Lisa Martin

Head Coach

Lisa Martin brings a wealth of training and experience to St. Pius X. She trained with the Gainesville Ballet and danced professionally with the Ruth Mitchell Dance Theater. She spent her summers studying with the Joffrey Ballet, the Charleston Ballet Theater, and the Lexington Ballet. While dancing with the Ruth Mitchell Dance Theater, Ms. Martin expanded her performance range by working with Salvatore Aiello, Tom Pazik, Sara Yarborough, Winthrop Corey, and Andrew Kuharsky. Ms. Martin graduated from Georgia State University and began her teaching career with the Duluth School of Ballet and the Ruth Mitchell Dance Theater. She has enhanced her knowledge as a dance educator by completing the state certification program through the University of Georgia as well as certificate programs with David Howard in New York City, Antioch University in Keene, New Hampshire and the Summer Dance Institute led by Anne Green Gilbert in Seattle, WA .  Ms. Martin began teaching at St. Pius X in the fall of 1998 and has served as Fine Arts Department Chair since 1999. In 2003, she received the St. Pius X Excellence in Teaching award.

Laura O'Connell

Assistant Coach

Laura Patch O'Connell is a 1994 graduate of St. Pius X. While at St. Pius she was a 4-year member of the Dance Team. She earned a B.A. in English from North Georgia College & State University where she was also a dance team member and an instructor with American All-Star dance company. Following graduation, Laura worked as a technical writer for several years before finding her way back to St. Pius X. In 2001 she accepted the job of Publications Coordinator at St. Pius X. She also served as the head coach of the Dance Team for five years. Now currently home full-time with her two children, Annalise (4) and Ryan (1), Laura has happily returned to assist current head coach Lisa Martin with the Dance Team. Laura is married to 1989 St. Pius X graduate, Ricky O'Connell.