"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."
John 13:35
Our Team
Alicia Carson
Owner/Director/Teacher
Email: Alicia.gracefulgiftsdance@gmail.com
Alicia began dancing at the age of 3, and trained in her early years in a studio in Pennsylvania. At the age of 13, she began dancing with Jeanne O'Connell. Alicia was a member of Steps Dance Center Senior Company and a member of Orchesis at her high school. She attended numerous dance conventions in the Chicagoland area. While in high school she began working as a classroom assistant and eventually an instructor at her home dance studio. She then attended Northern Illinois University where she took numerous dance classes under Paula Frasz. She graduated from NIU with a Bachelor's degree in Special Education.
Alicia continued teaching dance and found her true calling at a Christian dance studio. Since she is a bible believing Christian she knew that she could use dance as a way to praise the Lord. She taught at both Steps to Grace in Rockford, IL, and Reflection Dance in Lecanto, FL. After many years of teaching, Alicia became the Dance Director of Leap of Faith Arts Ministries in Plainfield, IL. Under the guidance of the Executive Director, Becca Heye, Alicia learned the fundamentals of opening her own dance studio. After a lot of years of praying Alicia and her husband, Kyle, decided it was time to open a place of their own. They look forward to meeting you and pray that Graceful Gifts is what you are looking for.
Jennifer Walters
Studio Manager
Email: Jenn.gracefulgiftsdance@gmail.com
Jenn began dancing locally at 3 years old and quickly found dance to be her passion. By high school, she was dabbling in all forms of dance from ballet and contemporary to tap and hip hop. She also began teaching younger students at the studio and discovered a love for teaching children. While studying at Palm Beach Atlantic University, she decided to major in dance and minor in student ministry to further investigate the link between creative movement and worshiping God. She danced with PBA’s dance ensemble and was able to travel with them to New York City to take classes at The Ailey School, Broadway Dance Theater, and Cunningham Technique. During the summer of her graduation, she visited Texas for a dance intensive with Ad Deum Dance Company and knew she wanted to empower others with the love of God and a love of dance. She moved to Seattle, WA with her husband to dance and teach for 2½ years with Sixth Day Dance, a Christian modern dance company.
Jenn moved back to Melbourne, FL in 2012 and looked for outlets to share her passion for Christ-inspired dance. While she enjoyed teaching children in many places, including Gymboree Play and Music, Faith Fellowship Academy, and other local dance studios, she didn’t find “home” until she took her oldest daughter to a Mommy and Me class at Graceful Gifts Dance Academy. After one amazing conversation, she joined the team and God has been growing her and her students ever since. She’s now happy to be bringing her two daughters, Meliana and Adelyse, as well as her son, Kaianu, to grow and experience dance in the Christ-centered environment of Graceful Gifts Dance Academy.
Deborah Crisafulli
Lead Teacher
After a 10 year respite from being in a dance studio, Deborah’s journey with Graceful Gifts began in early ‘22. God knew she needed to back in the classroom, sharing her knowledge and love of dance with wonderful students! Deborah grew up in a family dance school business that began in Germany. Eventually, the family settled in Brevard County, and in the early 70’s, Erika’s School of Dance was born. The studio thrived for over 35 years. Many of those years, Deborah instructed hundreds of students in all genres of dance. The studio, and resident company, the East Coast Dance Theatre, produced beautiful original works, as well as several full length ballets. Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, and the Nutcracker Ballet were performed on the King Center Stage. The Nutcracker became a 22-year tradition! Deborah collaborated with her mother, as a choreographer, as well as principle dancer. In addition to running the studio, Deborah attended numerous dance workshops, camps, and conventions. She trained for one year at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in NY, and Jacob’s Pillow in Mass. Deborah was also active in Brevard Counties community theatre scene. She has choreographed over 40 musicals, and performed principle roles in many. She was also the resident choreographer for Eau Gallie’s High School’s Fine Arts Dept., for 17 years...and...for 15 years, Deborah was the choreographer for Brevard Counties south end Summer Fine Arts program. In addition to dance and theatre, Deborah lead worship at a local Christian Church for 7 years. She now sings with the praise Team at FBCMI. She is married to Joel, and together they have 4 children, and 4 precious grandchildren. Two of the grands are enrolled at Graceful Gifts! Talk about a full-circle moment! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Deborah is grateful to Graceful Gifts for the opportunity to teach again, and gives all thanks and glory to Jesus Christ for His endless provisions. Amen!
