Meet our Instructors
At True Crew Dance Company, our talented team of instructors brings passion, experience, and creativity to every class. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned dancer, our staff is here to inspire, challenge, and support you on your dance journey.
Toni Pressimone Szparaga
Artistic Director/Owner
Ms. Toni has been dancing since the age of two and began teaching in New Jersey at fifteen. She holds Dance/Theater certifications through DEA, a Continued Dance Education Certification via Dance Teacher’s University in association with UNLV, and regularly hones her skills at Dance Teacher’s Summit and various conventions. Her philosophy is simple: “If you Believe… you will Achieve… and Never Say Can’t! Honesty, Integrity & Loyalty are the only way to Succeed!”
Before moving to Florida, Ms. Toni owned and operated Toni T’s Dance Magic in New Jersey, where her competitive team, the Magic Dancers, earned numerous regional, state, and national titles. She is also a certified elementary and physical education educator (K–12), ESOL endorsed, and experienced in special needs education. She worked with St. Lucie County schools from 2004–2011 while running True Crew Dance Co., before dedicating herself full-time to True Crew in 2011.
True Crew, which opened to the public in 2006, reflects Ms. Toni’s vision of a studio grounded in family values where students of all ages and abilities can thrive through belief in themselves. Her dedication to dance and community has earned her multiple honors, including induction into the Cambridge Who’s Who of Executives and Professionals (2007), the Soroptimist Women of Distinction Award (2008), the Jefferson Award for community service (2010), and membership in the National Association of Professional Women (2013).
Leah Kendall
Assistant Director/Multi-Genre Instructor
Ms. Leah earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Keiser University and holds multiple certifications. She has been teaching dance and stretch throughout Florida since 2013, with strengths in Stretch & Human Anatomy, Contemporary, Ballet, and Pointe. In 2018, she completed her PBT Level I–III certifications. Leah has been a valued member of the True Crew faculty since 2017.
Jade Groth
Social Media Manager/Multi-Genre Instructor
Ms. Jade has been part of the TCDC family since 2010, first as a student and now as a valued faculty member since 2017. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Science and Disorders with a Minor in Child Development from Florida State University and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Florida.
Rhiannon Kump
Multi-Genre Instructor
Ms. Rhiannon began dancing at the age of three in Pennsylvania and has trained extensively in jazz, tap, hip hop, pom, ballet, lyrical, and contemporary. She has performed at Walt Disney World and on two Royal Caribbean cruises. With over 15 years of experience choreographing for both recreational and competitive dancers, she has earned multiple choreography awards. We are proud to have Ms. Rhiannon as part of our True Crew Instructional Staff since 2024.
Nic Savastano
Technique Faculty
Ms. Nic began dancing at age three and trained competitively in New York. She has earned Regional and National titles, trained with industry leaders, assisted at traveling conventions, and performed with professional companies. After a serious injury ended her professional career, Ms. Nic developed a passion for human anatomy and dancer wellness. She now combines her technical training with injury-prevention knowledge to help dancers grow safely and build confidence. Ms. Nic currently leads the dance department at Legacy High School in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, where she inspires and guides her students with passion and dedication.
Rebecca Jones
Technique Faculty
Ms. Rebecca is a professional dancer from Winchester, England, who has been dancing in the U.S. for eight years. She began training at age three and was a senior associate at The Royal Ballet School before pursuing full-time training at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts. In 2015, she followed her passion overseas, performing with the Atlantic City Ballet. Rebecca has performed across England, New Jersey, Oregon, California, and Arizona, and continues to share her knowledge and love of dance through teaching. We are thrilled to have her on staff since 2024.
Jennifer Lopp
Technique Faculty
Ms. Rebecca is a professional dancer from Winchester, England, who has been dancing in the U.S. for eight years. She began training at age three and was a senior associate at The Royal Ballet School before pursuing full-time training at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts. In 2015, she followed her passion overseas, performing with the Atlantic City Ballet. Rebecca has performed across England, New Jersey, Oregon, California, and Arizona, and continues to share her knowledge and love of dance through teaching. We are thrilled to have her on staff since 2024.
