Owner, Director of Glitter

A Novato Native and graduate of Chapman University, Kate earned her bachelor’s degree in both dance and primary education.  She performed for several years with the Young Americans, a professional non-profit show choir.  Kate loves all things Broadway and finds there is nothing more gratifying than belting out a great showtune in her car!  Kate's dog Waffles is a fixture at the studio and can be seen following her around during most of the classes.  When not at Rhythms, you can find her choreographing musicals throughout the Bay Area or possibly glueing rhinestones onto whatever object she can find!  She loves her job at Rhythms and thinks it is just about magical as Disneyland.  Each student holds a special place in her heart, and she looks forward to going to work everyday!  

Owner, Director of Music, Bookkeeper

Amanda Morando is a graduate from UC Santa Barbara in Vocal Performance. After working for four years as Youth Program Director/Conductor of Singers Marin, she now loves co-directing all the Rhythms musicals and teaching Rhythms kids to take the stage!  She also teaches private voice lessons, works as choir director for the UUCM Choir.  Amanda keeps busy performing in many local musical theater productions herself in between watching as many Warriors games as she can squeeze in.  Amanda is now a new mom to Jasper, who spends enough time at Rhythms that we are all pretty sure he will be a future superstar!  

Director of Operations

Megan Ochoa-Fountain has been dancing in Novato since she was just a little girl.  She performed in musicals, show choirs, and dance performances throughout high school and she was awarded Outstanding Dancer at San Marin High School.  She now is in charge more on the administrative side at Rhythms Performing Arts.  Megan also works at Lighthouse Christian Church as the Office Manager and as one of the Sunday School Teachers.  When not at work, Megan is usually with her newlywed husband Omar and taking her dog Cali-Anne out on walks around the pond.  She loves her work at Rhythms and being surrounded by the performing arts and future potential artists.

Instructor, Competition Coach

Paige O’Mara grew up dancing all over Novato. She began at Marin Dance Theater when she was 3 years old and transferred to Rhythms in 2005 when they first opened! Paige graduated from the MSA program in the dance honors society and then received her degree in Dance and Choreography at California Institute of the Arts in 2019. Since graduating, Paige has followed a passion for production and management with a local LA dance company and lighting company. Paige is excited to be back in town with her rhythms family before she embarks on traveling the world next year. When she isn’t working at rhythms you can find her camping, cooking, or crafting! 

Junior Instructor

Camilla, a Rhythms alumni, danced at Rhythms from ages 5 to 18. She was also a junior instructor from her sophomore year of high school until she graduated in 2021. During all her years of dance, she did many styles like tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and many more. Over the years, Camilla’s love for dance and Rhythms has only grown stronger. Now a sophomore in college, Camilla is so excited to be back and teaching. In her free time, you can find her making and selling delicious Crumbl Cookies! She is so excited to teach alongside the wonderful and magical 2022-2023 staff!

Junior Instructor

Lindy has been dancing at Rhythms for five years, ever since she quit competitive gymnastics as a middle schooler. Now, she is a senior at the Marin School of Environmental Leadership, where she once won an environmental activism contest after submitting a dance she choreographed. When she isn’t dancing, she can be found hiking in the forest, skipping through the trees (she is a total tree hugger!)  Lindy competes in Odyssey of the Mind, where she combines her artistry and engineering skills to put together performances. Her Odyssey of the Mind team has made it to the World Finals 5 years in a row, which is coincidentally the same amount of time she has been dancing at Rhythms!

Junior Instructor

Leah Nemerovski has been dancing since she could walk and singing since she could talk. From day 1, she has loved being a part of the Rhythms family and is very excited to be continuing on staff!  Leah is a senior at Marin School of the Arts in Vocal music and Rock Band. In addition to playing many leads in the Rhythms musicals (Audrey in Little Shop, Donna in Mamma Mia, Gomez in Addams Family, Cassie in A Chorus Line, and Mary Poppins) she is also a member of the prestigious a capella group, 'Til Dawn. Leah is also the Vice President of her Jewish Youth leadership board. She is passionate about all things performing and loves to sing, dance, act, and play instruments! Leah aspires to pursue a career in Music Technology and Sound Production after high school. She hopes to spread her love of dance and inspire others!

Office Assistant

Dayton Shepardson has been dancing in Novato for their whole life. They joined Rhythms from Marin Dance Theater in 2014 and are so happy to be a part of staff this year! Dayton is a senior at Sonoma Academy, and performs and designs in school productions. They love everything about art and music! When Dayton isn’t at Rhythms or SA, they love sewing, writing, playing and/or listening to music, and hanging out with their cats, Ollie and Peggy.