AIM’s team is made up of artists, educators, administrators, and community members who share a deep commitment to creating spaces where Disabled and Neurodivergent individuals can fully belong. Our staff bring backgrounds in music therapy, dance, theater, education, nonprofit leadership, and program development, alongside lived experience that shapes how we build and hold space together.

We are united by a shared commitment to building creative spaces where Disabled and Neurodivergent individuals feel a true sense of belonging. At AIM, our team doesn’t just run programs; we build community alongside the people we serve.

Meet Our Team

Administrative Team

Kristin Nygaard, Program Director for AIM

  • Kristin is thrilled to be a part of the AIM community! She brings with her a background in music therapy, music education, arts administration, and youth development work. She also brings her lived experience as an Autistic person with another invisible disability, both of which inform everything about how she approaches her work. Her highest priority in her professional life is to foster creative spaces where young people, families, community members, staff, and volunteers feel valued, supported, and free to bring their full authentic selves. In her personal time, you can find her on outdoor adventures, crafting, and learning new things.



  • Megan Martinko (she/her), Evaluation Coordinator, graduated from John Carroll University in 2015, with a degree in History and a minor in English. She then received her Masters in Museology with a focus on Education and a Certificate in Evaluation from the University of Washington in 2015. She is currently the Communications Manager and Tap Department Lead for All That Dance. She brings to AIM her years of experience working in nonprofits and dance education.

  • Mackenzie Guillen, Registration Coordinator, graduated from UC Irvine in 2015 with a Bachelor's Degree in Dance. She has a personal connection to the disabled community and has treasured her time working with disabled community members since youth. She enjoys supporting AIM behind the scenes administratively, and is always excited when she gets the occasional opportunity to substitute an Adaptive Movement class. Outside of AIM, Mackenzie enjoys teaching dance, spending time with her son and husband, and adventuring with her pups. 

  • Miranda Veenhuysen (she/they) has been an arts educator in the Puget Sound region for over a decade and a teaching artist at AIM since 2024. She holds a degree in Theater Arts from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a dual emphasis in Dance and Drama and completed her dance teacher training at the Creative Dance Center in Seattle, WA in 2010. Miranda also performs with two collectives: MoDanCo (modern dance) and Rain City Tappers (tap dance). In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, reading, and spending time with her husband and two cats. Miranda strongly values inclusivity and is a fervent believer in the power of the arts to bring joy and depth to individuals and communities.

  • Laina Bentley (she/her), Volunteer Coordinator and Support Staff, graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2023 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Music Studies. She has since completed music-based continuing education certificate programs at NYU: Tisch and the University of Washington. Laina brings to AIM her passion for and experience in working with music therapy, music education, and nonprofit organizations. She is also a theatre kid who grew up dancing and doing competitive concert and show choir! In her free time, you can find Laina in nature, doing crafts and puzzles, reading, or playing board games. 

  • Aidyn Stevens (she/her) began as a volunteer with AIM and then got the joy of working as a Support Staff. Aidyn’s background in the arts includes having received her BA in Theatre and Music from Western Washington University in 2022. Since then, her work has been focused on teaching, directing, and social service. Aidyn cares deeply about creating transformative arts engagement and works to be an artist for all people! She is excited to now support AIM’s community through the role of Program Manager.

Support Staff & Teaching Artists

  • Allie Pape (she/her) is pursuing a double major in Environmental Science and Dance, with a concentration in Wildlife Conservation and a minor in Marine Biology at the University of Washington. Currently on a gap year, Allie works as a freelance dancer and dance teacher within Seattle elementary schools. During the past few summers, she worked at an overnight camp for youth with chronic illness and other life challenges, where she developed a passion for bringing inclusivity and accessibility to the arts and the environmental sciences. Outside of dance and academics, Allie loves to read, do photography, go scuba diving and spend time in nature!

  • Allison Tsai (she/her) earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Health and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. She is particularly interested in working with youth with disabilities and older adults to promote independence and quality of life. Allison is passionate about advocating for equitable access to services for underserved communities. She is dedicated to delivering compassionate, client-centered care that values each individual’s unique strengths and experiences.

  • As a music therapist, Amy is passionate about using music to build environments where people can build supportive connections, celebrate their achievements, feel comfortable with themselves and embrace their true identities.  With dual bachelor's degrees in psychology and music therapy, Amy loves to use music to build community and personal connections in creative ways.  She is excited to be a part of a team of unique creative arts professionals helping to bring inclusion and access to arts to the community.


