Meet the Team
Staff & Board
Behind every beat, every performance, and every student who finds their footing on our floor is a team of passionate people who believe in the power of Latin culture to unite and inspire. Meet the board members, instructors, and community builders who make Ritmos Dance Company what it is.
Anabelle
Board Member Raised in Worcester, MA, Anabelle Santiago is a proud Ritmos Dance Company alumna. She began dancing with Ritmos at the age of 7 and spent 10 years immersed in the company, celebrating her culture and heritage through dance. Beyond the art itself, she cherished the camaraderie and lifelong friendships formed within the Ritmos community and credits the experience with instilling her passion for community and shaping her into the person she is today.
Anabelle recently earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Business Administration with a minor in Economics. She now works for the Women's Initiative of the United Way of Central Massachusetts, supporting funding for girls-only programming in Greater Worcester. As a board member, she is eager to leverage her skills and personal experience to help ensure that young people have access to a space that encourages self-expression and personal growth through dance while also preserving and celebrating Latin heritage for future generations.
Celena
My name is Celena Rodriguez, and music and dance have been my lifelong passions. I am a full-time nurse in the emergency department and a proud mom of two wonderful boys. Growing up, salsa and merengue filled our large Puerto Rican family gatherings, where we would dance, laugh, eat, and celebrate our culture together.
At 13, Ritmos Dance Studio became my second home, where I deepened my connection to Latin music and dance while discovering more about myself. I became one of the founding members of Hispania Dance Company, performing across various states and countries, proudly sharing our Latino heritage.
As an adult, I continue to embrace both folkloric and modern Latin music, all while supporting the mission of Ritmos Dance Company. As a Ritmos alumna and now Chair of the Board, my mission is to help preserve Latin culture and provide Worcester’s youth with access to the rich traditions of Latin dance.
Board ChairTohib Giwa is a CPA and currently works as an Assistant Controller at CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. He completed his MBA program at the University of Rhode Island in 2012. He participated in the 2012 Global MBA and Leadership program which offered him the opportunity to study abroad in France, China, and South Korea. The program's primary topics of study included Global Operations, Supply Chain Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Business Communication.
In 2013 he was employed by KPMG as an audit associate. He worked specifically in specialized audit areas related, but not limited to Cash, Debt, Insurance, and Accounts Payable. Prior to working at KPMG, Tohib worked in the Rhode Island Department of Transportation as a Senior Accountant. During his employment, he became proficient in the preparation of financial reports and implementation of policies and procedures.
In 2009 Tohib received his Bachelors degree in Accounting from Bryant University. While working on his degree he spent over two years as a Fiscal Supervisor at the Office of Economic Recovery and Reinvestment located in the Governor’s Office. His responsibilities included; performing specialized budgetary and accounting activities. He assisted in the preparation of the Office of Economic Recovery and Reinvestment’s budget, compilation, analysis and preparation of financial reports that were certified by state agency CFO’s. He also functioned in a liaison capacity between various state agencies regarding budgetary issues.
In his spare time Tohib is dedicated to service. He was named the 2016 Big Brother of the year in Rhode Island. While mentoring youth in Providence he was a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island Development Committee since 2013. Prior to mentoring he worked as a youth football coach for an inner-city team in Providence RI for 4 years.
Board Treasurer Tohib
Board Member Jodi
Jodi Sanchez is a physical therapist at Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital with 28 years of experience in neurological rehabilitation. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac College in 1997. That same year, she married Rigo and adopted two foster care siblings, Carlos and Gabriella. A few years later, they had their son, RJ.
Ritmos Dance Company became part of Jodi’s life in 2014 when RJ started taking classes. She saw it as a great opportunity for him to connect with his Latin culture through dance. Jodi quickly became a dedicated dance mom, volunteering her time to chaperone trips, attend performances, work backstage, and support the dancers on RJ’s team. Ritmos provided a safe space for RJ to grow both emotionally and physically as a dancer and person. Even after RJ graduated, Jodi stayed involved, always ready to help when Massy asked. She was honored with the first-ever Ritmos Orgullo Award for her years of support.
In 2025, Jodi officially became a board member of Ritmos Dance Company, aiming to represent the parent community and continue her commitment to the studio.
Board Secretary Jessica
Raised in Worcester, MA, Anabelle Santiago is a proud Ritmos Dance Company alumna. She began dancing with Ritmos at the age of 7 and spent 10 years immersed in the company, celebrating her culture and heritage through dance. Beyond the art itself, she cherished the camaraderie and lifelong friendships formed within the Ritmos community and credits the experience with instilling her passion for community and shaping her into the person she is today.
Anabelle recently earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Business Administration with a minor in Economics. She now works for the Women's Initiative of the United Way of Central Massachusetts, supporting funding for girls-only programming in Greater Worcester. As a board member, she is eager to leverage her skills and personal experience to help ensure that young people have access to a space that encourages self-expression and personal growth through dance while also preserving and celebrating Latin heritage for future generations.
Dance Instructor & Company AssistantCassie
Born and raised in Worcester Cassie is another proud Ritmos alumni. She began dancing with Ritmos at the age of 15; further immersing herself in her love and passion for dance, culture, and the healing aspects of movement. Over 10 years later Cassie continues her work with Ritmos as staff and studio assistant.
Through the mentorship and guidance of director Massy, Cassie also found her passion for advocating for mental health and wellness. Cassie received her Bachelors degree in Psychology in 2020 and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She currently works in the community as a mental health service provider when she is not in the studio. Cassie is passionate about continuing Ritmos’ mission in preserving Latin American culture and building community while providing a safe and nourishing space for local youth to express themselves.
