meet our team

Miss Christie Lawler

Christie grew up in Delaware County studying multiple styles of dance at various dance studios throughout the area. Christie’s focus as a young dance student was jazz and hip hop. While in college, she found a new love for both modern and contemporary styles. She minored in Dance Performance at West Chester University where she was able to refine her art as part of the University Dance Company for which she served as secretary and choreographer. Christie participated in and had choreography adjudicated at the American College Dance Festivals. She feels blessed that she has been able to share her passion for dance as a teacher for the past 15 + years. As classmates, Christie and Desiree had no idea that their paths would cross again and that teaching together would become a reality! In addition to teaching at DCDC, Christie is the Dance Program Coordinator at Villa Maria Academy High School.

West Chester University, B.A., M.Ed.

Miss Nikki Kirkland

Nikki is a proud DCDC alumna, where she completed the majority of her dance training in a variety of styles. During her time as a dancer, she competed throughout the region, attended numerous conventions, received national team invitations, and had the opportunity to model for a dance costume catalog. She continued her dance experience through her high school dance team before attending the University of Delaware, where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and a concentration in Special Education.

Nikki currently serves as a Lead Choreographer and Assistant Director of Competition Company at DCDC, where she teaches technique, ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, modern, and acro. She is known for her artistic, storytelling-driven choreography and her ability to challenge dancers while creating a fun and positive environment. With her background in education, Nikki strives to meet each dancer where they are and help them grow both technically and artistically. She is passionate about helping dancers reach their goals, build confidence, and develop a lasting love for dance. Nikki feels incredibly grateful to now have the opportunity to give back to the studio that played such an important role in her own dance journey.

University of Delaware B.S.

Miss Lauren Thomas

Desiree Catania Dance Studio Staff Member - Lead Choreographer Lauren Thomas

Lauren started dancing when she was three years old. She has trained in many styles of dance, including jazz, tap, hip hop, ballet & lyrical at Barbara Ann's School of Dancing. She continued her passion for dance at West Chester University where she participated in the University Dance Company. During this time, she grew as a dancer learning various techniques in modern and contemporary dance. She has taken master classes throughout her career in the Philadelphia and New York area which has broaden her dance experience. She absolutely loves teaching and her ultimate goal is for all students to grow and improve throughout the year. Lauren enjoys working with children and strives to offer a positive and encouraging teaching environment. She looks forward to sharing the joy of dance with all her students each year!

West Chester University B.A.

Miss Hannah Carroll

From her very first ballet class, Hannah’s love and passion for being involved in the dance community continues to grow. Hannah previously trained in various genres of dance including hip hop, jazz, lyrical, modern and ballet in both recreational classes and on competition teams. Throughout high school, she was able to volunteer her time as a studio intern where she would assist lead teachers and observe different teaching styles. After graduating, Hannah continued her education earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Widener University. She also participated in the modern dance program, served as Widener Dance Company’s fundraising chairman and continued to teach recreational classes. As a dance instructor, the past 7+ years have shown Hannah an even greater appreciation for the art of dance. Hannah loves to share her passion for dance with her students and aims to help them grow in a fun and encouraging environment.

Widener University B.A.

Miss Toni Zappitelli

Toni trained at Oxford Center for Dance for 16 years. During that time, she trained in Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Tap. She performed in numerous Nutcracker Ballets, Star Power competition and in Disney at Magic Kingdom. At Thomas Jefferson University, she was the Vice President of the Dance Team. She performed during half-time at basketball games and coordinated annual spring performances for the University and community. After graduating from college, Toni returned to Oxford Center for Dance for five years and taught Jazz, Adult Jazz. She choreographed solos and group dances for competitions, Father/Daughter dances and Alumni dances for the recitals. In 2019, Toni decided to enter the world of dance fitness and became a certified ZUMBA instructor. She loves to bring fun and smiles to fitness through dance! Toni is currently a senior buyer for QVC Inc. in the West Chester area, but dance continues to be her true passion. She loves to help others “dance like no one is watching”.

Thomas Jefferson University B.S.

Miss Monica Evangelista

MONICA EVANGELISTA has had a passion for dance since she was three years old when she started taking dance classes at Oxford Center for Dance; from then on, the studio became her second home. She trained for fifteen years in ballet (her favorite discipline!), pointe, tap, jazz, and modern. Over the years she has performed in numerous productions including Openings, competitions, and The Nutcracker ballet in which she was cast as Arabian Lead, Dancing Doll and Dew Drop Fairy. Monica was also part of OCD’s first “Performing Group” which led her to participate in Starpower competitions, the New York City Dance Alliance, and enjoy a mock audition with the Rockettes in NYC. While attending Arcadia University, Monica became an officer, and later president, of their dance team. During this tenure, she had the opportunity to perform at the Wachovia Center as part of the Philadelphia Wings Lacrosse Team’s halftime show for three years in a row. In May of 2013, she graduated from Arcadia with a B.A. in psychology. She is thrilled to continue teaching her love of dance with us!

Arcadia University B.A.

MissJessica Jarvis

Jessica attended Cedar Crest College where she received a full scholarship for dance and graduated from West Chester University with a BA in Psychology. She has performed for many years with the WCU Alumni Dance Chapter - where she has also choreographed for, and served as their President and Treasurer. In 2023, she was honored to receive the Jeff Choice Award for her choreography. She is an Acro dance certified teacher through Acrobatic Arts. Jessica has danced semi-professionally and choreographed for a few dance companies, including Melange, Earthquake, and Catalyst. She currently resides in West Chester with her husband and two girls, who's support and love make it possible for her to continue pursuing her passions.

West Chester University B.A.

Miss Isabella Gasbarro

Isabella is a passionate dancer, teacher, and choreographer who began her dance journey at the age of five in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She trained at a variety of studios throughout the area, developing her technique and artistry in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop.

Miss Ellie Fitzgerald

Ellie has been dancing since age three, training in styles such as Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap, Contemporary, Jazz, and Lyrical at Desiree Catania Dance Center. During her time as a competitive dancer, she attended various conventions and competitions around the East Coast, including Showstopper, Turn It Up, ASH, Titans of Dance, and Elevate. Throughout her time at Penn State, Ellie participated in Vole Dance Organization and had the pleasure of working and choreographing for Centre Dance. She is excited to be return to her home studio as a choreographer and looks forward to working with all of you!

The Pennsylvania State University

Staff: TeamMember

Miss Julia Cavanaugh

Bio coming soon!

Miss Leslie Bechtel

Desiree Catania Dance Studio Staff Member - Administrative Assistant and Front Desk Leslie Bechtel

After a short lived dance career in ballet at age 5, Leslie found herself picking up dance once again in her thirties as her daughter became more invested in dance at the studio. Leslie marched on tour in DCI with The Crossmen Drum and Bugle corps as a cymbal player in '97 and '98. She is a talented instrumentalist, clarinet being her first. Leslie's energy is contagious and she is always ready to greet our dance families with a cheerful welcome and smile. When not at the studio, you can find Leslie curled up with a good book; author Ruth Ware is her favorite!

Miss Danielle Worrilow

Danielle is a proud dance mom who is still trying to figure it all out, and is one of the friendly faces you'll see at the front desk! She danced for a few years growing up and discovered she is a better basketball player while her sister, Desiree, was the dancer in the family. She loves how things have come full circle, being able to help out at the studio while her daughters dance, following after their Aunt Desi. Danielle loves greeting all of our families and watching our dancers grow.

Miss Louise McGinty

Bio coming soon!