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MANAGEMENT
KATIE KAISER HARRISON - OWNER
Ms. Katie began her gymnastics journey at the age of five and competed throughout her childhood before transitioning to competitive cheerleading during high school. She is a graduate of Boone County High School and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Kentucky University.
Katie began coaching gymnastics in 2004 and joined MJM Studios in 2008. Over the years, she has played an instrumental role in developing the studio's Tumbling and Tumble Bugs programs into the successful disciplines that they are today. Her dedication to athlete development and program growth led her to serve as Program Director under Mary Jo's leadership for eight years before becoming the owner of MJM Studios following Mary Jo's retirement.
As owner, Katie is committed to providing a positive, encouraging environment where students can build confidence, develop strong fundamentals, and achieve their personal goals. She is passionate about helping every child discover a love for movement while fostering discipline, perseverance, and self-confidence.
Outside of the gym, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children.
MARY JO MENNING - FOUNDER
Mary Jo began her teaching career at the age of 20 after earning her teaching certificate from Dance Masters of Chicago. Throughout her career, she has instructed students in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, acrobatics, tumbling, trampoline, and a variety of other dance disciplines.
After extensive training in Chicago, New York, Ohio, and Kentucky, and performing professionally in Ohio, Mary Jo founded MJM Studios, Inc. in 1993. She successfully owned and directed the studio for 27 years, helping shape generations of dancers through her passion for quality instruction and student development.
Mary Jo holds professional teaching certifications from the Dance Masters of America Teacher Training School in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Modern. She is also certified in Ballet and Tap through Dance Educators of America, where she is a lifelong member.
A former member of USA Gymnastics and the Leap N' Learn Program, Mary Jo has dedicated her career to developing strong technical foundations in both dance and acrobatics. Many of her former students have gone on to perform professionally in New York City, at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, on cruise ships, and with professional companies throughout the United States.
Now retired from teaching and studio ownership, Mary Jo enjoys spending time with her six grandchildren and traveling, while continuing to inspire the dance community through the lasting impact of her decades of teaching and mentorship.
TRISTAN ACKERSON - GYMNASTICS AND TUMBLING PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Mr. Tristan joined MJM Studios in 2009 at the age of eight, beginning as a recreational student before quickly advancing to the studio's competitive Trampoline and Tumbling Team. Through years of dedication and hard work, he earned a place on the United States National Gymnastics Team, representing Team USA at international assignments.
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During his elite career, Tristan competed in multiple countries around the world, earning a gold medal and a bronze medal at the Aere Cup in Italy, as well as a silver medal at the World Age Group Competition in Denmark. His competitive experience at the highest levels of the sport provides him with valuable knowledge and insight that he now shares with his students.
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Following his retirement from competition in 2019, Tristan graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in Film, Media, and Design. Today, he serves as the Program Director for all recreational Gymnastics, Tumbling, and Trampoline at MJM Studios, while also coaching the studio's competitive Gymnastics Team.
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Tristan's firsthand experience as both a student and elite athlete at MJM allows him to inspire the next generation of gymnasts and tumblers to reach their full potential. Outside of the gym, Tristan spends his time with his partner Hunter and raising their fur-baby, Willow.
STEPHANIE FRYE - OFFICE MANAGER
Stephanie Frye has been a valued member of the MJM Studios family for several years, serving as both a tumbling instructor and a member of the studio's office team. Her experience in both instructional and administrative roles allows her to support students and families both in and out of the gym.
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As one of the first faces you'll see when you walk through our doors, Stephanie is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming environment for every family. Whether she's answering questions, assisting with enrollment, or helping students feel at home, she is always happy to provide exceptional customer service with a smile.
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Outside of MJM Studios, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her husband and five children. Her caring personality, positive attitude, and commitment to helping others make her an invaluable part of the MJM team.
JESSICA AGUILERA - DANCE PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Jessica Aguilera began her journey at MJM Studios as a student in 1999 and joined the teaching staff as an assistant instructor in 2006. Her passion for dance and movement led her to earn a bachelor's degree in Athletic Training with a minor in Dance from Northern Kentucky University in 2015.
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Following graduation, Jessica relocated to Orlando, Florida, where she worked as both a professional performer and an athletic trainer for local theme parks. During this time, she also toured nationally as a dancer with Sesame Street Live, gaining valuable performance experience while continuing to develop her expertise in athlete health and wellness.
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Today, Jessica works as an athletic trainer at Cincinnati Children's Hospital while also teaching dance and tumbling classes of all levels at MJM Studios. She is passionate about helping students achieve their goals safely by incorporating her knowledge of injury prevention, body mechanics, and proper technique into every class.
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Jessica is dedicated to creating a positive and encouraging learning environment where students can build confidence, develop strong technical skills, and foster a lifelong love of dance and movement. At home, she and her husband stay busy raising their two beautiful children together.
FRANKIE MONTAZEMI - DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
Frankie began dancing recreationally at the age of six in her hometown of Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Her passion for dance led her to pursue higher education at Northern Kentucky University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance.
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During her time at NKU, Frankie gained extensive performance and leadership experience. She performed in MainStage musical productions, served as the Co-Artistic Director of the School of the Arts Emerging Choreographers' Showcase, and appeared in numerous professional theater productions throughout the region. These opportunities allowed her to refine both her performance abilities and her artistic vision.
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At MJM Studios, Frankie is immensely passionate about inspiring students to grow as confident, expressive, and technically strong dancers. She is always committed to creating a positive and supportive classroom environment where every student is encouraged to reach their full potential while developing a lifelong love of dance.
Today, Mr. Frankie lives in Chicago, IL where she continues to pursue her life long passions while expertly maintaining her role as MJM's Social Media Coordinator.
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