Dance Ink Faculty
Dance Ink Faculty are required to have the following clearances, It is extremely important to Ink Cares that any staff member or volunteer provide these clearances before date of hire.
Act 151 (Child Abuse Clearance)
Act 34 ( Criminal History)
Act 114 (FBI Fingerprint)
Mandated Reporter Training
Stephanie Masullo
CEO- Chief Executive Officer
For Stephanie Masullo, dance has been her love, joy, and passion since the early age of 2. She has trained throughout Pennsylvania and New York at acclaimed schools such as the Academy of Dance by Lori, Pittsburgh Youth Ballet, Chautauqua Institute for the Arts, Pittsburgh CLO Academy, Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts, Point Park University, Steps on Broadway, and more. Stephanie started teaching more than ten years ago and ever since has been highly successful in improving a dancer’s technique, enhancing a dancer’s performance ability, giving meaning to the dance, and sharing her passion for art. She is sought after for not only teaching but also for master classes and choreography.
Stephanie is thrilled to be the co-founder of Dance Ink where the sole vision is to leave a positive mark on the students, faculty, families, and the community. She combines her passion for dance and love of hospitality to be a role model to those she has the humbling responsibility to lead.
Stephanie is very involved in community outreach and is a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters. She has also choreographed for numerous charity projects that she holds near to her heart. The first was the Bravery and Beauty Fashion Show benefiting the Greater Pittsburgh Women’s Shelter and Crisis Center North supporting victims of domestic violence. Additionally, she choreographed a piece for Happy Heart Day, a day educating children on taking care of themselves and others, and a Flash Mob for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Pittsburgh event. Stephanie looks forward to continuing to share her passion for dance and art with her students and the world.
Alivia Jane
COO- Chief Operations Officer
Alivia Jane is from Pittsburgh, PA, and is the Chief Operations Officer of Dance Ink, located in Carnegie, PA. She began dancing at the age of 3 at the Abby Lee Dance Company in Pittsburgh, PA. She is trained in multiple styles of dance including Contemporary, Ballet, Pointe, Musical Theatre, Tap, Acrobatics, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, and Jazz. Alivia has traveled to multiple cities around the country competing in dance and learning from some of the best choreographers in the world.
Alivia started her professional dancing career in 2015 and booked her first job with Singer/Songwriter Todrick Hall in his music video "FREAKS LIKE ME." You can also find Alivia in Pop Star Mack Z's music video "Girl Party." She has performed at multiple shows, including the "Bravery and Beauty Fashion Show" benefiting the Greater Pittsburgh Women’s Shelter and Crisis Center, which supports victims of domestic violence, and "Happy Heart Day," benefiting inner-city schools in downtown Pittsburgh.
Alivia began her teaching career at Dance Ink in 2021. In 2022, she became a certified Yoga teacher, and in 2024, she became Acrobatic Arts Certified. Alivia is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Ink Cares and choreographs for Dance Ink, including their pre-professional program.
Alivia's passion lies in teaching dancers the intricacies of flexibility and strength. She combines her love for dance with a deep understanding of biomechanics to create tailored training programs. Alivia focuses on nurturing both physical capabilities and artistic expression, emphasizing patience and encouragement throughout the process. Her goal is to empower dancers to achieve greater flexibility, strength, and overall resilience in their craft.
Hannah Santoro
Director of Talent & Culture
Hannah’s passion for dance began at the young age of 3. She began her training at Darlynn’s School of Dance & Gymnastics and Rostraver Dance Academy before continuing her education for over a decade at Shirley Dean’s School of Dance. There, she trained extensively in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern/Lyrical, Contemporary, and Hip-Hop, mastering a wide range of styles. During her time at Shirley Dean’s, Hannah choreographed original pieces, volunteered as a teacher for younger students, and developed her leadership skills. In her senior year of high school, she co-founded her school’s first-ever dance team, serving as its captain and leading the group to perform with the marching band.
