Lead Instructor ~ Mandy Marxen: has been working with Communities in Schools of Wilkes for over 14 years. She's been the lead instructor for DanCIS since 2002. She also served on the board of CIS for many years, and has been a mentor in the Friends of Youth program, a Lunch Buddy, and offers graphic design support to the organization on occasion. In large part because of her work with DanCIS, she was the recipient of the NC Governor's Volunteer Award in 2005.

Mrs. Marxen began her dance training with Canipe School of Dance with ballet, tap, and jazz, where she accumulated well over 15 years of training. She was an active performer and the winner of the senior tap cup and the senior jazz cup. She continued her education at UNC-Chapel Hill, where she earned a degree in Advertising and Studio Art and continued her studies in jazz and modern dance. She returned to Canipe in 1993 as an instructor and creative consultant for several years until Margie Canipe's retirement.

"Miss Mandy" works for Gardner Glass Products and lives in Hamptonville with her husband, daughter, and two cats.

Teaching Assistant ~ Jennifer Wilson: "Miss Jen" is new to the CIS family this year. She is a wife, full time student, and mother of two active boys. She has danced most of her life through private lessons and is excited about volunteering and inspiring these special young ladies this year.