Marlene Hall, Executive Director, Board of Directors
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Marlene Hall is the creator of the medically patented Hall Method (est. 1998), a groundbreaking approach that merges dance, rehabilitation, and healing. She earned her B.A. in Dance from UC Irvine and trained on a UCI full scholarship satellite program at the American Ballet Theatre in New York City, where she had the honor of learning under legendary artists including Ann Reinking, Gregory Hines, Gwen Verdon, and Agnes de Mille. With more than 38 years of experience as a teacher and choreographer, Marlene has dedicated her life to the transformative power of the arts. For 23 of those years, she has taught at the Orange County School of the Arts and for ten years she served as assistant to mentor Salwa Rizkalla of Festival Ballet Theatre.
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But Marlene’s story begins far before her professional success. Having entered and exited foster care three times between the ages of six and seventeen, she carries a deep understanding of what it feels like to grow up unseen and unheard. From that experience came a promise, a silent and sacred vow, to become the adult she once needed. She pledged to use her life and her work to advocate for children left within a system that often forgets them. Through the arts and education Marlene experienced the only spaces where she once found safety and kindness. Here Marlene discovered the path to healing. She has made it her mission to create safe, creative sanctuaries where students can not only dream, but thrive. Her compassionate mentorship and unique approach to learning have helped students get acceptances to secure over $5 million in scholarships, with individual awards reaching as high as $530,000. More importantly, she has helped countless young people reclaim belief in themselves. Her students describe her programs as “a safe space for creativity, self-expression, and success” encompassing an environment where they are free to be seen, to heal, and to grow.
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Since 1996, Marlene has worked passionately with differently-abled and neurodiverse dancers, including those with autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and visual impairments by integrating them into classrooms and performances with grace and dignity. She believes that dance and movement can be powerful tools for inclusion and transformation, allowing every student to experience belonging and achievement through art. In 2012, Marlene began working with her mentors, Dr. David Kruse and Dr. Jeff Russell, who encouraged her to expand her research at the intersection of dance, medicine, and science. That same year, she was introduced to the International Association of Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS), where her work received international recognition. She later presented her research and the Hall Method at the Dance and Medicine Sciences Conference in Basel, Switzerland, establishing her system as a medically recognized method of rehabilitation (now patented) that restores strength, mobility, and confidence to dancers of all abilities.
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Her students have gone on to to major training programs and universities, including The Juilliard School, Harvard University, Point Park University, Fordham University, The Ailey School, Southern University of Utah, UCLA, Emory University, Butler University, , Marymount College NYC, AMDA LA, Boston University, Lesley University, University of the Arts, Cal Arts, Loyola Marymount University, and UC Irvine. They also have performed on world stages — from the Mozarteum in Salzburg and the Sydney Opera House to tours across Germany, Prague, Spain, and France with the South Coast Youth Symphony Orchestra. In 2025, Marlene founded the Velvaere Wellness Center, a place where art and healing meet. Rooted in compassion and guided by a spirit of innovation, she continues her mission to bring arts-based wellness into schools and communities. Through her programs, she meets each person exactly where they are by nurturing growth, resilience, and joy while helping individuals rediscover their strength and purpose.
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Beyond her professional life, Marlene finds peace in nature as she loves camping at the beach with her husband Craig and her pup Ollie, while watching the sun set over the ocean, and by crafting. She devotes her time to community organizations and causes close to her heart, guided always by the belief that healing is possible through creativity, connection, and love — and that all she ever owes anybody is kindness.
Michael Ciecek, Chairperson, Board of Directors
Michael (Mike) Ciecek brings over 26 years of progressive leadership experience in education to his role as Board Chair. Most recently serving as Principal of the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) from 2016-2025, Mike led comprehensive operations for a specialized charter school serving 2,330 students across 20 artistic disciplines, overseeing more than 500 employees and helping to support a $45 million operating budget.
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Throughout his career in educational leadership, Mike has demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, fiscal management, and organizational development. He is particularly passionate about creating supportive, inclusive learning environments for all students. At OCSA, he developed and implemented the school's Vision for Learning, establishing mastery-based instructional approaches grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Culturally & Linguistically Responsive Teaching (CLRT) methodologies. He also established strategic alignment of support services through a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework and helped lead the Anti-Racism and Inclusion Advisory Coalition to promote diversity and inclusive practices in student programming and curriculum. His experience spans roles as Assistant Principal in both the Saddleback Valley Unified School District and OCSA, where he spearheaded innovative programs including dual enrollment partnerships, comprehensive student support systems, and community engagement initiatives.
