OUR MISSION
IADMS is an inclusive organization for professionals who care for those who dance by evolving best practices in dance science, education, research, and medical care to support optimal health, well-being, training, and performance.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to build a global community that provides accessible and applicable evidence-based research, resources, and programming that improves the health of dancers and the use of dance to improve health.
OUR HISTORY
IADMS was officially formed in 1990, led by Allan Ryan, MD, and Justin Howse, MD, with the goal to enhance the health, well-being, training, and performance of dancers by cultivating medical, scientific, and educational excellence while promoting an active network of communication between dance and medicine. IADMS began as a direct result of the National Dance Association’s Committee on Dance Science and Medicine, which was initiated by Dr. Ryan, and included other notable individuals, including Jan Dunn, MS, Martha Myers, MA, Janice Plastino, PhD, Ruth Solomon, Emeritus, and Robert Stephens, DO.
In 1994, IADMS was registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, organized under the United States of America. As a 501(c)(3), IADMS does not participate in any political activities. All donations to IADMS are 100% tax-deductible.
OUR TEAM
OF EXTRAORDINARY AND DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS
IADMS is supported by a diverse and international group of leaders and individuals actively connected with the healthcare, research, education, administration, and supervision of dancers.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
IADMS board members are elected by its membership to represent the constituency and provide guidance and expertise to advance the organization’s mission.
President
Kathleen Davenport has been an IADMS member since 2001. As a Physiatrist and Sports Medicine Physician, she has worked toward dancer wellness as Company Physician for Miami City Ballet and in treating studio dancers, university dance students, and professional dancers of all backgrounds.
As the 2020-2022 Co-Chair for the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health, she values collaboration across disciplines and mutual respect across professions. She served as the Co-Chair of the Colloquium on the Clinical Care of Dancers at IADMS 2015, working across disciplines to explore best practices for dancer wellness as well as lecture formats for IADMS members.
Kathleen has been on research protocols since high school and won the Resident Research Award at the University of Washington. As an active dancer and member of her local community, she has worked to found and grow community organizations.
As the 2020-2022 Co-Chair for the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health, she values collaboration across disciplines and mutual respect across professions. She served as the Co-Chair of the Colloquium on the Clinical Care of Dancers at IADMS 2015, working across disciplines to explore best practices for dancer wellness as well as lecture formats for IADMS members.
Kathleen has been on research protocols since high school and won the Resident Research Award at the University of Washington. As an active dancer and member of her local community, she has worked to found and grow community organizations.
Vice President/President Elect
Claire Hiller is a physiotherapist who worked for many years with adolescent dancers. She is now a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney, Australia and researches in the areas of dance for health, and musculoskeletal health with a focus on ankle injury. She is passionate about fostering collaborations in the dance field to further evidence-based practice for dancer health, the use of dance for health, and indigenous dance forms.
She has been a member of IADMS for many decades and has served on the Research Committee and the Board. In the past, she organized the Physical Therapy Special Interest Days at the Annual Conferences.
Past President
Nancy Kadel is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle reconstruction. Her academic interest and passion is the care of dancers. She studied dance and science at Sarah Lawrence College, USA, was a scholarship student at Jacob’s Pillow, and performed with several dance companies. She graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, fulfilled her residency training in Boston at the Harvard Orthopaedic program, and completed a Foot and Ankle fellowship at the New England Baptist Hospital. She has taught ballet and modern dance classes, and she has choreographed several works.
In San Francisco, Nancy served as Medical Director of the Healthy Dancers’ Clinic, a free injury prevention and screening clinic for dancers housed in the ODC Dance Commons. In Seattle, she volunteers at the SeaPAM Performing Arts monthly clinic. She has lectured internationally on dance injury prevention and published original research on stress fractures, surgical techniques, and dance biomechanics.
As an IADMS member since 2003, Nancy has attended most of the Annual Meetings, and she has served as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science. She worked to get continuing medical education/CEU accreditation for the Birmingham and Washington, DC meetings. She is currently Co-Chair of the Dance/USA Task Force, and she serves on the Dance/USA Executive Board of Trustees. Nancy sits on the Board of Directors for the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA), and she has recently completed her term as President of PAMA from 2014–2016.
In San Francisco, Nancy served as Medical Director of the Healthy Dancers’ Clinic, a free injury prevention and screening clinic for dancers housed in the ODC Dance Commons. In Seattle, she volunteers at the SeaPAM Performing Arts monthly clinic. She has lectured internationally on dance injury prevention and published original research on stress fractures, surgical techniques, and dance biomechanics.
As an IADMS member since 2003, Nancy has attended most of the Annual Meetings, and she has served as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science. She worked to get continuing medical education/CEU accreditation for the Birmingham and Washington, DC meetings. She is currently Co-Chair of the Dance/USA Task Force, and she serves on the Dance/USA Executive Board of Trustees. Nancy sits on the Board of Directors for the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA), and she has recently completed her term as President of PAMA from 2014–2016.
