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Dear Joy of Motion Community,

As you know, Vanessa Rowan has served as our Interim Managing Director for the last 1½ years, in partnership with Helen Hayes (Interim Program Director). On May 14, Vanessa will be leaving Joy of Motion for a  finance management role at a national nonprofit. We will miss her greatly, but are excited to see what she does next — plus we expect to keep seeing her in class.

In light of Vanessa’s departure, the Board of Directors has selected Julie Meyer to step into the role of Interim Executive Director. Helen is looking forward to returning to her role as the full-time Director of the Dance Institute.

Julie brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and management, having served for thirteen years as Executive Director of The Next Step Public Charter School. She also happens to be a longtime Joy of Motion student — so be sure to say hello and welcome when you see her in the studio.

This May, we are also wrapping up a pro-bono consulting project with Compass DC, focused on executive structure. Based on the results, we will be launching a search for a full-time Executive Director by June. Julie will remain with us until that process is complete.

Our congratulations to Vanessa and welcome to Julie. We look forward to seeing them, and you, in the studio!

All the best,

Heidi Thiboheim (Chair) and the Board of Directors