Teacher

Joelle Sheppard

(Miss. Joelle)

Joelle started Irish dancing at age 5 at the Regent Academy of Irish Dance and continued dancing and competing until the age of 22. Reaching Open Championship level, Joelle competed at the Western Canadian Oireachtas, Munsters Oireachtas in Ireland, the North American Championships, in both teams and solos, and the World Championships of Irish dancing.

Joelle’s teaching career began at the Regent Academyof Irish Dance where she began student teaching at the age of 12. At age 16, Joelle obtained her first job teaching Irish dance. Six years later, she attended the university of Limerick, Ireland and obtained her Master of Arts in Irish dance performance.

The next year, Joelle returned to Ireland to study for and obtain her T.C.R.G.* under the tuition of her mentor Orfhlaith Nibhriain and the added help of Michael Ryan.

After returning home from Ireland in December of 2006, M.J.P.Academy was created and had its first official class on February 6th, 2007.

Currently, when Joelle isn’t busy teaching at M.J.P., she performs and runs Dara Irish Dance Troupe and Celtic Echoes the show.

*T.C.R.G. stands for Teastas Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha. Which when translated to English means Irish Dancing Commission Teacher.

Kate Jacobson

(Miss. Kate)

Kate excels at everything she does. From top grades in school to her progress with her dancing. After two years of student teaching, Kate has a very promising career as an Irish dance teacher.

She is a natural teacher and has a way of bringing out the best in her students. After having Irish danced for only a short number of years, Kate has already achieved some impressive results at competitions and also performed in the Irish dance show Celtic Echoes in May 2011.

Leona Furrow

(Miss. Leona)

Leona started Irish Dancing at the age of 7 with Claire Regent. During that time, she attained Open championship level and competed at the North American Championships.

After some time off, she started dancing and competing as an adult dancer six years ago

Her love of Irish dance and music translate into her classes when she is teaching, making her classes fun and exciting for students.

When Leona is not tapping her toes, she is a busy Mom of 2 little ones, works in HR, and enjoys yoga, cooking, travel, and time with her family, friends, and dogs.

Heather Inman

(Miss. Heather)

Heather Inman started Irish dancing in 1994 at the age of 9 with the Mary Bryan School of Irish Dance in St. Catharines, Ontario. During this time, she competed in two Oireachtasaí in both Figures and Solo Dancing. Her favourite dance is the Treble Reel.

After a dancing related ankle injury, she took some time off, but her love of this dance didn’t keep her away for long. She has since returned to competitive dancing at MJP Academy of Irish Dance.

Heather is excited to pass on her passion and enthusiasm for Irish Dancing. She encourages all people, young and young at heart, to try Irish Dancing.

When she is not reeling and jigging, Heather works for an international Energy company, and enjoys spending time with her husband and two Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs, Nitro and Nara.