Co-Creator & Program Director

Born and raised in San Francisco, Vicki Alvarez began dancing at a young age, training in multiple styles and performing on platforms like America’s Got Talent and So You Think You Can Dance. She holds a BA in Psychology with a Dance minor from Cal State Northridge and an MS in Dance/Movement Therapy from Pratt Institute. As a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist, Vicki has worked with diverse populations—from early child development to seniors with dementia. Guided by the belief that the body is the unconscious mind, she uses movement as a powerful tool for connection and healing.

Co-Creator & Lead Facilitator

Clory Rossi-Shewan is a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, dancer, choreographer, and dance instructor. Originally from Italy, she trained and performed professionally in ballet and modern dance with Balletto di Roma, IALS in Rome, Ajkun Ballet Theatre, and Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company. Clory earned her MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles and currently provides psychotherapy to college students in Santa Barbara. Her clinical experience includes working with diverse populations, including neurodivergent individuals, couples, families, and children, integrating dance/movement therapy, art, movement, and yoga into the therapeutic process.

Program Coordinator

Andrea brings a background in wellness, mental health, and creative arts to her role as Program Coordinator at Let's Dance It Out. With a passion for creating inclusive, joyful spaces, she supports the planning and coordination of LDIO’s therapeutic dance programs. Andrea is committed to fostering community, connection, and self-expression through movement.

Facilitator

Lauren is a Facilitator with LDIO and has been a dedicated member of the team since 2013. Her work with this community inspired her to pursue a career as a therapist. She is now a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with specialized training in Expressive Arts Therapy, Mindfulness, and Trauma-Informed Yoga. Lauren has devoted her career to bringing arts and wellness to young people in schools and community-based settings. 

Facilitator

Alyssa Zepeda is a licensed clinical social worker and dance therapy student, whose journey in the world of movement began at the tender age of five. With a lifelong passion for dance, Alyssa has always been captivated by the powerful intersection of movement, creative expression, and mental health. This fascination led her to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Dance, laying a strong foundation for her future endeavors.

After completing her Master’s in Social Work in 2015, Alyssa joined the Let's Dance it Out Team as an intern, where she not only supported the program but also honed her skills in the expressive arts field. With over a decade of experience, she has worked with children, adults, and families, employing a unique blend of creative, somatic, and evidence-based approaches to foster healing and growth.

Alyssa's commitment to understanding the transformative power of movement and somatic wellness is evident in her ongoing research and studies. She recently had the honor of presenting her work at the National Dance Education Organization's 2024 Somatic Special Topic Conference in New York, showcasing her dedication to advancing the field of dance movement therapy and ecosomatics.

With a warm and approachable demeanor, Alyssa Zepeda continues to inspire those around her, proving that the rhythm of life can be a powerful tool for mental well-being.

Facilitator

Rugile (Reggie) Pekinas is a California native who has centered dance in her life since she was 3 years old. She has worked in education with different student populations all around the world, and has taught dance to children in Spain. Now working as a SPED teacher for high/ middle schoolers in Los Angeles, Reggie is excited to combine her passions for dance and inclusive learning to the LDIO community! 

Outreach & Community Engagement Intern

Xan Blackwell is the Community Engagement and Outreach Intern at Let’s Dance It Out, where they lead efforts to build meaningful community partnerships, enhance visibility, and expand access to inclusive dance therapy programs. Combining a professional background in dance and social work, Xan is deeply committed to using movement as a tool for healing, empowerment, and connection. They work to ensure that individuals of all abilities feel seen, supported, and inspired to express themselves through dance. Through their role, Xan actively advances the organization’s mission to make therapeutic dance accessible and impactful for diverse communities.

Facilitator

Dani Mitchell is a passionate Dance and Movement Therapy Facilitator whose love for dance began in childhood and has evolved into a meaningful path of expression and connection. She holds a BA in Child Development from California State University, Fullerton, and an MA in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College.

With experience working across diverse populations, Dani has cultivated a deep compassion for individuals with disabilities and developmental challenges. Through her work with Let’s Dance It Out, she uses movement as a tool for healing, self-expression, and connection, creating supportive spaces where individuals can grow and thrive. Guided by her faith, Dani brings intention, empathy, and heart to all that she does.