Meet Our Wonderful JRSOD Staff

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 27 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 10 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 graduated valedictorian from the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at San Jacinto College. “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. It was the beginning of a lifelong love and passion for dancing. In high school, Rachel was a member of Razzmatazz, serving as President her senior year. She was also a member of the Clear Lake Flairs, serving as a Line Mom her senior year. 

Rachel continued her education at Texas Tech University, receiving a Bachelors of Art in Dance in 2013. While at Tech, she was a member of the TTU Dance Company and had the honor of having her senior choreography piece adjudicated at the American College Dance Association’s South-Central Conference and then later selected for the Gala Concert. 

Professionally, Rachel has been choreographing and teaching dance since 2013. Her resume includes: drill team director for the Brenham HS Belles and Brenham JH Brenadiers, starting a dance program in grades 7-12 in Brenham ISD, choreography for dance, show choir, & HS musical productions and teaching at Jill Rauscher School of Dance. 

Rachel began teaching at JRSOD in 2013. She feels blessed to have the opportunity to teach at this wonderful studio


Kayleigh robertson — dance school in Webster, TX
Kayleigh Robertson

Kayleigh is a former student and graduate of JRSOD. She started dancing at the studio in 2002. During her time as a student, she appeared in various events around the Clear Lake/Houston area and student taught. She performed with the Razzmatazz dance company throughout high school, graduated from Clear Lake HS in 2016, and became a second generation graduate from JRSOD. After graduating high school she started teaching at JRSOD while she was a full time student at the University of Houston pursuing a Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary Education. Kayleigh is now an elementary school teacher teaching in CCISD and has been teaching dance at JRSOD since 2016. “The studio is my second family and home. I am so blessed to be teaching at the studio I grew up in and inspiring the next generation through dance.”
Andrea wagner svetlik — dance school in Webster, TX

Bralie Sawyer


Bralie is the grand daughter of Jill and has danced at JRSOD for 19 years. While she was growing up at the studio, her love for dance grew every day. She was a 5 year member of the Razzmatazz Dance Company and selected for the JRSOD Teen Mentorship program. Bralie was a Junior Lieutenant and then became Captain of the Clear Creek Cavaliers Dance Team her senior year. Bralie was also an avid horseback rider; jumping in Eventing Equestrian competitions across the state of Texas. After graduation, Bralie joined the “Aggie” crew and attended Texas A&M in College Station as a Biomedical Science major. Bralie rode on the Aggie Equestrian IHSA team her Freshman through Junior year of college. She also joined the Aggie Dance Arts Society Organization and attended classes and performed in the semester shows. Bralie graduated from Texas A&M in December 2024! She is currently shadowing local veterinarians in hopes to attend Veterinarian school.Bralie choreographs for the Razzmatazz Dance Company and competition solos for local Drill Teams. Bralie also teaches private lessons for incoming Drill Team dancers looking to make their local High School Dance Teams! 

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 proud graduate of the University of Houston, with her degree in Kinesiology and worked with the Cougar football team as an athletic trainer! Along with teaching dance Sloan works in the Clear Lake Area community. “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.”