Treasurer
Matthew Grierson, MD is a board-certified physiatrist with subspecialty certification in sports medicine. He holds a BFA in modern dance from the University of Utah and has received his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine.
Dr. Grierson is Medical Director for the Seattle Clinic for Performing Artists and is a co-founder of a free clinic in Seattle that provides free medical care to uninsured or underinsured performing artists. He is an active member of the Dance/USA Taskforce on Dancer Health and served as a member of the IADMS Development Committee. He has a strong commitment to principles of public health and has helped influence healthcare policy through service on county and state medical society boards as well as through work as Speaker of the Washington State Medical Association House of Delegates and as a representative to the American Medical Association.
His clinical practice serves as a resource for dancers across the spectrum of age, ability, and function. Dr. Grierson cares for professional dancers from the Pacific Northwest Ballet, Whim W’him, and Spectrum Dance companies and works with university dancers from Cornish College of the Arts and the University of Washington. He holds a clinical faculty appointment with the University of Washington Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and is involved in teaching residents and medical students, helping to usher in the next generation of dance medicine professionals.
Dr. Grierson is Medical Director for the Seattle Clinic for Performing Artists and is a co-founder of a free clinic in Seattle that provides free medical care to uninsured or underinsured performing artists. He is an active member of the Dance/USA Taskforce on Dancer Health and served as a member of the IADMS Development Committee. He has a strong commitment to principles of public health and has helped influence healthcare policy through service on county and state medical society boards as well as through work as Speaker of the Washington State Medical Association House of Delegates and as a representative to the American Medical Association.
His clinical practice serves as a resource for dancers across the spectrum of age, ability, and function. Dr. Grierson cares for professional dancers from the Pacific Northwest Ballet, Whim W’him, and Spectrum Dance companies and works with university dancers from Cornish College of the Arts and the University of Washington. He holds a clinical faculty appointment with the University of Washington Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and is involved in teaching residents and medical students, helping to usher in the next generation of dance medicine professionals.
Director-at-Large (Professional Member)
Dr Manuela Angioi, MSc PhD FHEA FIADMS is a Senior Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Medicine at the Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Queen Mary University of London where she is the Programme Leader of the IBSc Sports and Exercise Medicine degree. She has worked with professional and non-professional dancers as well as circus artists, investigating the effects of increased physical fitness levels on performance and injury epidemiology. Manuela is the leader for Dance Medicine at QMUL where she lectures to clinicians with a special interest in the dancing/ performing arts population. Manuela provides research consultancy and support to vocational ballet schools, including the Royal Ballet School, English National Ballet School and she is involved in a series of screening studies that have been disseminated internationally, this includes the Project Breakalign, an international cohort study looking into fitness and injury in Breakers. Manuela is the External Examiner for the MSC/MFA Dance Science at Trinity Laban, and her education activities includes consultancies for other Universities as expert in teaching and educational grants (University of Essex 2023). Manuela has been leading funded teaching grants (GAMERS – MEGA – HUMANOID) and she has an expertise in the use of digital technology for teaching and rehab purposes (DitToc ESRC/UKRI funded and WeMove QM impact). She has published research findings in many relevant scientific journals, contributing to sports and dance medicine blogs and magazines, as well as presenting at numerous international dance and sports medicine and science conferences. Manuela sits in the research committee of IADMS since 2014 and in 2019 she was awarded the prestigious title of Fellow of IADMS. Manuela sits in the Board of Directors of IADMS (2023-25) and she is an active presenter at international conferences, also as an invited speaker. Her supervision includes UG, PGT and PhD students.
Director-at-Large (Professional Member)
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist/ Dry Needling (CMTPT/DN)
MandyDancePT, LLC
Atlanta Dance Medicine, LLC
Atlanta Ballet
Myopain Seminars
Mercer University Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor
Amanda (Mandy) Blackmon received her BSEd in Exercise and Sports Science and her Masters Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Georgia in 2002. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Emory University in 2005. Dr. Blackmon is a board-certified specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy with 18 years of clinical experience treating patients with musculoskeletal conditions. She specializes in treating performing artists and dancers and is the head physical therapist for Atlanta Ballet. Mandy owns a private practice in Atlanta, specializing in chronic and persistent pain complaints. She is a managing and founding partner for Atlanta Dance Medicine. With three locations in the metro Atlanta area, all inside dance studios, ADM currently has 15 PTs and multiple student PTs treating dancers throughout the city. Dr. Blackmon is adjunct faculty in the DPT program at Mercer University in Atlanta, GA. Her current research areas of interest include hypermobility, Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), trigger points and dry needling, pelvic floor dysfunction in dancers, and injury surveillance and prevention in dancers and performing artists. She speaks on these topics at local, state, national, and international meetings. Mandy is also an instructor for Myopain Seminars in the Janet Travell Dry Needling Training Program. She was certified in 2010 and has been teaching since 2013. She is involved in multiple performing arts medicine organizations, including the Performing Arts Medical Association, the Performing Arts Special Interest Group for the APTA (leadership for 8 years), Dance/USA’s Task Force on Dancer Health (Executive Committee for 4 years), and the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (newly-elected Board member, presenting at numerous conferences, moderating roundtables, and serving as an abstract reviewer).
Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist/ Dry Needling (CMTPT/DN)
MandyDancePT, LLC
Atlanta Dance Medicine, LLC
Atlanta Ballet
Myopain Seminars
Mercer University Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor
Amanda (Mandy) Blackmon received her BSEd in Exercise and Sports Science and her Masters Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Georgia in 2002. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Emory University in 2005. Dr. Blackmon is a board-certified specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy with 18 years of clinical experience treating patients with musculoskeletal conditions. She specializes in treating performing artists and dancers and is the head physical therapist for Atlanta Ballet. Mandy owns a private practice in Atlanta, specializing in chronic and persistent pain complaints. She is a managing and founding partner for Atlanta Dance Medicine. With three locations in the metro Atlanta area, all inside dance studios, ADM currently has 15 PTs and multiple student PTs treating dancers throughout the city. Dr. Blackmon is adjunct faculty in the DPT program at Mercer University in Atlanta, GA. Her current research areas of interest include hypermobility, Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), trigger points and dry needling, pelvic floor dysfunction in dancers, and injury surveillance and prevention in dancers and performing artists. She speaks on these topics at local, state, national, and international meetings. Mandy is also an instructor for Myopain Seminars in the Janet Travell Dry Needling Training Program. She was certified in 2010 and has been teaching since 2013. She is involved in multiple performing arts medicine organizations, including the Performing Arts Medical Association, the Performing Arts Special Interest Group for the APTA (leadership for 8 years), Dance/USA’s Task Force on Dancer Health (Executive Committee for 4 years), and the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (newly-elected Board member, presenting at numerous conferences, moderating roundtables, and serving as an abstract reviewer).
Director-at-Large (Professional Member)
Zahra, a Washington, DC. Native is a dance educator advocating for safe dance environment guidelines, funding for dance classes, onsite or local dance healing practitioners, and acceptance for many minority dancers. Teaching an array of dance genres to students that may not have been exposed to or otherwise can afford to take in a private dance studio is an honorable duty of service. She created a dance healing education entity by combining dance education, dance science, performing arts medicine, wellness, and dance conditioning with the hopes of opening a Dance Healing Clinic & Studio. A space to utilize the whole-person approach to stabilize, maintain, and improve our beautiful black and brown dancers. Zahra joined the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science in 2006; the goal was to immerse herself in cultivating ways to heal dancers while diversifying the dance science culture. After attending five conferences, it was clear that she was within a beautiful tribe, ready to make her voice heard, her presence felt, and a community representative. She happily joined the Safe Dance task force and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion task force to provide a minority dance educator’s point of view on two underserved issues within the IADMS community. With the assistance of IADMS, the growing foundation in holistic healing performing arts is leading toward her elaborate dream of becoming a leading African-Native American Dance Healing Doctor.
Director-at-Large (Professional Member)
Lauren Elson, MD is board-certified in sports medicine and in physical medicine and rehabilitation. She attended Tufts University School of Medicine, did her residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital Columbia/Cornell, and completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine at Stanford University. She is currently the Director of Dance Medicine at Spaulding Rehabilitation and an Instructor at Harvard University.
She is a former professional dancer and instructor of jazz, ballet, tap, hip-hop, African, swing, and salsa, and she has danced with Cambridge Dance Company since its inception in 2012. Currently, she is the chair of the Freelance Dancer Committee on the Dance/USA Task Force on Dance Health. She has lectured nationally and internationally on dance health and injury prevention to dancers and professional organizations and has recently published an introductory textbook for physicians interested in treating artists: Performing Arts Medicine.
She is a former professional dancer and instructor of jazz, ballet, tap, hip-hop, African, swing, and salsa, and she has danced with Cambridge Dance Company since its inception in 2012. Currently, she is the chair of the Freelance Dancer Committee on the Dance/USA Task Force on Dance Health. She has lectured nationally and internationally on dance health and injury prevention to dancers and professional organizations and has recently published an introductory textbook for physicians interested in treating artists: Performing Arts Medicine.
Director-at-Large (Professional Member)
Dancer, physiotherapist and researcher, Alexander brings a wealth of experience to the 2023-2025 IADMS board. Trained at the Arts Educational School, London in ballet, tap, character, contemporary as well as acting and singing, Alex had a successful career as a performer including within the cruise ship industry, regional shows in the UK and a 3 times winner of the UK modern jive championships. Twinned with a BSc and an MSc in advanced physiotherapy (sports and performance/ NMSK) and having been attending IADMS events since 1997, including chairing programming 2016-2020, his historic knowledge of the organisation and the industry currently brings essential lived experience. Within the field of performance medicine he has keen focus on kind, sustainable, ethical and equitable practice and has worked with many West End productions, UK tours & dance schools. He is the Vice Chair of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sport and Exercise Medicine and a leading voice for professional clinical standards in performing arts physiotherapy. Currently working as physiotherapist with British Gymnastics’ Olympic team, Alex’s doctoral areas of interests lie with contextual performance optimisation/enhancement, collaborative illness/injury risk reduction and communication/dissemination strategies to increase adherence and compliance.