Beyond dance, Hannah also excelled in music, studying piano for 15 years. She showcased her talent at annual recitals/showcases and earned multiple awards for her dedication and artistry.
Hannah later pursued a career in Hospitality after earning her Associate's Degree in Travel & Hospitality Management. Over the course of five years, she honed valuable skills in customer service, business operations, and leadership, earning recognition and promotions that culminated in her role as Front Office Manager. She was an active member of her company’s CARE committee, focusing on employee/guest satisfaction and community involvement.
In March 2022, Hannah returned to her roots in the arts by joining Dance Ink as an instructor and choreographer. Today, she combines her passion for dance, teaching, and community as the Director of Talent & Culture for Ink Cares. In this role, she creates a supportive and inspiring environment for both students and faculty while leading community outreach initiatives. Hannah’s goal is to make a meaningful impact by blending her love for the arts with her leadership and hospitality experience, ensuring every interaction is a rewarding one.
Melanie Frye
Dance Competition Team Assistant Manager
Dance Ink & Ink University Instructor
Melanie Frye recently graduated from Seton Hill University with a degree in both Pre-Dance
Movement Therapy and Dance Choreography. Melanie trained at Seton Hill University Dance
Academy on their competitive team for six years and has been dancing for a total of 19 years.
She has trained in a variety of styles such as ballet, jazz, tap, modern, contemporary, musical
theater, hip hop, contemporary, pointe, heels, pom, and acro. She has taught at local dance
studios such as, Seton Hill University Dance Academy, Westmoreland Dance Alliance, and Jean
Cooke Dance Studio, and is excited to be a new member of the Dance Ink faculty. She really
enjoys teaching children the art and discipline of dance while creating a safe and fun
environment for her students to shine and grow as individuals.
Gigi Kokai
Creative Development & Project Manager
Dance Ink & Ink University Instructor
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Gigi Kokai, is a grad student at Robert Morris University amd got her undergrad in management at RMU as well, with a minor in human resources and a sales certificate. Besides her academic journey, Gigi was a dancer in her youth for 15 years and has been involved in the musical theatre world from onstage to backstage to directing for 19 years. Her dream is to combine arts with business in some magnificent way, such as they do at Dance Ink. A passionate advocate for the arts, Gigi is eager to bring her skills and creativity to Dance Ink in marketing, storytelling, and artistic expression.
Annastassia Stewart
Dance Ink & Ink University Instructor
Annastassia Stewart (Miss Anna) has been a theater kid all her life! After high school, she pursued a BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance from SUNY Fredonia. Following graduation, she toured internationally with Missoula Children's Theatre for 15 months before returning home to Pittsburgh. She used her time during the pandemic to teach virtually while also completing a Master of Education degree in Advanced Teaching. She currently works as a full-time nanny and part-time teaching artist. In her free time, she still participates in shows throughout the area. She has worked with Stage Right School for the Performing Arts in Greensburg, The Strand Theatre in Zelienople, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and Split Stage Productions in Irwin. She can't wait to sing, dance, and act with everyone at Dance Ink!
John Pickup
Dance Ink Master Instructor
Mr. John received his early training from Leeanne Rutherford at Ballet Theatre Australia and later with Peter Shortland and Kathryn Hailey at The Studio. As a dancer he performed with The Wiggles, Lithuanian National Ballet, Gelsey Kirkland Studio Company and New York City Children's Theatre. Mr. John began teaching at Essendon Academy of Ballet, Melbourne Australia before teaching at various schools throughout Sydney and Melbourne. During this time he studied the RAD syllabus under Kathryn Hailey.
After relocating to New York, he began training under Gelsey Kirkland and Michael Chernov as both a dancer and teacher. Mr. John was a faculty member of the Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet and taught in the full day, pre professional and after school programs.
As a professional choreographer Mr Pickup has created works for The Wiggles and Circa 21 Dinner Theater.
