Meet Our Board

Kim Rivera, President

Jill Scheffer, Treasurer

Kim brings over 25 years of extensive experience in customer service to her role as the current President. With a solid background spanning 13 years in the dynamic hospitality industry and a decade in management, she has honed her skills in leadership, strategy, and enhancing communication. She currently works for Choice Hotels international on their brand operations (and implementation) team.

Beyond her professional achievements, Kim is a dedicated wife and mother to three daughters, ages 21, 19, and 10. She serves on her local school board (Thorp Schools), is a 4-H leader, the President for the Thorp Community Day non-profit as well as serves on her schools Booster Club as the Treasurer.

Her youngest daughter's love for dance has not only enriched their family life but has also inspired Kim to play a larger role in serving the community. This new opportunity within Ellensburg Dance Ensebmle aligns perfectly with her passion for making a meaningful impact and fostering positive change.

Jill is the EDE treasurer and one of the original founders of The Studio by EDE. She served for years on the board of EDE as it transitioned from Central Washington Dance Ensemble. She was the Producer of The Nutcracker in 2022 and The Polar Express in 2023. She has also danced on stage in the Nutcracker in 5 productions over the years. Jill is also joining the teaching staff at The Studio by EDE to share her love of hula hoop dancing!

Her two loves are her son and daughter who together explore the outdoors and also share a love of music and dance. Her son, Nathaniel Arango is lead singer and founder of Wavesons, and her daughter, Serena Scheffer-Arango, dances with love and passion and has been performing on stage since she was 3.

Jill also performed in Valley Theater Company's (VTC) Mamma Mia in 2022 as the unforgettable Chorus Member Number 13, and in 2023 as Margaret in 9-5. Jill was last on stage in VTC's 2024 summer musical, Anastasia as Marfa the prostitute.

Daniele Ray, Member at Large/Fundraising Chair

Daniele is the chairperson of the fundraising committee. She has successfully organized and executed numerous fundraising campaigns, generating significant funds for various causes. She has a strong passion for dance and firmly believes it should be accessible to everyone. With two kids who fell in love with dance, she joined the board to help support our non-profit dance studio.

Shalina Chandler, Member at Large

Shalina was a cheerleader in high school where she learned the love of dancing and movement. She danced and cheered for 3 years and was also nominated for the AllStar team because of her sharp movements and choreography. When Shalina was a kid, she wanted to be a choreographer to teach and inspire kids to follow their dreams. She also took a few dance classes in college and her favorite style of dance is hip hop.

Shalina has always tried to be involved in her kids' passion and now that she has the opportunity, she plans to give it her all so that she can continue to grow and make others feel welcomed at The Studio.

Shalina has an associates degree in accounting and is currently going to school for her bachelors in business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship.

Meet Our Teaching Staff

We are proud to have a staff of true masters of the dance community teaching at The Studio by EDE. They bring their unparalleled experience and vision into every class, sharing their love of dance with their students. Learn more about our staff below.

Introducing Our Studio Director

Sydney Baker

Sydney is an experienced performer, dancer, teacher, and choreographer based in Ellensburg Washington. Sydney graduated from Central Washington University in June 2022 with her Bachelor's degree in Dance and Business with a focus in Entrepreneurship. Sydney was a member of the Orchesis Dance Company, the CWU Dance Team, and the Student Dance Association where she had the opportunity to perform for various galas, community performances, and sporting events. Sydney has trained in various styles of dance and has been teaching at The Studio for the past 3 years. She also has experience in competitive cheerleading and competitive dance.