Director-at-Large (Professional Member)
Sarah is a Research Fellow in Exercise Physiology and Program Coordinator of the MSc Dance Science at the University of Chichester, UK. Sarah’s research spans dance and occupational performance settings and investigates topics including field measurement of physiological demand, monitoring training load, and developing fitness tests. She teaches across physiology and research methods modules and supervises student research at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Sarah has published original research in various peer-reviewed journals and regularly presents at international conferences.
Sarah joined IADMS in 2010 and served four years as Student Committee Chair and nine years on the Promotion Committee (three as Chair), prior to joining the Board of Directors for the 2023-2025 term.
Sarah joined IADMS in 2010 and served four years as Student Committee Chair and nine years on the Promotion Committee (three as Chair), prior to joining the Board of Directors for the 2023-2025 term.
Student Representative
Elizabeth Yutzey is a current Doctorate of Physical Therapy Student at The Ohio State University with anticipated graduation in May 2026. Elizabeth received her BA in dance and anthropology from Franklin & Marshall College in 2016 and her MFA in Dance Science from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in 2018. Elizabeth’s past research has included investigating methods of measuring creativity in dance, sex-based separation in adolescent dance training, non-pharmacological interventions for caregivers of adults with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, and home safety for older adults. Elizabeth has been an IADMS member since 2016, served as the chair of the Student Committee from 2018-2021, student representative on the Board of Directions from 2021-2023, and is now a director-at-large.
Director-at-Large (Professional Member)
Sport and Exercise Medicine Physician
MB BCh BAO (Ireland), MRCS (Edinburgh), M.Med Family Medicine( Singapore), MSpMed (Australia), FAMS (SpMed)
Dr. Mandy Zhang holds postgraduate qualifications in Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh), Masters of Family Medicine (Singapore), Masters of Sports Medicine (Australia), ACSM Exercise Physiologist (USA) and FIFA diploma in football medicine. She is the dance lead for the Performing Arts Medicine Centre (PAMC) and Education deputy director for Exercise Is Medicine Singapore. Her clinical interest include sport injury prevention, musculoskeletal sonography and performing arts medicine.
MB BCh BAO (Ireland), MRCS (Edinburgh), M.Med Family Medicine( Singapore), MSpMed (Australia), FAMS (SpMed)
Dr. Mandy Zhang holds postgraduate qualifications in Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh), Masters of Family Medicine (Singapore), Masters of Sports Medicine (Australia), ACSM Exercise Physiologist (USA) and FIFA diploma in football medicine. She is the dance lead for the Performing Arts Medicine Centre (PAMC) and Education deputy director for Exercise Is Medicine Singapore. Her clinical interest include sport injury prevention, musculoskeletal sonography and performing arts medicine.
Advisory Board Member
Cecil C. Conner, Jr. is a native of Greensboro, NC. He studied at the University of Vienna in Austria, received his BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his LLB from Columbia University School of Law. Mr. Conner is a retired US Navy Lieutenant.
Mr. Conner retired in 2012 after 17 years as Managing Director of Houston Ballet. He currently serves on the boards of American Festival for the Arts, Dance Source Houston, Houston Arts Alliance, the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, Theater District Houston, and the advisory boards of the Menil Society and the Performing and Fine Arts Society of the University of St. Thomas. He previously served on the boards of the American Guild of Musical Artists Retirement and Health Fund, Career Transition for Dancers, Dance/USA (Chair), Houston First Corporation, the National Association of Regional Ballet, the Texas Institute for Arts in Education, and Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts in New York.
Mr. Conner served as Executive Director of The Joffrey Ballet from May 1992 until April 1995, as the Executive Director of the Pauline Koner Dance Consort from 1976-1981, and as an agent with Tornay Management in New York. He has served on grant panels for Federal, State, and local arts agencies. He also has lectured on dance at Rice University and the University of Houston.
Mr. Conner’s background in the arts is complemented by his extensive law background. From 1980 – 1995, Mr. Conner served as managing partner of and later of counsel to Mandelbaum, Schweiger & Conner in New York City. Previously, Mr. Conner was with Goldman Sachs & Co., and Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett, both in New York.
Mr. Conner retired in 2012 after 17 years as Managing Director of Houston Ballet. He currently serves on the boards of American Festival for the Arts, Dance Source Houston, Houston Arts Alliance, the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, Theater District Houston, and the advisory boards of the Menil Society and the Performing and Fine Arts Society of the University of St. Thomas. He previously served on the boards of the American Guild of Musical Artists Retirement and Health Fund, Career Transition for Dancers, Dance/USA (Chair), Houston First Corporation, the National Association of Regional Ballet, the Texas Institute for Arts in Education, and Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts in New York.
