Colleen PerryFOUNDER / DIRECTOR
Colleen (she/her) is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California (MFC38937). Early in the year 2009, Colleen read an article in People magazine about an amazing program at the Boston Ballet teaching dance to children with Down syndrome, and was immediately inspired to fly to Boston and meet with the director of the program. This is Colleen's 15th year of directing this program, combining her love of dance and desire to bring accessible dance to everyone.
|
Azalia Martinez-CruzPROGRAM COORDINATOR / INSTRUCTOR
Azalia (she/her) is an LA native and a senior at Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences. She has been dancing in various styles since she was 4, most extensively in folklórico and Aztec dance, but also in jazz, Hip Hop, and contemporary. She has always been interested in uplifting those who are underrepresented, and it is no different with Free 2 Be Me Dance. Azalia started out as a volunteer in early 2023, and she quickly fell in love with our program. Hired as Marketing & Communications Coordinator, she is now our Program Coordinator and Hip Hop II instructor.
|
Bri NixonVOLUNTEER COORDINATOR / IN STUDIO SUPPORT
Bri Nixon (she/her) is originally from Akron, Ohio. She has been dancing since the age of 3 and moved to California at the age of 18 to continue her career as a dancer. She went to California State University of Northridge and graduated with a BS in Kinesiology Exercise Science. Bri has always had a passion for working with kids with special needs and later found out about F2BM. While in college she was able to get F2BM approved as an internship and she started volunteering in 2020. Bri is still continuing her dance career and is signed with Go 2 Talent Agency. She is our Co-Program Coordinator and is looking forward to another amazing season with F2BM in 2024!
|
Gretchen NevilleBALLET INSTRUCTOR
Gretchen (she/her) had a dream of becoming a ballerina at a very young age. She’s had extensive training throughout her dance career in ballet, tap, jazz and acrobatics with an emphasis in ballet. Gretchen joined Free 2 Be Me Dance in 2018 to teach Ballet II and fell in love with these dancers. She has always believed that every child should have access to the gift of dance! The joy she feels when she engages with her students is immeasurable. As they learn from her, she learns from them.
|
Jason DeRoestLATIN BALLROOM/HIP HOP INSTRUCTOR
Jason DeRoest (he/him) comes from Pleasant Grove, Utah. He trained at The Dance Club and Center Stage studios in Orem, Utah. His TV credits include Eli Stone, The Starters Wife, and America's Best Dance Crew, as well as commercials for Visa and American Idol. Jason performed in the Broadway Tours of Victor Victoria and Footloose, and the Chicago company of Wicked. Jason currently teaches at Free 2 Be Me Dance as well as Center Stage Dance LA. He is passionate about teaching dance and using it as an opportunity to share what he has learned throughout his career with those who have a desire to take their technique and skill to the next level.
|
Board of Directors
Colleen PerryPRESIDENT
Colleen Perry started Free 2 Be Me Dance in 2009 as a labor of love inspired by the Boston Ballet's adaptive dance program. As Board President, she combines her passion for dance as a former ballet dancer, previous role in corporate America, current role as a Marriage and Family Therapist, with her affinity for people with Down syndrome. Her role is to ensure the Free 2 Be Me Dance program maintains its exceptionally high standards, and continues to add value and joy to all of the dancers, families, and those who are lucky enough to see them perform!
|
Jay Barrin memoriam
Jay Barr was a Free 2 Be Me board member and the COO at Savitsky, Satin, Bacon & Bucci, a business management firm in Los Angeles. Jay served as the CFO on the board of directors for Free 2 Be Me Dance for 10 years
until he had to step back to take care of his health. He was selfless in his friendship and his service on the board. He never said “No” and would always find a way to make the impossible happen. He was a man who loved his life and his three children dearly. He was someone who woke up every day happy and grateful for life. He was a man of great love and integrity. |
Melanie MillerSECRETARY
Melanie Miller has been associated with Free 2 Be Me Dance for 10 years and is happy to celebrate our upcoming anniversary. She finds herself fortunate to serve wonderful dancers, their parents and the F2BMD Board.
Melanie brings 45 years of healthcare experience mainly in the nursing service line. She migrated to supply chain management because she felt that her skill sets would best serve patients and families as an advocate for the best medical supplies at the lowest best cost. She loves Free 2 Be Me and hopes that the world at large will happily engage and support the well deserving dancers throughout the year. |
Harshal DoshiBOARD MEMBER
Harshal Doshi is the father of one of our dancers, Jaya. He serves as the voice of our parents on the board and facilitates communication to the parents. He also heads the Parent Subcommittee which meets once a month to discuss important topics related to the program and as a support group for parents to share information and resources.
|
Steve BreitmanBOARD MEMBER
Steve Breitman has over three decades of financial management experience as a Chief Financial Officer, Regional Manager, Executive Director and Controller. Previously, Steve managed 6 business sites with 175 employees and $20 million in revenue as well a reported for 25 business sites with $120 million in revenue. Steve gives back to the community by serving nonprofits. Currently he is a Board Member and Volunteer CFO for Free 2 Be Me Dance. In the past Steve has been a Volunteer CFO for the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, a Board Member for the Denver Better Business Bureau and a Volunteer consultant for the Small Business Development Center. An avid backpacker and hiker in his free time, Steve’s favorite excursions include a 30-day trip in Alaska and completing the tough 4 Pass Loop around the Maroon Bells in Colorado. Steve also is a certified meditation teacher.
|
Julia AndersonBOARD MEMBER
Julia's journey in giving back began at the age of 5 when her mom enrolled her in Girl Scouts, instilling in her the importance of community service. She continued her involvement through high school, earning both the Silver and Gold Awards, the highest honors in Girl Scouts. Transitioning into adulthood, Julia served her community as a title holder for the Miss Teen Texas & Miss Texas Organizations. A dancer since age 2.5, Julia has graced stages nationwide, performing and choreographing for prestigious organizations like Six Flags Over Texas and The Miss America Organization. Today, she remains dedicated to volunteering and nurturing our dancers at Free 2 Be Me Dance, inspired by her lifelong commitment to making a positive impact.
|