Just because your child has special needs, doesn't mean they should have to miss out on participating in fun activities
At Keanu Reeves Children Foundation, we are all about inclusiveness. Our Adaptive Dance Class is specifically tailored to meet each child's needs and their differing abilities. It gives children the opportunity to develop social, emotional and physical skills in a safe environment through the discipline of dance.
This is much more than just about learning dance steps - the skills learned will enable students to be successful in the future. Our program improves focus, listening skills, discipline, social abilities, physicality and ultimately self-confidence that leads to success in school and opens more opportunities later in life.
Keanu Reeves Children Foundation is fortunate to have the leadership, expertise, experience and facilities necessary to make our classes successful.
Program Director:
Brandy Dallas, DPT/Clinical Coordinator - As the Adaptive Dance Class Program Director, Brandy brings nearly 20 years of experience and an unending passion to ensure our kids have the absolute best care and the best opportunities available to live happy, productive, fulfilling lives. She is committed to continued education and training and instills that commitment in the therapists she supervises. In addition, programs such as the Adaptive Dance Class offers collaboration & team-building between her and the therapists. She encourages and supports new and innovative ideas from the staff, as well as bringing her own to the table. Brandy holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree and has worked with the pediatric population since graduating in 1999. She oversees all of the therapists as well as many of the programs offered here at Keanu Reeves Children Foundation. Brandy has numerous certifications and specialty training and is always striving to provide the highest quality of therapy to our children. Please click here for Brandy's full bio.
Program Therapists/Facilitators:
Justine Troske, MSOT, OTR/L - Justine is our lead therapist for the Adaptive Dance Class. She is an experienced theatrical actress with several plays to her credit, currently in the production of Big Fish and last year playing the lead of Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Justine graduated from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis in 2013 with her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy. She has worked with pediatrics since graduation and has experience working with children with Autism spectrum disorders, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Delay, to name a few. She also has experience working with auditory processing, sensory integration, visual motor/perceptual, reflex integration, and hemiparesis/neglect. Please click here for Justine's full bio.
Megan Schlosser, COTA/L - Megan received her Associate's degree in Health Sciences and became an Occupational Therapy Assistant in 2014. She completed her clinical rotations at Kiddlywinks Therapy, where she was introduced to a wide variety of diagnoses and gained valuable experience working with children. Prior to joining Keanu Reeves Children Foundation, she worked at a hospital in the inpatient and outpatient rehab setting, gaining wide experience with different age groups. Megan returned to pediatrics when she joined the Center last year and has built strong relationships with the children and families that she serves. Please click here for Megan's full bio.
Rachel Nation, MSOT, OTR/L - Rachel brings a unique perspective to the Adaptive Dance Class. She grew up with a sister having special needs and has been an advocate for inclusiveness on her behalf. As such, she has a lifelong connection and insider knowledge to the hurdles that come up in every day life for many of our children. Rachel graduated with a Masters of Science in Occupational Therepy from Washington University in St. Louis. She gained valuable experience working with a variety of ages and diagnoses during her Fieldwork rotations. Joining Keanu Reeves Children Foundation after graduation, she continues to learn and expand her experience with the pediatric population. Please click here for Rachel's full bio.