Mr. Conner served as Executive Director of The Joffrey Ballet from May 1992 until April 1995, as the Executive Director of the Pauline Koner Dance Consort from 1976-1981, and as an agent with Tornay Management in New York. He has served on grant panels for Federal, State, and local arts agencies. He also has lectured on dance at Rice University and the University of Houston.
Mr. Conner’s background in the arts is complemented by his extensive law background. From 1980 – 1995, Mr. Conner served as managing partner of and later of counsel to Mandelbaum, Schweiger & Conner in New York City. Previously, Mr. Conner was with Goldman Sachs & Co., and Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett, both in New York.
Advisory Board Member
Thérèse Oetgen Clemens is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) with over 20 years of progressive roles in nonprofit management. She has served multiple international and USA nonprofit organizations as executive director and has a special interest in board and organizational development.
In 2021, Clemens served as a consultant on the IADMS Ethics Committee Structure and Function Workgroup that created guidelines presented to the board as recommended best practices.
Clemens earned her Bachelor’s degree in Theatre and post-graduate study in Theatre Management from the University of Georgia. She has the honors of receiving the President’s Award from the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) and being the namesake and inaugural recipient of the Therese O. Clemens Advocacy Award that is presented to the lay individual or organization outside of the field of psychiatry or psychotherapy who, through their continuing efforts and dedication, has advanced the Mission and Vision of the ISSTD.
In 2021, Clemens served as a consultant on the IADMS Ethics Committee Structure and Function Workgroup that created guidelines presented to the board as recommended best practices.
Clemens earned her Bachelor’s degree in Theatre and post-graduate study in Theatre Management from the University of Georgia. She has the honors of receiving the President’s Award from the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) and being the namesake and inaugural recipient of the Therese O. Clemens Advocacy Award that is presented to the lay individual or organization outside of the field of psychiatry or psychotherapy who, through their continuing efforts and dedication, has advanced the Mission and Vision of the ISSTD.
Advisory Board Member
Kathryn Rovegno is a HR professional with over a decade of experience in leading global Human Relations teams. She is currently a leader with Viatris based out of Pittsburgh, PA. She specializes in organizational design, transformation & strategy and has led global teams in Talent Management, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, and People Insights. Her most recent initiatives focus on evolving HR functional models to deliver business solutions through data-driven insights. She currently holds HRCI SPHR & SHRM-SCP credentials and is working towards her GPHR.
Kathryn’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University and a master’s degree from Kent State University focusing on Exercise Science and Sport Management respectively. Her research focused on therapeutic modalities for female swimmers, while she was certified through the ACSM. She worked professionally in the outdoor adventure industry for many years before transitioning to a career in Human Relations.
Her vision as an advisory member with IADMS is to leverage both her educational and professional background to provide insightful guidance and knowledge. She hopes to serve the organization in a capacity that furthers its vision and best serves its members.
Kathryn’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University and a master’s degree from Kent State University focusing on Exercise Science and Sport Management respectively. Her research focused on therapeutic modalities for female swimmers, while she was certified through the ACSM. She worked professionally in the outdoor adventure industry for many years before transitioning to a career in Human Relations.
Her vision as an advisory member with IADMS is to leverage both her educational and professional background to provide insightful guidance and knowledge. She hopes to serve the organization in a capacity that furthers its vision and best serves its members.
Advisory Board Member
Krina Turner has dedicated her career to performing arts organizations raising vital funds to further their life-enhancing missions and programs.
She grew up in studios and on stages and graduated from the University of Wyoming with a BFA in Dance Performance in 2012. Since graduating with her MFA in Arts Leadership from Seattle University in 2014 she has worked full-time in fundraising and leadership positions in the Pacific Northwest.
Currently she resides in Portland, OR and is serving as Oregon Ballet Theatre’s Major Gifts Manager contributing to a $2.2M contributed revenue goal. Upon relocating to Portland from Seattle in 2019-2021 she worked as Director of Patron and Donor Relations for Profile Theatre where she worked to raise $800,000 annually and led the organization's digital engagement efforts through the pandemic.
Before relocating to Portland, she served as Executive Director for Seattle’s award-winning contemporary dance company, Whim W’Him. Before that, she worked as Capital Campaign Manager for Seattle Opera’s $28.5M capital campaign to build the Seattle Opera Center. Krina worked on the fundraising team for ArtsFund where she managed grants, corporate relationships, workplace giving and oversaw a cohort of 120 fundraising volunteers who raised funds for 50+ Puget Sound arts organizations.
For more than a decade she has volunteered and worked in development, communications and production departments for many esteemed dance organizations including Repertory Dance Theatre, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, Velocity Dance Center, Khambatta Dance Company and Spectrum Dance Theater.