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Mike is certified as a Chief Business Official by the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO), holds a Master of Science in School Administration from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California at San Diego. His commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in his active participation in professional development opportunities and educational conferences.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mike is dedicated to community engagement, currently serving as President of Foothill High School Aquatics Boosters in addition to his board leadership role. Mike likes to spend his free time with his wife Michelle and their three children at their activities, and can usually be found on a pool deck, a taekwondo studio, or at a flag football game watching his children be the best possible individuals and teammates they can be.
Laura Foskett-Ely, Vice Chairperson, Board of Directors
Laura Foskett-Ely holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from California State University, Fullerton, and received a Certificate in Employment Law through Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP.
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With over 40 years of professional experience, Laura most recently served 20 years at the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA), where she retired in January 2025 as Registrar and Calpads Administrator. Prior to OCSA, she was the Director of Administration for CHCG Architects in Montclair. Earlier in her career, before starting a family, she worked with the national restaurant chain Naugles/Jojo’s Inc., beginning as an Opening Crew Member and advancing to Employee Relations Manager and then Human Resources Director. Throughout her life, however, Laura’s most cherished role has been the “Director of Domestic Affairs” for the Ely household—a title lovingly given to her by her family.
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Her commitment to service extends deeply into her community. She is a current board member and past Theater Coordinator for The Music Room, School of Performing Arts in Orange, California. She also served as PTA President and as a board member of the Education Foundation at McPherson Magnet School. As a parent volunteer, she created, wrote, and edited the Parent and Student School Handbooks and Compacts for two local Orange Unified School District schools.
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As Vice Chairperson of the Velvaere Wellness Center Board, Laura brings a wealth of organizational, administrative, and leadership experience, along with a strong commitment to education and community building. Her decades of work in schools and community arts organizations give her a unique perspective on fostering growth, creativity, and collaboration. Laura’s ability to blend professional expertise with personal warmth ensures that she contributes meaningfully to Velvaere’s mission of wellness, creativity, and connection.
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Laura and her husband, Doug, have lived in Old Towne Orange for forty years in their 102-year-old home. Married for 42 years, they share three grown children who live in San Diego and a beloved Labrador Retriever. Laura enjoys neighborhood bike rides, long walks with her pup, trips to the beach with a good book, political activism, furniture restoration, travel, theater, painting, playing piano, floral arranging, and, above all, spending quality time with her family and friends.
Michelle Goss, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer,
Board of Directors
Michelle Goss brings over 25 years of financial leadership and community service to her role as CFO and Treasurer of Velvaere Wellness Center. Her background in accounting, property management, and asset oversight provides the foundation and strategic insight to guide the Center’s fiscal health and long-term sustainability.
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Currently serving as Director of Commercial Accounting at High Point Real Estate, Michelle oversees 16 properties totaling 322,048 square feet, ensuring precision in financial reporting, budget compliance, and operational efficiency. As Director of Asset Management, she manages 19 assets totaling 645,870 square feet, developing strategies that maximize value, reduce risk, and maintain stability. These dual roles demonstrate her ability to manage substantial financial responsibilities with transparency and accountability—qualities essential to the Treasurer role.
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Previously, Michelle was Controller at NAI Capital Management, overseeing 40 commercial properties. This experience honed her skills in managing complex budgets, implementing internal controls, and ensuring compliance with regulations, directly
translating into her ability to safeguard Velvaere’s fiscal integrity. Michelle’s career has been defined by responsible financial stewardship—balancing growth with prudence and innovation. Beyond her professional work, she has spent more
than 25 years supporting the special needs community through expertise and volunteerism, reflecting her commitment to inclusion and compassion.
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Her blend of financial precision, ethical stewardship, and compassionate leadership ensures that Velvaere’s resources are used responsibly and strategically, supporting sustainable growth, program expansion, and meaningful community impact. Her experience overseeing multimillion-dollar portfolios, coupled with her dedication to community wellness, makes Michelle uniquely suited to guide Velvaere Wellness Center’s financial strategy. As Treasurer, she not only safeguards the organization’s assets but also ensures that every financial decision contributes meaningfully to the Center’s mission of improving health, balance, and quality of life for all who seek its services.
Miranda Cox, R-DMT, PCHMS, Secretary, Board of Directors
Born and raised in California, Miranda moved to Boston, Massachusetts, to pursue her master’s degree. She holds an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Dance/ Movement Therapy from Lesley University. Miranda is a dancer, therapist, and teacher whose work bridges the arts and psychotherapy. Her passion for movement as a healing modality was
inspired by her own journey as a professional dancer, which instilled in her self-discipline, expression, and body awareness. This path naturally led her into the field of mental health and wellness, where she has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of movement in fostering healing, connection, and expression.
