Meet The Staff
Sheriden Edlund
Competition Team Choreographer
Sheriden Edlund began dancing at the age of 2, training in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip hop, and musical theater. She danced competitively for almost fifteen years winning many regional and national titles as a soloist and alongside her teammates. Sheriden was honored to be Captain of her high school’s Varsity Dance Team. During this time she choreographed multiple routines for her team and was given awards such as “Most Valuable Dancer” and “Most Dedicated”. Sheriden prides herself in connecting with her students and sharing her passion for the arts with the next generation of dancers.
Tyson Garner
Studio Director
Tyson Garner discovered his passion for the arts at the age of 18. He was a member of the infamous song and dance group "The Young Americans" which launched him into his career.
Tyson received a scholarship to Tremaine Dance Center in North Hollywood and continued his training at Orange Coast College, Jimmie DeFore Dance Center, and the Edge. He has an energetic performing style that can be seen in every aspect of the entertainment industry. From the stage to television, from Broadway to the classroom, his unique choreography, and passion for teaching has made him a sought-after dance instructor.
Tyson has performed on several television shows including Mad TV, Family Matters, The Parker's and The Rosie O'Donnell Show. His stage credits include the European Tour of Grease, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Disney, The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and most notably the Broadway Cast of Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA. Tyson’s students and choreography have won countless awards, and many of his dancers have gone on to have their own professional careers. Tyson enjoys sharing his love and passion of the arts with students of all ages.
April Sayin
Ballet Director
Mrs. Sayin graduated from Russian State Conservatory and then got her BA in ballet performance from Mimar Sinan University. She is also a registered teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance with a Professional Dancers Teaching Diploma. She has a pedagogical formation certificate at Vaganova ballet method from Sofia National Academy.She danced professionally for over 15 years and performed in Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Giselle, Le Sylphide, Le Corsaire, La Bayadere and Cinderella, in solos and pas de deux.
Ashley Chavarria
Ashley is a professionally trained dancer from Southern California, where she began her career dancing competitively and assisting classes as a member of the LA Dance Magic Convention Dance Company. Today, she works regularly as a teacher and choreographer for a variety of studios and professional productions, while continuing to perform professionally herself.
Her choreography credits include Blippi’s Job Show on Netflix, the viral Dancing in My Room music video, and choreography awards including Choreographer of the Year. She has also helped multiple studios and high schools earn national titles through her work.
As a performer, Ashley’s credits span stage, screen, and live events. On screen, she has guest-starred on Bippi’s Job Show, appeared in commercials for Goose Creek Candle Co. and the City of Ontario, as well as in music videos for artists like Prince of Eden, Tom Goss, and GIN. She has performed live with The Weeknd, Herbalife and Nocturna Entertainment.
Ashley is also a proud member of the acclaimed Royal Flux Dance Company.
McKenna Doblie
Originally from Portland, Oregon, McKenna Doblie is a professional dancer and passionate educator. She is currently in her third season as an NBA dancer as a Los Angeles Laker Girl. McKenna studied ballet, modern, and jazz, further deepening her technical foundation and artistic expression at the University of California, Irvine.
McKenna began dancing at the age of three and quickly found her calling. She trained rigorously across all genres and danced competitively. Her dedication led to opportunities with prestigious convention companies like Hollywood Vibe, Revel, and Art of Movement (AOM), where she was selected as a Professional Assistant.
At just 15, McKenna began teaching and choreographing, quickly becoming a highly sought-after private technique coach and instructor. Her teaching style is enthusiastic, nurturing, and deeply informed by years of elite training and performance. She is especially passionate about working with children, inspiring young dancers through her creativity and commitment.
Today, McKenna is a professional dancer and continues her teaching career with teaching at COPAC and 4PM Dance.
Cassidy Love
Ms. Cassidy is a Vocal teacher and Musical Theatre choreographer here at COPAC! With a career spanning over two decades, she has cultivated a deep passion for the performing arts since the age of three. Beyond her extensive experience, Ms. Cassidy finds immense joy in teaching and inspiring the next generation of performers. She believes in creating a supportive and engaging environment where students can discover their unique talents and develop a lifelong love for music and theatre. Her goal is to ignite a passion within each student, helping them grow not only as artists but also as confident and expressive individuals.
Brennan Furey
Dance Department
Brennan Furey is a 21 year old student attending California State University Fullerton with a passion for hip-hop. Brennan's love for dance started when he was just 6 years old, and he's been grooving ever since!