She grew up in studios and on stages and graduated from the University of Wyoming with a BFA in Dance Performance in 2012. Since graduating with her MFA in Arts Leadership from Seattle University in 2014 she has worked full-time in fundraising and leadership positions in the Pacific Northwest.
Currently she resides in Portland, OR and is serving as Oregon Ballet Theatre’s Major Gifts Manager contributing to a $2.2M contributed revenue goal. Upon relocating to Portland from Seattle in 2019-2021 she worked as Director of Patron and Donor Relations for Profile Theatre where she worked to raise $800,000 annually and led the organization's digital engagement efforts through the pandemic.
Before relocating to Portland, she served as Executive Director for Seattle’s award-winning contemporary dance company, Whim W’Him. Before that, she worked as Capital Campaign Manager for Seattle Opera’s $28.5M capital campaign to build the Seattle Opera Center. Krina worked on the fundraising team for ArtsFund where she managed grants, corporate relationships, workplace giving and oversaw a cohort of 120 fundraising volunteers who raised funds for 50+ Puget Sound arts organizations.
For more than a decade she has volunteered and worked in development, communications and production departments for many esteemed dance organizations including Repertory Dance Theatre, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, Velocity Dance Center, Khambatta Dance Company and Spectrum Dance Theater.
Ex-Officio Board Member
Jatin P. Ambegaonkar, Ph.D. AT OT CSCS FIADMS is a Professor in the School of Kinesiology, College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University. He is the founding Co-Director of the Sports Medicine Assessment Research and Testing (SMART) Laboratory at George Mason University.
Dr. Ambegaonkar is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Athletic Training, and is a reviewer for over 25 different professional journals.
He has published over 80 articles and given over 130 regional, national, and international conferences presentations. He is a co-editor for the pioneering textbook in the Dance Medicine and Science field titled: Research Methods in the Dance Sciences:
Dr. Ambegaonkar has secured over $ 5.5 million in funds over 30 different grants from multiple sponsors including federal, state, professional organizations, and local foundations (e.g., National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Americans for the Arts (AFTA), and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to support his work. Professionally, Dr. Ambegaonkar is a Certified Athletic Trainer, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Occupational Therapist.
Dr. Ambegaonkar is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Athletic Training, and is a reviewer for over 25 different professional journals.
He has published over 80 articles and given over 130 regional, national, and international conferences presentations. He is a co-editor for the pioneering textbook in the Dance Medicine and Science field titled: Research Methods in the Dance Sciences:
Dr. Ambegaonkar has secured over $ 5.5 million in funds over 30 different grants from multiple sponsors including federal, state, professional organizations, and local foundations (e.g., National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Americans for the Arts (AFTA), and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to support his work. Professionally, Dr. Ambegaonkar is a Certified Athletic Trainer, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Occupational Therapist.
BOARD COMMITTEES
Members of the Board Committees are drawn from voting and non-voting members of the Board of Directors. The standing Board Committees include the Executive Committee, Compensation Committee, Finance Committee, Governance Committee, and Nominations Committee
The Executive Committee will consist of at least the President, Vice President/President-Elect, Past President, and Treasurer of the current Board of Directors. A key role of the Executive Committee is to keep under review the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Association and to make recommendations for their amendment to the Board of Directors as they feel such to be necessary.
The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing the compensation of all staff and making recommendations for their amendment to the Board of Directors as they feel such to be necessary.
The Finance Committee will support the Treasurer in reviewing financial reports and documents and with any other financial decision-making. The treasurer reports directly to the board.
treasurer@iadms.org
The Governance Committee is an ad hoc committee whose purpose is to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities through adequate governance policy development, evaluation for necessary Bylaws changes, overseeing the Board’s performance, and/or ensuring compliance with legal entities and guidelines.
governance@iadms.org
IADMS COMMITTEES
Our Committees work on the short and long-term goals driven by the strategic plan and vision of the organization. Each committee has a specific purpose and works closely with the IADMS staff and leadership to accomplish their goals.
The Meetings & Events Committee supports the Annual Conference programming, Regional Meetings, Continuing Professional Development Courses, and other Outreach events throughout the year.
meetings.events@iadms.org
The Professional Development & Recognition Committee supports the Awards, Fellowship, Mentorship, and other professional opportunities as recognized within IADMS.
The Research & Publications Committee supports the dissemination of research through the IADMS Resource Papers, Bulletin, Blog, Social Media, Newsletter, Audio Files, Posters, and Infographics. The committee supports the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science Editorial Board and works to advance research studies in the field.
research.publications@iadms.org
IADMS STAFF
Our staff is dedicated to the execution and support of IADMS's mission and strategic objectives as outlined by the Board and respective Committees.
