Our Staff
Committed to delivering instruction of the highest quality.
At Pinellas Studio of Dance, we take immense pride in our esteemed staff, who are true masters of the dance community. Their extensive experience and unique vision shine through in every class, as they wholeheartedly share their love of dance with their students. Get to know some of our exceptional staff members below.
Lisa Walker
Owner
With extensive business experience as the owner of small businesses in St. Petersburg and Minot, ND, Lisa has also been actively involved in various dance programs. Her dance journey began over 22 years ago when her daughter joined Pinellas Studio of Dance, and studio owner Judith Lee Johnson quickly recognized Lisa's passion for dance, love for children, strong organizational skills, and business acumen. As a result, Lisa was enlisted to assist with various programs, including yearly recitals, special events, and the beloved Nutcracker! The Magical Christmas Ballet.
Notably, Lisa has served as the local liaison for Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (formerly Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker) for several years, and her pivotal role helped PSOD become the host studio for their return after facing delays due to Covid-19.
In 2017, Lisa and Wendy took over the ownership of Pinellas Studio of Dance, carrying forward the rich legacy of dance instruction that has thrived in the area for over 30 years.
Wendy Selleck
Owner and Instructor
At the young age of 9, Wendy Selleck embarked on her dance journey at Anne's Dance Workshop. She continued her training at Mary Robbins School of Dance before joining Seminole School of Dance Arts. Wendy's passion for teaching blossomed, and at 18, she began assisting at SSOD, eventually taking on full class responsibilities at just 19.
After two years of teaching at SSOD, Wendy pursued additional training at Judith Lee Johnson School of Dance. Impressed by her skills, Judith Lee Johnson invited Wendy to teach for the City of St. Petersburg's recreation program, then known as Dance Inc. For over 30 years, Wendy has shared her expertise in ballet, tap, and jazz, nurturing dancers of all ages and witnessing their remarkable growth.
With a devoted following, Wendy's influence has extended to teaching children of former students. Today, she proudly serves as co-owner of Pinellas Studio of Dance alongside Lisa Walker, leaving an indelible mark on the world of dance education.
Larissa Loren
Instructor & Media Coordinator
Larissa Loren's journey in classical Vaganova ballet began in 1999 at Pinellas Studio of Dance, where she took classes under the guidance of Wendy Selleck and Judith Lee Johnson. At the tender age of 7, Larissa started her pre-professional training with Florida West Ballet, under the expert instruction of Daria Fedotova and Pavel Fomin. During her time with Florida West Ballet, she graced the stage in a diverse repertoire of shows, including Don Quixote, Giselle, Les Sylphides, Coppelia, and Snow White. In 2014, she achieved her first lead role as Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty.
Her dedication to dance led her to some of Florida's most prestigious dance schools, including Patel Conservatory, Sarasota Ballet, and Sarasota Cuban Ballet. In 2012, Larissa proudly became part of the St. Petersburg High School Devilettes, serving as a member until graduating as Captain. Seeking further growth, she joined a competitive dance team in 2014 and garnered multiple regional and national titles.
After high school, Larissa pursued higher education in dance, earning her Associate of Arts in Dance Pedagogy from the esteemed Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance at Dean College in Massachusetts. During this time, she had the privilege of learning from renowned instructors, including Laura Young, the first soloist with the Boston Ballet.
Larissa’s dance journey has taken her across the globe, performing in various styles in Florida, Massachusetts, D.C., and Italy. Since her return in 2018, she has been sharing her wealth of experience as a dedicated instructor at PSOD.
Jessica Taylor
Instructor
In 1998, Jessica Taylor embarked on her dance training journey at Judith Lee Johnson's studio. There, she honed her skills in various dance styles, including ballet, tap, and jazz. Taking her passion to the next level, she began pre-professional training in 2006 with Florida West Ballet, under the guidance of Daria Fedotova and Pavel Fomin. Jessica showcased her talent in an extensive repertoire of classical ballets, dazzling audiences with performances in Don Quixote, Giselle, Les Sylphides, Coppelia, and Snow White.
In 2005, Jessica expanded her dance horizons by joining Riviera Worship Dance, where she delighted audiences with her lyrical and contemporary performances. Her dedication and love for dance continued throughout her high school years, and she proudly performed with them until her graduation from Osceola High School in 2013.
Since 2015, Jessica has been imparting her knowledge and expertise as an instructor with Pinellas Studio of Dance. Her passion for dance and teaching has enriched the lives of her students, and she continues to inspire them on their own dance journeys.
Victoria Ferrulli
Instructor
At the young age of 3, Victoria Ferrulli discovered her passion for dance in Seattle, Washington. Her journey led her to train at the prestigious Pacific Northwest Ballet School before finding her footing at Kathy's Studio of Dance. Throughout her dance career, Miss Victoria has explored various styles, embracing ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, and tumbling. Her time at Kathy's Studio also provided her with invaluable experience as an assistant dance teacher for both children and adult classes, equipping her with skills and resources that continue to enrich her own classes today.
In 2015, Victoria proudly graduated from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg. During her four years at the college, she was a dedicated member of the "Eckerd College Riptide Dance Team," serving as co-captain in her senior year. In this role, she took on responsibilities such as team budgeting, costuming, and choreography.
In 2016, Victoria began her journey as an instructor at Pinellas Studio of Dance. She takes immense pride in teaching ballet, tap, and jazz at multiple City of St. Petersburg centers. Her joy lies in supporting her students and nurturing their love for dance.
In addition to her passion for dance education, Victoria is also a science teacher for Pinellas County Schools, holding a Florida State certification as an educator. Her dedication to both disciplines reflects her commitment to shaping young minds and fostering creativity in various aspects of life.
Caroline Foley
Instructor
Caroline Foley's dance journey took root at the age of 4 when she began her training with Pinellas Studio of Dance, immersing herself in the world of ballet and tap. As she turned 10, she continued her ballet education at Charis Academy of Dance. However, when the school closed its doors in 2017, Caroline returned to her dance home at Pinellas Studio of Dance, where she has flourished under the tutelage of Wendy Selleck, exploring various styles such as ballet, tap, and jazz.
Hailing from St. Petersburg, Caroline's deep connection to her hometown fuels her passion for teaching young dancers within the city. Her heart's desire is to impart the joy and expressive artistry of dance to every student she encounters, nurturing their growth and love for this beautiful form of self-expression.
Klaudia Mara
Instructor
Klaudia began her dance journey at the age of five at Pinellas Studio of Dance, where she trained under Mrs. Wendy Selleck, learning the foundations of ballet. As she advanced in her dance education, she explored various styles, including jazz, and eventually took hip hop classes with Mrs. Larissa Loren. She has also performed many roles in "Nutcracker! The Magical Christmas Ballet” over her career.
During her junior year of high school, she was a member of the St. Petersburg High School Devilettes. She has won multiple Goldfever awards with the Leo Club, a dance and lip-syncing competition at St. Pete High, where she also served as co-Goldfever director, creating and teaching choreography.
From her early days at Pinellas Studio of Dance, she always knew she wanted to pursue a career in dance. Now, she is thrilled to teach a new generation of students, hoping to inspire them to love dance and build a career in it. She is grateful to be teaching at the studio where it all started, doing what she is passionate about.