Instructors

Samantha Grover is a dedicated educator and arts professional with over 20 years of experience in dance instruction and more than 15 years coaching school-affiliated dance teams. She received her formal training in Theatre Education and Dance at Central Washington University and holds a certification in dance from the Dance Teacher Web program at the University of Las Vegas.

While at CWU, Samantha performed in a range of stage productions, served as Captain of the CWU Collegiate Dance Team, and was the recipient of several theatre scholarships in recognition of her leadership and talent. In 2010, she founded a successful dance company and non-profit in Ellensburg, WA, which served local youth and families for eight years before her family relocated due to her husband’s career.

Throughout her professional journey, Samantha has earned multiple certifications in dance, acro, and gymnastics. She serves as a judge for regional and national dance competitions and has been recognized with numerous awards for choreography, costume design, staging, and artistic direction. Her commitment to the arts has also led to collaborative work with artists and professionals in the television, film, and dance industries—including projects in Los Angeles and Utah.

Her professional connections include industry figures such as Michael Smith, Therese Young, Tony Coppola, Jess Stafford, Simone DePaolo, D’Valda and Sirico, Pete Thelisma (America’s Best Dance Crew), and Dhar Mann Productions.

Samantha remains active in both the dance and acting communities—offering classes, mentoring students, and participating in performance opportunities as they arise. She currently works in finance, while pursuing a Master’s in Business and raising her family.

Passionate about access to the performing arts, Samantha believes in creating inclusive spaces where students of all backgrounds can thrive. She is committed to fostering personal growth, building confidence, and encouraging collaboration. Her teaching philosophy aligns closely with the mission of her studio, Unity Center of Dance—empowering individuals through the arts and creating a positive, uplifting environment for all.

Jessica Barraza has grown up dancing right here along the Wasatch Front. For over thirty

years, Jessica has studied ballet with local professionals, nationally recognized

choreographers, and acclaimed instructors. While attending Weber State University, she

began performing and teaching as she earned her degree in English with a Professional

& Technical Writing Emphasis and Zoology and Spanish minors. After college, she began

working with non-profits, writing and editing in laboratory and hospital medicine, and

marketing and public relations work, all while simultaneously teaching and dancing. She

has performed soloist roles in The Nutcracker, Alice: Adventures in Wonderland, The

Secret Garden, and many others on the stages of Capitol Theatre, Kingsbury Hall, and

Peery’s Egyptian Theatre. Jessica has taught throughout the state from Sandy to Logan

in workshops, men’s classes, summer intensives, Master Classes, and more. She is a

Certified Progressing Ballet Technique Instructor, and 2025-26 marks her 22nd year of

teaching. Jessica continues to work in healthcare, and will forever love sharing her

knowledge of and passion for ballet with growing dancers.

Rylee has been dancing for over
30 years and teaching for almost
20. She has trained in lyrical,
jazz, hip hop, tap, and ballet. She
was on a competition dance team
for 8 years where she competed
in Hip Hop, Jazz and Lyrical. She
was a member of the Clearfield
High School Falcettes. Dance is
her favorite thing to do and she
enjoys sharing her passion with
others. She loves working with
children and watching them grow
as dancers and performers, but
most importantly as amazing
humans. She has been happily
married to her High School
Sweetheart for 16 years and is
the mother of 3 beautiful girls.
When she is not dancing, she
enjoys camping, watching
baseball and spending time with
her family, especially in
DisneyLand.

 Originally from Los Angeles, California, Olivia Starks brings over 15 years of dance experience and 12 years of theatre involvement to her work. Since relocating to Utah in 2022, she has continued to develop her craft and share her passion for the performing arts. Olivia is trained in a wide range of dance styles and has performed in numerous dance and theatre productions across both California and Utah. Her versatility and stage experience make her a dynamic and engaging performer and instructor. 

 Cambria Parent is a passionate and versatile dancer from Kaysville, Utah, with training in all styles and a strong foundation in contemporary and ballet. She is currently majoring in Modern Dance at the University of Utah and plans to pursue a double major in Modern Dance and Astronomy after graduating high school. Cambria grew up in the competitive dance world, where she discovered her deep love for the art. Her long-term goal is to dance with a contemporary company, with her ultimate dream being to perform with the renowned Batsheva Dance Company in Israel. She is thrilled to be sharing her passion and experience as a teacher at Unity! 

 Lilly is a dedicated and passionate dancer with over 15 years of experience in a variety of dance styles. She spent two years as a member of her school's drill team and also served on her junior high cheerleading team for two years. Lilly is a 2025 graduate of Clearfield High School and is excited to begin the next chapter of her journey by sharing her love of dance through teaching and inspiring others. 

 Josie Martin is a high school Senior with a deep passion for performing. With a strong background in musical theatre, she has appeared in numerous productions and most recently had the exciting opportunity to understudy the role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Josie has been dancing and practicing gymnastics since childhood, and she is thrilled to begin sharing her love for movement and performance through teaching. Her enthusiasm and stage experience bring energy and joy to every class.

 Sophia is a dedicated dancer with 15 years of experience and a current member of the Clearfield High School drill team, now entering her final year. At 17 years old, she brings both passion and personality to her dancing. Known for her love of all things pink, as well as her enthusiasm for both summertime and the holiday season, Sophia is excited to begin this new chapter and share her love for dance with others.

 Brooklynn Arave is a dedicated dancer with over 11 years of experience and a proud three-year member of the Clearfield High School drill team. A 2025 high school graduate, she is currently pursuing her education in cosmetology while continuing to follow her passion for dance. Brooklynn is thrilled to join Unity Center of Dance as a coach and looks forward to inspiring and mentoring young dancers in the studio she now calls home. 

 Oakley Pedersen is a passionate dancer and current high school sophomore with 8 years of dance experience. She recently completed her first year on the Clearfield High School drill team, where she developed her skills and deepened her love for performance. Oakley is excited to begin her teaching journey and looks forward to sharing her energy, dedication, and love of dance with students at Unity Center of Dance.