When not teaching ballet Mr Pickup still performs in Musical Theater and credits include: Lurch in “The Addams Family” (Surflight Theater) Mr Z “An American in Paris” (Surflight) The Wizard of Oz in “Dorothys adventures in Oz” (92nd Street Y) Colonel Mustard in “Clue, The Musical” (Circa 21) to name a few.
Mr Pickup looks forward to sharing his love of classical ballet with the students of Dance Ink!
Karen Prunzik
Dance Ink Master Instructor
Karen was the originating role of Anytime Annie in 42nd Street on Broadway and tap legend Paul Draper's protégé. She was also in the movies "Tap" with Gregory Hines and "A Chorus Line." She also originated the Ginger Rodgers role of Anytime Annie in Gower Champions blockbuster Broadway sensation "42nd Street." This was the first audition Karen attended when she arrived in New York City at the age of 22. Karen also owned and operated her own studio in the Pittsburgh area, winning many awards and best director awards from many dance competitions. Karen is now enjoying retired life with her cats and teaching the adults at Dance Ink!
Karen is hailed in the industry as "one of the best tap dancers in the world!" Paul Draper said "You can do anything I can do, only prettier." Gene Kelly said "She is one of the best tap dancers I have ever seen." John Kenley said "No auditions necessary, i know her work. " Gregory Hines said "She's BETTER than Ann Miller!" Ginger Rodgers said "I feel like I've known you all my life." Katherine Hepburn said "That girl has SPARK." Gower Champion said "Honey, you are not a dancer you are an artist." Sammy Davis Jr. said "Haven't seen tapping like that in years!"
Ernie Tolentino
Dance Ink Master Instructor
After being an All-City High School football player and a violinist in the El Paso Texas All-City Orchestra, Ernest Tolentino combined his athletic and music abilities in college. Ernie received a B.M. in Music and Ballet Performance from the University of Texas at El Paso, he danced with Milwaukee Ballet and then the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre for fourteen years rising to rank of soloist. Ernie danced numerous major and principal roles in all Pittsburgh Ballet productions and was featured in classical and contemporary works by Marius Petipa, Patrick Fantz, Ohad Naharin, Domy Reitersoffer, Agnes DeMille, Anthony Tudor and George Balanchine, just to name a few. An audience favorite, Ernie’s athletic ability, dramatic characterizations, sensitive and skillful partnering have won acclaims from critics all over the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Taiwan. In 1992 Ernie founded The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Dancers’ Trust, a career transition fund for retiring PBT dancers and remains the executive director. He is currently on the teaching staff of the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University and Carnegie Mellon University Pre-College Drama.
Ernie is married to former Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre principal Tamar Rachelle, and they have two children.
Hannah Carter
Dance Ink Instructor
Hannah Carter of England joined Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre in 2013 after dancing as a corps de ballet member of the Estonian National Ballet. She graduated with honors from the Royal Ballet School in London and performed in a number of productions, including a tour to Spain, with The Royal Ballet. Hannah was promoted to PBT soloist in 2015 and to principal in 2016. Her repertoire with PBT includes Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room and Nine Sinatra Songs, Jiří Kylián’s Petit Mort and Sinfonietta, and William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated as well as classics, including Swan Lake, Don Quixote and The Nutcracker. Hannah has also performed leading roles in Le Corsaire, La Bayadère and Romeo and Juliet, among others.
Julia Dominiquez
Dance Ink & Ink University Instructor
"Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I began dancing at the young age of four at Scrivas Dance Studio. Just a year later, I was accepted on to the Competition Team and I competed for thirteen years. I competed in the advanced level in various styles such as jazz, lyrical, pointe, contemporary, tap, and hip hop. My experience includes teaching and choreographing, as well as working with many parents, students, and other teachers. As my passion and love for dance grows, I decided to continue my training by attending Point Park University to earn a duel degree in both Dance and Education. Now in my second year of college, I long to inspire the younger dancers and hopefully be an impact on their dancing journey! I am so thankful to be a member of the Dance Ink team and contribute to their wonderful community!"