Derek Graham
Hip Hop Specialist
Mr. Derek is an accomplished dancer and choreographer, bringing his expertise to our Hip Hop program. He teaches all levels, from beginner to master classes, and specializes in choreography and freestyle. His impressive career includes performances and choreography for WOD Championship ‘18, Kendrick Lamar at Rolling Loud 2022, Ozuna’s Copa del Rey (Spain 2023), Wisin y Yandel World Tour, DJ Khaled, Chris Brown, Jason Derulo, BET Hip Hop, and numerous live shows and commercials.
Maryanne Asdel
Tap Specialist
Ms. MaryAnne is a certified instructor through Dance Educators of America, where she served for many years as a Board Member and is now a Life Member. She is also certified through City Center of New York and has taught Adaptive Dance for the New York City Department of Education. Former owner of the award-winning Asdal School of Dance in New York City, she has extensive experience teaching children and young adults, including those with Autism and other learning differences. True Crew is proud to have her on our instructional staff since 2016.
Karli Mcgovern
Solo & Technique Instructor
Ms. Karli earned her Associate’s in Dance from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts. She has been dancing since age two, training in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, and modern, and also studied at a fine and performing arts high school. With her passion and technical expertise, she has been a valued member of the True Crew family since 2024.
Kareem Wildman
Guest Choreographer
Mr. Kareem has been part of TCDC since 2019 and was a student of Ms. Toni for three years. Under Ms. Toni’s guidance, he earned the titles of Premiere Mr. Believe 2021 and Mr. Imagine 2021. He is currently completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts with a specialization in Dance. Mr. Kareem is preparing for his first professional contract, performing with the Royal Caribbean Dance Troupe aboard the Grandeur of the Seas. Additionally, he trains and works with the world-renowned competition leaders Star Dance Alliance and Dance One.
Meet our Staff
AJ Pressimone
Entertainment Team
AJ grew up immersed in the dance and theater world, training as a member of TTDM and TCDC's award-winning Regional and National Titlists and Competitive Company. Throughout his competitive career, he choreographed multiple regional and national award-winning routines. At Starbound's Orlando Nationals, his Company Boyz routine, "The Final Show," achieved Elite status and was selected for the nationally webcast Starbound Showcase. AJ continued expanding his training at the University of Tampa, Dance Teacher Summit in NYC, and through JUMP and Showstoppers Conventions over the years. He has also worked with Carlos Garland (SYTYCD) at TCDC's in-studio convention experience. Now serving as Entertainment Manager, AJ brings creativity, leadership, and forward-thinking business strategies to True Crew. His innovative vision and passion for performance continue to elevate the
Mikey Pressimone
Financial Team Consultant
Michael, a High Honors graduate of Lincoln Park Academy in Fort Pierce, now serves as Financial Manager at True Crew, applying his business and finance expertise to help guide the studio. Raised in the dance and theater environment, Michael was a member of TCDC's award-winning Regional, State, National, and World Champion Titleists and Competitive Company. Like his brother, he earned numerous Regional and National Photogenic titles and was part of the Company Boyz routine "The Final Show," choreographed by AJ, which achieved Elite status and was featured in the nationally webcast Starbound Showcase. Michael also trained with Carlos Garland (SYTYCD) at TCDC's studio conventions, along with many other world-renowned choreographers, contributing to his extensive experience and passion for the performing
Ciara Trabal
Office Manager
At the front desk, you'll be greeted by the incredible Ms. Ciara, who goes above and beyond to assist everyone and ensure our students are prepared when called into class, among many other tasks. TCDC is truly grateful for her dedication! Ms. Ciara has been part of the TCDC family since 2015, when her daughter Maliyah began her dance journey with us.
Erika Kermes
Office Assistant
From the moment you walk in, Ms. Erika is there to welcome you with a smile, keeping everything running smoothly and making sure each student is ready when it’s time for class. She takes on so much behind the scenes, and TCDC is incredibly thankful for all that she does. She has been part of the TCDC family since 2021, when her daughter, Sophia, first started dancing with us.