La VERNE LEHMAN began her professional career at age eight and her teaching career at 15 – too many years to count. La Verne has choreographed innumerable shows, both professional and amateur, videos, competitions and commercials. She spent several years putting together a program that was designed to be integrated with an athlete’s training to better stretch and strengthen their bodies. She traveled and spoke at athletic seminars and had some articles published. She has worked with physically and emotionally challenged children and adults. She began “Lehman School of Dance, Inc” in 1976 at her original studio in Glencoe. Since moving to Northfield, she has devoted all of her time to expanding the studio to include all forms of dance, music and theatre, as well as her work on the Board of the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters. Even though she is a certified master teacher, she continues to study dance and different teaching techniques.

VICKI GUTMANN – Vicki is a Fine Arts graduate of Illinois Wesleyan. Her dance training began at the age of four and she continues her studies in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, HipHop and Theatre. Vicki also has her master teaching certification from the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters. She has taught performing arts at magnet Chicago public schools, as well as Regina High School and St Isaac Jogues. She has performed as an actress, dancer an musician in dozens of productions at regional theatres. She began teaching at Lehman's while she was still in high school and we're happy that she is still with us!

KIM SHEETS is a graduate of Columbia College. She has been teaching ballet, jazz, creative movement and modern dance for the past eight (8) years. She is a most energetic and enthusiastic teach. Her ballet technique is Cecchetti based; she studied tap with Jimmy Payne and has had various modern techniques. We’re all very happy to have Kim as a part of our staff.

ELLEN ISAACSON – received her BA in Education from Murray State University, with a minor in Dance. Ellen began studying Ballet as a child and – as all true dancers – is still studying. She was a Lehman Student and teacher before and after college. She too is happy to be teaching at her “home” studio. Ellen is excited to be sharing her passion for dance with our students.

CAITLIN GUDOT-HAYWOOD is a graduate of Pointe Park in Pittsburg, which is a conservatory for the performing arts. Caitlin, too, is well-trained in every dance discipline as she grew up in her mother’s dance studio in Indiana. She is currently dancing with Chicago Tap and is starting her own dance company, based here in Chicago!

CAROLYN KATA has been studying Ballet, Jazz and Tap since she was a child of three. She has taught at The Dance Gallery in Beverly and established a dance program at the Crestwood Recreation Center. She is continuing her studies at Lou Conte’s studio.

MARY-MARTHA ROEMER came to Chicago via Texas, because she won a scholarship to Gus Giordano’s. She danced with his company, Hubbard Street. “Miss Mary” has had years of teaching experience, as well; but then took time off to have her family. Now that she is settled in Wilmette and her children are in school, she decided to return to her love of dance – and we’re glad she chose us!

KATE ROWAN has danced with many dance companies, most recently with Salt Creek Ballet. She has studied with wonderful instructors, as well as at the Joffrey, Hubbard Street and River North. She has been teaching for the past eight years and we’re happy she’s now teaching at Lehman’s!

Mezzo-soprano, SHANNON BARKER, is a California native, who has studied classical voice for over ten years. She received her undergraduate degree in Voice from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, where she performed roles including the Baker’s Wife in Sonheim’s “Into The Woods” and Hansel in “Hansel and Gretel”. In 2005 she completed her Masters in Vocal Performance at Northwestern University, where she sang Zita in Puccini’s “Gianni Schicchi” and Alma March in Adamo’s “Little Women”. Shannon Spent this past summer singing with the Grant Park Chorus at Millennium Park. She also enjoys yoga and, recently, finished a training course with Moksha Yoga Center of Chicago. We’re so lucky to have Shannon teaching our private Voice and Piano lessons.

LINDSEY POLING has been teaching piano and voice to children and adults for over nine years. Her students have spanned the range from beginners through advanced and professional performers. She currently continues to perform, singing opera in the Chicago area, as well as other opera houses in the United States. She received her MM in voice from Northwestern and her BM in piano and voice from Mercyhurst College. We are delighted that Lindsey is able to give her knowledge and experience to our students.

JEFF MERRILL has been a professional guitar player for over 20 years.  He has studied jaz guitar with Arbor recording artist, Gerry Beaudoin, and internationally acclaimed blues great, Dave Specter.  Jeff is currently playing in the rock/blues band, “Shantytown”.  The group has been performing for the past ten years at local venues, private parties and corporate events.  Jeff will be teaching beginning and intermediate students on Saturdays from 10 to 2. 

Our office staff is also fabulous. CLAIRE ASUAN, MARGO MULLADY and DIANE PILOLLA keep everything running smoothly for us.

We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful and talented staff ready to serve you!