Nick D'Angelo
Dance Ink Instructor
Point Park University undergraduate Nick D’Angelo is a Pittsburgh-based dancer, as well as an educator and choreographer at Dance Ink. With 12 years of performance experience, Nick is eager to share his passion and expertise. He aims to inspire and empower students to explore their creativity, develop their skills, and thrive in a supportive learning environment.
Naomi Terrell
Dance Ink & Ink University Instructor
Naomi has been dancing for 13+ years. She got her BA in Theatre with a Musical Theatre concentration from Penn West California University where she choreographed multiple movement pieces and numbers for the stage. She is also a 6x All American cheerleader and has been teaching students dance and cheer for over 5 years.
Tonilyn Jackson
Dance Ink Acting/Vocal Instructor
Tonilyn Jackson has been teaching acting and directing for over 15 years in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. She has performed with local and regional theaters and was most notably nominated for a Barrymore Award for Best Supporting Actress in Musical Theatre for her role as "Ms. Pennywise" in Urinetown. Tonilyn has a BA in Theater from Duquesne University and a MFA in Theater from Villanova University as well as a MSEd in Secondary English Education. Tonilyn teaches English full time at Carlynton Jr. Sr. High School. She is a member of an all-female comedy group and she is a Literary Reader for the Young Playwrights Contest at City Theater. Outside of the classroom and theater, she can be found at your local library with Ginny the Therapy Dog for "Read to a Dog" programs, and she hopes to one day be on the hit show "Nailed It," to show off her lack of baking skills.
Solomon Onyukwu
Dance Ink Vocal Instructor
Solomon Onyukwu, baritone, is from PG County, Maryland. Solomon has been singing professionally for several years. He has studied gospel, r & b, soul, contemporary and recently Classical music. Solomon is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Vocal Performance from Carnegie Mellon University, where he is a student of Professor Sari Gruber. He has performed at places such as Carnegie Hall, Opera in the Ozarks, Utah Vocal Arts Academy and several churches alike. Most recently he has performed the role of Decio in Vivaldi’s Ottone in Villa with Carnegie Mellon University Opera.
Alyson Young
Dance Ink Instructor
Alyson grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. When she was 3 years old, her parents put her in dance classes because she was dancing in the aisle at her cousin’s dance recital. In Pittsburgh, Alyson was mentored by Karen Prunzik from the time she was 14 years old learning some of Karen’s most advanced Paul Draper classical tap technique. She went on to study at James Madison University in Virginia and earned her BA in both Dance and English. After graduating, Alyson moved to NYC where she continued dancing and teaching.
Alyson started teaching dance when she was 16 and taught throughout her college years and post graduation in Pittsburgh and NYC. She has had the honor to study with Ray Hesselink and Rashaan James in NYC. Alyson specializes in teaching tap and throughout the years has recreated choreography from movie musicals, as well creating her own choreography. She is excited to return home to Pittsburgh after dancing in NY for 10 years to teach.
Rickia Davenport
Dance Ink Instructor
Rickia Davenport is a native of Pittsburgh's Hill District and South Hills areas. She has been shaping the lives of students through dance and fitness for over 12 years. Rickia has always had a love and passion for dance, even when the path was difficult to navigate. She began to realize that dance not only helped to shape who she was becoming, but also allowed her the freedom to dream. Her life journey is reflected in her teaching methods. Rickia has a strong background in Hip-Hop, Ballet, Contemporary Dance and Fitness. Ms. Davenport attended Potomac State College in West Virginia where she performed in the musical "Chicago". She has taught for dance schools and companies throughout the city of Pittsburgh and surrounding regions. Currently, Rickia serves as the Arts Education director with K-Theatre Dance Complex and is a lead Dance Instructor for Propel Charter Schools. She has also cultivated dance partnerships with Voices against Violence, Gwen's Girls, Dance Junction, Be Healthy Be Smart Fitness and more! Aside from the networks of dance Rickia has developed, she is also the proud CEO of Kai FiTT. Kai FiTT focuses on fitness, mental wellness and health. "Sometimes its the Journey that teaches you a lot about your destination.”
