Introducing Our 2024-25 Parent Ambassadors
We are proud to announce the 2024-25 Parent Ambassadors for Armour Dance Theatre! The goal of the Parent Ambassadors is to build a sense of community at our South Miami Academy, be a connector between parents and staff, and share information on ADT’s community work, fundraising initiatives, performances, activities, and more!
We would like to introduce you to the amazing group of women that make up the 2024-25 ADT Parent Ambassadors.
Dr. Melissa Lesniack
Dr. Lesniak is a graduate of the University of Miami Frost School of Music where she received a PhD in music education. She received a bachelors in violin performance and a business minor from Indiana University in Bloomington. As a non-profit leader she ran the Greater Miami Youth Symphony for nine years, growing the budget and number of participants exponentially. Dr. Lesniak was the Director of Foundation Relations at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts from 2021-2023 where she brought in six and seven figure gifts, and is now the Chair of Performing Arts and Industries at Miami Dade College Kendall Campus.
Carolina Pelleya-White
As a young girl, I was lucky to have the opportunity to dance ballet at Armour Dance Theatre (then known as the South Miami Conservatory) and participate in the Nutcracker. Dance was a beautiful outlet for me and instilled confidence and poise. I am thrilled that I now am back as a parent and get to contribute to further the mission of ADT. When I’m not shuttling my 3 kids around Miami, you can find me out on the boat enjoying the water!
Fun fact: “Miss Ruth was my teacher and I’m thrilled my daughter Alex has had the pleasure of learning from her as well.”
Margarita Sgouraki
I’m thrilled to be a Parent Ambassador again for Armour Dance Theatre. As the mother of a
young dancer at the Academy for the past eight years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible values and opportunities this organization provides. I’m proud to support ADT’s mission of helping youth in our community reach their full potential through dance.
Fun fact: “Something you may not know about me is that I studied ballet and contemporary dance as a child growing up in Greece.”
Tarin Smithline
Tarin grew up in Miami and has fond memories of taking at classes at ADT herself in her dance era. Her daughter, Sadie, has been a part of the studio since she was three and can’t wait for Nutcracker every year. Tarin is proud to support the mission of the organization, and loves connecting with other families at the studio. Her husband, Tom, is on the Board of Directors as well.
Vanessa Caamano-Gonzalez
Hello my name is Vanessa, you may also know me as Evita’s mom. I work in Television, Film, and Photography production. I grew up dancing in Miami, and graduated from New World School of the Arts and continued my studies at The University of Utah, where I received a BFA in Modern Dance. I’m happy to help answer any questions parents and students have as they navigate their time at Armour Dance Theatre.
Talia Vazquez
I love being involved both in academic and extracurricular activities that my girls take part in. I believe in the excellent training that ADT provides, the exceptional teachers and their mission. I look forward to learning even more about what this institution is all about and sharing it with other families. I have always been a huge fan of Dance. I danced all throughout middle and high school. Twenty-two years ago I met my soul mate while taking Salsa lessons and well the rest is history. We now have two wonderfully artistic girls who have inherited this love of dance and the arts. Dance holds an extremely special place in our entire family!
Anna DeCarlo
Anna grew up in Miami, FL as the second oldest of five children. She is a homeschool mom, a runner, a baker of bread, an organic gardener and a new owner of two Greyhounds. Anna and her husband Derek raise their two children with a love of the arts. James is a guitarist and studying at the School of Rock and Abby is a Ballet dancer here at Armour Dance Theatre.
Lauren Dawson
“I am a parent ambassador because I feel Armour Dance Theatre has been such an amazing experience for my daughter, Adare, and for our family. I believe in the mission of ADT and love to advocate for the arts.
Fun fact: “I am a professional artist that specializes in painting and soft sculpture.”
Shea Rodriguez
Shea is proud to serve as a Parent Ambassador and is committed to promoting ADT’s mission of equality in dance and equal access to the arts. She and her two girls have been part of the ADT community since 2016. Shea is also a performer and music teacher! She played Maureen in the 10th anniversary international tour of RENT, has done numerous off-Broadway and regional productions, and currently serves as the bandleader and vocalist for New York City-based events band, The Band Method.
Marissa Gray
I am thrilled to be a Parent Ambassador again! As with so many, Armour Dance Theatre holds a special place in my heart, which just bursts with pride to be a part of this amazing organization! I believe in ADT’s mission to set up students for lifelong success through discipline, delayed gratification, and crucial life skills from an early age. Ms. Ruth always says her goal is to, “produce neurosurgeons who can execute a perfect pirouette.” I’m excited to share all the wonderful ways ADT continues its 75 year legacy of transformative and exceptional dance training!
Fun Fact: “I am an artist, lawyer, baker, Army wife, and proud mother of 3 current ADT dancers!”
Sorraya Guillaume
I became a parent ambassador because of my passion for ensuring that all children have an opportunity to experience the arts and nurture their talents. Over the past few years, I’ve been able to see my daughters grow not only as dancers but as dedicated and committed individuals to their art. We’ve made many friends here and ADT is like our 2nd home.
Fun Fact: “I am an alum of New World School of the Arts High School, where I studied theatre during my time there. Just recently, I took my creativity into my new business venture as an interior designer. I formed my company, Eskae Interiors, and have been making dreams into a reality, one home at a time.”
