Meet The Board
Guidance • Compassion • Expertise
Our board is a collective of compassionate leaders, healers, educators, and professionals—most with over 25 years of experience in the wellness and arts community—who generously give their time and expertise in service of collective well-being. Grounded in empathy and driven by purpose, they embody the values of Velvaere Wellness Center, fostering creativity, accessibility, and healing for people of all backgrounds and abilities. With both seasoned credentials and a shared commitment to care, they guide our mission with integrity, collaboration, and heart.
Chief Executive Officer
Marlene Hall​
​​Marlene Hall brings visionary leadership and over 3.5 decades of pioneering experience to her role as CEO of Velvære Wellness Center. As the creator of the medically patented Hall Method, she has spent nearly four decades at the forefront of integrating dance, rehabilitation, and wellness, empowering individuals of all abilities to heal, grow, and thrive through the arts. Her distinguished career as a teacher, choreographer, and international presenter has been marked by a deep commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and excellence, with a proven ability to transform lives through creative, evidence-based approaches. Under her leadership, Velvære embodies her mission to expand access to arts-based wellness in classrooms and communities, offering programs that foster resilience, confidence, and holistic well-being for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Chairperson
Michael Ciecek
​Mike’s extensive background in educational leadership, strategic planning, and organizational development makes him an invaluable asset to the Velvaere Board of Directors. His proven ability to lead complex organizations with vision, empathy, and accountability directly supports Velvaere’s mission of fostering well-being, growth, and community impact. Mike’s deep understanding of systems-level leadership—combined with his unwavering commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and innovation—brings a thoughtful, forward-thinking perspective to the board. His experience building sustainable structures that empower individuals and teams to thrive aligns seamlessly with Velvaere’s holistic approach to leadership and wellness, making him not only a respected leader but a driving force in advancing the organization’s strategic vision and long-term success.
Vice Chairperson
Laura Foskett-Ely
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.
Secretary
Miranda Cox​​
R-DMT, PCHMS, The Hall Method
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.
Chief Financial Officer-Treasurer
Michelle Goss
Michelle's 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.
Event and Purpose Coordinator
Rose Engbarth
Rose Engbarth combines IT expertise, business acumen, and creative leadership to advance Velvaere’s mission. Known for her ability to “make things happen,” she brings together diverse groups, navigates complex timelines, and ensures that every event—from numerous community gatherings throughout Southern California to the Hall Method Ensemble’s European tour—is executed with precision, artistry, and heart. Through her professionalism, passion, and commitment, Rose helps Velvaere foster wellness, belonging, and transformation.
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Outreach and Recruitment Director
Terri Treas
Terri Treas brings over 50 years of experience to Velvaere Wellness Center with 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.
Non Profit Strategy Advisor
Tiffany Hsu
Tiffany Hsu brings a rare combination of environmental expertise, nonprofit strategy, and artistic passion to Velvaere. As a spatial analyst at Earth Insight, she leverages data-driven insights to support impactful initiatives, while her experience with global forums like UN Climate and Biodiversity Conferences reflects her strategic acumen. A lifelong dancer and Hall Method Ensemble member, Tiffany integrates creativity with advocacy, helping Velvaere advance its mission of healing through the arts.
Director of Education
Dr. De Vida Gill
PhD, EdD, LCSW
Dr. De Vida Gill brings exceptional value to Velvaere through her integration of mental health expertise, educational leadership, and creative innovation. With over 30 years of experience, she offers a strength-based, human-centered approach that aligns with Velvaere’s mission of holistic wellness. Her work at the intersection of therapy, education, and the arts informs transformative programs that foster resilience, self-discovery, and healing. By championing creativity as a pathway to empowerment and renewal, Dr. Gill helps ensure Velvaere’s offerings remain both evidence-based and deeply restorative.
Education Consultant K-12
Olivia Georgieff
​Olivia Georgieff brings a unique blend of educational leadership, creativity, and artistic talent to the Velvære Wellness Center board. With her background as a dedicated K–12 educator and Director of Education, she ensures the Center’s youth programs are not only academically enriching but also deeply supportive and inspiring. Her international performance experience and passion for the arts allow her to integrate music, dance, and creative expression into holistic learning opportunities that foster both intellectual and emotional growth. Olivia’s ability to merge education with wellness makes her an invaluable contributor to the Center’s mission of cultivating a nurturing environment where children and families thrive.
Director of Arts Education
Mary Amarosia
Mary brings her lifelong dedication to music, performance, and education into her role as Arts Education Director at Velvaere Wellness Center. With over 45 years 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.
Director of Facility
Dilynn Engbarth
PCHMS, The Hall Method
As Director of Facility 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.