Milo Mikell
Dance Ink Instructor
Milo is a dancer born and raised in Philadelphia. As a young dancer she was a member of the 76ers Junior and Pre-Professional Dance Team, Competitive Dance Team at her studio, and Estilo Dance (Latin). As a teenager she moved to Pittsburgh and subsequently studied at Millennium Dance Studio, Lincoln Park Performing Arts School, and Los Sabrosos Dance Studio. From which she continued studies in Jazz, Ballet, and Latin dance styles. While dancing at Millennium she was fortunate enough to attend various master classes and intensives due to the nature of It’s drop-in class schedule. One of which was a Cavalier Girls dance clinic. From there, she was able to audition with the Cavalier Girls and got accepted onto the Canton Charge Basketball Team professional dance Troup. Doing so changed her work ethic as a dancer, because dancing on a Professional Team required not only driving 2 hours there AND back four times a week, but it required (and still does!): focus, drive, imagination/creativity, and team building. It is incredible to share the love of not only dance in those respects but also community and engagement for her. She looks forward to getting to know you!
Jessica Wellington
Ink University Instructor
Jessica Wellington is a passionate, reputable dance educator with 23 years of experience. She grew up dancing Warren, Ohio where she trained extensively in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Acro, and Musical Theater. As a competitor, Jessica was recognized in Dance Spirit magazine for being the first ever recipient of The Future Star Award, she won scholarships to Edge Performing Arts Center (LA), Broadway Dance Center (NYC), and Steps on Broadway (NYC), held many titles throughout the years, and attended Dance Masters of
America’s Teachers Training School in Buffalo, New York. She earned her minor in dance from The University of Akron where she was a principal dancer in their company. Jessica is the Founder and Owner/Artistic Director of The Pennsylvania Dance Company in Sharon, Pennsylvania and holds several dance certifications including Acrobatic Arts and Youth Protection Association for Dance. She is an adjudicator for StarQuest International Dance Competition, and her choreography credits, although too long to list, include competition dance and regional theater, and is nationally recognized for being outstanding, innovative, and stylistic. Jessica is on the faculty at Firewall Dance Studio in Pittsburgh, PA, and most recently, she co-founded Livington Books, and her first book, Livington’s Ballet Dictionary for Children is now available online through Amazon, Target, and Barnes and Noble. Jessica is excited to join the Dance Ink family and is looking forward to sharing her passion with everyone.
Jade Byfield
Ink University Instructor
Jade Byfield is a musical theater actress and performer who attained her Bachelor in Fine Arts degree in musical theater performance from Young Harris College. She’s been singing ever since she can remember and grew up with a natural interest in music and dance. Vocally she is trained in classical, contemporary, and musical theater with particular interest in gospel and r&b styles. She has worked in childcare for 8 years and enjoys combining her love for musical theater with her passion for teaching the art of music and performance to her students. With experience as a director, acting instructor, and musical teacher she has a well rounded style of education, paying special attention to each aspect of performing. She currently works as a behavior technician and instructor in early childhood development and as a musical theater performer and teacher. She is an avid traveler as well and has been a part of multiple touring theater companies including Missoula Children’s Theater and National Theater for Children.
What’s next for the Dance Ink Instructor? She has a Christmas show coming up in December and will be making her Off Broadway debut in February so be sure to check it out!
