Today I graduated from my Masters Program

This achievement is only possible thanks to an incredible collection of SHEroes. Thank you to Professor Christina Teague-Mann for continuously encouraging me to dig deeper while insisting upon the importance of specificity. I'm in awe of your time management skills! 

I am so appreciative of the Dance Department at Jacksonville University for continued guidance and inspiration, with a special nod to Professor Claribel Torres-Lugo for being the “closer” for the IRB process.

Thank you to my thesis committee, Kelli Brown, Miranda Drake, and Myra Krien for sharing your intellect, artistry, and tenacity during this process. I asked you three to be a part of it because of your unique talents, incredible artistry, and also because I have devastating love for each of you. You all pulled me through difficult moments by just being your INCREDIBLE selves. Thank you! 

To all the participants of my research, everyone involved in Starbelly Presents: The House of Secrets, and the Starbelly Dancers: Bailey, Cassandra, Alyssa, Chad and especially Cecilia: thank you for sharing your hearts, minds, and talent. I truly believe that together we manifested the energy the world so desperately needs during these important times. You all are special and essential individuals. Cecilia you changed my entire life!

Through thick, thin, confusing, and enlightening – I want to especially acknowledge the Jacksonville University MFA Choreography Cohort of 2022. We facking rock. It was incredible to see some of you in 3D - It was surreal!!! 

Thank you to my beloved family and friends who held space for me, checked in on me, and sent snacks. I have endless gratitude to my in-laws, Janet and Gary Benoit, and of course the guy I married. He goes by Andy. I love him lots.