  • Bee (they/them/he/him), graduated magna cum laude from Cornish College of the Arts in 2023. Bee draws from his experience as a queer, disabled artist to give voice to the human experience. Born and raised in Oak Park, IL, they have over 20 years of dance education in ballet, Graham, contemporary, improv/contact improv, jazz, integrated dance, and more. Bee's work has been performed in Cornish's New Moves, MOMENTA's CounterBalance, and HEARTH, their up-and-coming dance company, co-directed by artistic partner Vera Drumond-Moore. They also put energy into their other passion, teaching, working with students of all ages at Haven Dance Academy, All That Dance, AIM Seattle, and the Academy of Music and Dance in Shoreline. With almost a decade of teaching experience, Bee strives to create a welcoming space where dancers can explore and discover the creative force that they are!

  • Charmin Wray, Movement Teaching Artist, has a degree in Sociology from the University of Washington. She teaches beginning level dance to ages 3 and up, and caregiver/child dance classes. She studied at The Summer Dance Institute for Teachers, at The Creative Dance Center in Seattle, for guidance in The Brain Dance. Watching The Brain Dance practices open up self awareness and communication possibilities in all populations and levels of dance is a joy. She is also a certified Home Care Aide, and a preschool teacher. She likes the summer season, outdoor theater, and karaoke.

  • Chelsea Hanawalt (she/her) is an educator, applied theatre practitioner, teaching artist, and future drama therapist with over 12 years of experience leading creative, inclusive arts programs for people of all ages. She holds a BFA in Performing Arts from Cornish College of the Arts and an MA in Applied Theatre from City University of New York, and is currently completing her drama therapy credential through the Drama Therapy Institute of LA. Chelsea has taught in schools and communities in Seattle and across New York City. She is passionate about the expressive arts and is dedicated to creating inclusive, imaginative spaces where people of all ages and abilities can explore, express, and connect through creativity. Recently back in Seattle, she’s excited to join the AIM community and support their mission of addressing systemic barriers faced by people with disabilities. Learn more about her work at chelseahanawalt.com.

  • Christine is a graduate of Seattle Pacific University with a BA in the Family Consumer Science Department. Her career started with a long stretch in the apparel design industry in both design & production. She has since been closely involved with art education through teaching art to children from preschool through middle school at independent schools, along with related volunteer work spanning across many schools throughout Seattle. She has a passion for sharing how art can create connections and bring a sense of creative therapy and curiosity to all. She especially values fostering strong and supportive relationships with families and students.

    When she is not slinging paintbrushes and dabbling in oil pastels, she likes to spend time with her family and attend all the sports and activities she doesn’t remember signing up for (she jokes).

    Christine feels very grateful and honored to be working alongside some of AIM’s amazing community members and is excited to build relationships in her role as one of the Visual Arts Teaching Artist.

  • Colleen (she/her) earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from CSU Sacramento and is currently finishing up her graduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Washington spring 2025. Before her studies in speech and language, Colleen trained as a ballet dancer and continues to bring dance into her life in all sorts of ways! She is very passionate about AIM's mission to bring creative movement and music to the community and loves learning how every person connects in a uniquely beautiful way.

  • Dan Dumont-Eton is a Choreographer, Artist, and Software Engineer. During his performance career, Dan was a company member of Nimbus Dance Works in New York, Evolving Doors Dance in Colorado, and Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company in Utah. Throughout his career, he had the pleasure of performing works by Daniel Charon, Sam Potts, Doug Varone, Alwin Nikolais, Angie Simmons, Raja Feather Kelly, Ann Carter, and many others.

    As a dance teacher, he has taught dance to all ages and abilities across the United States. During his time in Ririe-Woodbury and thanks to the National Endowment for the Arts, Dan was able to teach internationally in South Korea, Mongolia, and France. Performing mostly in Contemporary Dance companies, Dan also likes to incorporate release-technique, Bartenieff Fundamentals, and Horton into his classes. His deep love for floor work and accessibility combine together to offer students from any background a chance to express themselves in their own voice and movement.

  • Raised near Seattle, Frankie (she/they) came to AIM in late 2025 with a passion for cultivating a creative, enriching environment for people with disabilities to express themselves in the realms of art, music, and dance. Since they were little, they’ve enjoyed writing in unique looking journals, performing, experimenting with different styles of dance, and making art projects with whatever materials they could find. As a queer person navigating AuDHD and chronic illness, they believe in the importance of building community by supporting spaces where people can show up as they are and connect in ways that meet them where they’re at in the moment. In their free time, you’ll find them wandering around in nature chatting with the plants, listening to their current favorite songs on repeat, thrifting, snuggling with their cats, researching topics that capture their curiosity, regulating their nervous system, sipping tea while reading folk tales, giggling, trying new coffee shops, or reorganizing and decorating their space for fun. They’re super excited to see AIM growing and are grateful to be part of the team!