Hannah Post
Dance Ink Acting Instructor
Hannah Post is a Pittsburgh, PA native with a lifelong passion for singing, dancing, and acting. From a young age, she honed her craft through various prestigious programs, including the CLO Academy, Karen Prunzik's Broadway Dance Studio, and Higher Voice Studio. She further developed her talents as a Musical Theatre major at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School, where she participated in over 25 productions during her time.
Her community theatre experience includes notable performances with Stage 62, Washington Community Theatre, and Bethel Park Heritage Players, as well as singing the National Anthem at several American Lung Association events. Hannah earned her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Rider University in New Jersey, where she gained valuable experience as a substitute dance teacher, assistant choreographer for The Prom, assistant stage manager for multiple productions, and performer in Anything Goes.
Hannah has since returned to Pittsburgh to continue sharing her passion for theater. In addition to her work with Dance Ink, she is a member of the marketing team at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center.
Mary Ferro
Dance Ink Piano Instructor
Mary Ferro was born and raised in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Carlynton High School and Duquesne University’s School of Music, she began her piano studies at age 7. She has studied with Jane Ferro, (mother,) Patricia Jaynes, (formerly from Carnegie Mellon University and Chatham College,) and Beverly Nero from Duquesne University. Ms. Ferro had also studied under the internationally known vocal coach, Professor Lorenzo Malfatti, (Two of his famous pupils included Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli.)
Her genuine love for the piano became quite evident when at age 12, she began performing as keyboardist with her guitarist twin brother Vince. Mary has served as a professional pianist in various capacities from accompanist to Keyboard I in High School Musicals, Keyboardist in Classic Rock Bands and as a church musician. Ms. Ferro had also been the musical director of the international performing folk group, “I Campagnoli.” This troupe had successfully performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe.
Mary is a former Music Educator from the Carlynton School District and was employed as Choral Director and General Music Instructor. Outside of the music world, Ms. Ferro had been a broadcaster for WDUQ 90.5 FM for two years as the host of the radio show,” Rock Before Your Ears.”
Her love of music and the piano in particular, does not exclude a sense of humor. Some of her Comedienne appearances: The Howie Mandel Talk Show, America’s Funniest People, WOR Radio N.Y.C., Rutube, London England, Y97 with Jimmy and Steve etc. She is author of the newly published book, “From Calabria to Carnegie.”
Marla Pecache
Volunteer/Dance Ink Receptionist
Marla Pecache is a proud dance mom of two talented daughters who attend the refined studio of Dance Ink. From a young age, she was passionate about dance, competing in various regional and national competitions for her high school dance team at Montour. This experience not only ignited her love for dance but also instilled in her a deep understanding of the dedication and hard work required to excel in this art form.
Now, as a parent and volunteer at the dance studio, who also serves in a board advisory role at Ink Cares (a nonprofit private foundation), she has the unique privilege of combining her professional skills with her lifelong passion. She is dedicated to supporting our dance families by ensuring smooth communication, organizing events, and fostering a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
She believes in the transformative power of dance and is committed to helping your children discover their potential, build their confidence, and create lasting friendships. She looks forward to welcoming you to our dance family and sharing this incredible journey together!
Gwen Deluca
Volunteer/Dance Ink Receptionist
Gwen Deluca grew up in Beaver County and has lived in the area most of her life. Growing up Gwen danced for nearly 12 years for Christine's School of Dance in Beaver Falls. She was an active athlete in her youth playing team sports like softball and volleyball.
Gwen attended Robert Morris College graduating with a BSBA in Human Resources Management as the first graduating class of the University. She then continued her education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania receiving a 4.0 Master of Arts degree in Industrial and Labor Relations.
However, Gwen's greatest accomplishment are her two children, both dancers at Dance Ink by Louise and Dance Ink Pittsburgh.
Gwen believes in supporting her youth grow in their passions with respect, class, service, and love.
Gwen must mention that all of her accomplishments and drive would not be possible without a lifetime of family support b y her parents and her husband Anthony.