Amy grew up in Cary, NC, and enjoyed dancing through high school. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in Communication Studies with a concentration in Personal and Organizational Behavior, she has held leadership positions in marketing and special events management. Shortly after getting married, Amy and Kenton moved to San Francisco, where she worked at an IT consulting firm and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). During her time in California, Amy had the incredible opportunity to plan and manage the Board of Directors for JDRF’s San Francisco chapter and multiple Pixar Animation Studio movie premieres, walks, galas, and corporate weekend trips. After having their first daughter, Amy and Kenton moved back to NC to be closer to family. Amy recently completed homeschooling her two daughters for their middle school years. She has also been an active volunteer in multiple capacities at church, Cary Ballet, and Young Life. Amy is proud of being a wife to Kenton and a mom to her two daughters, Hailey and Kaitlyn.

Originally born in Louisiana, Kelsey moved to North Carolina at a young age, where she has resided in the Raleigh area since. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree from North Carolina State University in 2013, she went back to working for the CPA Firm, Heroux & Company, LLP, where she interned through NC State’s AIR Program. In 2014, Kelsey decided to continue her education through graduate school earning a Master’s Degree from the University of Phoenix. In May of 2018, Kelsey reached another career milestone by obtaining her license as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of North Carolina (#42196). In her free time, Kelsey enjoys outside activities, being active, and traveling. She thinks any reason is a good reason to be in the mountains – hiking, camping, or running are all better with a mountain scene and a couple of inches of snow on the ground! Kelsey is honored to serve as Treasurer on the Board for Cary Ballet Company, to learn about the company and experience their active involvement in the Arts community.

Dona Lewis shifted into the real estate realm in early 2022, earning her North Carolina Broker’s License and is currently working with sellers and buyers in our Cary/Raleigh area. Her passion for helping people led her into real estate spending the last ten years of her professional life in healthcare operations, where she was a key player in project management, organizational growth, and leading high-functioning teams. Before entering the healthcare space, Dona spent almost ten years on active duty serving in the United States Air Force. Her experience spans from security to human resources management. Her most recognized role in uniform was Protocol, Senior NCO Academy. There, she was responsible for high-level dignitaries and all events that surrounded their visits. A native of Buffalo, NY (Go Bills!), Dona is a graduate of the University at Buffalo where she majored in Communication Science and Media Arts. She has a love of the arts, animals, travel, water, the color orange, and empowering friendships. She has recently found herself in the technology community, specifically working on Salesforce trails and certifications. She is an advocate for mental health and veteran support programs. She credits her success to the strong circle of supportive colleagues and friends that she has been lucky to have crossed paths with. She spends her downtime visiting and traveling with her amazing husband, Doug, and her pretty exceptional adult daughter, Lex. Read more In 2014, Kelsey decided to continue her education through graduate school earning a Master’s Degree from the University of Phoenix. In May of 2018, Kelsey reached another career milestone by obtaining her license as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of North Carolina (#42196). In her free time, Kelsey enjoys outside activities, being active, and traveling with her best friend and husband, Dave. She thinks any reason is a good reason to be in the mountains – hiking, camping, or running are all better with a mountain scene and a couple of inches of snow on the ground! Kelsey is honored to serve as Treasurer on the Board for Cary Ballet Company, to learn about the company and experience their active involvement in the Arts community.

​Karl Moraski moved to North Carolina in 1999 with a wide range of musical experience to be the company pianist for Carolina Ballet. He has been performing since age 6 when he had his first solo concert at Wannamaker Hall in Philadelphia. He has been the pianist for many major ballet companies including Miami City Ballet and Los Angeles Ballet and has performed as a piano soloist at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland, Wolftrap and in Raleigh with the North Carolina Symphony. In the ballet world he has had the opportunity to work with the likes of Mikhail Baryshnikov, Edward Villella, Alexander Goudonov, Alicia Alonso, Maya Plisetskaya and a host of other artists through the years. While in Los Angeles he wrote music for and appeared in an episode of the ABC series Hart to Hart. He has since returned to Los Angeles to assist Warner Brothers in arranging and recording the full soundtrack for their theatrical venture, Casablanca: The Dance which premiered in Beijing, China. In Canada, his rock band Montana saw one of its singles hit number 22 on the charts. He has been commissioned to write several scores for Carolina Ballet including Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. He is excited to have been asked to join the board of Cary Ballet Company and assist them in their mission to continue to present high-quality dance to the area as well as educate the community about dance in their many outreach events. As their pianist, he has seen first hand the high level of training, the commitment to excellence as well as the many performance opportunities for students. He resides in Cary with his wife Siobhan where they have raised 5 children.

