Valeria : Manager

Valeria is a dynamic and bilingual (English/Spanish) professional who successfully balances her full-time college education with the responsibilities of being the Manager at Satori Dancewear.

Over the past year, she has developed expert knowledge in dance retail, quickly mastering the nuances of brands, footwear, and apparel. Valeria's primary strength is providing exceptional customer service, which allows her to effectively guide clients and ensure they find the perfect items for their needs. She is deeply dedicated to offering precise and helpful assistance to every person who walks through the door. While Valeria is currently working toward a career in teaching after graduation, Satori Dancewear is incredibly grateful to have her leadership and commitment on the team.

 

Cari: Satori Dancewear's Expert Pointe Shoe Fitter 

Cari is the dedicated Pointe Shoe Fitting Expert at Satori Dancewear, bringing a meticulously trained and collaborative approach to her role. She has completed specialized training with industry leaders, including Gaynor Minden, Capezio, and Bloch, and has further enhanced her expertise by working directly with numerous pointe teachers. This dedication ensures her fitting techniques meet the expectations of both students and instructors. Cari's primary objective is to achieve the perfect fit, focusing equally on the dancer's comfort and aesthetic alignment. Recognizing the constant evolution of styles and brands, she maintains her professional edge through continuous research, perpetual practice, and ongoing training.

Beyond her expertise in dance retail, Cari is a seasoned professional and active community member. She has been a dedicated kindergarten teacher for 20 years, demonstrating her patience and commitment to education. Furthermore, she previously served as the Lead Chaperone for the AVA Ballet Theatre for eight years, highlighting her deep, long-standing involvement with the local dance community. She is also a proud mother of three adult children, including her daughter Romi, who is currently pursuing dance and performance goals in New York. Satori Dancewear is truly fortunate to have such a skilled and dedicated professional leading our pointe shoe fitting program.  

​

Olivia: Customer Service

Meet Olivia, a dedicated part-time member of the Satori team and a passionate dancer specializing in contemporary jazz and musical theater. Olivia is currently completing her senior year of high school (a full semester early) and is actively applying to various universities. Her plans include continuing her education alongside pre-professional dance and theater instruction, driven by her dream of performing on Broadway. Committed to growing her artistry and sharing the joy of movement, Olivia brings an informed, enthusiastic perspective to assisting every customer. Her firsthand dedication to dance ensures she provides thoughtful and knowledgeable support in the shop.

​

Denelle Padgett-Martin: Owner

Denelle Padgett-Martin is the dedicated owner of Satori Dancewear, bringing a unique blend of educational leadership and performing arts expertise to the business.

As a second-career educator, Denelle is currently a Middle School ELA Teacher while simultaneously pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Education, Teaching, and Curriculum. She applies this commitment to education by fostering a structured and supportive environment for everyone at Satori.

Drawing on her background in dance and theater, she also serves as the Head Color Guard Instructor for both a local middle school and high school, teaching a specialized style of performing arts.

Though not always on site, Denelle is constantly working behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation of Satori Dancewear and to provide attentive assistance to studio owners, dance teachers, students, and parents. Her ultimate goal is to ensure every person who shops at Satori is completely satisfied with their shopping experience and leaves feeling supported by the Satori community.