Kevin Quillinan, Director of Education, Drama Teacher

Kevin has enjoyed teaching and directing students of all ages since graduating from Shenandoah Conservatory with a BFA in Theatre for Youth. He has directed and taught at The Growing Stage in Virginia, and for six years was the head of the theatre department at Triton Regional High School in Byfield, MA where he created curriculum and developed new classes. He also co-founded HarleQuyn Theatre to offer affordable classes and shows to local schools. Kevin was a recipient of the 2012 Freddie G Teaching Fellowship, an honor bestowed by Freddie Gershon, CEO of Music Theatre International (MTI).

Classes: Intermediate Theatre Arts Workshop and Advanced Theatre Arts Workshop

Deborah Quillinan, Music Teacher

Debbie is a vocal coach, director, choreographer, and teacher. She is a graduate of Shenandoah University with a BM Performance in Voice. Most recently, she was music director for Disney’s The Lion King, Little Mermaid Jr., and Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! She teaches music in St. Lucie County. She also taught, choreographed and directed shows for HarleQuyn Theatre and Triton Regional High School in Massachusetts.

Classes: Voice

Adam Schnell, Director of Dance Education

Adam has been teaching both dance and theater for over a decade and is a sought-after master teacher throughout the country. Since moving to Vero Beach in the fall of 2009, he has served as Director of Dance Education for Riverside Theatre. In December 2010, his The Nutcracker: In Swingtime! premiered at Riverside Theatre for Kids to sold-out audiences and critical acclaim. Adam created The Riverside Dance Festival, a program designed to pair the working dance artists of today with the aspiring dancers of tomorrow. Mr. Schnell is also the Founding Artistic Director of Ballet Vero Beach.

Franco Cubero Acosta, Dance Teacher

Franco was born in the province of Villa Clara, Cuba. He studied at the Olga Alonso González Dance School and Vicentina de la Torre Academy of Arts in Camaguey. He joined Ballet de Camaguey in 2017, Teatrul de Balet Sibiu in Romania in 2019, and the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre in the Czech Republic in 2022. Franco has performed leading roles throughout his career, including the Prince and Arabian in The Nutcracker, Gilberto in Flames of Paris, Pas de Trois in Swan Lake, Pas de Deux in Paquita, Pas de Deux in the Flower Festival in Genzano, Conrad in Le Corsaire pas de trois, ‘Tchaikovsky’ in Tchaikovsky Tribute, Vronsky in Anna Karenina, ‘Death’ in Lady of the Camellias by Mehmet Balkan, Raymonda Suite, the Gypsy King and Espada in Don Quixote. He has also been featured in works by contemporary choreographer Alberto Méndez González. Franco is thrilled to be joining Ballet Vero Beach for his first season.

Ellie Hennequin, Dance Teacher

Ellie was born in High Wycombe, Great Britain. She trained with Julie Overton, Annie Coatalen and at the Elmhurst Ballet School, which offers a creative connection with Birmingham Royal Ballet. She joined Teatrul De Balet Sibiu in Sibiu, Romania in 2019 and National Moravian-Silesian Theatre in the Czech Republic in 2022. Professionally, Ellie has performed numerous leading roles, such as Mirliton and Snow Queen in The Nutcracker, soloist in the Raymonda Suite, Lise in La Fille Mal Gardée, and Kitri’s Friend in Don Quixote. This is Ms. Hennequin’s first season with Ballet Vero Beach.

Mia Pacitto, Dance Teacher

Mia’s passion for dance started as a child in London, England, taking examinations with the I.S.T.D. and performing at grand theatres such as the London Palladium. After immigrating to the U.S. in her teens, Mia’s dance world went from a strict syllabus to a traveling, competitive scene.

Whilst majoring in dance at V.C.C., Mia’s love for travel led her to a career upon sea with Disney Cruise Line, dancing and performing lead acting and singing roles. Mia also joined Celebrity Cruise Line as an activities team member, running all onboard entertainment. Mia has performed in shows and parades for all major Florida theme parks, including Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, and Busch Gardens. Miss Mia has taught at dance and gymnastic studios state wide and her choreography has been awarded for national dance competition team performances and gymnastic floor routines. Mia has toured with shows nationally and internationally with Vee Corporation’s Sesame Street Live and FELD Entertainment’s Disney Live. Mia’s feel for the urban dance scene expanded when she danced for the NBA, with the NBDL Fayetteville Patriots, leading her to pass the Les Mills Body Jam aerobic training. 

Aside from dance, Mia has worked in the health and fitness industry. Mia managed LA Fitness health clubs, and obtained her license in facial aesthetics and acupressure. Mia feels that her vast exposure to cultures and styles, and her professional dance career, has enabled her to show students a well-rounded perspective on movement.

Camilo A. Rodriguez, Dance Teacher

Camilo began his ballet training at Ballets de San Juan and Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico. He continued his training on full scholarship in New York City at the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School. He excels in the teaching of Ballet and Modern technique and is also a well respected certified Pilates Instructor. Mr. Rodriguez also serves as ballet master for Ballet Vero Beach.