Suzanne is a dedicated advocate of the arts, with a rich and diverse background spanning dance education, arts administration, and community engagement. She knew from a very young age that she wanted to dance ballet. Prior to graduating Cum Laude with a BA from Point Park College (University), Suzanne honed her ballet skills under the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, earning her Pre-Elementary RAD certificate and immersed herself in the Vaganova and Cecchetti methods from Maryland School of Ballet. Her formative years included summer intensive training at the Boston School of Ballet and Ballet West. Suzanne's passion for ballet was unwavering. She performed as an amateur at American Dance Festivals and professionally at the Pittsburgh Playhouse Theatre, Kennedy Center, and Wolf Trap. She performed with several small companies and showcased her versatility in ballet, modern, and jazz with Arlington Dance Theater. With ten years combined administrative experience from mortgage banking to pharmaceuticals, transitioning into arts administration was seamless. Suzanne accrued over twenty years of experience with the non-profit Cary Ballet Company as an administrator and served sixteen of those years on the Board of Directors. Her roles encompassed contract administration, rehearsal schedules, community liaison, bookkeeping, budgeting, leading the Board and leveraging her grant writing certification to provide additional financial resources to the Company’s ever-growing productions. Since 2003, Suzanne has been integral to the growth of the Cary Ballet Company, assisting its transformation from a studio-based production to the esteemed Resident Ballet Company for the Town of Cary, with expanded outreach into Raleigh. Beyond her administrative prowess, Suzanne's commitment to ballet education shined through her 24 years as a ballet instructor at Cary Ballet Conservatory, also earning a certification in PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique). She not only imparted technical expertise but also staged dance pieces and nurtured the talents of young dancers. Suzanne’s dedication to the arts community extends beyond the studio. She balances her career with cherished family time alongside her husband Scott, and grown children Kyle and Jasmine. She volunteered with National Charity League, Ronald McDonald House and is a current member of 100 Women Who Give a Hoot. When not focused on Cary Ballet Company, Suzanne teaches yoga, enjoys outdoor activities like walking her Havanese dog Turbo, biking, and culinary explorations. Her journey—from a passionate dancer to a cornerstone of the cultural arts scene—is a testament to her enduring love for dance and she hopes to see the continued growth of Cary Ballet Company in the community.

Dinah recalls her earliest memory of being captivated by ballet as a little girl when she watched the television performance of Twelve Dancing Princesses on PBS. Another highlight was seeing the Kirov Ballet perform The Nutcracker, and also seeing The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Russia as an adult. A passion for ballet and other dance forms was ignited and she remains a loyal, lifelong dance aficionado. With an expansive background in development and advancement in higher education spanning over twenty years, Dinah moved to Raleigh from Baton Rouge, Louisiana in late 2019. She joined the North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Advancement team as the Senior Director of Development for the Plant Sciences Initiative and North Carolina Agricultural and Life Sciences Research Foundation Board (NCALS). A portion of Dinah’s professional career path led her to serve in administrative roles as lead fundraiser for two professional ballet companies; Tulsa Ballet in Tulsa, Oklahoma led by Artistic Director Marcello Angelini and The Charleston Ballet Theatre in Charleston, SC led by Resident Choreographer Jill Eathorne-Bahr and Artistic Directors Don and Patricia Cantwell. Dinah’s experience includes private philanthropic giving and corporate/industry engagement as well as campaign development, and management oversight.  She last served as Director of Development at Louisiana State University in the School of Veterinary Medicine and as Senior Director of Development for the LSU AgCenter and College of Agriculture. Her experience working with other Land Grant institutions include Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana and Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Additionally, Dinah is a two-time Oklahoma State University graduate, with a B.A. in English and an M.S. in International Studies. Dinah and her husband, Michael Stevenson enjoy spending time at the many dog parks in Raleigh with their tripod LabraDane dog, Alexander “Zander” Archibald, as well as exploring NC and travel. Supporting the arts and live performances remains at the top of their interests.

