher-in-training for a couple of years after graduating, and has now moved to having her own classes after shadowing our instructors and being fully immersed and trained in our curriculum and culture! To know Zoe is to love her, and we can’t wait to watch her continue to grow on her teaching journey with us!
Krista Hash
Dance Instructor
Krista Swain Hash truly grew up in a dance family! With a mom who was a dance instructor for many years, Krista starting assisting her at a young age and then soon had classes of her own. Her sister is also a dance instructor, so their world’s have always revolved around dance! Krista competed for many years and also cheered throughout middle and high school. With a vast knowledge of teaching and children, she is loved by students and parents alike! Mrs. Krista lives in Reidsville with her family and is a hairstylist by day! We are so glad to have her as a part of Destination Arts!
Aja Bright
Dance Instructor
Aja started dancing at just 3 years old in Richmond, VA at a local dance studio. She became serious about her career in dance throughout high school at Appomattox Regional Arts High School, where she was on the high school dance team and her time outside of school was spent competing with her local studio. After high school, Aja went on to receive her Bachelors of Dance Education and Bachelors of Science Degrees from Radford University. During her years at Radford, she was also part of the Radford Rockers Dance Team where she led her team as Captain for 3 years and placed 6th in the Nation, a school record for Radford.
After graduating college, Aja moved to Roanoke to start her career at TEKsystems, but still managed to take on the role of Head Dance Team Coach for Roanoke College. Aja has choreographed award-winning routines and taught many award-winning dancers! Avery, her 2.5-year-old daughter also attends DAC! Aja is excited to join the team after spending last season substituting and watching Avery in classes. In Aja’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Billy, daughter Avery, and son Liam!
Aja Bright
Dance Instructor
Aja started dancing at just 3 years old in Richmond, VA at a local dance studio. She became serious about her career in dance throughout high school at Appomattox Regional Arts High School, where she was on the high school dance team and her time outside of school was spent competing with her local studio. After high school, Aja went on to receive her Bachelors of Dance Education and Bachelors of Science Degrees from Radford University. During her years at Radford, she was also part of the Radford Rockers Dance Team where she led her team as Captain for 3 years and placed 6th in the Nation, a school record for Radford.
After graduating college, Aja moved to Roanoke to start her career at TEKsystems, but still managed to take on the role of Head Dance Team Coach for Roanoke College. Aja has choreographed award-winning routines and taught many award-winning dancers! Avery, her 2.5-year-old daughter also attends DAC! Aja is excited to join the team after spending last season substituting and watching Avery in classes. In Aja’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Billy, daughter Avery, and son Liam!
Nicole Roberts
Dance Instructor & Front Desk/Customer Care
Nicole started dancing at the age of two at Mindys Jessamine School of Classical Dance. She was born and raised in Kentucky and recently moved to North Carolina with her family. She has been trained in ballet, tap, modern, hip hop, jazz, pom, and lyrical. In addition to studio dance, Nicole started dancing for her school’s dance team in middle through high school. Nicole attended Morehead State University and studied neuroscience. She was on the MSU dance team for all four years and was awarded the position of team captain for her senior year. During her college career Nicole was involved in choreography, national competitions, basketball and football game performances, and fundraising recitals.
Nicole started doing choreography in 2018 for her home studio. In 2020 she started teaching at a studio while at Morehead. She taught hip hop and acro for two years while she finished her bachelor’s degree. She is super excited to now continue her teaching career here at DAC!
Caitlyn Smith
Dance Instructor
Caitlyn Smith started dancing at the age of two in Clemmons, NC. She danced up through high school, and in college was a member of the UNC Charlotte Gold Duster’s Dance Team. She also had the privilege to work at Disney World as a part of their college program!
After college, Caitlyn was formerly the choreographer and assistant director for the Venom Dance Team for the Carolina Cobras National Arena League Football. She has taught and choreographed for many award-winning routines and dancers over the years, and is a talented addition to our staff!
In Caitlyn’s free time she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and her beautiful daughter, Ivy.
Caitlyn Smith
Dance Instructor
Caitlyn Smith started dancing at the age of two in Clemmons, NC. She danced up through high school, and in college was a member of the UNC Charlotte Gold Duster’s Dance Team. She also had the privilege to work at Disney World as a part of their college program!
After college, Caitlyn was formerly the choreographer and assistant director for the Venom Dance Team for the Carolina Cobras National Arena League Football. She has taught and choreographed for many award-winning routines and dancers over the years, and is a talented addition to our staff!
In Caitlyn’s free time she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and her beautiful daughter, Ivy.
Adrianne Gottfried
Instructor-In-Training
Miss Adrianne is a 2024 graduate of East Forsyth High school, and we are so excited for her to be joining us as an instructor-in-training this season! Adrianne danced on our DAC PAC team through graduation and was also a STAR Leadership Class Assistant with us for many years. We know as she continues to train in our culture, curriculums, and with a variety of our instructors, that she will develop a teaching style all her own. We can’t wait to see her shine leading your students in the classroom!
