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. Jill brings over 30 years of experience in nonprofit mangaement to the board and is also the current president of the Kittitas Environmental Education Network (KEEN). Jill currently works for the Department of Ecology as a Streamflow Restoration Planner and Cultural Resources Contact.

Jill was the Producer of The Nutcracker in 2022 & 2024 and The Polar Express in 2023. She wrote the original storyline and curated music for 'Twas the Night Before Christmas in 2025 and is doing the same for The Little Prince and A Holiday Heist in 2026.

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 in school to pursue a law degree. Her daughter, Serena Scheffer-Arango, teaches at The Studio, is the Artistic Director for EDE shows, dances with love and passion and has been performing on stage since she was 3.

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.

Kevan Ferrier, Member at Large

An Ellensburg resident since 2008, Kevan brings a unique blend of scientific thinking and local entrepreneurship as a Member-at-Large for the EDE Board. He holds a degree in Chemistry from Central Washington University. As the owner of Fairview Window Cleaning, Kevan manages his local business with the same precision and commitment to service that he brings to The Studio. A former stay-at-home dad, he possesses a deep understanding of the practical needs of the families The Studio serves. Now a proud parent of a current dancer, Kevan is dedicated to ensuring the nonprofit remains a stable, high-quality, and vibrant resource for the next generation of Ellensburg performers

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.