Meet the Staff
Kimberly Gray-Saad
Owner/Artistic Director
Ms. Saad began her dance training at Pofahl Dance Studios (Official School of Dance Alive National Ballet) in Florida and in South Carolina with Rhonda Alperin (National Ballet) and Thierry and Martine Dorado (Paris Opera Ballet).Her performance highlights include Piccolo Spoleto Festival and summer studies with Edward Villella (Director Miami City Ballet). She has appeared in numerous summer theatre and University Playhouse productions with East Carolina University including “Carousel”, “Destry Rides Again”, and “The Sound of Music”. After teaching and directing productions throughout eastern North Carolina, she founded The Greenville Civic Ballet as a training facility for the pre-professional dance company – The Dance Collective. Her choreography is in residence throughout the state and region and has been presented at University of North Carolina School of the Arts and with Regional Dance America/Southeastern Regional Ballet Association in Tennessee, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Her students have become professional dancers with Tokyo Disney (Ron Smith), Atlanta Ballet (Tabatha Kennedy-Hubbard), Charlotte Ballet (Nicole Shank), Ballet Magnificat! (Rebecca Colenda), Joffrey Ballet (Mary Leigh Bryant), Oregon Ballet (Matthew Pippin), Kings Dominion (Jade Ross) and Fort Wayne Ballet (Hayley McRoy.) Logan Saad, her daughter, is currently a Musical Theatre Major at University of Michigan. Many have gone on to become dance educators and notable choreographers and have been offered over $1,000,000 of summer, high school, and collegiate scholarships throughout the country. She is so grateful to her family – the Grays and Saads for their overwhelming love, support, patience, and inspiration.
Kimberly Gray-Saad
Owner/Artistic Director
Ms. Saad began her dance training at Pofahl Dance Studios (Official School of Dance Alive National Ballet) in Florida and in South Carolina with Rhonda Alperin (National Ballet) and Thierry and Martine Dorado (Paris Opera Ballet).Her performance highlights include Piccolo Spoleto Festival and summer studies with Edward Villella (Director Miami City Ballet). She has appeared in numerous summer theatre and University Playhouse productions with East Carolina University including “Carousel”, “Destry Rides Again”, and “The Sound of Music”. After teaching and directing productions throughout eastern North Carolina, she founded The Greenville Civic Ballet as a training facility for the pre-professional dance company – The Dance Collective. Her choreography is in residence throughout the state and region and has been presented at University of North Carolina School of the Arts and with Regional Dance America/Southeastern Regional Ballet Association in Tennessee, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Her students have become professional dancers with Tokyo Disney (Ron Smith), Atlanta Ballet (Tabatha Kennedy-Hubbard), Charlotte Ballet (Nicole Shank), Ballet Magnificat! (Rebecca Colenda), Joffrey Ballet (Mary Leigh Bryant), Oregon Ballet (Matthew Pippin), Kings Dominion (Jade Ross) and Fort Wayne Ballet (Hayley McRoy.) Logan Saad, her daughter, is currently a Musical Theatre Major at University of Michigan. Many have gone on to become dance educators and notable choreographers and have been offered over $1,000,000 of summer, high school, and collegiate scholarships throughout the country. She is so grateful to her family – the Grays and Saads for their overwhelming love, support, patience, and inspiration.
Cherita Lytle
Studio Manager/Instructor
Cherita graduated from East Carolina University in 2002 with a BFA in Dance Education, later earning her teaching certification in elementary education in 2007. She developed the Oakwood School’s dance program beginning in 2014 and is currently the Fine Arts Department Chair. During her time as a student at East Carolina, Cherita performed with the East Carolina Dance Team(1997-2000) and ECU’s Theater and Dance-Dance 2001 production. She continues professional development and training each year by attending workshops and conferences around the country. Among many she has attended the Dance Teacher’s Web Conference and Expo(Las Vegas), the Broadway Dance Center (New York), Gus Giordano Summer Workshops (New York), the Boulder Jazz Dance Conference (Colorado), and Arizona Jazz Festival (Tucson). In addition to teaching at The Greenville Civic Ballet since 2001, Cherita continues to choreograph and judge various competitions and pageants throughout eastern NC. Cherita is entering her 19th season with the pre-professional company, the Dance Collective and serving as it’s company manager.