Her career as a dancer has taken her across the world to Italy, Norway, Germany, the Czech Republic, San Francisco, and New England. While her primary focus was in classical ballet, Miranda trained extensively in improvisation, contemporary, jazz, and classical modern. This versatility allowed her to expand her movement vocabulary, explore different perspectives, and cultivate adaptability.
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As a therapist and teacher, Miranda has worked across a wide range of populations, including preschool special education, adults in general psychiatric care, and individuals in eating disorder recovery. She employs trauma-specific and trauma-informed approaches, weaving together talk therapy and expressive arts therapy in both individual and group settings. She is skilled in
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD. Currently, Miranda resides in Oregon and works full time with Monte Nido at a Residential Treatment Facility, supporting individuals on their path to recovery from eating disorders. She is a registered dance therapist and associate professional
counselor, working under supervision toward licensure in Oregon and Board Certification in Dance/Movement Therapy. Her intention is to help clients rediscover joy, creativity, and the will to choose life again.
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As Secretary of the Velvaere Wellness Center Board, Miranda brings both her organizational skills and her deep commitment to mental health and the healing arts. Her unique perspective—rooted in both professional dance and clinical therapy—adds immense value to the board’s mission of integrating wellness, creativity, and personal growth. Her experience in trauma-
informed care, combined with her international arts background, helps ensure that Velvaere’s programs are both inclusive and transformative.
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In her spare time, Miranda enjoys spending time at the beach, practicing hot yoga, writing, and journaling. She loves exploring art museums and museums of all kinds, cheering on the Boston Celtics, savoring coffee from local cafés, and staying active through running and walking. These personal passions reflect her curiosity, creativity, and appreciation for balance, wellness, and inspiration in everyday life.
Rose Engbarth, Event and Purpose Coordinator, Board of Directors
Rose Engbarth has a strong foundation in Information Technology, business analysis, and project management. Her
career spans both corporate and creative sectors, where she has led cross-functional teams and delivered impactful experiences with precision and heart.
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At Velvaere—a nonprofit inspired by the Norwegian word for “well-being”—Rose channels her passion for connection and
community into every event she leads. She has played a pivotal role in supporting the Hall Method at Kaleidoscope Events during holiday celebrations and contributed to the successful staging of the Nutcracker performance at Disneyland. Her work also includes supporting the Ensemble Dance Troupe’s collaboration with SCYSO, which tours Europe performing integrated dance and symphony concerts. Rose oversaw costume preparation and backstage coordination, ensuring each performance was executed with professionalism and artistry.
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Known for her ability to “make things happen,” Rose brings together diverse groups, navigates complex timelines, and
ensures that every Velvaere event reflects the organization’s mission of wellness, belonging, and transformation.
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In her spare time, Rose loves learning how to garden and experimenting with new plants, as well as crafting for the
holidays, from homemade decorations to thoughtful gifts. Her creative pursuits allow her to unwind, bring joy to others, and
sprinkle a little festive magic into everyday life.
Terri Treas – Outreach and Recruitment Director, Board of Directors
Terri Treas brings over 50 years of experience in the performing arts, beginning her remarkable journey at age 15 when she earned a scholarship to the prestigious Joffrey Ballet in New York City. Her early dedication to dance led her to Broadway, where she appeared in productions including Pal Joey, My Fair Lady, Dancin’, and Working. From the stage, Terri transitioned to television and film, starring in series such as Alien Nation, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, DEA, and Santa Barbara, and appearing in films including All That Jazz, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and The Fabulous Baker Boys. Always pursuing new creative challenges, she moved behind the camera as a writer and producer for hour-long television dramas, later directing short films and web series, including her feature Play Nice (1992).
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Throughout her career, Terri has remained deeply committed to dance and the development of young performers. She is a full-time certified arts instructor at the Orange County High School of the Arts, teaching in both the Musical Theatre Conservatory and the Film and TV Conservatory. In addition, she dedicates her Sundays to The Hall Method Dance Ensemble, choreographing for talented dancers and collaborating with the South Coast Youth Symphony Orchestra. As Co-Director of The Hall Method Dance Ensemble, she combines her extensive performance, teaching, and directing experience to inspire, guide, and mentor the next generation of artists. Terri’s passion for health and rehabilitation stems from personal experience. As a preteen, she developed scoliosis but was able to rehabilitate her back and pursue her scholarship at the Joffrey Ballet. In her sixties, when scoliosis returned, she trained with Marlene Hall and The Hall Method, regaining strength, becoming pain-free, and even restoring her immune system after years of medical treatment. Certified as a PCHMS instructor with The Hall Method, Terri now incorporates this proprioceptive-based training into all her dance classes, helping young dancers develop strong, healthy bodies.
