Who we are and What we do
With a noncompetitive, family friendly atmosphere, MovementWorks will provide opportunities for growth of the body, mind, spirit through many mediums; the art of Dance, yoga, Acro, & cheer, as well as early childhood education. MovementWorks Dance and Fitness is ideal for everyone with our developmentally appropriate classes geared towards children and adults ages 6 months and up.
Jess Widener-Pruitt (she/her), Director/Choreographer/Dance Teacher/Pre-K Teacher/ RYT 500
Mrs. Pruitt began her dance training at a local dance studio where she studied with Paul Wilson and Linda Adolphi of the Cleveland Ballet and Rachael Palermo. Mrs. Pruitt performed with the school’s Chamber Ballet and participated in local outreach programs. Jess was also an active member and Captain of Firelands High School Dance Team where she toured nationally in competitions. She also studying in New York City with acclaimed Master Teachers such as Frank Hatchett and performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with the Mike Miller Dance Team. She holds many awards including 2-time All-American Dancer and 3-time UDA All-Star. She also has had additional training with U.D.A., E.D.A., Cheerleaders of America Dance Division, Urban Jamm, Show Stoppers and L.A.D.F. She attended LCCC (Elyria, OH), where she graduated with her Associates of Arts and then continued into Early Childhood Education. Additionally, Jess continued her education with Oaksmont Montessori Teacher trainings as well as completing certifications in Yoga teaching, Mindfulness Coaching, & Meditation guidance through My Vinyasa Practice. She has taught for many local studios, public elementary schools, and choreographed for American Heart Association’s Day of Dance, Erie Shores Girls Scouts, Horizon Activities Center, numerous churches, wedding parties, and many local high schools.
Lindsey Armstrong (she/her), Pre-K Aide
Lindsey holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and an Associate’s Degree in Agribusiness and Marketing Technologies. With experience in a wide range of industries including veterinary care, healthcare, eldercare, childcare, agriculture, and food service, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her work. A proud mother of two, Rodney (5) and Rylee (1), Lindsey loves spending time with her family, going to Disney, and watching cooking shows, documentaries, and medical dramas. She is thrilled to be a part of the MovementWorks team and contribute to its vibrant community.
Katherine Averill (she/her), Dancer Teacher & Yoga Teacher
Katherine is a recent graduate of the University in Wyoming where she completed a BS in Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in Dietetics and a BFA in Theatre and Dance with an emphasis in dance science. After graduation she completed a dietetic internship and was certified as a registered dietitian as well as completing her Yoga Teacher Training RYT-200. Katherine has experience teaching and dancing throughout Wyoming and Montana and has also had the honor of performing on stages across the US included in Kennedy Center. She moved to Ohio to complete her Masters degree in dance at Case Western Reserve.
Lilly Pruitt (she/her), Dance Teacher
Let’s give a huge warm welcome to Miss Lilly Pruitt! She’s been dancing since she was 7 years old in ballet, jazz, Hiphop, lyrical, tumbling and also did gymnastics in her teens! She works full time as a nanny during the day and is so excited to continue to share her love of dance and working with children as she joins us at MovementWorks! And…yes if you caught that last name, she is family too. Miss Jess is so thrilled to have her bonus daughter with her at the studio 🥰
Gabby Grau (She/her) , Dance Teacher
Gabby has been dancing since she was six years old, primarily focusing on ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and acro. She attends Oberlin College, where she studies Politics, English, Dance, and Music. She loves to choreograph, perform with peers, and direct a Student Dance Showcase each semester. Outside of dance, Gabby loves playing and writing music, reading, and being outdoors. She is thrilled to teach weekly, choreograph, and share her passion for dance with your children! 🩰🐞
Maddie Holland (She/her), Dance & Acro Teacher
Maddie has trained for years in Cheer, Tumbling, Ballet, Hiphop and more! She has spent many years as a traveling competitive cheer leader and recreational dancer while leading cheer camps, clinics, try outs and more! She will be completing her Associate of science through Lorain County Community college this year before entering her a pre-med program! Maddie has volunteered and worked with children at MovementWorks and Firelands Youth Cheer for several years. She is thrilled to be teaching weekly, sharing her love and knowledge of Acro, Cheer, & Dance with your children!
Ilya Baird-Appleton “Zee” (They/Them) Dance Teacher
Zee is an interdisciplinary movement artist from the Pacific Northwest. Izya trained in many dance styles growing up in Portland but focused mainly on Ballet. They currently attend Oberlin College where they are studying dance, how the body moves, and how it is influenced by forces like environment, culture, medicine, and religion. As a choreographer Izya’s work has been shown at Oberlin College and LaMaMa Experimental Theatre Club, but doesn’t stay confined to the stage as their work can also be seen in various short film projects. They are looking forward to sharing their passion for dance with their students in the upcoming year.
Cassie Gallimore (she/her), Moving To Readiness Preschool Aide & Support Staff
Cassie is a mom of 2 who enjoys being outside and exploring the outdoors. She homeschools her 2 children, providing them with a hands-on, individualized learning experience that is tailored to their unique needs and interests. Cassie believes that her work as a Pre-K aide and her experience as a homeschooling mom go hand in hand, allowing her to provide the best possible education for her children and the students she works with. Prior to her work as a Pre-K aide, she worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Director for those with disabilities. Cassie is so very excited to share her knowledge and passion of the outdoors with the MovementWorks community!