Previous Coaches

Cat Watson, Former Middle School Coach

Cat began her dancing career at Pearman at age 3 and continued at Le Dance in Fort Thomas though her senior year of High School. She taught dance throughout middle and high school and has always had a passion for teaching young dancers. Cat  was a member of the first Highlands Dance Team in 2006 and continued through her senior year in 2008. 

She was the Highlands Middle School Coach from January 2011 through the 2016/17 State Winning season! Among her many years of studio and team dancing, she also cheered for the Cincinnati Ben-Gals and enjoyed her many experiences there! 

Jessica Dattillo, Former Junior Varsity Coach

Dance has been a part of Jessica's life since she was little and is truly a passion for her. She was a member of Seton High School's dance team for four years. She attended the University of Cincinnati , and was a member of their nationally award winning dance for four years. She taught dance at Seton High School, and private  lessons for dancers trying out for Highlands High School Dance Teams and  the University of Cincinnati Dance Team. 

Coaching has always been an interest of Jessica's because she gets to coach dancers and share her love of dance with them. Jessica wants to help others grow and have the same passion for dance as she does.

Kelly Buerk, Former Middle School Coach

Kelly grew up, up north in Toledo, Ohio and has been dancing competitively since she was in the first grade. She danced for both a studio- Company C Dance Club and her high school - Anthony Wayne High School. She has been to West Coast Nationals in Las Vegas 7 times and even got to back up dance for Jordan Sparks her senior year. 

When going off to college Kelly did not want to stop dancing so she continued her dance career at the University of Cincinnati. Go Bearcats! After two years on the UC Dance team Kelly decided to take her dancing one step higher and dance for the Cincinnati Bengals. She is currently in her second year as a Ben-Gal. 

Kelly’s passion for dance is undeniable as she also teaching at a dance studio in Cincinnati called Prestige Dance Center. She spends all of her free time dancing, and although stressful at times she loves what she does.  Kelly is so grateful to now be apart of the baby bird legacy. 

 Olivia Smith, Former Junior Varsity Coach

Olivia grew up in Central Florida and has been training in all styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary as well as acrobatics and aerial arts for 19 years. She was a four-year dance team member in high school and is entering her fourth year on the University of Cincinnati Dance Team as a Captain this fall. Olivia is also in her fourth year as a staff member for UDA where she has traveled all over the country for both summer camps and competitions. 

Samantha Reynolds, Former Varsity Head Coach 

 Samantha began dancing at age 3, dancing at local studios in all styles, and on competitive teams. She is a proud gradudate of Highlands and alumna of the Highlands Varsity Dance Team for 4 years. Once she graduated from Highlands, she danced at NKU, where she held the position of captain for 2 years. Following graduation, she began teaching at Woodfill in Fort Thomas and coached the Highlands JV Dance Team for one year. The following two years she coached the HMS Dance Team, followed by two years with the NKU Dance Team. She danced as a Cincinnati Ben-Gal for 6 seasons, serving as a captain for 3 seasons, and was selected to represent Cincinnati at the 2020 Pro Bowl. Returning to Highlands to lead the dance program is a privilege and honor! After retiring her personal dance career at the 2022 Super Bowl, she is excited to continue giving back to the program that shaped her during her 2nd year as Highlands Dance Team Head Coach. 

Corinne Holmes, Former Varsity Assistant Coach 

Corinne grew up in Fort Thomas. When she was 3 years old she started her dance career at Manyet Dance. At age 9 she made the competition team where she competed tap ballet and jazz. Corinne also taught and choreographed ballet, tap, hip hop and jazz classes at Manyet for 4 years.   

Corinne graduated from Highlands High School in 2017. Prior to graduation she was a member of the HMS Dance team, HHS Junior Varsity Dance Team, and HHS Varsity Dance Team. 

Corinne attended Northern Kentucky University where she danced for 4 years on the NKU Dance Team. After Corinne graduated from NKU in 2021, she continued her dance career professionally as a Cincinnati Ben-Gal Cheerleader where she is a second year veteran. During Corinne’s rookie season she was fortunate enough to dance at Super Bowl LVI.

Corinne is so excited to be back in the nest for her second year as the Highlands Varsity Dance Team Assistant Coach.  

Hannah Toler, Former Junior Varsity Coach

hannah.montgomery@fortthomas.kyschools.us

Hannah grew up at a dance studio out of Georgetown Kentucky, United Talent Dance, where she was a member of their performing arts company for 7 years and a member of their all star team for 2. She is educated in all styles of dance, and also taught various classes at UTD including hip hop, acrobatics, 3-4 year old Ballet/Tap combo class, and special needs dance classes. 

Hannah was a member of the Scott County High School Dance Team for 2 years and a member of the NKU Dance Team for 4 years where she developed her pom and hip hop skills.

Hannah continued her dance career as a Cincinnati Ben-Gal Cheerleader for 4 seasons. During her time as a Ben-Gal she danced at The Senior Bowl and Super Bowl LVI. 

Hannah loves developing skills, and building relationships with dancers, and is so proud to represent the H!