Executive Director
leigh.ponniah@iadms.org
Leigh Ponniah, MA, MSc, joined IADMS in 2016. In her role as the Executive Director, she oversees the administration and strategy of the Association. She works with the staff, Board of Directors, and Operational Committees to reinforce current and develop new programs and services that serve and represent IADMS's mission and vision. Prior to joining IADMS, Leigh spent 10 years at the NYU Langone's Harkness Center for Dance Injuries as a Program Coordinator for Education and Marketing. There she developed a number of educational programs for the dance and medical community, provided lectures and workshops on the topic of kinesiology and injury prevention in dance, and helped to increase the visibility of the Center. Leigh received her MSc in Dance Science from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, UK in 2006, and in 2012 she graduated with an MA in Performance Studies from New York University's Tisch School of the Performing Arts. Leigh has a number of national certifications in fitness training through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, KettleBell Concepts, and Athletics and Fitness Associates of America. She has also served on the Board of the New York State Dance Educators Association and presented her research at a number of international conferences, including the American College of Sports Medicine, National Dance Education Association, and IADMS.
Leigh Ponniah, MA, MSc, joined IADMS in 2016. In her role as the Executive Director, she oversees the administration and strategy of the Association. She works with the staff, Board of Directors, and Operational Committees to reinforce current and develop new programs and services that serve and represent IADMS's mission and vision. Prior to joining IADMS, Leigh spent 10 years at the NYU Langone's Harkness Center for Dance Injuries as a Program Coordinator for Education and Marketing. There she developed a number of educational programs for the dance and medical community, provided lectures and workshops on the topic of kinesiology and injury prevention in dance, and helped to increase the visibility of the Center. Leigh received her MSc in Dance Science from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, UK in 2006, and in 2012 she graduated with an MA in Performance Studies from New York University's Tisch School of the Performing Arts. Leigh has a number of national certifications in fitness training through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, KettleBell Concepts, and Athletics and Fitness Associates of America. She has also served on the Board of the New York State Dance Educators Association and presented her research at a number of international conferences, including the American College of Sports Medicine, National Dance Education Association, and IADMS.
Program Manager
sutton.anker@iadms.org
Sutton Anker has a strong passion for teaching: dance technique, dance science/wellness, Pilates, and creative movement classes for all ages and abilities. Her interest in dance medicine and science began at the University of Wyoming where she earned her BFA in 2013 in Dance concentration of Science. In 2015, Sutton graduated with her Masters of Science in Dance Science from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, UK. Sutton has presented two of her mirror research studies including her Master’s thesis, An Investigation of Pedagogical Rationales for Current Mirror Use in a Ballet Technique Class at the 2016 IADMS conference in Hong Kong. Sutton’s personal and academic interest in pedagogy and advocacy for safe dance practice is what drew her to be a Safe in Dance International (SiDI) Registered Provider. Alongside teaching dance technique at a local studio, Sutton is a BASI Pilates instructor educating and working with individuals, and dancers, on their personal wellness. In 2019, Sutton joined the IADMS team, supporting the annual conference, regional meetings, and all other events and meetings produced by the association.
Sutton Anker has a strong passion for teaching: dance technique, dance science/wellness, Pilates, and creative movement classes for all ages and abilities. Her interest in dance medicine and science began at the University of Wyoming where she earned her BFA in 2013 in Dance concentration of Science. In 2015, Sutton graduated with her Masters of Science in Dance Science from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, UK. Sutton has presented two of her mirror research studies including her Master’s thesis, An Investigation of Pedagogical Rationales for Current Mirror Use in a Ballet Technique Class at the 2016 IADMS conference in Hong Kong. Sutton’s personal and academic interest in pedagogy and advocacy for safe dance practice is what drew her to be a Safe in Dance International (SiDI) Registered Provider. Alongside teaching dance technique at a local studio, Sutton is a BASI Pilates instructor educating and working with individuals, and dancers, on their personal wellness. In 2019, Sutton joined the IADMS team, supporting the annual conference, regional meetings, and all other events and meetings produced by the association.
Communications Specialist
colette.dong@iadms.org
Prior to joining IADMS, Colette pioneered the Dance Science Program at Elon University where she received her BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography and BS in Dance Science. While still in school she completed an internship at NYU Langone's Harkness Center for Dance Injuries which began her career combining movement, athletic training, and fitness + wellness. After performing professionally with Touch Performance Art for four years, she harnessed her entrepreneurial spirit in 2019 when she founded the ness, a dance-based, movement-focused fitness method that offers workouts both on and off the trampoline. With an NYC studio and an international digital platform, the ness continues to grow with Colette as CEO. As a thought leader in the wellness industry, her expertise has been featured on the Today Show and E! Daily Pop as well as in Goop, Vogue, Well + Good, Business Insider, and the New York Times.
