Meet the Staff
Katrina Thomas - Owner/Coach
Katrina Thomas is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and a Master’s of Social Work. She was a member of the Pitt Cheer team for a year and a three year member of the Pitt dance team, serving as captain her Junior and Senior years. Katrina has been working in the cheer and dance industries for nearly 20 years, working for Elite Cheerleading for 8 years, teaching cheerleading and dance fundamentals and providing private lessons in tumbling, cheerleading and dance, as well as competition choreography for numerous organizations from recreation to college teams. For over 15 years Katrina was involved with competition cheer and dance programs, as co-owner and coach. She is currently the Owner of Katrina Thomas Academy, which specializes in private lessons and small group tumbling classes. In addition she has judged competitions and try-outs in different states and has taught choreography for many local cheer and dance teams before becoming involved with all-star cheer and dance.
Sierra French - Coach/Business Manager
Sierra French has been dancing and cheerleading since she was able to walk! She received her early training at Joyce Ellis Dance Studio in Washington, PA. At the age of 13 she joined the competitive hip hop and cheerleading teams at Platinum Elite All Stars, participating on numerous National Championship teams, where she eventually became a coach and choreographer for the All Star program she came to love.
Sierra is a graduate of the West Virginia University where she earned a Masters in Secondary English Education. While attending West Virginia University she continued her love for dance by joining the WVU hip hop team and teaching dance on the weekends. While getting her degree at WVU, she was the Junior Varsity cheerleading coach for Canon McMillan High School. Sierra spent four years teaching middle school English in Tampa, FL, but is now back in her hometown and continuing her love for dance and cheer by teaching classes and privates at Katrina Thomas Academy where she is currently the business manager.
Taylor Prezel - Coach
Hi! My name is Taylor Prezel. I was a competitive dancer for 14 years before graduating high school. I also took many tumbling classes with Miss Katrina! In May 2021, I graduated from WVU with a bachelor’s in Elementary Education. Now, I am a Kindergarten teacher in Morgantown, WV!
Nikki Merigo - Coach
My name is Nikki Merigo. I have been tumbling with Katrina since I was about 8 years old. I did competitive cheer for Pittsburgh Storm for 5 years. I cheered on varsity at Canon McMillan High school from 10th-12th grade. I also did hip-hop for Pennsylvania pride for 1 year.
Taylen King - Coach
Taylen is 22 years old and grew up in Canonsburg, PA where she started out as a KTA student. She then became a tumbling instructor and has been working with KTA for over 8 years. Taylen recently graduated from Temple University and currently works as a Social Media Intern for the Steelers. She is also the Head Coach of the Canon Mac Dance Team at CMHS.
Victoria Folino - Coach
My names Victoria. I’m a graphic designer for American Eagle. I love going to the gym and taking my dog, Bandit, on hikes. Growing up I cheered both competitively and on the Canon Mac cheer team throughout middle school and highschool. Now I enjoy coaching at KTA where I get the opportunity to pass on my tumbling skills and knowledge.
Maddie Clarke - Junior Coach
Hi my name is Maddie and I am one of the junior instructors for Katrina at KTA. I am a junior at Trinity High School and have been doing cheer since I was 4.I am currently a varsity cheerleader and on the new competitive team for our school. I enjoy skiing, hiking, and traveling.
