Lisa Carey earned her Masters of Education in Dance from Temple University in Philadelphia and holds dual Bachelor degrees: one in Dance with a concentration in Theatre, and the other in Communications and Mass Media from Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. She began teaching at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts (CPFA) in 2011 and was appointed Dance Department Chair in 2016.

Lisa's early dance training was at Princeton Ballet School, where she was accepted into their pre-professional program. She studied under esteemed instructors such as Kyra Nichols, Maria Youskevitch, Douglas Martin, Mary Barton, and Lisa DeRavel. Additionally, she attended summer programs at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C., American Repertory Ballet, and Studio Maestro in New York.

While at Goucher College, Lisa was selected to perform in works choreographed and staged by Nilas Martins, Charla Genn, Ann Marie DeAngelo, Robert Weiss, and Michael Vernon. She also participated in The Moving Classroom Project, a traveling dance initiative that brought performances and educational experiences to inner-city elementary schools. At Temple University, Lisa completed her thesis advocating for the inclusion of dance education as a vital component of arts curricula. Her thesis also provided a comprehensive introductory dance course curriculum. While at Temple, she danced professionally with Alchemy Dance Company, performing original works by Artistic Director Amy Harding.

At CPFA, Lisa teaches Ballet, Pointe, Modern, and Jazz dance techniques and is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique. She continues her own professional development, regularly attending dance teacher training workshops in New York, Rhee Gold’s DanceLife Teacher Conferences, and various Master Classes. As a department chair, she is passionate about fostering a supportive, creative environment that builds technique, artistry, and confidence, while preparing students for the evolving world of dance.  Many of her students have been accepted to prestigious programs including AMDA, Pace University, Oklahoma City University, The Julliard School, University of Arizona, Muhlenberg College, Point Park University, DeSales University, Dean College, University of the Arts, Goucher College, TAPS, Montclair State University and Ursinus College. 

Ms. Erika Speer is a dance teacher at the PA Leadership Charter School, where she has taught for 10 years as part of the Center for Performing and Fine Arts (CPFA) on-site program. A native of Long Island, New York, Ms. Speer brings a lifelong passion for movement, creativity, and artistic expression to her students, guiding them as they develop strong foundational technique and confidence as young performers.

Ms. Speer teaches Jazz, Modern, and Tap dance, helping students build musicality, strength, and versatility. Her instruction emphasizes rhythmic awareness, dynamic movement quality, and technical precision while encouraging dancers to explore their individuality and artistic voice. In addition to teaching, she serves as an adjudicator for several regional and national dance competitions, sharing her expertise and providing constructive feedback to dancers and instructors alike.

She earned her BFA in Dance Education from the University of the Arts and completed her Master’s degree in Teaching and Leadership from Point Park University in May 2026. At CPFA, Ms. Speer is committed to creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment where dancers of all levels can grow, take risks, and challenge themselves. Her teaching focuses not only on technical development but also on performance quality, collaboration, and creative expression.

Ms. Speer is proud to be part of the CPFA community and looks forward to continuing her work with the next generation of dancers.