Whitney Stites
Whitney grew up in Brevard County, Florida, and began ballet lessons at the age of 8. At 16 she duel enrolled at Brevard Community College (now Eastern Florida State College) at the same time teaching children’s classes at Heather’s Dance Studio. She soon discovered the dance program at BCC run by Sandra Barbato where she studied ballet, jazz, modern and dance conditioning.
Whitney graduated with her Associate in Arts degree from Brevard Community College in 2006 as the first of two dance majors, transferring to Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) to major in Dance Pedagogy. She graduated Cum Laude from PBA’s School of Music and Fine Arts Department receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree with a minor in Exercise Science. Whitney also had the honor of being chosen as the Dance Department’s Outstanding Graduate of 2009. While at PBA Whitney was able to work with such outstanding choreographers and instructors as Demetrius Klein, Eileen Hebron, and Jin-young Lee under the direction of the dance program head, Dr. Kathleen Klein. One of her greatest achievements was auditioning for and receiving a role in the reconstruction of Merce Cunningham’s Septet, set by Carol Titelbaum.
Upon graduation, Whitney once again began teaching at Heather’s Dance Studio. In the spring of 2012, Whitney was hired to teach dance classes at Eastern Florida State College’s Melbourne Campus. Whitney is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She also worked with Project Dance Orlando as their Donations Director for 8 years, along with being a performer with Cornerstone Dance Company.
In 2016 Whitney began teaching at Gateway Academy of the Arts based in Melbourne, Florida, and directed their production of Pilgrim’s Progress in 2019. Additionally, she works as the ballet instructor at Our School House homeschool co-op and founded the non-profit The Christian Arts Collective Inc. to unify believers who work in all art forms. Whitney lives in Palm Bay, FL with her husband and two young children, and looks forward to watching how God unifies the arts in Brevard County.
Catherine Blanco
Catherine began acting as a teen and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre/Drama from Grand Canyon University. After her first career as a drama teacher at Arizona Conservatory for Arts and Academics, Catherine chose to pursue her Master of Arts in Teaching and work as a Production Manager, Director, and Teaching Artist for the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts in Arizona where she managed up to 18 theatrical productions each year. As an actress, she has performed in many theatrical stage productions, commercials, and films. Catherine and her husband, Adriane, founded Renewal Performing Arts, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, bringing family-friendly entertainment to the community through theatre, film, and music. Catherine is Artistic Director for Renewal Performing Arts producing two musical theatre productions each year as well as an annual performing arts summer camp. She has also written several plays and musicals.
With a passion for teaching and learning, Dr. Catherine Blanco, Ph.D. is an online professor of critical and creative thinking for a nationally recognized university where her college students chose her as Faculty of the Year in 2022 and 2023. Most recently Catherine and her husband moved with their five children from Southern California to Melbourne, Florida. They attend Cross Bridge Church in Rockledge where her husband, Adriane, is a Worship Arts Pastor. Her children are homeschooled and her daughters dance at Graceful Gifts Dance Academy.
Catherine is excited to be a part of the Graceful Gifts staff who share her love for Jesus, and she thanks Jesus Christ, her Savior, and Lord, for the many blessings beyond measure that only He provides.
Becky Brothers
Administrative Assistant
I was born and raised here in Rockledge, Fl. I graduated from Rockledge High and then from Eastern Florida State pursuing my AS in early childhood development. I got married to my best friend in 2014 and we now have 3 children. After working at Merritt Island Christian for 13 years I became a stay-at-home mom in 2018 and I have loved being home with them. When my daughter was 3 we found Graceful Gifts and haven’t looked back. I am so excited to be a part of an amazing team and being able to serve the Lord alongside of them!
