Our Staff

Lindsey Merritt Coalson - Owner/Director/Instructor

Lindsey is the esteemed owner and director of Michelle's Academy of Dance…, By Lindsey. With a passion ignited from the age of two, Lindsey has dedicated herself to dance for over thirty five years, initially as a competitor for eleven years while transitioning seamlessly into a teaching role. In 2008, after receiving a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Lindsey assumed ownership of the studio from her mentor, Michelle, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Throughout her tenure, Lindsey and her students have garnered numerous accolades, including high point awards, title awards, scholarships, studio excellence awards, choreography awards, costume awards, and more at both regional and national levels. Lindsey has also served as an adjudicator for Kids Artistic Revue and Rainbow National Dance Competition for several years. Her performance repertoire includes notable appearances such as the Orange Bowl Halftime show alongside Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Beyond competition success, Lindsey's students have showcased their talents on prestigious platforms, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney World, and the Atlanta Dream halftime show. Notably, they have excelled at events such as the Atlanta Parent Magazine Block Party Talent Showdown and received coveted invitations like performing in Dave Scott's intensive routine at Pulse, New York. Many of Lindsey's proteges have continued their dance journeys on award-winning college teams at institutions such as The University of Georgia, The University of West Georgia, Kennesaw State University, Valdosta State University, and Jacksonville State University. Several of her proteges also now teach alongside her at MAD, contributing to the studio's continued success.

Outside the studio, Lindsey finds joy in teaching and choreographing for her colleagues in the dance community. When she is not immersed in dance, Lindsey cherishes quality time with her husband, Denver, and their two children, Emmie and Cane.

Trista Parker - Assistant Director/Instructor

Trista Parker, the assistant director at MAD, embarked on her dance journey at the age of 2, delving into competitive dance by age 8. By 12, she began assisting in teaching and swiftly transitioned into a teaching role herself. With over two decades of industry experience, Trista has cultivated a record of success, securing numerous high point awards, choreography accolades, title honors, studio excellence distinctions, scholarships, and more for herself and her students.

Many of Trista's proteges have continued their dance careers at prestigious colleges nationwide and have showcased their talents at distinguished venues such as Disney World, the Atlanta Dream halftime show, and Carnival Cruise Lines. In addition to her expertise in jazz and tap, Trista has developed a profound affinity for the acro aspect of dance. She derives immense satisfaction from witnessing her students achieve success in mastering new skills.

Beyond her dedication to dance, Trista treasures quality time with her husband Jake and their four children: Ansleigh, Abby, Tinleigh, and Ashton.

Dylan Rogers - Creative Director/Instructor

Dylan Rogers is the creative director of Michelle’s Academy of Dance…, By Lindsey. He started dancing at the age of three, competed in dance for thirteen years, and has been teaching recital and competition dance for nine years. He is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and musical theater. He has traveled the country working for the dance competitions Kids Artistic Revue and Rainbow National Dance Competition executing multiple positions. Dylan has taught and choreographed at multiple studios across the country and had the pleasure of teaching for the KAR convention. He and his students have had the honor of receiving numerous high point awards, title awards, and choreography awards. When asked why Dylan enjoys teaching dance he stated, “I love teaching and helping young dancers stay inspired by sharing my passion, love, and knowledge of dance with them!! I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion with even more dancers.”

Delara Angle - Instructor

Mrs. Delara began dancing at age three and was a part of the MAD competition team for 10 years. This year will be her 11th season as an instructor at the same studio that helped her find her love for dance. As a dancer, she performed a halftime show with her teammates for the Atlanta Dream and participated in several performances and competitions across the southeast. In college, she was a part of the dance team at UWG. Her favorite styles of dance are hip-hop and musical theater. Apart from teaching dance, she loves spending time with her family. She and her husband, Anthony, have a little boy, Paxson, who will be 4 in January and are expecting the arrival of their daughter in July. She loves watching football and basketball (Roll Tide, Go Hawks!) and traveling. Mrs. Delara is also a school teacher and has been working with the Haralson County School District for 8 years. When asked why she enjoys teaching dance, she said, "I love helping my students find the joy dance can bring. It is such an amazing feeling to watch them shine on stage and accomplish their goals. I can’t wait for this new season to kick off and to see how much the kids grow over the next year!"

Jordyn Williams - Instructor

Jordyn, better known as “Jo”, has been training at MAD By Lindsey for 17 years. She assisted in dance classes for 5 years, and this is her 4th year as a dance teacher. During her time at MAD she and her students have received numerous high point awards, titles, and scholarships on both the regional and national level. When Jordyn is not at the dance studio, she spends her time with her second passion, being a hairstylist. When asked about her favorite part of teaching dance Jordyn expressed, “I love teaching dance to see the friendships and the passion for dance grow. Seeing all the kids is my favorite part and how different and loving they all are!”

Madyson Williams - Instructor

Madyson, affectionately named Mady or Mads, has been training at MAD since the age of 2. During her time at MAD, she won many high point awards and titles on both the regional and national level, including Miss Ultra & Miss Senior Dance America Runner Up. Recently she received the honor of winning the KAR Senior Year Scholarship. Madyson is currently attending Jacksonville State University pursuing an Early Childhood Education degree. Madyson states, “I love teaching young children and seeing their passion for dance grow has been my favorite part about teaching! I love all types of dance but my favorite is tap! I am so excited to get this year started!”

Deandra Carlisle - Instructor

Mrs. Deandra began dancing at age six and was a part of the MAD competition team for 10 years. As a dancer, she performed a halftime show with her teammates for the Atlanta Dream and participated in several performances and competitions across the southeast. In college, she was a part of the dance teams at both JSU and UWG. Her favorite styles of dance are hip-hop and lyrical. She has taught off and on throughout her undergraduate program and while she was in pharmacy school. Now, that she is graduated and settled back at home she’s excited to be back at home with her dance family full time! Apart from teaching dance, she loves her job as a pharmacist and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Chad, have two fur babies, Baxter and Ozzy. She loves watching sports, reading, and traveling with her husband. When asked why she enjoys teaching dance, she said, "I love watching my students grow while cultivating their love for dance. It is awesome to watch them fall in love with the sport and be a part of their journey. It’s an amazing feeling to watch them dance on stage and see their hard work in action. I can’t wait for this new season to kick off and see what growth is in store!”