Sara Chatham
Voice Instructor
Sara Culler Chatham was born and raised in Winston-Salem where she began dance and voice lessons at the young age of 5. Coming from a musical family, there was always music being played throughout the house, and she was quickly introduced to many different genres. Sara has competed and won several local, state and national talent titles, including the opportunity to open up for the well-known gospel group “The Hoppers” in front of an arena of 12,000 people, when she was just 12 years old.
That opportunity led her to record her first gospel CD and network with numerous songwriters and musicians. Sara’s most recent accomplishment was winning the National “Sing Like Carrie Underwood” radio contest out of thousands of entries, where she traveled to Nashville to meet Carrie and record her version of the single “Jesus Take The Wheel.”
Pageantry has also been a fun-filled hobby for Sara. She won many local and state titles, including Little Miss North Carolina Majestic Queen in 2000, and competed in the Miss America and USA pageant systems, winning scholarship money for college. In 2007, she graduated with honors from UNC-Greensboro with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She then began teaching private voice and pageant lessons, and has continued for the past 15 years. Sara loves watching her students grow and they become part of her family from their first lesson!
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband Zach, kids Braxton & Scarlett, and their dogs. She loves going to the lake, watching movies, and volunteering in her community.
Sara Chatham
Voice Instructor
Sara Culler Chatham was born and raised in Winston-Salem where she began dance and voice lessons at the young age of 5. Coming from a musical family, there was always music being played throughout the house, and she was quickly introduced to many different genres. Sara has competed and won several local, state and national talent titles, including the opportunity to open up for the well-known gospel group “The Hoppers” in front of an arena of 12,000 people, when she was just 12 years old.
That opportunity led her to record her first gospel CD and network with numerous songwriters and musicians. Sara’s most recent accomplishment was winning the National “Sing Like Carrie Underwood” radio contest out of thousands of entries, where she traveled to Nashville to meet Carrie and record her version of the single “Jesus Take The Wheel.”
Pageantry has also been a fun-filled hobby for Sara. She won many local and state titles, including Little Miss North Carolina Majestic Queen in 2000, and competed in the Miss America and USA pageant systems, winning scholarship money for college. In 2007, she graduated with honors from UNC-Greensboro with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She then began teaching private voice and pageant lessons, and has continued for the past 15 years. Sara loves watching her students grow and they become part of her family from their first lesson!
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband Zach, kids Braxton & Scarlett, and their dogs. She loves going to the lake, watching movies, and volunteering in her community.
Jim Mayberry
Guitar / Ukulele Instructor
Mr. Jim has been performing since the age of eight. His formative years began in choir, culminating in attending East Carolina University as a voice major. But, soon guitar became the center of Jim’s musical endeavors and he began playing in 1987 and started teaching shortly after in 1990. With many years of experience in both teaching and performing, Jim has what to takes to easily guide a student through the ropes of being a beginner through advanced.
He can still be found out around the Triad performing acoustic gigs weekly, which gives him a broad knowledge of all musical styles.
Olivia Brock
Piano Instructor
With a lifelong passion for music and over 20 years of experience as a pianist, Olivia Brock brings both expertise and enthusiasm to every lesson. Starting piano lessons at the age of eight, Olivia has since developed a deep appreciation for the piano. She has dedicated the past seven years to teaching students of all ages and skill levels.
As a singer-songwriter involved in various professional bands and projects, Olivia possesses a well-rounded musical background. Olivia also served as the pianist for Creekside Bible Church in Matthews, NC before moving to Greensboro in 2022. Notably, Olivia has led all of her participating students to receive Superior ratings at the NFMC Festival – Charlotte.
Olivia’s teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that learning music should be a joyful and fulfilling experience. By integrating a large dose of fun into structured lessons, with an emphasis on music theory and proper technique, Olivia ensures that students not only develop their skills but also enjoy the process. Lessons are also designed to equip students with practical skills such as playing collaboratively, writing their own songs, and performing with confidence. As a mother of two, Olivia understands the unique needs and talents of each student, fostering a supportive and creative learning environment.
Olivia is dedicated to inspiring a love for piano and promoting continuous growth in every student, helping each individual reach their full musical potential.
Olivia Brock
Piano Instructor
With a lifelong passion for music and over 20 years of experience as a pianist, Olivia Brock brings both expertise and enthusiasm to every lesson. Starting piano lessons at the age of eight, Olivia has since developed a deep appreciation for the piano. She has dedicated the past seven years to teaching students of all ages and skill levels.
As a singer-songwriter involved in various professional bands and projects, Olivia possesses a well-rounded musical background. Olivia also served as the pianist for Creekside Bible Church in Matthews, NC before moving to Greensboro in 2022. Notably, Olivia has led all of her participating students to receive Superior ratings at the NFMC Festival – Charlotte.
Olivia’s teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that learning music should be a joyful and fulfilling experience. By integrating a large dose of fun into structured lessons, with an emphasis on music theory and proper technique, Olivia ensures that students not only develop their skills but also enjoy the process. Lessons are also designed to equip students with practical skills such as playing collaboratively, writing their own songs, and performing with confidence. As a mother of two, Olivia understands the unique needs and talents of each student, fostering a supportive and creative learning environment.
