Meet the KAID Team
At the Kelly Academy of Irish Dance, our staff plays a central role in each dancer’s experience, growth, and success. Irish dance at KAID is about more than learning steps. It is about discipline, effort, resilience, and the life lessons gained through consistent training and performance.
Our instructors emphasize strong technical foundations, musicality, precision, and performance quality while also fostering confidence, teamwork, and personal responsibility. Dancers are challenged to grow, supported throughout the process, and celebrated for their dedication and progress.
Through thoughtful instruction, clear expectations, and genuine care for every dancer, our staff creates a motivated and supportive environment where dancers learn to set meaningful goals, work through challenges, and take pride in their achievements. These skills support success not only on stage and in the studio, but also in school, relationships, and life beyond dance.
Caitlin kelly Rathe, tcrg
Owner, Director & Lead Instructor
Caitlin began her Irish dance training at the age of seven with the Harling Irish Dance Academy under the direction of the late Maureen Harling Welty, TCRG, ADCRG. Over fourteen years of training and competition, Caitlin performed and competed extensively at the regional and national levels, traveling both nationally and internationally. She placed in the Top 10 at the 2010 Oireachtas, qualified for the North American Championships multiple times, and was a member of four second‑place Oireachtas céilí teams.
As her competitive career progressed, Caitlin began assisting with both solo and céilí classes, gaining valuable teaching experience while continuing to dance. In the spring of 2012, at the age of twenty‑one, she traveled to Limerick, Ireland, where she successfully earned her TCRG certification and became an accredited teacher with An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha.
Following her certification, Caitlin directed and operated Drake Fort Lauderdale for three years before founding the Kelly Academy of Irish Dance in 2015. Since then, she has built KAID into a program known for strong technical training, thoughtful dancer development, and a supportive community environment.
Caitlin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Exceptional Student Education, graduating with honors from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She spent three years working as a Special Education teacher before committing fully to KAID. Her background in education strongly influences her teaching philosophy, emphasizing structure, clarity, consistency, and individualized support.
As Owner and Director, Caitlin is deeply invested in each dancer’s development, guiding students toward success in performance, competition, and life beyond the studio.
Matt Smith, TCRG
Workshop teacher
Matt began Irish dancing at the age of five in South Norwood, London. Over a successful thirteen‑year competitive career, he earned two All Ireland titles, achieved second place at the World Championships, and won multiple Great Britain and National Championships.
At the age of eighteen, Matt joined Lord of the Dance on their European tour in Portugal. After one year with the company, he achieved his goal of performing the lead role of “The Lord.” He later continued his professional career with Riverdance, where he currently performs internationally.
In addition to his professional stage career, Matt works closely with KAID dancers through workshops and training sessions. He brings a high level of expertise, discipline, and professional insight to the studio, helping dancers refine technique, elevate performance quality, and gain perspective on opportunities within Irish dance.
Matt’s experience as both a champion competitor and professional performer allows him to mentor dancers as they work toward their own goals, whether on stage, in competition, or beyond.
Emma Rossow
Assistant Teacher
Emma Rossow began dancing in 2nd grade in a local Irish dance after-school program. After a year, she decided she wanted a more structured approach and found Caitlin and her young dance school. Over the next 10 years, Emma rose through the ranks to become an Open Champion and competed at several North American Nationals. While in high school, she passed all 12 CLRG Grade Exams and continues to work toward her goal of TCRG teacher certification.
After high school, she attended the University of Central Florida, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an Exercise Physiology track and completed her Group Exercise Instruction license.
Shannon Tynan
Business Director, Costume Manager Social Media Coordinator
Shannon began Irish dancing at the age of four with a local school, where she first met Caitlin, and later continued her training at the Harling Irish Dance Academy. She also trained extensively in ballet before fully dedicating herself to Irish dance. Throughout her competitive career, Shannon achieved numerous accomplishments, including 2nd in the Region, top 25 at Nationals, and multiple qualifications for the World Championships. She was also a member of céilí teams that placed second at the Southern Region Oireachtas.
Shannon holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Information Technology & Management from Florida Atlantic University. She currently works in higher education as a Senior Data Scientist, bringing strong analytical and organizational skills to her role at KAID.
At the Kelly Academy of Irish Dance, Shannon plays a vital role both behind the scenes and in daily operations. She supports performances, manages business systems, coordinates costumes and merchandise, and oversees social media and website development. Shannon also designs KAID spirit wear and team apparel, creates performance costumes, handles costume alterations, and works closely with dancers on competition hair and makeup preparation.
Together, Caitlin and Shannon share a deep commitment to Irish dance, community, and excellence, continuing a legacy built on strong training, teamwork, and pride in the KAID family.
Chris Kelly
Business Administrator
Chris brings a wealth of experience to the Kelly Academy of Irish Dance as both a long‑time dance parent and a dedicated educator. An active dance mom for over fifteen years and an educator for more than forty years, Chris provides steady guidance and behind‑the‑scenes support to KAID families.
Chris attended Purdue University and spent many years teaching and serving as a school administrator in the Fort Lauderdale area. Alongside her work in education, she successfully managed a long‑term home‑based business. Chris is employed part-time as a reading specialist at a local private school in addition to working as a reading and math tutor.
At KAID, Chris oversees all aspects of the Jackrabbit Portal, including registration, re‑enrollment, and billing. Her knowledge of both the administrative and parent perspectives allows her to assist families efficiently and thoughtfully. As a seasoned dance mom, Chris also supports performances and helps guide new families as they navigate competitions and studio processes.
Chris’s experience, organization, and approachable demeanor make her an invaluable resource for the KAID community
Caitlin & Shannon through the years:
The Kelly Academy of Irish Dance was built on years of dedication, shared experiences, and a deep love for Irish dance. These photos highlight Caitlin and Shannon’s journey through the years—as dancers, teammates, and leaders—capturing moments that shaped who they are today and the foundation of the KAID community.
From early competition days to performances, teamwork, and behind‑the‑scenes moments, these experiences continue to inform the values, standards, and sense of connection that define KAID.
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