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Terri Treas brings to Velvaere Wellness Center a unique combination of artistic excellence, personal resilience, and unwavering passion for helping others. Her contagious, vivacious, and bold personality promotes the confidence of those around her, inviting them into their own areas of growth and personal power. Terri’s vast experience in performing, teaching, and rehabilitative training makes her an invaluable board member, helping the Center connect with the community, recruit talent, and advance its mission of promoting health, strength, and vitality for all. Outside of her professional endeavors, Terri enjoys reading and is rarely without a book in hand, finding both relaxation and inspiration through literature. Her love of reading reflects her lifelong curiosity, creativity, and commitment to personal growth, complementing her dedication to the arts and education.
Tiffany Hsu, Non Profit Strategy Advisor, Board of Directors
Tiffany graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a major in Environmental Studies and minor in Spatial Science. As a spatial analyst at Earth Insight, an environmental nonprofit, she leverages geospatial data to help restrict fossil fuel, mining, and industrial expansion in critical ecosystems and Indigenous territories. Her analyses and maps have supported research presented at high-level forums, including UN Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Oceans Conferences (COP), the Summit of Southeast Asian Nations, and the U.S. State Department.
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When she’s not busy with research, she enjoys dancing, baking sourdough recipes, and trying different art crafts. She grew up as a competitive dancer and is trained across a variety of styles – including ballet, lyrical, modern, contemporary, jazz, musical theater, hip-hop, traditional Chinese folk dance, and tumbling. Tiffany has been performing with modern dance company, Colibríes Collective (formerly known as Contemporary Arte in Movement) since her youth and has been training with the Hall Method Dance Ensemble since 2024, where she is preparing for a European tour to Germany, The Czech Republic and Austria with the South Coast Youth Symphony Orchestra.
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As a Nonprofit Strategy Advisor at Velvaere, Tiffany bridges her experience working at an environmental nonprofit with her artistic background to advance healing through the arts.
De Vida Gill, PhD, Ed.D, LCSW, Director of Education, Board of Directors
Dr. De Vida Gill is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Educator, and Creative Strategist with over 30 years of experience at the intersection of mental health, education, and the arts. She leads from a strength-based perspective with a vision of transforming healing through creative expression, integrating evidence-based practices with the restorative power of the arts.
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Her career spans decades of guiding individuals and communities toward resilience, clarity, and growth. She has served as a clinical therapist, adjunct professor, speaker, and transformational coach, consistently weaving together her expertise in self-awareness, emotional wellness, and creative exploration. Dr. Gill believes that the arts offer a profound pathway for renewal and empowerment, especially when integrated with educational and mental health frameworks that inspire curiosity and self-discovery. Dr. Gill has developed innovative educational programs infused with creative insight that invite participants to connect with their inner wisdom, cultivate confidence, and embark on authentic healing journeys. Her approach is human-centered, valuing the integration of mind, body, and spirit while honoring the uniqueness and strengths of every
individual.
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When she’s not teaching or designing transformative learning experiences, Dr. Gill is passionate about writing, speaking, and creating spaces where creativity becomes a tool for personal and professional growth and healing.
Olivia Georgieff, Education Consultant K-12, Board of Directors
Olivia Georgieff holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from UC Irvine and a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching from CSU Chico. She brings five years of experience as an elementary school teacher in Santa Ana, CA, to her role as Director of Education K–12 at Velvære Wellness Center, where she fosters creative, supportive, and academically enriching environments for young learners.
A talented musician, singer, and dancer, Olivia gained international touring experience while in high school performing Pictures at an Exhibition on acoustic classical guitar at the Sydney Opera House. The free concert for over 3,000 students combined music, dance, and art history to educate audiences on the Russian Revolution, Mussorgsky’s music, and Hartman’s fine arts. She has also performed professionally in numerous community productions, including shows at the Disneyland Resort in California. Olivia combines her artistic talents with her educational expertise to inspire children and cultivate a love of learning and creativity.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Hayden, their dog Lucas, practicing pilates, and coastal walks with friends and family.