Cherita Lytle
Studio Manager/Instructor
Cherita graduated from East Carolina University in 2002 with a BFA in Dance Education, later earning her teaching certification in elementary education in 2007. She developed the Oakwood School’s dance program beginning in 2014 and is currently the Fine Arts Department Chair. During her time as a student at East Carolina, Cherita performed with the East Carolina Dance Team(1997-2000) and ECU’s Theater and Dance-Dance 2001 production. She continues professional development and training each year by attending workshops and conferences around the country. Among many she has attended the Dance Teacher’s Web Conference and Expo(Las Vegas), the Broadway Dance Center (New York), Gus Giordano Summer Workshops (New York), the Boulder Jazz Dance Conference (Colorado), and Arizona Jazz Festival (Tucson). In addition to teaching at The Greenville Civic Ballet since 2001, Cherita continues to choreograph and judge various competitions and pageants throughout eastern NC. Cherita is entering her 19th season with the pre-professional company, the Dance Collective and serving as it’s company manager.
Anna Whitlow Brown
Social Media/Instructor
Anna Whitlow Brown earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from East Carolina University. While teaching in Greensboro, she was a member of Sidelong Dance Company based in Winston-Salem. She has performed in several festivals including RDA/SERBA, American Dance Festival, NC School of the Arts and the Fringe Festival of Greensboro. She has choreographed for Farmville Community Theatre in Farmville, NC. She continues her training by attending various workshops and classes across the country including Boulder Jazz Festival in Boulder Colorado, Dance Teacher Web Expo in Las Vegas, and Dance Teachers Summit in New York. As a once-certified Pilates instructor, she incorporates Pilates into some of her dance classes. She teaches ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, & musical theater at the studio. Anna has also had the opportunity to work as a choreographer with The GCB’s Dance Collective. In addition to instructing dance at GCB, she & her husband Jon, own and operate Woodberry Chocolate Company.
Anna Whitlow Brown
Social Media/Instructor
Anna Whitlow Brown earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from East Carolina University. While teaching in Greensboro, she was a member of Sidelong Dance Company based in Winston-Salem. She has performed in several festivals including RDA/SERBA, American Dance Festival, NC School of the Arts and the Fringe Festival of Greensboro. She has choreographed for Farmville Community Theatre in Farmville, NC. She continues her training by attending various workshops and classes across the country including Boulder Jazz Festival in Boulder Colorado, Dance Teacher Web Expo in Las Vegas, and Dance Teachers Summit in New York. As a once certified Pilates instructor, she incorporates Pilates into some of her dance classes. She teaches ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, & musical theater at the studio. Anna has also had the opportunity to work as a choreographer with The GCB’s Dance Collective. In addition to instructing dance at GCB, she & her husband Jon, own and operate Woodberry Chocolate Company.
Jeanne Williams
Instructor
Jeanne Williams graduated from East Carolina University with a B.A. in Elementary Education and a concentration in Early Childhood Development. She began her dance career as a young girl in Baton Rouge, LA. Most of her training comes from Oceanside Dance Academy in Oceanside, CA, where she focused mainly on ballet. When she and her family moved to North Carolina, she continued to dance at Down East Dance in New Bern, where she later became a dance instructor. She was a cheerleader, drill team member, and dance team member at New Bern High School. She has danced competitively in high school and college and has competed in both UDA and NDA Nationals. She was also a member of the ECU Dance Team for four years and was elected captain her senior year. Jeanne has taught all levels of jazz, hip-hop, ballet, and creative movement, with both Down East Dance and Terpsichore A Moving Experience in Southern Pines, NC. Her unique choreography has been used for high school cheerleaders, high school and college dance teams, the Arts Council of Moore County, Pitt County Schools, and local dance studios in North Carolina. Jeanne will be teaching ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop at Greenville Civic Ballet this year. She is also a first grade teacher at Wintergreen Primary School. Jeanne resides in Greenville with her husband, Taylor and daughters, Kenley and Kherington. She loves teaching at GCB and can’t wait to share her love of dance with her new and old dancers this year!
Jeanne Williams
Instructor
Jeanne Williams graduated from East Carolina University with a B.A. in Elementary Education and a concentration in Early Childhood Development. She began her dance career as a young girl in Baton Rouge, LA. Most of her training comes from Oceanside Dance Academy in Oceanside, CA, where she focused mainly on ballet. When she and her family moved to North Carolina, she continued to dance at Down East Dance in New Bern, where she later became a dance instructor. She was a cheerleader, drill team member, and dance team member at New Bern High School. She has danced competitively in high school and college and has competed in both UDA and NDA Nationals. She was also a member of the ECU Dance Team for four years and was elected captain her senior year. Jeanne has taught all levels of jazz, hip-hop, ballet, and creative movement, with both Down East Dance and Terpsichore A Moving Experience in Southern Pines, NC. Her unique choreography has been used for high school cheerleaders, high school and college dance teams, the Arts Council of Moore County, Pitt County Schools, and local dance studios in North Carolina. Jeanne will be teaching ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop at Greenville Civic Ballet this year. She is also a first grade teacher at Wintergreen Primary School. Jeanne resides in Greenville with her husband, Taylor and daughters, Kenley and Kherington. She loves teaching at GCB and can’t wait to share her love of dance with her new and old dancers this year!
