MEET OUR FACULTY

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Ms.Samantha James
Director & Owner
Ms. Samantha Pulsifer-James is a devoted wife, proud mom, and passionate dance educator originally from New Hampshire. She began dancing at a young age and has trained extensively in multiple styles, with opportunities that have taken her to New York, Africa, London, Boston, and beyond—shaping her versatile and culturally rich approach to dance.
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Ms. Samantha has had the honor of teaching at the legendary Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio, where she continued to refine her craft and deepen her love for mentoring dancers of all ages.
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In 2018, she proudly opened Sampul Dance Academy in Chatsworth, CA, with a vision to provide high-quality dance education in a nurturing and inclusive environment. As a YPAD Certified studio owner and proud member of More Than Just Great Dancing, Ms. Samantha is committed to safety, leadership, and inspiring confidence in every child who walks through her doors.
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Her mission is simple: to bring exceptional dance training to the Los Angeles Valley while creating a place where every dancer feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
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Why Sampul? Come for Dance, Stay for Community! 💛


Ms. Christa Wallin
Assistant Director & Dance Instructor
Ms. Christa has been born and raised in Southern California. She started off dancing at the age of 3 at her pre-school. When she got older she ventured into theater and color guard, but dance was where her heart belonged.
At the age of 14 she joined a dance studio for the second time in her life. She trained, as well as, competed in different styles of dance in her studio time.
After High School she joined Fullerton College's Dance program where she graduated and expanded her knowledge of dance. She is about to enter her masters program for Kinesiology.
Ms. Christa is very excited to share her passion for dance and everything she has learned with the students at Sampul Dance Academy.​​
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Coach Sam
Break Dance & Hip Hop Instructor
Sam “Flight” Roberts AKA KidFlight
Born and raised in Salt Lake City. Now Based in LA since 2018. Has been an Acrobat and Athlete since a young age. In 2007 he began training Acrobatics, Parkour, and Martial arts Tricking.
His journey into Breakin (break dancing) and hip hop culture began in 2010. Jumping into the scene he began performing and Battling in Utah and around the country. Always having a passion for teaching and working with kids. And soon began Coaching Tumbling and Breaking. Also performing with dance company’s and learning other foundational hip hop styles along the way. In 2025 He toured with LL Cool J, and also performed at world of dance LA.
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His goal is to share his passion for Hiphop, dance, and the art of Breaking. To grow as an artist and leader/member of the community.
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Ms. Bri
Dance instructor
Ms. Bri is a proud alumni of Sampul.
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She has been training in all styles of dance since the age of 6 and loves teaching her students. She enjoys sharing her passion of dance with others and watching them grow.
Ms.Bri is currently training and working towards becoming a convention instructor & professional dancer while going to Community College to continue her education. She is excited to be a part of the Sampul team.
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Ms. Saryh Deadmon
Office Manager & Dance Instructor
Ms. Saryh Deadmon is a hip-hop fusion dancer from Southern California who has grown up as a self taught artist. She's now taking the industry route and constantly working on her craft as well as helping train others to develop theirs as well.
She has graduated with a degree from CSUN in Theatre and Dance. She was the 2023-2024 President of Cal State University Northridge Hip Hop Team.
She follows anything that she can adapt to through her passions not only including dance but also video production and the music industry. When she's not teaching class you can catch her behind the desk as our fabulous office manager.
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Ms.Eliana Gonzalez
Dance Instructor
Eliana Gonzalez is a Sampul Alumni and has been dancing since she was 3 years old.
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She has trained in many different styles of dance like tap, ballet, jazz, and contemporary.​
She's currently a student at Cal State Fullerton where she's studying biology to someday become a Pediatrician.
She loves watching her students grow each and every week and is happy to continue being a part of the Sampul family!​
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Ms.Gwen Roger
Legacy Mentor
Gwen Roger is a professional dancer and engineer who has had the opportunity to work with several artists in the industry.
She loves working with the Legacy Program and being able to work with the youth and developing their skills to prepare them for the industry after High School. Her experience and knowledge brings a new and fun energy to the team and Sampul is so grateful to have her.


Ms. Lily Grigorian
Dance Instructor
Lily Grigorian has been dancing for 18 years and still counting! She's been introduced to a variety of different styles from such a young age including; ballroom, ballet, folk dances, tap, contemporary and many more. Growing up in the dance world she's been both a performer and a competitor.
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In 2018 she won the Embassy Ballroom Championships and remained a member of the NDCA. She loves being part of the Sampul Dance family! Continue to pursue the world of dance, one of the most beautiful art forms!


Ms.Hailey Piano
Dance Instructor
Hailey was born and raised in Los Angeles, and started dancing when she was three years old and fell in love with every part of it. She started competing and seriously training when she was in middle school. She later graduated from her local studio and went to CLI Dance Conservatory to get professional training under Teddy Forance with over a hundred other professionals throughout the year.
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She's been teaching various styles for the past 5 years, but jazz is her ultimate favorite. She is still continuing her own dance journey while learning and growing as a teacher and mentor as well!


Coach Jacob
Acro Instructor
Jacob grew up in San Jose, California. He found his love for dance at the age of 15, and had the natural abilities to do so. He immediately started working hard, and quickly excelled in his craft.
Jacob started to train in acrobatics and contortion and loves being an artist. Before moving to LA he was working as an acrobatic instructor/choreographer at numerous studios in the Bay Area.
He's excited to bring more positivity to the dance community, and that all starts in the studio.
