About

My core mission is to empower people to express themselves, discover their strengths, improve their self-esteem, and take charge of their bodies and their lives. I am currently doing that by teaching mindful dance fitness classes online and in person.

My low-impact but high-energy classes address the whole person: body, mind emotions and spirit. Stepping into my class is stepping onto an upward spiral of holistic wellness.

After long stints in show business, academia, and nonprofits - all high-demand cultures - I know what it’s like to be constantly proving your worth. Moreover, as a survivor of childhood developmental trauma, I know what it’s like to have a deep identity wound - to be ashamed of just being yourself.

The most powerful therapy for me has been movement. Specifically, NIA mindful dance fitness. NIA taught me how to sense my body, be present in the moment, and listen to my body’s voice. Very important because unlike the mind, the body never lies.

I have received so many mental health benefits from NIA that today, as an experienced teacher, my whole teaching practice centers on delivering the mental health benefits of NIA alongside the physical.

I have made it even more my own by using curriculum development skills honed in academia (where I was an award-winning teacher) to create multi-week programs where every class supports an overall mental health goal.

Teaching mindful dance fitness is my favorite way ever of empowering people to express themselves, discover their strengths, improve their self-esteem, and take charge of their bodies and lives.

Qualifications

I am an award-winning teacher of NIA. In 2019, my classes were named “Best of” dance fitness classes in my area. I have guest taught nationally and internationally, produced teacher trainings, and contributed significantly to the NIA community.

Academic degrees:

B.F.A., Film

M.A., English

Ph.D., Rhetoric and Composition

Somatic education:

2nd Degree Black Belt in NIA Technique mindful dance fitness

Franklin Method

Grief Yoga

Trauma-Informed Movement Teaching

NIA and Trauma

Anatomy Trains in Motion

Race Literacy

Anti-Racism for Wellness Professionals