Mary Amorosia (Mary Frances Stahl), Director of Arts Education, Board of Directors
Mary Amorosia is an alumna of the Juilliard School in New York and received her Bachelor of Music Degree in Voice on scholarship from Manhattanville College. At Juilliard, she studied with Mrs. Sass and Mr. Gilmore in voice, theory, and speech, and appeared in recitals and performances throughout New York. At Manhattanville, she studied with esteemed teachers
Edith Bers, Evelyn Hertzmann, Sophia Stefan, Stanley Sonntag, Leon Kushner, and Dr. Bertrand Konowitz, all while performing in recitals and concerts.
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She continued her professional development through master classes with Jan Pearce, Martin Wright, Daniel Beckwith, Martin Katz, Ruth Golden, and Rosemary Hyler-Ritter. Mary began performing at age 8, studying with top coaches including Rodgers and Hammerstein’s vocal coach Jack Prenner. She performed as a soloist with the International Children’s Troupe, on Ray Heatherton’s Radio Program WTHE, at the New York World’s Fair (Irish Pavilion), and in numerous theaters, churches, and charitable events. Upon graduation, she was accepted into the Metropolitan Opera Studio and featured in Metropolitan Opera News(October 1973). She performed roles with Long Island Opera, LaPuma Opera, National Grand Opera, and appeared in productions such as Manon (Massenet), The Marriage of Figaro (Mozart), Die Fledermaus (Strauss), Rigoletto (Verdi), HMS Pinafore (Gilbert & Sullivan), and others. She also sang with the Nassau Council of the Arts, Arizona Opera Benefit, and in musical theatre productions including The Sound of Music (Musical Theatre Arizona) and Sondheim’s Follies (Irvine Barclay Theatre).
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Mary has taught for over 60 years at institutions such as UCLA Theater Department (Emeritus Head of the Individual Voice Department), AMDA College and Conservatory, Orange County High School of the Arts, South Orange County High School of the Arts, California Conservatory of the Arts, and the Creative Arts School for Youth. She also ran a private studio for 30 years, with students gaining admission to prestigious programs on scholarship at conservatories and universities across the U.S. Her students have gone on to professional careers on Broadway, in opera, in national tours, international productions, recording, commercial work, and entertainment venues worldwide. Her professional memberships have included the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Southern California Vocal Association, and The Voice Foundation.
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Mary brings her lifelong dedication to music, performance, and education into her role as Arts Education Director at Velvaere Wellness Center. With decades of experience teaching students of all levels, she deeply understands the transformative and healing power of music. After personally overcoming the loss of her own singing voice due to trauma, Mary rediscovered her
passion through teaching and now integrates this philosophy into her work—helping others find empowerment, healing, and self-expression through the arts.
Dilynn Engbarth, PCHMS, Director of Facility, Board of Directors
Dilynn Engbarth graduated in 2026 from Southern Utah University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, a minor in Mathematics and Physics, and an Academic Certificate in Technical Writing. She currently works for ESG Energy Systems Group, supporting the engineering team by gathering and formatting data, conducting incentive research, and
performing audits.
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Since 2016, Dilynn has collaborated with Marlene Hall, co-authoring numerous community ballets and serving as Assistant Director for The Nutcracker Ballet Story Time at the Disneyland Resort and Technical Director for The Nutcracker Ballet Story Time Live Event at Barnes & Noble. A top graduate of the Production and Design Conservatory at the Orange County School
of the Arts, she has choreographed nationally and internationally—including three consecutive European tours—and directed student-led, full-scale productions while designing and building complete stage sets and props. Her expertise also spans stage management, technical support, and live-performance production, including sourcing and operating audio equipment. As one of the first certified instructors of the medically patented Hall Method System, Dilynn has taught three consecutive intensive programs, expertly rehabilitating injured dancers and strengthening participants through carefully designed classes. As part of the Hall Method Dance Ensemble, she has toured and performed on three international European tours, showcasing her artistic and technical mastery.
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As Facility Manager for Velvære Wellness Center, Dilynn brings her multifaceted talents, technical expertise, and compassionate leadership to create a space that fosters creativity, wellness, and excellence for all who participate in the arts. Her meticulous attention to detail, honed through both her engineering and theater experience, ensures that every aspect of the facility is managed efficiently and thoughtfully.
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In her free time, Dilynn loves curling up with a good book, crocheting thoughtful gifts for friends and family, listening to music, and getting lost in a great movie. Whether creating, relaxing, or enjoying a favorite soundtrack, she brings the same creativity and care to her hobbies as she doesto her work.