Mariaelena Ruiz is the recipient of the 2019 Youth America Grand Prix NYC Finals Outstanding Teacher Award. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, she was trained and coached by Prima Ballerina of Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, Nina Novak. At age 14, Mariaelena became the youngest member of the Ballet Nacional de Caracas, under the direction of Vicente Nebrada. Soon after, she won 3rd place Junior Division at the Jackson USA International Ballet Competition and received a full scholarship to continue her studies at the School of American Ballet in New York. She won the Best Couple award and 3rd Place Senior Division at the Varna International Ballet Competition and also won at the Prix Volinine in Paris. Over the next seven years, Mariaelena performed principal roles at Bay Ballet Theater, Cleveland San Jose Ballet, and Ballet Hispanico; and as a guest artist for many companies in the US and Europe. Between 2000 to 2006 Mariaelena danced an all Balanchine repertoire in the Suzanne Farrell Ballet at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. In 2000 she began teaching part-time at The Rock School for Dance Education and became full-time Ballet Master at The Rock School in 2006, there she trained some of today’s brightest ballet stars. In 2015 Mariaelena and her husband became part owners of Cary Ballet Conservatory where she created the Professional Training Program, that same year she also became the Artistic Director of Cary Ballet Company. During her time as PTP director, the Conservatory has been awarded the Outstanding School Award at YAGP, ADC, and has also been featured in Dance Magazine and Pointe Magazine. Mariaelena was the cover of Dance Teacher Magazine with the featured story titled: “Mariaelena Ruiz works her magic at Cary Ballet Conservatory.” and In 2016 Mariaelena was named the “Outstanding Teacher” at the ADC International Ballet Competition Mariaelena has been a judge and guest teacher for YAGP and has also worked with the New York International Ballet Competition. She was featured in the award-winning documentary First Position and in the WHYY Philadelphia documentary made about the first Curtis Institute of Music and Rock School Collaboration in 2009. In 2016 Mariaelena was named outstanding teacher at the ADC International Ballet Competition She has coached medalists for major competitions including Moscow IBC, Jackson USA IBC, Boston IBC, Prix de Lausanne, Youth America Grand Prix, and American Dance Competition. Her former students are dancing professionally all over the world in companies such as National Ballet of Canada, American Ballet Theater, Het National Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, Washington Ballet, New York City Ballet, Houston Ballet, Ballet West, and on Broadway. As Artistic Director of Cary Ballet Company, one of the first things she brought to fruition was a full-length Nutcracker which has been sold out and enjoyed by many since 2016. She also created the Nutcracker mini-shows as a one- hour lecture demonstrations with a narrator and details of how the performance of the Nutcracker comes to life. Aside from working with Cary Ballet Company’s very talented choreographers, Mariaelena has been responsible for bringing to the company’s “Spring Works” some very sought after choreographers to work with the dancers to create original works. She has choreographed and adapted excerpts of the most famous classical ballets for the company, including Le Corsaire, Bayadere, and has been working on her new “Don Quixote” which will be performed by the company very soon.

Heather Iler began her training at Toledo Ballet, under the direction of Marie Vogt. She continued training at the prestigious School of American Ballet (SAB) and, soon after, The School of Classical Ballet, Mikhail Baryshnikov’s new school for American Ballet Theater. During SAB’s annual workshop performance, Miami City Ballet’s director, Edward Villella, invited her to join his company. While in MCB, she performed numerous ballets by George Balanchine, Paul Taylor, Jimmy Gamonet, and Edward Villella. In addition, she danced with San Francisco Ballet’s School, Ballet Met, and Richmond Ballet. After MCB, she completed her B.S. and Master’s degrees in biology from The University of Toledo. She then returned to teaching and has been on faculty with the Miami City Ballet, The Reston Conservatory Ballet in Virginia, The Toledo Ballet, Ballet Theater of Toledo, and St. Louis Ballet School. She served as ballet mistress for St. Louis Ballet, where she was responsible for rehearsing company repertoire including ballets by Petipa, Balanchine, Gen Horiuchi, Michael Uthoff, and Christopher d’Amboise. Heather Iler joined the faculty of Cary Ballet Conservatory in 2011. In 2014, she assumed the role of CBC’s Director of Summer Intensive. She has continued to revise and update the schedule, increase class offerings, and create the Aspiring Dancer Program. In 2015, she was named CBC’s Director of the Ballet School. Through her tenure, she has established and implemented her curriculum, built the teacher assistant program, and continued to develop and create evening schedules. She developed the highly successful studio program, a comprehensive bridge between the Professional Training Program (PTP) and evening programs and was instrumental in the establishment of the PTP. Ms. Iler is lead faculty with CBC’s PTP, directed by Mariaelena Ruiz. Since the establishment of PTP and the Studio Program, CBC has been named by Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) as Best School (2019, 2018, 2017) and Best Faculty (2020) and by American Dance Competition-International Ballet Competition (ADC-IBC) as Best School (2018 and 2017). In 2011, Ms. Iler became involved in Cary Ballet Company as a choreographer and ballet master. During her first year, she was pivotal in creating a full-length production of “The Nutcracker.” In 2014, she was appointed as Associate Artistic Director of the company. Under her leadership, she has helped to build repertoire, create original choreography, and expand opportunities for dancers through programs such as Plié All Day. Through her tenure, she has brought such renowned ballets as Coppélia, La Bayadère, Paquita, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and other classical repertoires to the company, all while teaching, overseeing casting, and maintaining production quality. Upholding the company’s mission statement, Heather Iler firmly believes every person should have access to ballet and live theatre, regardless of age, skill, or background. Her philosophy imparts to all her passion and joy of dance, whether they are destined for a professional life or simply one enriched with the love of movement.