Beth Clay
Dancing has been a lifelong passion for Beth. She started at Gretta Matheny's School of Dance in Titusville when she was eight years old. The studio welcomed all abilities and was Christian-based. Beth became a student teacher during her teenage years and gained valuable experience. She learned many dance styles and attended senior-level classes. After completing her training, she taught tap and ballet to young children for over eight years. While at the studio, Beth also participated in Davidic dancing, which involved worshiping the Lord while dancing at weddings and other church events. As a teacher, she focused on improving her students' technique and choreographing dances for her classes. Beth attended various dance conventions, including Dance Revolution, during her time at the studio.
Beth is currently a 5th-grade lead teacher with Florida Virtual School and has taught students for 13 years. She has always worked with children in one form or another since she was about 12 years old. She volunteered at youth camps and Sunday Schools and worked on staff at First Baptist Church of Orlando as an assistant to the children’s pastor. In this position, she coordinated Sunday morning activities and Vacation Bible School for over 1,000 attendees.
Beth has a strong connection to her hometown of Brevard County and cherishes her family deeply. She is a proud mother of four children, a bonus mom to five more, and a loving Gigi to eight grandchildren. Dance has always been an essential part of Beth's life, and when she found Graceful Gifts, she found her heart again after the closing of Gretta's School of Dance with the passing of Gretta Matheny. Finding the love of Christ in a dance studio is so important, and she knew she was home again.
Crystal Henry
Family Facilitator/Teacher
Email: crystal.gracefulgiftsdance@gmail.com
Crystal was born and raised in South Florida. She went to high school in Michigan where she met her husband, Kevin. After graduation her family had enough of the cold winters and came back home, landing in Brevard County. Kevin followed suit, got married, and started their family which is now almost complete with three beautiful children (Christian, Kylie, and Gabriel) and their cat Oliver (still waiting on the dog).
Prior to getting married and having a family, Crystal worked in the Wellness Department at the Cocoa YMCA as a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor teaching classes such as Boot-camp, Cardio Kickboxing, Sports Conditioning, Cycling, and Stretching. She also led the kids running club at the Y and coached cross-country and distance track runners at Cocoa High School for a few years. After having her third child she took a break from working in the Fitness Industry to be home with her children. To keep up her group fitness certification, she took various courses throughout the years. One of those courses was Zumbini, a mommy & me style Music & Movement Class. She has been holding Zumbini classes at the dance studio since 2018 and this summer got reacquainted with teaching a few fitness classes as well.
Throughout childhood and high school, Crystal participated in various forms of the performing arts, such as drama, choir, and musical theater. She always loved dancing and is thankful for all she has learned while taking classes here at Graceful Gifts. Her true passion lies in worshipping Jesus through sign language. She learned some sign language as a kid and later took a few semesters of American Sign Language (ASL) in college. The final assignment was to pick a song and sign it for the class. The project propelled her into something she had never imagined doing on stage, signing with the worship team at church. Now signing songs is one of her favorite ways to minister to those who come to our big shows each winter and spring. Her prayer is that those who see her sign will experience the power of the Holy Spirit moving in their lives so that they will know the love of Christ Jesus.
Kristin Prettol
Costume Coordinator
Bio Coming Soon
Christopher Rodriguez
Bio Coming Soon
McKayla Williams
Administrative Assistant
Bio Coming Soon
Dorain Coney
Teacher
Dorian Coney, age 30, was born and raised in Central Florida. He has been dancing since he could walk but officially since the age of 13. He has been teaching hip-hop dance for 10-plus years. Dorian has performed at various industry events such as the Sunfest Music Festival in South Florida and I Know God Tour in Atlanta, Georgia. Currently, he is a backup dancer for a local Christian recording artist and owns his own studio. He loves sharing his art and passion with others, especially the youth. He hopes to shine a light wherever he goes.
“He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand”
Psalm 40:2