Saundra Decker began her dance and performance journey (a long time ago) at the age of 6. She was a competitive dancer, twirler and singer throughout her childhood accumulating over 100 national titles as well as over 1,000 awards for her performances. She graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in Theater Arts and a minor in dance. She was crowned Miss West Virginia in 1987 and competed at the 1988 Miss America Pageant where she received a non-finalist talent award and the Cavalier Talent Scholarship award. She was co-owner and instructor of Performer's Academy in San Antonio, Texas, a studio providing ballet, jazz, tap and baton twirling for all ages for over 10 years. As a choreographer, Mrs. Decker has also coached numerous State Champion colorguards for high schools in Texas and surrounding states. She homeschooled her daughter, Cassidy Decker for 9 years and has loved giving her the opportunities to grow and blossom with her God given gifts and talents. CYT has been a second home to Saundra and her family and she is more than excited to help her CYT students to learn, grow and become proficient and expressive in their dance skills.

I have always been a lover of the Arts! Growing up, I was involved in many productions and singing groups inside and outside of school plus church. In college I studied at Fresno State for a Liberal Arts degree to become a teacher and I have a minor in Children and the Arts. I have taught elementary school and currently I am at the middle school. As a family we all love to sing and act. Favorite musicals include Les Miserables, Sound of Music, Mary Poppins and Wicked! I am excited to be teaching at CYT and help students develop their gifts! "Everyone deserves the chance to fly" ~Elphaba (Wicked)