Prior to joining IADMS, Colette pioneered the Dance Science Program at Elon University where she received her BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography and BS in Dance Science. While still in school she completed an internship at NYU Langone's Harkness Center for Dance Injuries which began her career combining movement, athletic training, and fitness + wellness. After performing professionally with Touch Performance Art for four years, she harnessed her entrepreneurial spirit in 2019 when she founded the ness, a dance-based, movement-focused fitness method that offers workouts both on and off the trampoline. With an NYC studio and an international digital platform, the ness continues to grow with Colette as CEO. As a thought leader in the wellness industry, her expertise has been featured on the Today Show and E! Daily Pop as well as in Goop, Vogue, Well + Good, Business Insider, and the New York Times.
Information Technology
support@iadms.org
David Allen joined IADMS in 2014 to select and implement a new conference abstract management system. After a successful implementation, David was invited to assume Webmaster of the association. There, he was responsible for managing the website, the new abstract system, and the IADMS email system, along with other technologies. During his time with IADMS, David has helped incorporate new processes, notably an overhaul of the conference registration system. David works closely with the Director of Operations, the Program & Marketing Specialist, and the Program Chair to create a website experience that is seamless for all IADMS website users.
Since studying computer science at The Johns Hopkins University, David has worked successfully with several non-profit organizations to build and maintain award-winning websites and user interface experiences. His skill sets as a programmer and web developer have given him the opportunity to broaden his role as webmaster with other IADMS projects. As a classically trained pianist, David has been able to combine his professional and personal skills and is proud to support the IADMS mission.
David Allen joined IADMS in 2014 to select and implement a new conference abstract management system. After a successful implementation, David was invited to assume Webmaster of the association. There, he was responsible for managing the website, the new abstract system, and the IADMS email system, along with other technologies. During his time with IADMS, David has helped incorporate new processes, notably an overhaul of the conference registration system. David works closely with the Director of Operations, the Program & Marketing Specialist, and the Program Chair to create a website experience that is seamless for all IADMS website users.
Since studying computer science at The Johns Hopkins University, David has worked successfully with several non-profit organizations to build and maintain award-winning websites and user interface experiences. His skill sets as a programmer and web developer have given him the opportunity to broaden his role as webmaster with other IADMS projects. As a classically trained pianist, David has been able to combine his professional and personal skills and is proud to support the IADMS mission.
Information Technology
doobie@iadms.org
Doobie Moseley has worked with IADMS since January 2019. He has been working in all areas of Information Technology since 1987 but specializes in computer programming. He's also a huge Disney fan and founded a popular website for Disney fans. He has been married for 22 years to the love of his life, Rebekah, and has an 11-year-old son, Gideon. He currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area of California.
Doobie Moseley has worked with IADMS since January 2019. He has been working in all areas of Information Technology since 1987 but specializes in computer programming. He's also a huge Disney fan and founded a popular website for Disney fans. He has been married for 22 years to the love of his life, Rebekah, and has an 11-year-old son, Gideon. He currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area of California.
Accountant
accounting@iadms.org
Blair is married to her husband of 41 years, Michael. They have two daughters and 5 grandchildren. Growing up as a dancer, Blair hopes someday that one of her grandchildren will enjoy it as much as she does. Blair continues to utilize her dancing experience and volunteers her time to teach dance exercise/stretch classes at her church. After college, Blair began her career as an auditor for the Navy Exchange at the now-defunct Alameda Naval Air Base in Alameda, California. This, along with many other educational and career opportunities and experiences, led her to establish her Accounting/ Consulting firm over 25 years ago. She is a certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor which provides her with the expertise to work with small to mid-sized corporations, non-profits, and sole proprietor businesses. She assists businesses with management, budgeting, and planning, as well as QuickBooks software set-up, training, and on-going support. Blair specializes in set-up, repair, reorganization, and maintenance of financial systems. She has also conducted forensic auditing in cases of unusual accounting activities, such as employee fraud and embezzlement. Blair enjoys working closely with her clients, teaching them and their employees the most proficient and up-to-date financial systems and software.
Blair is married to her husband of 41 years, Michael. They have two daughters and 5 grandchildren. Growing up as a dancer, Blair hopes someday that one of her grandchildren will enjoy it as much as she does. Blair continues to utilize her dancing experience and volunteers her time to teach dance exercise/stretch classes at her church. After college, Blair began her career as an auditor for the Navy Exchange at the now-defunct Alameda Naval Air Base in Alameda, California. This, along with many other educational and career opportunities and experiences, led her to establish her Accounting/ Consulting firm over 25 years ago. She is a certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor which provides her with the expertise to work with small to mid-sized corporations, non-profits, and sole proprietor businesses. She assists businesses with management, budgeting, and planning, as well as QuickBooks software set-up, training, and on-going support. Blair specializes in set-up, repair, reorganization, and maintenance of financial systems. She has also conducted forensic auditing in cases of unusual accounting activities, such as employee fraud and embezzlement. Blair enjoys working closely with her clients, teaching them and their employees the most proficient and up-to-date financial systems and software.
Interested in serving IADMS in a leadership capacity?
We invite any interested member to apply for positions on the IADMS Board of Directors or one of our Committees or Special Interest Groups. Contact us if you have any questions about these positions and submission requirements.