A North Carolina native, Ashley Duncan grew up in Burlington, NC, where she danced with Walkerdance Ballet Theater. Her love of the arts, especially ballet, stayed with her as she continued classes in college and after. Ashley attended NC State University where she earned a BA in Psychology. She then worked as Project Associate for the Center for Family and Community Engagement, a grant developed through NCSU’s Department of Social Work where she organized trainings for child welfare social workers across the state, and planned conferences and other community events. In 2007, Ashley and her husband Cortney founded CADCO Construction Company. She continues to handle their marketing and community outreach, and serves as the Tournament Organizer for CADCO’s Annual Autism Awareness Golf Tournament benefiting the Autism Society of NC. Ashley’s favorite job is being a mom to her triplets Avery, Cameron, and Peyton. They keep her very busy with their numerous activities including ballet, theater, soccer, football, track, and golf, but she is embracing the craziness and loves watching her children do what they love. Ashley has served as Co-Chair of Events for Cary Ballet and on the PTA Board at the triplets’ elementary and middle schools. She is honored to serve on the Cary Ballet Company Board, and is excited to help support their mission to enrich our community through the art of dance.

Dr Brian K Nunnally brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to CBC as a valued member of our board. He was educated at the University of South Carolina and earned a PhD from Duke University (Chemistry) before beginning a career dedicated to human health in the pharmaceutical industry. He offers strategic insights and leadership that significantly contribute to our mission. Brian's leadership extends beyond CBC. He is the Global Head of Quality Control for CSL-Seqirus and has served on several boards, including the Friends of Fort Fisher, Boy Scouts of America Pack 224, and CASSS International Scientific Society, leveraging his expertise to drive positive change. His ability to forge strategic partnerships and foster collaborations has been pivotal in his professional life and board service. Driven by a deep-seated belief in CBC's mission, Brian is looks forward to ensuring that our programs and initiatives remain aligned with our core values. He brings a unique perspective to our board, challenging us to innovate and adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Brian is known for his generosity and philanthropic spirit within the community. He actively supports various charitable endeavors, embodying CBC's goal of making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. Brian is married to Dr Allison Lehtinen and they have a blended family consisting of five children, including Sarah Lehtinen, a current dancer with CBC. Brian and Allison live in Holly Springs and love spending time together as a family, especially at the beach, and are as much at home in/on the water as they are watching the amazing dancers of CBC.

Hong was born in Vietnam before her family immigrated to the USA at the age of five, settling in the vibrant Bay Area of California. From a young age, she harbored a deep passion for music, singing, dancing, and the performing arts. However, being one of ten kids in an immigrant family, she did not have the opportunity to formally take up dancing during her formative years. Since 2017, Hong has been an integral part of Cary Ballet, not only as a devoted "dancer mom" but also as a co-chair of the fundraising events committee and a backstage production crew for Nutcracker and Spring Works productions. Her commitment stems from a heartfelt desire to ensure today's youth have access to the high-quality dance education and training she yearned for growing up. Hong earned her bachelor's degree in Molecular Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley in 2007. She moved to the Raleigh area after her graduation. With over 17 years of experience spanning biotech, pharma, and medical devices, she has navigated roles from R&D through post-commercialization, collaborating across interdisciplinary functions with both internal teams and external partners. Her expertise includes certifications in project management, post-merger integration, pragmatic marketing, and six sigma. Currently pursuing an MBA at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, Hong is dedicated to expanding her leadership horizons. Beyond her professional pursuits, Hong generously volunteers her time with organizations such as the YMCA, Refugee Hope Partners, and United Way of the Triangle. Her personal interests include yoga, barre, ballroom dancing, and biking, but she finds her greatest joy in cooking, savoring culinary delights, exploring new destinations, and cherishing moments with her daughters, Courtney and Clara. Excited to contribute further, Hong eagerly anticipates leveraging her skills as she joins the board of directors, aiming to propel Cary Ballet Company's mission to new heights.

Kathy moved to North Carolina in 2006 with her husband and two young daughters. The daughters started dancing with Cary Ballet Conservatory a few years after they arrived and in 2024 the younger one graduated and is off dancing at Ballet Idaho! Kathy enjoys volunteering. She has held many roles in the PTA at her daughters’ schools and also has performed almost every volunteer role at CBC over the last fourteen years. Most recently she has been heading up the Merchandising and Concessions effort for Cary Ballet Company. With a Bachelor of Finance from the University of Massachusetts and a Masters of Business from Santa Clara University, Kathy held a variety of finance and marketing roles at major companies including L.L. Bean, Guidant Corporation, and Deloitte Consulting. When not volunteering, Kathy enjoys spending time playing tennis, reading, cooking and has recently been getting more involved in pickleball.