Instructors

Katie Benson
Katie Benson started dance lessons at the age of 8.  Eventually she became a part-time dance instructor at various established studios in the area. In 2005 she became a full-time dance instructor with Judy Hakes. After 4 years of study, Katie received her certification in Dance Instruction from Dance Masters of America, graduating first in her class and receiving the coveted Janet Bachna Scholarship Award. In 2010 she realized her life-long dream of owning and managing an established school of dance. Katie continues her education attending various workshops, conventions, and Master Classes in the North East.

Judy Hakes
Judy began her dance education at the age of 4 with the studio’s original owner, Betty Keller. At the age of 17, Judy purchased the business from Betty and began teaching at its current location. In 1990 she expanded into a second studio located in the upstairs of the Masonic Building. After 37 years as the studio owner, Judy is proud to accept a teaching position with the new owner, at The Katie Benson School of Dance. Judy is a certified member of the Dance Educators of America and is constantly updating her knowledge by attending annual conventions and seminars held by the Northeast Workshop for Dancers, Al Gilbert Dance Seminars, and of course, Dance Educators of America. Judy has had the pleasure to study under such notables as Debbie Dee, Al Gilbert, Janice Barringer, and Darryl Retter. These professionals have had the most influence over the techniques she uses today. Judy is eager to share her knowledge and experience in her new role on Miss Katie’s team.

Christine Miller

Kelly Miller

Sharon “Shay” May
Sharon (Shay) May, Owner and director of A Shay Productions Company, grew up in Los Angeles California where she trained in jazz, ballet and modern dance. She received the Beth Spicer Memorial Dance Scholarship from Mt San Antonio College to continue her dance career. She has choreographed for competition high school dance teams and was assistant coach of the the Mt San Antonio cheer and dance squads. Shay is a former dancer with the Los Angeles Laker Girls and was also a guest choreographer for the team. …Read More…

Lyndsey Stiger
Lyndsey began dance lessons at the age of 5 with the Judy Hakes School of Dance. After graduating from Loyalsock Township High School, Lyndsey went on the acquire a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University and a Master degree in Social Work from Widener University. Lyndsey returned to her hometown where she began working as a licensed clinical social worker for Community Services Group and teaching dance with Miss Katie on Saturdays over the past 3 years. Lyndsey has always had a passion for dance and has been honored to have taught for Judy Hakes and Katie Benson.

Sandra Trick
Sandra Trick fell in love with dance when she had her first lesson with Miss Judy at age 3. For the next fifteen years she learned ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical at the studio. Sandra then took a four-year hiatus from dancing while she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Penn State. After she graduated and was reporting for the Sun-Gazette while earning her teaching certification, she still found time to begin dancing again with Miss Jude and the rest of the ladies in the advanced adult classes. Sandra now teaches English and Journalism at Montoursville High School.

Annie Roush