He’s the current coach of the Valencia High School All-Male Hip Hop dance team. He's a choreographer who has created dance routines for schools like Kraemer Middle School, Orange Lutheran High School, and Crean Lutheran High School.
Brennan has been a part of teams like Team Millennia Juniors, Brobots, and GRaVy Babies. Brennan's energy and experience inspires and motivates the children he has the privilege of teaching. He believes in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where you can express yourself freely.
Get ready to learn hip hop foundations, discover your own style, and have a blast dancing with Brennan as your mentor!
Caitlen Cusimano
Office Management, Enrollment Coordinator, Musical Theater Department
Caitlen brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the performing arts to COPAC. Starting her journey with dance at the age of 5, she quickly discovered a love for musical theater at age 8, non-stop performing in musicals ever since! This early start laid the foundation for a vibrant career dedicated to both performance and education.
In 2015, Caitlen channeled her theatrical expertise into developing and running an after-school theater program in Long Beach, which ignited her passion for education in the arts. Simultaneously, her musical talents expanded when she picked up the drums at age 12. She continues to play drums with her band, performing regularly and having even had the incredible opportunity to open for the iconic 80's band Berlin, and played drums for heartthrob John Stamos. She has played drums with various bands and artists all over Los Angeles and Orange County for the past 20 years, including legendary venues like The Roxy, Whisky a Go Go, and Coach House, to name a few. She continues to play gigs monthly and perform in musicals any chance she gets!
Caitlen absolutely loves teaching and performing, finding immense joy in sharing her knowledge and passion with others. She Is thrilled to be passing on her diverse experience and enthusiasm to the students here at COPAC, helping them discover their own potential and ignite their artistic journeys.
Jill Porter
Kate Al-Jamie
Kate Al-Jamie is an enthusiastic and high-achieving instructor with two years of teaching experience and a deep commitment to dance. Currently completing her senior year at Mission Viejo High School, Kate is a celebrated member of the Varsity Song team for three consecutive years.
Her dedication to excellence is evident in her competitive success, including a recent 1st overall win at Nationals with her senior team on COCo. Beyond the dance floor, Kate is a proven leader, serving as a board member for the National Honors Society, a commissioner on the MVHS Pep Squad, and an Orientation Leader.
Kate is passionate about fostering a supportive environment for all her students and is undeniably grateful for the mentorship and belief she has received from the studio. She looks forward to an amazing season and is excited to help her students achieve their personal best.
Sonal Gill
Sonal began dancing in 2020 during the start of the pandemic, looking for something new to try after years of being a gymnast. Since then, she has trained in hip hop, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary, and has grown tremendously as both a dancer and performer.
She is going to be a senior at Trabuco Hills High School and is a varsity member of the Dance Production team, where she has danced all four years of high school. Through this program, she’s had the opportunity to perform at school assemblies, pep rallies, dance showcases, and other events. She served as the team’s publicist during her junior year and will continue in that role for her upcoming senior year, helping promote and represent her team within the school and beyond.
Sonal has been dancing at COPAC since the beginning of her dance journey and is so grateful for the inspiring teachers and close-knit community she’s found here. She loves the friendships she’s built with other dancers and is incredibly excited to now be part of the teaching staff. Sonal looks forward to sharing her love for dance and helping her students grow in both skill and confidence!
Tyler Shelley
Tyler graduated from California Baptist University in 2020 with a BA in Theater Arts. She now works professionally as a Stage Manager at the Disneyland Resort. Tyler has had a passion for theater since she was in middle school and is honored to share her love of theater with COPAC’s Stage Door Theater Company.
Donna Shepherd
Owner and Director of COPAC
Former commercial dancer (Usher, Salt-n-Pepa, *NSYNC) turned award winning choreographer and now business owner. With over two decades of experience teaching all over the world, Donna’s students have gone on to be represented by LA’s top agencies performing with artists such as Vanessa Hudgens, Shakira, Black Eyed Peas, Sia, Selena Gomez, Derek and Julianne Hough, Beyoncé and Janet Jackson. Donna's students have also been featured on the hit TV show’s: "So You Think You Can Dance”, “World Of Dance” and “Dance Moms”. Donna was honored to be the Assistant Choreographer for the 1st National Tour of Finding Neverland, working under three time Emmy winner, Mia Michaels.