Lindiana
Lindiana Semidei is a Choreographer, Dance Instructor & Dance Company Director who has a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Dance from Dean College (2007). She brings years of expertise in dance theater and competition dance, from teaching at numerous dance schools and through owning and directing a competitive dance studio in Worcester MA.
While in college, Lindiana participated in a number of dance and theater productions, including membership in the tap and modern cohorts of the Dean College Dance Company and a starring role in the college’s adaptation of Ntozake Shange's “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf.” Lindiana also choreographed numerous pieces for annual dance department shows such as the Dean College Showcase and Cabaret. During her college career, Lindy had the opportunity to take classes with dance masters such as Maurice Hines, A.C. Ciulla, J.T. Jenkins, Brice Vick, Bob E. Thomas, Jill Siverman, Nailah Bellinger, Jean Apalon, Joan Pallidino, Derick Grant, and Alvin Ailey’s Dudly Williams and the late Denise Jefferson.
After graduating from college, Lindiana accepted a scholarship to study at the Alvin Ailey School in New York City. There she focused on perfecting the Dunham and Horton modern dance techniques under the tutelage of Joan Peters (Dunham), Elizabeth Roxas (Horton), and the late Denise Jefferson (Graham). Upon returning to Worcester, Lindiana accepted a position teaching Modern, Ballet, Jazz, and Afro-Caribbean dance at Ritmos Academy. She soon became the artistic director of Ritmos’ newly formed dance company “Hispania Dance Company”, successfully choreographing their 2008 Hanover Theater production “Añoranzas/Reminiscing” and 2009 Hanover Theatre production “Call of the Drums”. That summer, Lindiana worked with Assumption College Theater Director Brian Tivnan as the choreographer of the youth-based production “Every Picture Tells a Story.” Lindiana’s experience within the community also includes Creative Director of Worcester State University’s Latino Education Institute Isla Theatre and successfully directed 3 Musical Theater productions for Woodland Academy, Goddard School of Science and Chandler Magnet.
Lindiana’s experience also includes teaching tap and modern and jazz for four years at Mendon Dance Center, teaching hip-hop at the Worcester Youth Center, acting as an on call substitute for The Franklin School of Performing Arts, choreographing the Hanover Theatre’s summer youth production of “Oklahoma” and running and directing her own competitive dance studio “Lindiana’s School of Dance” for 5 years. Currently Lindiana is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of Raices Latin Dance based in Worcester MA, an adult Latin Dance company offering classes in New York Style Salsa and runs an adult Latin Dance performing company that performs across the New England area and the east coast.
Outside of dance, Lindiana is an Arts Administrator; she has worked for a number of years for the City of Worcester’s Cultural Development Department, and The Greater Worcester Community Foundation. Currently Lindiana is a Program Officer for Organizations and the Card to Culture program for the Mass Cultural Council, the state’s arts agency.
Board Member / Dance Instructor &
Director of Operations 
Born in New York to Dominican parents, Masielle “Massy” Paulino was raised around entrepreneurship. At age 7 her family relocated to Worcester, MA where she began to build community and a sense of belonging. Massy began her dance career at age 13 training in Ballet, Flamenco, Latin Jazz, Modern, and Folkloric Latin dance at Ritmos under the direction and mentorship of Worcester Latina Community Leader, Hilda Ramirez. She became immersed at the studio and took to every dance style and instructor like a sponge. Massy began independently instructing dance lessons at Ritmos and in the community at age 16 teaching both folkloric and modern styles of Latin dance.
After high school, Massy attended Dean College where she majored in Dance. At Dean she was a part of the modern and hip-hop company and would return home on the weekends to be part of Ritmos’ Hispania Dance Company led by Lindiana Semidei. While at Dean college she was awarded the opportunity to study at the Alvin Ailey School summer intensive in New York City. She graduated in 2011 with her Associates in Dance Education before returning to Worcester, MA. Massy’s vast teaching and performing experience resulted in taking on the role of Ritmos director in 2011 while earning her Bachelors in Psychology at Worcester State University where she graduated from in 2014.
While directing the Ritmos team Massy simultaneously worked in several roles with youth in clinical and community settings. As a passionate advocate for community and expressive therapies Massy earned her Masters in Social Work and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and registered-Dance/Movement therapist in 2021. With a focus on Culture, Community and Connection Massy’s work has earned recognition from the Worcester Business Journal, Worcester Magazine, Amplify Latinx, Marquis Who's Who, the City of Worcester, and Massachusetts. Beyond that, she is a deeply respected champion of Worcester’s Latinx community. Today, Massy continues to direct, choreograph, fundraise, and manage community programming for Ritmos Dance Company as an alumni herself while providing psychotherapy to public health patients across New England.
Board Member / Dance Instructor & Director of Community Programming Massy
Dance InstructorJackelyn
Jackelyn is a passionate and motivating dance professional whose journey has taken her from the studio to the world stage. With a degree in Dance Performance and a minor in Business, she’s not only honed her craft but also built a career that blends artistry and professionalism. Her talents have led her to perform for global icons like Justin Timberlake, French Montana, and Katy Perry moments that have shaped her both as an artist and as a mentor.
Now, Jackelyn is driven by a deeper purpose to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of dancers. She currently works as a regional director for Imagine Dance Challenge and proudly serves as a dance judge and teacher where she continues to uplift young artists and help them shine.
Dance Instructor Karina
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