Rachel Lanham Kitto
Instructor
Ms. Kitto received a degree in Ballet and Contemporary Dance Performance from Brigham Young University, where she was the recipient of the Gary Hopkinson Dance Scholarship, Distinguished Graduating Senior, and Outstanding Female Performer awards. Upon graduation Ms. Kitto was invited to join the dance faculty at both Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University, where she taught various levels of ballet, pointe, and contemporary dance technique. Ms. Kitto has been teaching ballet and pointe technique to young dancers for over 15 years, and has been on staff at some of Utah’s most renowned dance studios; including Ballet West Academy and Jacqueline’s School of Ballet. Ms. Kitto is also a RYT200 yoga instructor. When she’s not in the studio, Ms. Kitto enjoys interior design, spending time in nature, bicycling, and spending time with her husband and three children. This will be her 5th season with The Greenville Civic Ballet.
Rachel Lanham Kitto
Instructor
Ms. Kitto received a degree in Ballet and Contemporary Dance Performance from Brigham Young University, where she was the recipient of the Gary Hopkinson Dance Scholarship, Distinguished Graduating Senior, and Outstanding Female Performer awards. Upon graduation Ms. Kitto was invited to join the dance faculty at both Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University, where she taught various levels of ballet, pointe, and contemporary dance technique. Ms. Kitto has been teaching ballet and pointe technique to young dancers for over 15 years, and has been on staff at some of Utah’s most renowned dance studios; including Ballet West Academy and Jacqueline’s School of Ballet. Ms. Kitto is also a RYT200 yoga instructor. When she’s not in the studio, Ms. Kitto enjoys interior design, spending time in nature, bicycling, and spending time with her husband and three children. This will be her 5th season with The Greenville Civic Ballet.
Hayley McRoy
Instructor
Hayley McRoy grew up in Greenville, North Carolina and danced at Greenville Civic Ballet. She later trained at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), performing in Paquita, Les Sylphide, Ethan Stiefel’s The Nutcracker, and Balanchine’s Serenade. Upon graduating and receiving her Bachelors of Fine Arts, Hayley began dancing professionally with Fort Wayne Ballet, performing in Karen Gibbons Brown’s The Nutcracker, Darren McIntyre’s Phantom of the Opera, and as Winter Fairy in Fort Wayne Ballet’s Cinderella. While dancing in Indiana, Hayley received certifications in levels one through five of American Ballet Theater’s National Training Curriculum, and began teaching at Fort Wayne Ballet’s Auer Academy. Hayley had the pleasure of teaching ballet at local elementary schools and head start programs in Fort Wayne with the help of grant money gifted by the city for two consecutive years. Hayley is so excited to teach at Greenville Civic Ballet and looks forward to an excellent year.
Hayley McRoy
Instructor
Hayley McRoy grew up in Greenville, North Carolina and danced at Greenville Civic Ballet. She later trained at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), performing in Paquita, Les Sylphide, Ethan Stiefel’s The Nutcracker, and Balanchine’s Serenade. Upon graduating and receiving her Bachelors of Fine Arts, Hayley began dancing professionally with Fort Wayne Ballet, performing in Karen Gibbons Brown’s The Nutcracker, Darren McIntyre’s Phantom of the Opera, and as Winter Fairy in Fort Wayne Ballet’s Cinderella. While dancing in Indiana, Hayley received certifications in levels one through five of American Ballet Theater’s National Training Curriculum, and began teaching at Fort Wayne Ballet’s Auer Academy. Hayley had the pleasure of teaching ballet at local elementary schools and head start programs in Fort Wayne with the help of grant money gifted by the city for two consecutive years. Hayley is so excited to teach at Greenville Civic Ballet and looks forward to an excellent year.
