Meet Our Staff

The Williams Center is proud to offer you the very best dance, gymnastics and cheer instruction possible. Our professional staff is highly educated, very well trained and knowledgeable in their fields.

Dara Fernandes

Dance and Rhythm Factory Team Programs Coordinator

Dara's home town is Prairie Grove, where she was a cheerleader for 5 years, and an All American Cheerleader for 4 years. Dara has danced in the Aloha Bowl, the Citrus Bowl, the Outback Bowl, and the Foley's Parade. Dara holds a BS in Education from the University of Arkansas where she was a member of the Tri Delta Sorority, a member of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and volunteered for local schools. Dara instructs children of all ages and levels in dance and has led The Rhythm Factory Competitive Dance Team to numerous National titles. She has been teaching dance for the Williams Center for 17 years and has taught over 2,200 students in the Fayetteville area. Dara, along with her dance staff also choreograph routines for the Fayetteville High School pom squad.

Rachel Thomas

Rhythm Factory Dance Team & Dance Staff // Walton Fitness Dance Instructor

Rachel's hometown is Texarkana, Arkansas, where she attended Texas High School and was a cheerleader and a member of the Texas High School Highstepper Dance Team. Rachel received a Ballet Scholarship from Texas Association Teachers of Dancing and also the Merit Scholarship her senior year. Rachel is a member of the Texas Association Teachers of Dancing and has a dance teaching certification through Judith McCarty School of Dancing in Texas. Rachel is currently attending the University of Arkansas where she is a Senior Advertising and Public Relations Major with a Minor in Marketing. Rachel instructs children of all ages and levels in dance and she teaches The Rhythm Factory Competitive Dance Team. Rachel also teaches dance in Bentonville at the Walton Life Fitness Center for the Williams Center. This is Rachel's 5th year with the Williams Center.

Penny Pemberton

Rhythm Factory Dance Team and Dance Staff

Penny's hometown is Fayetteville, Arkansas where she attended Fayetteville High School. She was a member of the Fayetteville High Dance team and a member of the Williams Competitive Dance team. Penny has won numerous awards for her choreography and dancing talents. Penny is currently a Junior at the University of Arkansas. She instructs children of all ages and levels in dance. She also coaches The Rhythm Factory Dance Team. This is Penny's 4th year teaching for the Williams Center.

Kambrea Herbert

Recreational Coordinator; Tiny Tot, Gymnastics & Tumbling Instructor

Kambrea's hometown is Fayetteville, Arkansas where she attended Fayetteville High School. Kambrea was a Junior High and High School Cheerleader where she was captain of her senior squad. She was a College Freshman Cheerleader for UCO in Edmond Oklahoma. Kambrea was a competitive gymnast for the Williams Center for 7 years. Kambrea holds a Broadcast Journalism Degree from The University of Arkansas. Kambrea instructs children of all ages and levels in gymnastics and tumbling. This is Kambrea's 6th year working with the Williams Center.

Shasta Blackford

Team, Gymnastics & Tumbling Instructor

Shasta's hometown is Bentonville. She was a competitive gymnast for 4 years. Shasta will be graduating from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Printmaking and Graphic Design this fall. She is a member of the Art Department Post back Program, and Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society and has made the Dean's list for 5 semesters. Shasta is also a level 8 rated NAWGJ gymnastics judge. Shasta instructs children of all ages and levels in gymnastics and tumbling and coaches team gymnastics. This is Shasta's 6th year working with the Williams Center.