Faculty

Meet Our Staff in Webster, Texas

Roshann safarzadeh cardenas — dance school in Webster, TX
Roshann Safarzadeh Cardenas

Roshann grew up dancing at Jill Rauscher School of Dance for 13 years. She was a gymnast and cheerleader throughout high school and could be seen performing with Razzmatazz at appearances around the city. Roshann began teaching at Jill Rauscher's School of Dance in 1997 and has been teaching there for the past 20 years. “This studio is where I realized my love for dance and it brings me such joy to see students realizing their love for dance!” In addition to teaching dance, Roshann is also a practicing attorney.

Kalia Barnett


Kalia graduated from JRSOD after 14 years of dance. She was a member of Razzmatazz for 4 years and an assistant dance teacher at the studio for 7 years. Kalia had the role of Wendy in “Peter Pan” and Figaro in “Pinocchio”. She also played The Toybox Ballerina in Toyland Fantasy and has danced at other events in the Houston area. Kalia is currently attending San Jacinto College to become a physical therapy assistant. “JRSOD gave me the opportunity to learn dance technique and gracefulness in a loving environment. Being on stage and performing is one of the best feelings in the world.”

Ellen mcmillan hickl — dance school in Webster, TX
Ellen McMillan Hickl

Ellen is a graduate of Jill Rauscher School of Dance from 1995. Upon graduation she moved to Dallas to study dance and communications at Southern Methodist University. While in Dallas, she signed with her first talent and modeling agency and began her career in the entertainment industry. Ellen spent 10 years as a model walking the runway and shooting advertisements for clients like Macy's, Diane Von Furstenburg, Dillard's, Levi's, Kenneth Cole and many more. She has appeared on shows like "The View" and now is a regular guest on local tv shows and fashion segments. She feels blessed for every opportunity that God presented her as she was able to travel the country and Europe throughout her 20's. Upon meeting her husband, Matt, in 2004, Ellen returned to Houston where she signed with another agency and continues her modeling and acting career. She has appeared in over 20 commercials in the past 6 years. Through all of her experiences, Ellen has enjoyed teaching dance for 8 years in Dallas for Densil Adams (Preston Center Dance). This will be Ellen’s 11th year teaching at JRSOD. She is thrilled to be sharing her love of Dance with all of her students and her daughter Sarah Grace. Her son named Hank can frequently be seen running around the studio with his best friend Vance Sawyer. Ellen is so thrilled to be back in her home town and in her home studio and she thanks God everyday for the wonderful opportunities she has in both her acting/modeling career and in the amazing opportunity to share her love for dance with her students.
Jane jennings — dance school in Webster, TX
Jane Jennings

A lifelong dancer, Miss Jane joined the faculty in 1979 and has been Miss Jill’s primary assistant through four decades. A graduate of the University of Texas with a minor in education, her passion for teaching the art of dance has flourished at Jill Rauscher School of Dance. She has choreographed and facilitated every age from three to adult. She is eager to bring out the best in each dancer; whether they be in the studio, performing, or in life. Her current emphasis is leading the Mother-Daughter group each year, and she teaches multi-levels of beginners, intermediate and advanced dancers. Miss Jane wishes to thank Miss Jill and her family for the many years of love, support and opportunity to live out her dream and to all the dancers who have enriched her life. Motto:“Dance is the expression of beauty inside.”

Rachel Manning



Rachel took her first dance class at Jill Rauscher School of Dance when she was 8 years old, and instantly fell in love. In high school, Rachel was an active member of the studio and the Razzmatazz performing company, serving as President her senior year. She participated in a variety of performances in the community, attended dance conventions, played the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz, and did an independent study mentorship with Miss Jill. In addition to dancing at JRSOD, Rachel was a member of her high school drill team, the Clear Lake Flairs and served as a Line Mom her senior year. 

Rachel continued her dance education in college, studying at Texas Tech University; graduating in 2013 with a Bachelors of Art in Dance. While at Texas Tech she was a member of the TTU Dance Company, Dancers with Soul Hip Hop Team, and Chi Tau Epsilon (Dance National Honor Society) serving as President her senior year. Rachel also had the honor of bringing her senior choreography piece to American College Dance Association’s South-Central Conference to be adjudicated and then later selected for the Gala Concert. 

Professionally, Rachel has been teaching dance and choreographing since 2013. Some of her resume includes: working as the drill team director for the Brenham HS Belles and the Brenham JH Brenadiers, starting a dance program in grades 7-12 in Brenham ISD, choreographing high school musical productions including “In The Heights”, “Once Upon a Mattress”, and “Matilda” and teaching at Jill Rauscher School of Dance. 

In 2020, after giving birth to her son Hagan, Rachel and her husband decided to move back to the Clear Lake Area to be closer to family. Rachel is thrilled to be back at JRSOD teaching again! This is where she was first introduced to dance and what was the beginning of a lifelong love and passion for dancing. She loves that she can share her love and knowledge of dance with the students at the studio!

Kayleigh robertson — dance school in Webster, TX
Kayleigh Robertson

Kayleigh is is a past student and recent graduate of JRSOD. Starting dancing in 2002, she has appeared in various events around the Clear Lake/Houston area. Performing in the Razzmatazz dance company throughout high school, Kayleigh graduated from Clear Lake in 2016, and became a second generation graduate from JRSOD. She is currently a student at the University of Houston, studying Elementary Education. Kayleigh is starting her second year teaching at Jill’s. “I love to teach at this studio because I am a second generation student and I was raised at the studio.”
Andrea wagner svetlik — dance school in Webster, TX
Andrea Wagner Svetlik

Andrea began taking dance with Miss Jill when she was four years old. She was an active member of her Razzmatazz performing company, and had the honor of playing Alice during her senior year of high school. Throughout high school, Andrea was a member of the Clear Creek Cavaliers and continued dancing all through her college career. Andrea graduated from UHCL with her degree in Education, and now teaches 4th grade for CCISD. “Teaching is in my blood! I have been teaching for Miss Jill for close to 20 years now, and feel blessed to be a part of my dancing family for so long.”
Sloan — dance school in Webster, TX
Sloan Sweeney

Sloan is a graduate from JRSOD. She danced for 16 years and was a 4 year member of Razzmatazz; holding the position of Vice President her junior year and President her senior year. Sloan played the Wicked Witch of the West in our Wizard of Oz production, as well as Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio. Sloan has performed all over the Clear Lake and Houston area. She is currently attending the University of Houston, where she is studying Kinesiology and working with the Cougar football team as an athletic trainer! “I am so lucky to be able to dance at the same studio where my mom, aunt, and cousin all grew up and graduated. JRSOD is really a part of my family.”
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