Faculty
Each member of our staff at Rhythms has been hand picked for their expertise, positive attitude, love of children, and enthusiasm for their craft. They are all incredibly dedicated and love their jobs! Meet these awesome people!
Kate Kenyon
Owner
Kate Kenyon brings whimsy and creativity to Rhythms Performing Arts! A proud Novato native and Chapman University alum, Kate double-majored in dance and primary education. She dazzled audiences with the Young Americans show choir and still loves belting out show tunes in her car. Her dog, Waffles, a beloved studio mascot, is often seen following her around in all her classes .
When she's not at Rhythms, Kate might be exploring one of the 25 countries she’s visited or bedazzling everyday objects with rhinestones. To Kate, Rhythms is as magical as Disneyland—her second favorite place on Earth. She cherishes every student and wakes up excited to share her passion every day.
Amanda Nelson
Owner
Amanda Nelson, a UC Santa Barbara grad in Vocal Performance, is the musical maestro behind Rhythms. With a rich history as the Youth Program Director/Conductor of Singers Marin, she now co-directs the awe-inspiring Rhythms musicals and nurtures young stage talents.
Currently taking a break from her own performances to focus on her two adorable boys, Jasper and Wyatt, Amanda still finds time to cheer for the Warriors, delight in rainbows and unicorns, and spread the joy of fearless singing. Join Amanda’s classes for an unforgettable blend of laughter, learning, and high notes!
Camilla Rossi
Instructor, Competition Coach
Camilla Rossi, Rhythms alum and cookie queen, started dancing at age 5 and hasn't stopped since. She took her passion to the next level by teaching as a junior instructor in high school and now coaches all three of Rhythms’ competition dance teams.
Currently a college junior, Camilla juggles choreographing dance routines and baking scrumptious Crumbl Cookies. Join her classes for a sweet treat of a dance experience, packed with energy and joy!
Debbie Ogden
Instructor
Debbie, jazz queen and holiday enthusiast, has been part of Rhythms since the day the studio first opened its doors. Known for her signature “Debbie Jazz” — high-energy, old-school, and full of flair — she’s taught dancers all over Marin and Sonoma while soaking up inspiration from workshops across California.
When she’s not in the studio, you might find Debbie cheering on her beloved Seattle Seahawks, cruising the high seas, or celebrating holidays with traditions as sparkly as her jazz hands. She’s also a proud volunteer with To Celebrate Life, giving her time and heart to support breast cancer awareness and care.
With a big heart and boundless enthusiasm, Debbie brings joy, tradition, and timeless jazz to every class. Her students don’t just learn dance — they learn to love it, laugh with it, and carry its magic with them long after rehearsal ends.
Kylee Ogden
Musical Assistant
Kylee has been a part of Rhythms Performing Arts for as long as she can remember—literally, she was dancing here even before she was born! Now, after graduating from high school last year, she’s continuing her Rhythms journey as the office assistant, all while spreading joy at Bath and Body Works with scents that smell absolutely wonderful.
Over her sixteen years at Rhythms, Kylee was a standout on the dance team and in musicals, shining as Cassie in A Chorus Line and the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods. A fun fact about Kylee? She’s never broken, sprained, or dislocated anything—crazy, right? Especially after 16 years of dancing! When she’s not at work, Kylee is spending time with her beloved pets: Bandit, Rowdy, Korbelle, and Milo. Her love for Rhythms and her furry friends makes her a cherished part of the studio family.
Isabella Rossi
Junior Instructor
Isa has been part of the Rhythms family since the age of 4. From her very first shuffle step to helping out in classes, she’s always been the dancer you can count on to show up, work hard, and still keep the mood light with her humor. Her playful spirit, paired with her dedication, has made her both a role model for younger dancers and a true teammate in every rehearsal.
Now a sophomore at Sonoma Academy, Isa balances her busy school schedule with her passion for dance, proving that reliability and joy go hand in hand. Onstage she shines with confidence, and offstage she’s the dependable friend who makes sure the whole team keeps moving forward — always with a smile, a laugh, and just the right touch of sparkle.
Leisa Brent
Office Manager
Leisa, Rhythms’ new office magic-maker, is thrilled to join the Rhythms family as our office manager. She loves the idea of Rhythms being an inclusive, supportive community and can’t wait to help every student and family feel right at home.
When she’s not keeping things running smoothly at the studio, Leisa is usually spoiling her rescue pup, Frank — who rocks a full wardrobe of custom bandanas lovingly crafted by Leisa herself. A Bay Area native who has also lived in Washington and Arizona, Leisa is excited to be back in her hometown roots and part of the Rhythm crew.
With her big heart, creative spark, and love of family, Leisa brings warmth, organization, and a dash of crafty fun to everything she does — making sure life at Rhythms is as joyful behind the desk as it is onstage.
Megan Ochoa-Fountain
Legacy Consultant
Megan is the embodiment of optimism, friendliness, and hard work. After 20 years as Rhythms’ beloved office manager, she’s stepping back to enjoy more time at home—but she’s still consulting behind the scenes to help everything run smoothly.
A lifelong dancer and former Outstanding Dancer at San Marin High, Megan has always brought heart and sparkle to the studio. She’s also the Office Manager and Sunday School teacher at Lighthouse Christian Church. Married to Omar and mom to Asher (plus fur baby Cali-Anne), Megan’s warmth continues to make Rhythms feel like home.