YPAD™ is an Association
as·so·ci·a·tion
noun
1. a group of people organized for a joint purpose.
2. a connection or cooperative link between people or organizations.
As an association, YPAD™ is built on four building blocks as represented in our logo: educational resources, certification commitments, industry engagement...and YOU!
YPAD™ works with parents, individual educators, studio owners, events, colleges, experts, and industry professionals for brighter future in dance.
YPAD™: A New Chapter in Dance Safety
In 2022, the industry's needs had evolved, prompting a call for stronger standards and a fresh direction for YPAD™. With the expertise of seasoned dance, health, and safety professionals, the existing business and original courses were retired, and a brand-new YPAD™ was established. Instructional designers, writers, and researchers were engaged to create a new company and identity: Youth Protection Association for Dance™. This new name signifies YPAD™ as a group organized with a common purpose—safeguarding dancers and empowering confident adults under the guidance of long time supporter Misty Lown.
By July 2024, an impressive 3.0 course featuring advanced technology was completed and the leadership baton was passed to Kelly Peterson, owner of the first YPAD-certified event, guiDANCE experience, along with longtime supporters and YPAD studio owners Mark and Jennifer Brast. This triple leadership approach ensures that the educational platform and certification will continue to thrive!
YOU are the difference maker. YOU are YPAD™.
Contributors
Our deep appreciation goes to the following contributors:
Dr. Addie Briggs, MD, co-founder of Fitness DAWGS
Emily Bufferd, founder of The Young Choreographer's Festival
Jessica Michaels, founder of 3JOANNES SAFR
Erika Hogan, MS and founder New Attitude Performing Arts Center
Karen White, Senior Editor at INsight Magazine
Brett Titus, founder of LifeSpot
Holly Nieman, PT at Andrews Health Children's Institute
Dr. Kim Evans, EdD, retired superintendent, and co-founder of Fitness DAWGS
Dr. Andrew Jagim, PhD researcher at Mayo Health System
Denise Meyer, licensed educator and project manager for YPAD™
Stephen M. Potts, JD and member of The Texas Center for Legal Ethics
Dr. Sheyi Ojofeitimi, PT, DPT, OCS, CFMT, director of therapy services at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and co-founder of Dance Ready Project
Jenny Clark, MSW, LCSW, CSOTP, CFI, Stein Counseling and Consulting Services, Ltd
Emily Harrison, RD and founder of Dancer Nutrition
Joan Parke, JD, COO of the Boys and Girls Club–La Crosse
Dr. Jeff Russell, PhD researcher at Ohio State
Mathew Farmer, MFA, professor at Hope College
Katie Gatlin, MS, LPC, CCTP, CSTS, private practice
Dr. Danelle Dickson, PhD, owner of Performance Plus Physical Therapy, and co-founder of Dance Ready Project
Dr. Chelsea Pierotti, PhD, University of Colorado-Boulder
Tiffany Prout-Leitao, YPAD™ certified coach and founder Center Stage Dance Academy
Richard Smith, adjunct faculty at East Carolina University
Misty Lown, ME-PD and owner of Misty’s Dance Unlimited
Vanessa Terrell, YPAD™ certified coach and owner of The Pointe School of Dance
Julie Holt Lucia, YPAD™ content creator and former studio owner
Jill Williams, YPAD™ certified coach and president of Leap Studios
Cassie Scheevel, YPAD™ education coordinator
Tracey Wozny, founder STAR Leadership program
Carolyn Colleen, MBA, founder of Acton Academy Midwest
Cynthia Newland, MFA, former professor at Belhaven University
Hear from these and other contributors in our courses
Emily Bufferd
Founder, Young Choreographer's Festival
“We must prioritize our students’ well-being and progress them only when they are ready to safely approach new ideas in mind, body, and spirit.”
Stephen Potts, J.D.
Member, Texas Center for Legal Ethics
“Studio owners, like all small business owners, don't need to "do it all" on their own. Organizations like YPAD™ can help.”
Carolyn Colleen, MBA
Founder, Acton Academy Midwest
“A culture of continuous improvement and a community of motivated, empowered educators committed to providing the best possible education to their students.”
YPAD™ is based in the United States. Though the education presented here is built upon U.S. standards, YPAD™ recognizes that there may be different standards in other cultures and countries across the globe. It is important to refer to the governance of your home country, state, province, or city to ensure consistent, legal compliance with the appropriate local regulations.
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Youth Protection Association for Dance™ is a division of YPAD, LLC