This program was created by AnnaBeth Cowsert, an Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. AnnaBeth received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has been a dancer for over 20 years. 

With her expertise in dance pedagogy and numerous dance styles, she taught dancers ranging from ages 2 to 50+ as well as those with varying abilities. While in occupational therapy school, she taught an adaptive dance program that led her to realize her passion for using dance to influence improved function and quality of life.

This program served as her doctoral capstone project as well as her personal passion project to combine dance with occupational therapy in the hope that she might make a difference for those in need. 

Dr. Darci Pernoud, OTD OTR/L CEAS is the leading occupational therapist and owner of Back to Independence Rehab. This project was created with her assistance to give back to the Parkinson's disease community and provide BTI with an additional resource to promote exercise and holistic wellness for those in Charlotte, NC.