OUR TEAM

 

SARI ANNA THOMAS

CO-FOUNDER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Originally from Seattle, her love for dance started early, bringing her to Los Angeles in 2000 on a scholarship to EDGE PAC.  She danced professionally for 5 years and in 2006 began transitioning into directing, choreographing & teaching.  In 2013 she began dancing with the Down syndrome community and continues to be deeply inspired by the work.  She is humbled & grateful to have the opportunity to guide dancers through movement in a way that inspires creativity & self-expression.  Her approach in the classroom is unique, as she has found a way to conduct class where everyone of all ages, levels and abilities feels challenged, supported & successful.  

 

DANI EVERTS

INSTRUCTOR

DANI grew up in Southern California and started dancing at age 9.  At age 22 she left dancing professionally to follow her heart and teach and direct the Dance Department at Wilson High School in Long Beach. In 2007 she left Wilson H.S. to raise her family & currently teaches dance & fitness classes. In February 2018 she was invited to a DFD performance. She loved the program and instantly knew she wanted to get invOlved. [She has been teaching with DFD for about a year and a half and will be teaching hip hop this summer. ] She is so excited & grateful for the opportunity to share her love & joy of dance with these inspiring individuals!

 

AMBER L. CROMWELL, LMFT, ATR-BC

INSTRUCTOR

AMBER is a board-certified art therapist and arts educator. She is a Clinical Supervisor in the Helen B. Landgarten clinic and Co-Director of The Summer Arts Workshop for Loyola Marymount University's Department of Marital and Family Therapy with Specialization in Art Therapy. She also has a private practice and provides art therapy group services in the Los Angeles Unified School District through the Cedars-Sinai Share & Care program.

LAURA FREMONT

INSTRUCTOR

LAURA is a dance-educator. Her career as studio owner, performer, choreographer, and producer of venues in film, television, stage, and concert has spanned more than thirty years. She has developed arts education programs and syllabus for a broad range of dancers ages 4 to 94 years young in both the professional dance industry and the novice level dancer. She has traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand giving master classes and adjudication. Former Founding, Executive Director of Ignite Dance Workshops nonprofit organization, her extensive commitment to arts education with her award-winning production of “Move It, Or Lose It,” won her several foundation grants for workshops and after-school programs. Laura’s work from 1996-2012 at the EDGE Performing Arts Center in Hollywood and the EDGE Scholarship Program fostered three generations of Broadway, film, and television industry talent. Currently, Laura directs Dance Moves with in-person classes and episodic community television for the Laguna Woods senior community. Laura has written young adult fiction and hosted an online interview blog, Dancing Ahead. When Laura is not dancing, she bakes, bikes, and hikes with Millie, her 12-pound Jack Russell terrier.

 

ANNIE GRIFFITH

CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Growing up with a brother with Down syndrome, Annie always felt drawn to work with these individuals and she has always had a passion for dance.  She took her first dance class at age 5 and continued through high school.  She found herself back in the studio in 2013, when she started teaching adult dance fitness classes.  She is thrilled that she is able to bring her love of dance & the arts to the DFD community.

 

KRISTEN UJIMORI

STAFF

KRISTEN provides administrative support for DFD. Born & raised in Southern California, she grew up dancing in Torrance & graduated with a BA in Dance, from Cal State Long Beach. With over 20 years of administrative experience, she's worked with companies & organizations that cover a wide range of industries. Kristen is inspired by the work that DFD is doing with the disability community & is excited to be a part of this mission-driven organization. 

 

BROOKE FREEMAN

TECH SUPPORT STAFF

Having an older sister with Down syndrome, she grew up participating as a volunteer coach & coach’s assistant for Special Olympics basketball & swim. Brooke is an actress & her sister is a dancer, so artistic performance runs in the family. She loves sharing this passion for art with this exceptional community & learning about every person’s unique story & experience.