Olivia is dedicated to inspiring a love for piano and promoting continuous growth in every student, helping each individual reach their full musical potential.
Kate Harding
Bloom Program Director/Co-Teacher
Miss Kate was raised primarily in NC but lived in Delaware and Texas with her family before moving back to NC in 2015. She received her BA from NC State University before becoming a Corp Member with Teach for America.
She is marriedto Scott and is the mom of her two wonderful children: Cooper (15) and Kellan (13). Their family loves to camp, travel, watch “How It’s Made” and play board games. She spends most of her free time cross-stitching, coaching her son’s Odyssey of the Mind team, and taking her daughter to dance competitions.
Kate has taught 8th grade Language Arts, preschool art and music, and for the past seven years has been teaching in a church preschool setting, with the last three of those years serving as Director.
She is a strong believer that learning comes through movement and play, so she loves a classroom that is loud, messy and fun! She thoroughly looks forward to working with your family to give your child the best preschool experience possible at Bloom!
Mary Crilly
Bloom Preschool Co-Teacher
Mary Crilly was born in Ireland and moved to North Carolina with her husband in 2004. She received her degree in Art Education at Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology in 1997. Mary has been married to Niall since 2004 and has two children, a daughter who is an 8th grader at Revolution Academy and a son who is a sophomore at Northwest High School.
Her family loves to watch movies together and try to travel as much as they can. Their favorite pastime is camping, and last summer they spent three weeks traveling the East Coast. Mary also loves reading, crafts and walking her dog, Ginny.
Mary is in her 9th year of teaching preschool, most recently teaching Pre-K in Summerfield. She loves creating a safe and welcoming environment for her students and watching them grow together through play and social interactions.
Having fun, getting messy and watching the students learn new skills is amazing. Being a part of that is so rewarding and she is excited to start her new venture at Bloom!
Mary Crilly
Bloom Preschool Co-Teacher
Mary Crilly was born in Ireland and moved to North Carolina with her husband in 2004. She received her degree in Art Education at Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology in 1997. Mary has been married to Niall since 2004 and has two children, a daughter who is an 8th grader at Revolution Academy and a son who is a sophomore at Northwest High School.
Her family loves to watch movies together and try to travel as much as they can. Their favorite pastime is camping, and last summer they spent three weeks traveling the East Coast. Mary also loves reading, crafts and walking her dog, Ginny.
Mary is in her 9th year of teaching preschool, most recently teaching Pre-K in Summerfield. She loves creating a safe and welcoming environment for her students and watching them grow together through play and social interactions.
Having fun, getting messy and watching the students learn new skills is amazing. Being a part of that is so rewarding and she is excited to start her new venture at Bloom!
Abigal Gottfried
Front Desk/Customer Care
Abigal is a 2019 graduate of East Forsyth High School, and also a 2019 music program graduate here at Destination Arts! She now attends GTCC and works part time at our front desk. Abigal is always willing to lend a helping hand, and we are glad to have her as a part of the DAC family!
Hollie Reed
Front Desk Host
Mrs. Hollie is a 10 year Dance Mom at DAC who loves helping out where she can! You will see her as the smiling face that greets you often at our Summerfield Campus!
Maghan Watkins
Front Desk Host
Mrs. Maghan is a long-time beloved preschool teacher here in the NW area, and after teaching on staff with us for many years, you now see her often subbing in our classrooms and and the front desk at our Summerfield Campus! We are so glad to have her still with us!
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader.” -Dolly Parton
Hollie Reed
Front Desk Host
Mrs. Hollie is a 10 year Dance Mom at DAC who loves helping out where she can! You will see her as the smiling face that greets you often at our Summerfield Campus!
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader.” -Dolly Parton
Testimonials
We’ve been a part of 5 dance studios due to job transfers. This has been our favorite so far. High quality teachers. Very organized office staff. All are friendly and intentionally build community. Our girls (& adult student) have grown and enjoyed our time there!
Sarah M.
We love Destination Arts and all of the teachers. Thank you for making it a fun and welcoming place to dance. It is a second home for my daughter. 💃🏻
Caty M.
Contact Us
Our Campus Locations
Main Campus - Oak Ridge
2205 Oak Ridge Road
Oak Ridge, NC 27310
(Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center)
Summerfield Campus
4446 US Hwy 220 North
Summerfield, NC 27358
(Summerfield Village Shopping Center)
Front Desk Hours - Main Campus:
Monday – Thursday 2:00-8:00pm
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Front Desk Hours -
Main Campus:
Monday – Thursday
2:00-8:00pm
Oak Ridge Campus:
2205-X Oak Ridge Road
Oak Ridge, NC 27310
Summerfield Campus:
4446-J NC Hwy 220 North
Summerfield, NC 27358
Email: [email protected]
Call Us: (336) 740-6891
Text Concierge Line: (336) 872-0729
