Our Talented Teachers

Kate Wilson’s journey with Sylvan Academy began at the age of 3, and she has been an integral part of the studio ever since. Starting as a teacher at 15, Kate discovered her true passion for education and has dedicated her career to inspiring dancers of all ages.

Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education with Honours and is also a qualified high school teacher. With training in every dance style, she thrives on the creativity and challenge of choreography. Kate has guided performance teams to success over the years and mentors Private Lesson soloists, who consistently excel in eisteddfods.

At Sylvan, Kate’s vision is to create a warm, family-oriented environment where everyone feels welcome and dance is always enjoyable. Her enthusiasm for education is evident in the encouragement she provides to every dancer, from the youngest beginners to the most experienced performers.

Sienna Wilson, 16, has been immersed in the world of dance since the age of three. As the daughter of Miss Kate, dance is truly in her blood. Over the years, Sienna has trained in a wide variety of styles, refining her technique and versatility with dedication and grace.

While Sienna thrives on the thrill of performing on stage, her passion extends beyond the spotlight. She finds immense joy in teaching and inspiring young dancers, sharing her love for the art form with the next generation. Her warmth, enthusiasm, and commitment to her craft make her a cherished mentor and role model within our dance community.

Whether she’s captivating audiences or guiding young students, Sienna’s love for dance shines through in everything she does.

Sophie Cowan brings a wealth of experience and creativity to our dance community. After completing two years of full-time training at Ev & Bow, she built on a strong foundation established at Dancinality on the Central Coast. Sophie is proficient in all styles of dance, but her true passions lie in Commercial Jazz and Contemporary.

With a flair for choreography, Sophie thrives on creating stunning routines for our performance teams. Her innovative and dynamic approach ensures our dancers shine at eisteddfods, showcasing their talents through her carefully crafted pieces.

Sophie’s dedication to dance and her students is evident in her attention to detail and the joy she brings to every project. She inspires her dancers to perform with confidence, artistry, and passion.

McKinlay Mollross began her dance journey at Sylvan Academy at the age of seven, training under the expert guidance of Miss Kate. As a core member of our performance teams, McKinlay has played a pivotal role in leading her troupes to countless awards, showcasing her talent and commitment to excellence.

A natural-born performer, McKinlay’s passion for dance is matched by her dedication to teaching. Now a qualified primary school teacher with a Bachelor of Education, she combines her love for education with her creative flair to design dynamic, engaging routines.

Specialising in Jazz, Modern, and Hip Hop, McKinlay brings energy, expertise, and enthusiasm to every class she leads, inspiring her students to reach new heights in their dance journeys.

Maree is a Registered Classical Ballet Teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and an accredited Capricorn Ballet and Arts Teacher. With nearly 50 years of teaching experience, she is passionate about nurturing each student to achieve their best in a positive, supportive environment. She understands the value of a strong ballet foundation, which underpins all dance forms. Maree prioritises equal attention for every student, rotating class lines regularly, and has a proven track record of excellent RAD exam results. 

Previously, she ran Kennedy Dance Academy, with her sisters, for 20 years. She also holds a Silver Swans teaching license, providing safe, enjoyable ballet classes for older students, whether beginners or returning dancers. Maree is a trained schoolteacher with a Master of Arts. She loves her role at Sylvan Academy, where students embrace a strong work ethic, performance opportunities, and the joy of dance in a welcoming community.

Sophie Wainwright is an integral part of our ballet faculty, currently training to attain her RAD teaching qualifications under the mentorship of Miss Maree. Having danced at Sylvan Academy since childhood, Sophie has a deep connection to our community, excelling in both ballet and tap, though her heart lies with ballet.

Sophie skilfully prepares our younger RAD students for their annual examinations, working under the expert guidance of Miss Maree and Miss Pam. In 2024, her dedication to ballet was recognised when she completed her RAD Repertoire examination with distinction.

In addition to her teaching, Sophie is pursuing a demanding Medical Science degree at university, showcasing her discipline and drive in all aspects of her life. Her passion for ballet and commitment to nurturing young dancers make her an inspiring member of our team.

Kareena Newman has been a cornerstone of Sylvan Academy since its founding, training under the expert guidance of Miss Pam. With experience in all dance styles and a long history of dancing alongside Miss Kate, Kareena has achieved remarkable success, including multiple wins at the prestigious City of Sydney Eisteddfod.

Now focusing on nurturing the next generation, Kareena works closely with our senior ballet students, inspiring them to embrace dance as an expressive and artistic discipline. Her expertise, combined with her Early Childhood Education degree, ensures her teaching is both enriching and approachable. Kareena’s passion for dance and education shines in every class she leads.

Pamela Fisher, the former owner and Principal of Sylvan Academy, brings a wealth of experience and a lifelong passion for dance education to our faculty. With more years of teaching expertise than she cares to count, Pam’s dedication to her craft is evident in every class she leads.

Holding a Bachelor of Education and a Master’s degree, Pam currently works with our intermediate-level ballet students, who flourish under her expert guidance. Her technical knowledge and ability to inspire excellence are unmatched.

In addition to her teaching role, Pam is the Principal of the Capricorn Ballet and Arts Academy (CBAA), where she creates inclusive opportunities for dancers through competitions, medal days, and group events. Pam’s contributions to Sylvan Academy and the broader dance community are invaluable, making her an irreplaceable asset to our school.