Meet The Staff
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.
Sheriden Edlund
Preschool Program Director
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.
Christina Kessman
Christina Kessman is an Australian-born triple threat that captivates audiences with their exceptional talent in dancing, singing, and acting. Her journey in performing arts began while still living in Australia and then continued when she moved to Massachusetts at the age of six, and later to California at thirteen, where her passion for the arts continued to flourish.
Christina pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Theater at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles. It was there that she refined their skills, explored artistic boundaries, and nurtured her passion for dance. Upon graduation, she signed with the dance agency Go2Talent, becoming a part of their esteemed roster.
Christina has graced the stage in numerous professional regional theater productions. With notable performances with entertainment companies 3D-Theatricals and McCoy Rigby Entertainment in shows like Mamma Mia (twice), Oklahoma, and Hello Dolly, they have showcased their remarkable talent and stage presence. Additionally, they have had the opportunity to perform in various awards shows and music videos, contributing their vibrant energy to these productions.
Christina has also made a significant impact as a dance instructor, having taught the dance team and elective classes at Crean Lutheran High School and elective program at Mater Dei. Currently, she channels her creativity and knowledge into choreographing for different high school dance teams, while also providing valuable assistance to Anaheim High School's dance program. Christina is deeply committed to nurturing talent and inspiring students, aiming to leave a lasting legacy in the dance community.
Beyond the stage, Christina has ventured into the realm of content creation, collaborating with renowned brands such as Panera Bread, Clinique, Ipsy, and even Call of Duty. Their unique perspective and artistic vision has allowed them to craft compelling visuals and connect with audiences in new and exciting ways.
Brennan Furey
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!
Sophia Macias
Office Administrator/Social Media Specialist
Sophia started in dance when she was 6 years old. She invested her time in both dance and soccer before eventually committing fully to soccer in high school. She has been working at COPAC for 2 years now while she studies psychology and sports medicine. Sophia hopes to become a sports psychologist for a professional team one day. In addition to her studies and time at the studio, Sophia is heavily involoved in her church, San Francisco Solano. She volunteers in high school ministry, young adult ministry, leading groups for the middle and high schoolers & helps prepare students in their confirmation program. Sophia loves working at COPAC because she loves her relationships with all the kids. She holds them near and dear to her heart.
Caitlen Cusimano
Office Manager