Chloe Vernillet
Instructor
Before going to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, she studied at a small studio in Massachusetts called Acton School of Ballet/Commonwealth Ballet Company. Chloe performed in solo roles in numerous productions also including The Nutcracker as the Arabian Princess/Coffee, Spanish/Chocolate, and Columbine. She has also done works such as Sleeping Beauty where she was cast as The Fairy of Joy, and Balanchine’s Serenade.
Chloe Vernillet attended and trained at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts from 2019-2023. During her time there, she has appeared in solo and corps roles in Balanchine’s Symphonie Concertante and The Nutcracker including Snow, Flower, Chocolate, Coffee, and Dewdrop. In 2020, she also performed a corps role in Sleeping Beauty as an Aristocrat. She also performed in a new work Emote as one of the soloists.
Chloe Vernillet
Instructor
Before going to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, she studied at a small studio in Massachusetts called Acton School of Ballet/Commonwealth Ballet Company. Chloe performed in solo roles in numerous productions also including The Nutcracker as the Arabian Princess/Coffee, Spanish/Chocolate, and Columbine. She has also done works such as Sleeping Beauty where she was cast as The Fairy of Joy, and Balanchine’s Serenade.
Chloe Vernillet attended and trained at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts from 2019-2023. During her time there, she has appeared in solo and corps roles in Balanchine’s Symphonie Concertante and The Nutcracker including Snow, Flower, Chocolate, Coffee, and Dewdrop. In 2020, she also performed a corps role in Sleeping Beauty as an Aristocrat. She also performed in a new work Emote as one of the soloists.
Laci Lozner
Instructor
Laci Lozner is an 18-year old student at East Carolina University and Pitt Community College studying
Nursing. She began dancing at the age of two at Traci Stone Dance Studio in Lexington, Kentucky. Laci
joined Greenville Civic Ballet at age 5 until graduating high school. She was also a member of the dance
collective for 7 years and performed in many of their performances. Laci began teaching at Greenville
Civic in 2022 and is thrilled to be a part of the staff!
Laci Lozner
Instructor
Laci Lozner
Laci Lozner is an 18-year old student at East Carolina University and Pitt Community College studyingNursing. She began dancing at the age of two at Traci Stone Dance Studio in Lexington, Kentucky. Laci joined Greenville Civic Ballet at age 5 until graduating high school. She was also a member of the dance collective for 7 years and performed in many of their performances. Laci began teaching at Greenville Civic in 2022 and is thrilled to be a part of the staff!
Kara Schillo
Instructor
Kara Schillo is currently a student at East Carolina University where she is majoring in Nursing and just completed a year on the ECU Dance Team. She is from Harrisburg, NC and received most of her dance training at Showcase Dance Centre in Mint Hill, NC where her mother is the studio owner and director. Dance is definitely in her blood! Kara began dancing at the age of three and has competed regionally and nationally for 14 years. She has won numerous awards and titles throughout her competitive years. Kara continues to further her training by attending various regional conventions and master classes under well known professional dancers and choreographers. She is trained in the styles of tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and pom. Kara is excited to share her passion for dance while teaching the students at Greenville Civic Ballet!
Kara Schillo
Instructor
Kara Schillo is currently a student at East Carolina University where she is majoring in Nursing and just completed a year on the ECU Dance Team. She is from Harrisburg, NC and received most of her dance training at Showcase Dance Centre in Mint Hill, NC where her mother is the studio owner and director. Dance is definitely in her blood! Kara began dancing at the age of three and has competed regionally and nationally for 14 years. She has won numerous awards and titles throughout her competitive years. Kara continues to further her training by attending various regional conventions and master classes under well known professional dancers and choreographers. She is trained in the styles of tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and pom. Kara is excited to share her passion for dance while teaching the students at Greenville Civic Ballet!
Caroline Baney
Instructor
Caroline graduated from Florida State University with a degree in neuroscience and a minor in child development. She began dancing at the age of 3 in Indialantic, Florida at The Dance Zone. Through the years of dance training, she attended workshops and master classes with people such as Suzanne Ferrell and Patrick VanBuren. Caroline was welcomed into the pre-professional company, Serenade, at her home studio at 15. Upon entering the company, she also began teaching ballet, tap and musical theater. Throughout high school and college, Caroline directed, choreographed and played featured roles in musicals and straight plays. Upon entering into Florida State University, she auditioned and was admitted as a performer and act captain in the Florida State University Flying High Circus. She was an active member in the circus for the duration of her college degree. After graduating, Caroline was hired by Teach For America and relocated to Eastern North Carolina. Caroline has taught various levels of ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater, and contemporary. She is also a special education teacher at Lakeforest Elementary. Caroline is thrilled to have found her new dance home at GCB!
