Veronica Vasquez is a bilingual teaching artist, choreographer, curriculum developer, and social-emotional wellness leader with over 20 years of experience using dance to build confidence, connection, and emotional growth in youth. A former dance studio owner, she opened her first studio at just 19 years old and has since dedicated her life to making dance more than performance — a powerful tool for life.

As the founder of JMM Dance Co., Veronica leads the creation of inclusive, trauma-informed dance and SEL programs that serve youth, educators, and families across California. Since 2018, she has brought movement-based learning into schools, community centers, and rural areas, designing experiences that combine fitness, creativity, and emotional intelligence.

Veronica holds a B.A. in Mass Communications and Dance, plus a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Cal State East Bay. She is certified in Leadership in Wellness Management (ICAA), Medical Exercise, SHRM-CP (Human Resources), Group Fitness (AFAA), Personal Training (ACE), and CPR/First Aid. She also completed advanced training in Social Emotional Intelligence through HeartCore Leadership and continues her work in neuro-coding with Joseph McClendon III and Carolyn Ozuna.

Veronica is the creator of Juan’s Mindset Method™, a unique professional development framework rooted in equity, resilience, and leadership. Her vision continues to guide JMM Dance Co. as a culturally grounded organization committed to access, healing, and joy through movement.

A native of Monterey, California, Kierston Young brings a dynamic blend of creativity, precision, and leadership to her role as Director of Contracts at JMM Dance Company. She is a published author of children’s books and is passionate about fostering clear, collaborative agreements that support the company’s mission and growth. Outside of work, Kierston enjoys weight training and cherishes quality time with her husband and 12-year-old daughter.

Amanda LaPore is a passionate and energetic dance instructor with years of experience teaching children and teens in both recreational and performance settings. She recently earned her B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Dance from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she also performed, choreographed, and served within the dance community.

Amanda has taught at the California Sports Center in San José, where she shared her love of dance through creative movement, beginner and intermediate classes, and student showcases. Her background includes styles such as jazz, contemporary,  cheer, hip-hop, lyrical, modern, and ballet. She brings a warm, encouraging presence to every class she leads.

In addition to her teaching experience, Amanda has a background in live entertainment, having worked as part of the Santa Cruz Warriors Pod Squad and as a campus ambassador for music and travel brands. She is committed to creating an inclusive, confidence-building environment where students can grow both as dancers and as individuals.

Shelly Salas was a member of the first All-Star cheerleading team, Clayton Valley All-Stars, established in 1985 in Concord, California. She later became an assistant coach for the team. Shelly contributed to the team's success when it won national champion titles at the NCA Cheer and Dance competitions from 1990 to 1995. She also pursued other activities, including individual cheer and dance projects as well as coaching roles. Shelly is trained in Jazz, Hip Hop, and Cheer/Dance/Pom styles. Her interests include spending time with family, working out, and volunteering at the local City Animal Shelter.

Astha Shreeshreemal has a BFA degree in Dance from San Jose State University. She has specialized in contemporary, modern, and ballet dance. Her dance style also includes Indian classical styles such as Kathak and Bollywood. She has participated in Dance battles and possesses a solid understanding of a few street styles such as breaking, locking, and walking.

She has always found interest in fusion styles and developed a keen interest in musicality and thought-provoking movements. She finds inspiration in the ordinary moments of daily life, considering normal human behavior fascinating, and endeavors to express this fascination through her dance movements. She also has a keen interest in choreography and has created works that talk about social rights. She has choreographed for weddings and numerous religious events.

Throughout her college years, she has also participated in numerous performance shows and has worked with guest artists such as David Dorfman Company, Elise Knusdon, Jay Carlon, Jenni Hong, and Chafin Seymour increasing her dance repertoire. She also participated in workshops with Indian contemporary artists such as Tarun &Shivani, and Itzel Lara. She also knows video creation and video editing and always finds new ways to work with different local artists and create movements together. She believes in promoting the history of dance as well as passing on her dance history.

Eli Garcia is a multi-talented young artist and homeschooled student who brings creativity, empathy, and lived experience to his role at JMM Dance Co. As a proudly autistic and neurodiverse teen, Eli serves as both a teaching assistant and a relatable peer mentor—especially within our homeschool-based programs that center inclusion and emotional growth through the arts.

With over seven years of training across multiple art forms, Eli has received numerous awards for his visual artwork, including three consecutive features in the Recology Art Contest. His illustrations have supported educational projects and books focused on emotional literacy, self-expression, and social-emotional learning (SEL).

Eli also studies dance and mindfulness, and is trained in exposure-based practices that build resilience and self-awareness—skills he actively models and shares with students. As a voice-over actor and creative storyteller, he helps bring curriculum content to life in meaningful and accessible ways.

Through his leadership and artistic voice, Eli plays an integral role in JMM Dance Co.’s inclusive classrooms—empowering youth of all abilities to explore movement, identity, and creativity.

She is a Business major and proud new member of the JMM Dance Co. team. With a passion for working with youth, she’s all about helping the next generation rise, stay motivated, and succeed in the real-world journey we call life. Ebony blends business sense with community heart, bringing a fresh, modern energy to JMM’s mission.  

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