Our Team

Meet the Staff

Award-winning instructors who know your child by name and nurture their potential.

Miss Hope

Owner, Founder & CEO

Hope MacDonald is an author, motivational speaker, and CEO of Bella Ballet and Empower by Bella Ballet. She empowers over 1000 children weekly through dance while teaching core values such as confidence, leadership, empowerment, kindness, anti-bullying, and positive body image. She was a four-time nominee and recipient of the prestigious Cappie Award for "Best Female Dancer" and "Best Choreographer" at the Kennedy Centre. Bella Ballet has received numerous awards including 2023 "Best Dance Studio" Washington Family Magazine and 2019 "Small Business of the Year" Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce.

Miss Michelle

Director of Operations

Miss Michelle leads the operational structure and day-to-day management of Bella Ballet and Empower, overseeing faculty staffing and scheduling, hiring, onboarding, employee development, and studio standards. She keeps every department aligned through clear expectations, leadership KPIs, and workflow improvements, and coordinates the staffing and logistics behind our major productions. Michelle is the primary point of contact for staffing, scheduling, and operational questions.

Miss Jackie

Executive Director of Family Experience & Creative Development

With Bella Ballet since 2015, Miss Jackie leads the creative vision behind our family experiences, signature productions, and studio traditions. She oversees family-facing planning for our annual Recitals and Holiday Spectacular, from welcome packets and venue coordination to the special touches that make each show magical. Her department also includes monthly creatives, Bella Ballet Magic and Family WOW moments, philanthropy, and parent relationships, so every family feels heard, valued, and connected.

Miss Quinn

Competition Team Director & Production Manager

A former professional ballet soloist and award-winning choreographer from Canada, Miss Quinn leads our Competition and Performance Team programs, overseeing choreography, rehearsals, competition preparation, and performances. She also serves as Production Manager for our Holiday Spectacular and Recital, guiding production planning, rehearsal coordination, and performance readiness to deliver shows that reflect the creativity and high standards of our studios.

Miss Khiana

Bella Ballet & Empower Manager, Faculty & Teams Instructor

A VCU Dance and Choreography graduate who has performed with The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Miss Khiana helps lead the daily management of both studios. Alongside teaching and Teams, she oversees studio operations, faculty support, same-day staffing, inventory and costumes, and the hands-on execution of our events, recitals, and Holiday Spectacular. She is a key on-site leader, especially during our busy Saturday programming.

Miss Caroline

Director of Education

A magna cum laude BFA in Dance graduate of Radford University who has danced professionally with Virginia National Ballet, Miss Caroline guides the educational excellence of Bella Ballet and Empower. Her leadership focuses on curriculum, instructional quality, faculty reviews, and faculty development, strengthening the foundation and high standards that distinguish our programs.

Miss Charie

Director of Family Services & Accounts

Miss Charie leads family services and accounts for Bella Ballet and Empower, helping families with billing, payments, account questions, scholarships, and the everyday questions that come up along the way. She also oversees the family portal experience and works alongside our leadership and enrollment teams so every family gets clear, timely, and caring support.

Mr. Brad

Director of Business Performance & Communications

Mr. Brad is the co-creator of Enrollio, the enrollment and studio management software built for dance studios, which he built alongside his wife, Hope. Having watched Bella and Empower grow, he knows firsthand what it takes to keep a studio's systems, communication, and daily operations working for families and staff. Brad supports our leadership team by strengthening internal communication and operational systems, and has already helped improve how we follow up with families, track enrollment, and stay connected.

Miss Kaitlyn

Enrollment Coordinator

Miss Kaitlyn guides our enrollment and family onboarding experience, making sure prospective and current families receive thoughtful communication, attention, and support. She handles enrollment coordination, new family follow-up, trial and makeup classes, and attendance, working closely with our leadership, concierge, and studio management teams to welcome new dancers into the Bella Ballet and Empower communities.

Miss Abbigayle

Bella Ballet Manager & Community Manager

Born and raised in Colorado, Miss Abbigayle began ballet training at age 8 and has trained at prestigious intensives with Ballet Magnificat and Ad Deum Dance Company. She is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and as a pointe shoe fitter. Her mission is to create a joyful, supportive environment for dancers of all abilities.

Miss Cailyn

Teacher

A recent graduate from Virginia Tech with dual degrees in Sociology and Criminology, Miss Cailyn has danced since age 2. She served on the Dance Company at Virginia Tech executive board for three years and worked as a lead choreographer for company performances.

Miss Jordan

Teacher

Miss Jordan is a recent graduate from Elon University, studying Elementary Education and Theatre Arts. She founded Elon Muses show choir and is executive director of Ovations Theatre junior company. She is a two-time BroadwayWorld.com nominee for best director and choreographer.

Miss Lydia

Concierge

Born and raised in Montgomery County, Miss Lydia brings a lifelong connection to the community. She takes great pride in creating an environment where every student feels welcomed, encouraged, and excited the moment they walk through the doors.

Miss Kendall

Co-Teacher

A senior at Northwest High School and 4-year varsity poms team member, Miss Kendall started dancing at Bella Ballet at age 4. Her team took first place in the Division 2 MCPS Pom County Championship. This is her third official year teaching.

Miss Laini

Co-Teacher

Miss Laini is a junior at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, where she is captain of the Pom and Dance team. She travels to Florida to compete at NDA nationals. Before joining Poms, she was a competition dancer trained in multiple styles.

Miss Hailey

Co-Teacher

Miss Hailey is on the Empower Ensemble Dance Team and has danced since age 3. She is trained in Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz and Contemporary. She has performed at the White House, in Cherry Blossom Parades, and at Wizards Games.

Miss Karina

Lead Teacher

Miss Karina brings years of professional dance experience to the studio. Her expertise in contemporary and modern dance helps students develop artistry and technical precision while building confidence through movement.

Miss Leah

Lead Teacher

Miss Leah brings warmth and expertise to every class. With years of professional dance training and teaching experience, she creates an encouraging environment where students can explore their love of dance while developing strong technical foundations.

Miss Allesandra

Enrollment & Family Outreach Associate

Miss Allesandra supports our enrollment team, helping families take the next step with Bella Ballet and Empower. She personally follows up with prospective and returning families, helps them finish enrollment and save their spot, and keeps our family records organized so no family gets missed.

Join Our Team

We're always looking for passionate dance educators. If you share our commitment to empowering young dancers, we'd love to hear from you.