Caroline Baney
Instructor
Caroline graduated from Florida State University with a degree in neuroscience and a minor in child development. She began dancing at the age of 3 in Indialantic, Florida at The Dance Zone. Through the years of dance training, she attended workshops and master classes with people such as Suzanne Ferrell and Patrick VanBuren. Caroline was welcomed into the pre-professional company, Serenade, at her home studio at 15. Upon entering the company, she also began teaching ballet, tap and musical theater. Throughout high school and college, Caroline directed, choreographed and played featured roles in musicals and straight plays. Upon entering into Florida State University, she auditioned and was admitted as a performer and act captain in the Florida State University Flying High Circus. She was an active member in the circus for the duration of her college degree. After graduating, Caroline was hired by Teach For America and relocated to Eastern North Carolina. Caroline has taught various levels of ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater, and contemporary. She is also a special education teacher at Lakeforest Elementary. Caroline is thrilled to have found her new dance home at GCB!
Karen Demsky
Instructor
Karen began dance training at the age of 4, studying in Burlington, Rocky Mount, and Greenville NC, and continuing dance studies at UNC-Greensboro and UNC-Chapel Hill. From 2000 – 2003 she performed with Rejoice Dance Company in Raleigh and taught ballet at Starpoints Performing Arts Center. Karen continued dancing in Virginia Beach and Salisbury MD before returning to Greenville in 2007 and joining Greenville Civic Ballet.
Karen Demsky
Instructor
Karen began dance training at the age of 4, studying in Burlington, Rocky Mount, and Greenville NC, and continuing dance studies at UNC-Greensboro and UNC-Chapel Hill. From 2000 – 2003 she performed with Rejoice Dance Company in Raleigh and taught ballet at Starpoints Performing Arts Center. Karen continued dancing in Virginia Beach and Salisbury MD before returning to Greenville in 2007 and joining Greenville Civic Ballet.
Lexi Lozner
Instructor
Lexi recently completed her second year studying Special Education at East Carolina University. She
began dancing at the age of 3 and attended Greenville Civic Ballet for 12 years. Lexi is an alumna of
GCB’s Dance Collective pre professional ballet company where she was a member for 8 years. Lexi has
been a valued instructor for the GCB since 2021. and she is looking forward to continuing her dance love
for teaching and dance at GCB!
Lexi Lozner
Instructor
Lexi recently completed her second year studying Special Education at East Carolina University. She began dancing at the age of 3 and attended Greenville Civic Ballet for 12 years. Lexi is an alumna of GCB’s Dance Collective pre professional ballet company where she was a member for 8 years. Lexi has been a valued instructor for the GCB since 2021. and she is looking forward to continuing her dance love for teaching and dance at GCB!
Kayla Hathaway
Instructor
Kayla Hathaway’s dance journey began as a student at the Greenville Civic Ballet, where she immersed herself in the world of dance, later discovering a love for theatre, from ages 3 to 18. Now, after completing her degree with School of Theatre and Dance at ECU, and five fulfilling years teaching within the Pitt County Schools, she has started a new chapter in her professional career back at East Carolina University as a staff member. Alongside her teaching and leadership roles in education, Kayla has also served as the director of several plays and musicals (including “The Hallelujah Girls” and “Hairspray”) over the past five years, showcasing her love and passion for the performing arts. Kayla is thrilled to be back “at home” with the Greenville Civic Ballet and The Dance Collective, bringing her wealth of experience and love for dance to a new generation of aspiring performers. She is excited to continue sharing the magic of movement and expression with the community that holds a special place in her heart!
Rheece Burr
Instructor
Rheece Burr is a current student at East Carolina University, majoring in Special Education, and a prior ECU Dance Team member. Beginning at the age of 3, she has been dancing for 16 years at various studios down the East Coast due to being a military daughter. She has performed solos in many ballets, such as Sleeping Beauty, Alice in Wonderland, Swan Lake, and The Firebird. Rheece has also experienced performing in the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC, the Nutcracker four times with the Moscow Ballet, attending ballet intensives with Orlando City Ballet, and being her high school Dance Team Captain in Florida. She enjoys working with children with her goal of being a teacher for Special Education in the Elementary grade levels. Rheece is super excited to be teaching at Greenville Civic Ballet!
Abbey Boone
Instructor
Amy Ross
Office Administrator
Amy Ross
Office Administrator
Natalie Bridgers
Office Assistant
