Kristy Levandoski
Highland,NY
Summary
Innovative and compassionate dance educator with over a decade of experience in performing arts instruction, mentorship, and program development. Specializes in creating inclusive and empowering dance experiences that nurture students' technical growth, creativity, and emotional well-being. Expertise in trauma-informed practices, wellness advocacy, and fostering safe, supportive environments for dancers of all identities and abilities. Committed to promoting mental health and building community through movement.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinician and Support Services Worker
Astor Services
09.2023 - Current
- Provide individual and family therapy to adolescents in Therapeutic Foster Boarding Homes (TFBH)
- Mentor teens on emotional regulation, anxiety relief, and healthy boundaries using movement-based practices
- Collaborate with treatment teams to deliver integrated services that prioritize mental health and overall wellness
- Implemented crisis intervention strategies when needed, ensuring immediate safety measures were in place for at-risk clients
- Delivered high-quality client care by conducting thorough assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing ongoing therapeutic support
- Participated in case reviews with multidisciplinary teams to discuss complex cases and develop collaborative solutions for individualized care plans
Founder & Wellness Advocate
Phoenix - The Yoga Movement
01.2023 - Current
- Lead trauma-informed yoga programs for veterans, teens, and postpartum mothers, blending movement with emotional wellness practices
- Design and implement mindfulness and breathwork techniques to support students' mental well-being
- Deliver specialized wellness programming to empower youth facing anxiety, depression, and trauma
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth
Dance Educator
Gina Marie'z Academy of Performing Arts
09.2018 - Current
- Develop and implement personalized dance curricula designed to build students' confidence, creativity, and technical skills
- Foster a safe and inclusive classroom environment, ensuring all students feel supported and valued
- Mentor students facing anxiety and emotional challenges through movement and mindfulness strategies
- Choreographed award-winning performances at national competitions, guiding students in teamwork and leadership
- Continuously pursued professional growth opportunities such as workshops, conferences, or certifications-staying current on trends in the field of dance education
- Mentored new dance educators or student teachers by providing ongoing support and guidance through observation, collaboration, and feedback sessions
Dance Educator
Newburgh Performing Arts Academy
09.2011 - 03.2020
- Provided creative movement and dance instruction to elementary and middle school students in after-school program
- Built strong, trusting relationships with students to foster artistic growth and confidence.
- Served as a guest judge and master class teacher for NPAA’s Ensemble dancers
Dance Educator
Monticello Central School District
09.2016 - 09.2018
- Designed and delivered dance curricula for grades 9-12, ensuring accessibility for students with diverse learning needs
- Partnered with mental health professionals to support students with IEPs and special needs in dance classes
- Developed wellness-focused movement activities to reduce student stress and anxiety
- Led the Monticello Dance Company, mentoring students through choreography, performance preparation, and artistic development
Dance Educator
Frederick Douglass Academy VIII Middle School
09.2012 - 09.2016
- Founded the school’s first full-time performing arts program and created a comprehensive dance curriculum
- Provided mentorship to at-risk students, achieving a 100% acceptance rate for dancers auditioning at top-performing arts high schools
- Secured grants and coordinated fundraising efforts to support student participation in performances and competitions
- Selected as a panelist for the Matisse Foundation’s $500,000 arts grant award process
Education
Master of Social Work (MSW) -
Fordham University
New York, NY01-2024
Master of Arts (MA) - Dance Education
New York University
New York, NY01-2011
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Psychology
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ01-2008
Skills
- Trauma-Informed Dance Instruction
- Mental Health and Wellness Integration in Dance
- Community-Building & Inclusive Teaching Practices
- Curriculum Design for Diverse Learning Needs
- Mentorship & Counseling
- Event Planning & Performance Coordination
- Multidisciplinary approach
- Therapeutic techniques
Certification
- American Ballet Theater Certification (Levels 1-3)
- 500HR Vinyasa Yoga Certification
- Trauma-Informed Practices in Dance & Wellness
- Dance Specializations: Jazz, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Ballet, Acrobatics
- Alignment with Embody Dance Conference
Additional Information
Proven experience integrating mental health, mindfulness, and community-building within dance education., Skilled at fostering safe and inclusive spaces for dancers of all identities and backgrounds., Strong background in supporting students’ social-emotional growth through movement and mentorship., Extensive experience working in nonprofit arts organizations and promoting accessible dance education opportunities., Dedicated to empowering dancers through movement, creativity, and wellness.
Timeline
Clinician and Support Services Worker
Astor Services
09.2023 - Current
Founder & Wellness Advocate
Phoenix - The Yoga Movement
01.2023 - Current
Dance Educator
Gina Marie'z Academy of Performing Arts
09.2018 - Current
Dance Educator
Monticello Central School District
09.2016 - 09.2018
Dance Educator
Frederick Douglass Academy VIII Middle School
09.2012 - 09.2016
Dance Educator
Newburgh Performing Arts Academy
09.2011 - 03.2020
Master of Social Work (MSW) -
Fordham University
Master of Arts (MA) - Dance Education
New York University
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Psychology
Montclair State University
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