In response to the rapidly evolving mental, physical, and social-emotional needs of our youth students, we have integrated a new Wellness Program intended for all Dance and Theatre students as well as our SSPA community at large.
SSPA is a performing arts school whose mission is to be Marin County's hub for inclusive dance and theater education, public performances, and community arts. Mental and physical wellness, body positivity, and empowerment are at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to wellness comes with the responsibility to ensure that our organization meets the wellness needs of our community through programming, communication, and resources. Our Board of Directors has created a Wellness Committee to safeguard that responsibility.
Our Wellness Program will include:
Fun, age-appropriate workshops led by wellness professionals that address mental, physical, and social-emotional needs of young performing artists
An online database of trusted, local wellness professionals for youth performing artists made available on our website
Student Leadership opportunities
Age-appropriate community events designed for students to engage and further bond with each other outside of the classroom setting
Wellness Resources
This resource list is made up of local individuals and organizations who have experience working with youth. Many also have direct experience in performing arts. They have worked with faculty/staff and other members of the SSPA community and come highly recommended, and/or have been researched by the Wellness Committee and are in alignment with our mission and hopes for the culture of the school. It is important to do your own research when deciding on a specialist, with the understanding that every person and body has unique needs and preferences. This list will be updated as we learn of new resources.
Resources Supporting Physical Well-Being
Physical Therapy
Leslie Donohue
Physical Therapist for SF Ballet
https://presidiosport.com/staff/physical-therapists/mill-valley/leslie-donohue/
ljdbird@gmail.com
415-902-7292
“I combine my experience as a former dancer with my knowledge of body mechanics to help others overcome their injuries and improve body awareness. My treatment approach is influenced by Maitland, Mulligan, McKenzie, Janda, Sahrmann, Feldenkrais, as well as other approaches. This allows me to create individual treatment plans to achieve patient goals.”
Laurel Doremus
Physical Therapist with a background in Sports and Performing Arts.
415-233-0933
Rolfing
Aline Waschmuth
truebalancerolfing.com
23 Ross Commons Office #10
Ross, CA 94957
With a background in dance and performance, Aline’s work is focused on creating physical freedom and ease by identifying individual tension patterns. By restoring alignment and connection to the center line, chronic pain can be alleviated.
Gyrotonics
Samantha Anton
http://samantha-anton-f6dg.squarespace.com/
Gyrotonics is a movement methodology that enables simultaneous lengthening and strengthening of muscles, stimulates circulation, and enhances coordination. It is a holistic approach to movement that is designed to meet the needs of people of all ages and abilities.
Samantha Anton was first introduced to the GYROTONIC® Expansion System by Master Trainer Debra Rose in 2009 as a Dance Major with Alonzo King LINES Ballet at Dominican University of California. After a year of working in this system, she found many of her injuries from dancing were not only relieved, but also replaced with strength and flexibility that improved her contemporary ballet technique. This intensive training gave her a greater understanding of her own body and the correct way in which to work.
Resources Supporting Emotional Well-Being
Annette Clarke
408-201-9850
https://ipasinc.net/dt_team/annette-v-clarke-ph-d/
Mindfulness & Meditation, Body Positivity. Clinical Psychologist with Ph.D. and M.S. Degrees in Clinical Psychology at Pacific Graduate School of Psychology at Palo Alto University, and an M.A. In Psychology with a Concentration in Mental Health and Substance Use Counseling from the New School for Social Research.
Dana Cherry
Licensed marriage and family therapist focusing on children and youth, including play therapy, music, movement and art for younger children.
Paula Thompson
818-677-7575
paula.thomson@csun.edu
Professor of Kinesiology, California State University, Northridge (CSUN), Clinical Psychologist, Certified Sport Psychologist, works in private practice, Co-Director of the Pacifica Graduate Institute, and Professor Emeritus at York University. Paula was a professional dancer and continues to work as choreographer and movement coach in dance, theater and opera. In 2013, she was named one of the top 20 female professors in California. Co-author of Creativity and the Performing Arts.
If you have ideas about how we can address the wellness needs of our youth students, and/or might have professional, local contacts that we may consider for our guest workshops, please reach out! We would love to hear from you.