COURTNEY MILLS
Courtney Allyson Mills (she/her/hers) has over 25 years of dance education, freelance choreography, and consulting experience within several facets of the performing arts. A graduate of Seminole High School in Seminole, Florida, Ms. Mills holds a Master of Arts in Performance Psychology from National University and a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Texas Woman’s University. She also earned a Specialized Certification in Teaching Social-Emotional Learning from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Courtney is the Modern/Contemporary Dance teacher at the Center for Visual & Performing Arts in Arlington, Texas. Her responsibilities include the creation of the modern/contemporary dance program servicing all six high schools in the district, two full-length dance productions, as well as forming two dance companies comprised of secondary students within Arlington ISD; contemp.co and Company E. Previously, Ms. Mills was the dance, yoga, and AVID teacher at Smoky Hill High School in Aurora, CO as well as the Director of the Smoky Hill Dance Collective. She additionally served as the Director of Dance at Bowie High School in Austin, Texas where she taught the Silver Stars Drill Team, Dance 1-4, and Musical Theatre Dance.
A Carolina Crown alumni, Courtney is proud to have been on staff at Crown, Santa Clara Vanguard, Phantom Regiment, Madison Scouts, Crossmen, and Troopers. Currently, she is a visual designer for The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps. Mills marched The Company Colour Guard, a WGI Independent A (1995) and Open (1996) gold medalist, from St. Petersburg, Florida. She attributes her growth into the human she is today to her many years marching and teaching drum corps and winter guard.
Ms. Mills is an active clinician, performance consultant, and choreographer. She is currently on a team at USA Gymnastics creating curriculum and training for a New Coaches pilot program launching in the Spring of 2023. Courtney frequently provides lectures, webinars, and presentations to a variety of organizations, including; USA Gymnastics, Vivace Education, USBands, and Texas Dance Educators Association. Ms. Mills also broadcasts the live stream for all Bands of America contests, through Box5 Media. A seasoned explorer, Courtney loves the mountains, hiking, and nature, as well as anything sports-related.
CATHY THOMAS
Cathy Thomas Isaacks began her career teaching dance in the private studio setting. As a studio owner for 15 years, she taught all ages from 3 to adult. Cathy transitioned into teaching in the public school system where she started and grew dance programs in multiple districts. For the last 6 years,Cathy has served as a campus administrator and is currently the sole administrator for the Arlington ISD Center for Visual and Performing Arts. In addition to her campus role, Cathy also oversees committees in the writing and management of the district curriculum for the fine arts. Cathy has led professional development for TDEA, as well as school districts across Texas. She has a passion for growing fine arts programs, serving kids, and supporting teachers in growing their craft. Cathy Thomas Isaacks holds a B.S. from Texas Christian University and a M.Ed. from the University of Texas in Arlington and continues to be an active member of the arts community.
BRYNAE LOVE-YOUNG
Mrs. Brynae Love - Young is the youngest of three daughters. Her parents Gerald and Bertha Love placed her in the Dance Tree program at the age of 4. At the age of 8, she joined the Bonnie Siscoe School of Dance for lessons in ballet, pointe, jazz, and modern. In 2002, Ms. Love wanted a new challenge and auditioned for the Clear Brook High School Celebrities Dance/Drill Team. The drill team world was new and exciting to Ms. Love, she soon discovered her new passion for dance. After completing her first year as a Celebrity, she was selected to lead her dance team as the Senior Lieutenant. Mrs. Love continued her education at Sam Houston State University, where she was placed on the Dean's list from 2007-2009. She is also a former member of the Delta Xi Nu Multicultural Sorority, Inc., Chi Tau Epsilon Dance Honor Society, and Golden Key International Honor Society. Mrs. Love had the honor of working with a wide variety of professional dance companies and choreographers while attending SHSU! She earned her Bachelor's of Fine Arts with Honors in 2009. In 2010, Mrs. Love began her career as dance educator and drill team director. She has worked with award winning programs such as Bryan High School, Westfield High School, Klein Forest High School, and North Shore Senior High.
Mrs. Brynae Love - Young is the youngest of three daughters. Her parents Gerald and Bertha Love placed her in the Dance Tree program at the age of 4. At the age of 8, she joined the Bonnie Siscoe School of Dance for lessons in ballet, pointe, jazz, and modern. In 2002, Ms. Love wanted a new challenge and auditioned for the Clear Brook High School Celebrities Dance/Drill Team. The drill team world was new and exciting to Ms. Love, she soon discovered her new passion for dance. After completing her first year as a Celebrity, she was selected to lead her dance team as the Senior Lieutenant. Mrs. Love continued her education at Sam Houston State University, where she was placed on the Dean's list from 2007-2009. She is also a former member of the Delta Xi Nu Multicultural Sorority, Inc., Chi Tau Epsilon Dance Honor Society, and Golden Key International Honor Society. Mrs. Love had the honor of working with a wide variety of professional dance companies and choreographers while attending SHSU! She earned her Bachelor's of Fine Arts with Honors in 2009. In 2010, Mrs. Love began her career as dance educator and drill team director. She has worked with award winning programs such as Bryan High School, Westfield High School, Klein Forest High School, and North Shore Senior High.
Outside of directing, Brynae is a certified dance adjudicator and freelance choreographer. She is also a former Texas Dance Educator's Association Board Member. She also was the inaugural TDEA Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair. In December 2023, she earned her Master's Degree in Education Administration from Lamar University.