  • Garima Tripathi is a visual artist from India and lifelong student of Buddhist teachings on interdependence. She works in sculptures, public art installations, and prints. She learned pottery from traditional potters in Dharavi, Mumbai, earned her MFA from the University of Oxford, UK, on the Charles Wallace Scholarship, and post-baccalaureate at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Her work has been exhibited in India, the UK, the US, South Korea, and Denmark. She has created permanent installations for Harvard University's ceramic studio, Anneberg Kulturpark in Denmark, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, India. She was awarded the NCECA Multicultural Fellowship in 2022 and has done residencies at Golden Bridge Pottery in India, the L H Project in Oregon and Vortex Pottery in Seattle. 

  • Jackie is a Washington state certified teaching artist and autistic self-advocate with a passion for improv theater. They use their lived experience with a disability to connect to students in an individualized and caring way. When not working at AIM, they love making and listening to music and walking in nature."

  • Leona is currently pursuing a degree in Economics with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Data Science. Being part of Adaptive and Inclusive Movement is especially meaningful to her because it combines her love for movement with her commitment to inclusivity and community. She believes that movement is a powerful tool for confidence, self-expression, and connection, and she feels incredibly grateful to support participants in discovering their own strengths.

    Outside of AIM, Leona is a competitive Highland dancer and licensed Highland dance teacher. She has trained and competed at a high level for many years, earning regional championship titles and traveling for competitions across the United States and Canada. Dance has shaped her discipline, resilience, and leadership. Leona is honored to be part of a program that celebrates individuality, fosters trust, and creates a space where everyone can move freely and authentically.

  • Madeline grew up dancing at All That Dance and holds a Minor in Choreography from the University of Southern California. She currently teaches at ATD and runs their Mentee Program, which places high school students into dance classrooms to gain teaching and leadership experience. She is passionate about making dance accessible to people of all abilities, sizes, ages, and genders. Outside of the studio, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, skiing, and rock climbing.

  • Michaela Summers holds an MA in Dance Education from the University of Northern Colorado and a BA in Theater Arts from Azusa Pacific University. She has extensive experience teaching PK–6th grade performing arts, managing camps and enrichment programs, and working as a teaching artist in Title I schools across Los Angeles. Her teaching emphasizes creative expression and embodied learning. Michaela recently relocated to Seattle and is excited to be here!


  • Moranne Aaron-Berel is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Washington State and a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT). She holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Master’s degree in Theater, and brings extensive experience across social services and mental health settings. Moranne has worked with clients across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, with particular experience supporting marginalized communities, individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, and their families.

    Her work integrates drama therapy, Narrative, and Experiential approaches, and includes individual, family, and group therapy in outpatient, education, school-based, and community settings. Currently, Moranne works in Outpatient Behavioral Health at the Y Social Impact Center, facilitates Beat and Movement drum circle class with AIM, and facilitates groups for individuals with chronic illness and ongoing conditions. 

  • Nouci Ha (she/her) earned a degree in Kinesiology and is now diving deeper into the world of Occupational Therapy as a graduate student. Passionate about accessibility and inclusion, Nouci loves finding creative ways to help people fully participate in the activities that bring them joy and purpose. Nouci hopes to empower individuals to participate fully in the tasks they want and need to do, to live life on their own terms.

  • Nzana Thillot (she/her) earned her Bachelors in Medical Anthropology and English and is currently pursuing a Masters in Social, Health, and Development Policy. Drawing from her academic background, where she works on holistic care methods for unaccompanied children, and her competitive dance background, Nzana was inspired to join AIM due to their deep focus on creative and artistic expression for people of all abilities.

    Native to Denver and a new Seattleite, when not at AIM, Nzana loves to bake new recipes, read Octavia Butler, and do hip hop or heels dance classes at nearby studios!

  • Sonja is so excited to be at AIM! She grew up in Lake Forest Park just outside of Seattle. Sonja has a background in music, art, and advocacy. She brings her personal lived experience with invisible disabilities and is passionate about creating community where everyone can feel welcome. Sonja has many creative talents including costume design & creation, music, and writing. In her free time she enjoys attending anime conventions, playing video games, and singing with a local choir.

  • Susan Moffitt is a Washington state certified teaching artist who has taught art to children as young as three and adults as old as a hundred and five. Single handedly raising twin sons on the autism spectrum sparked her passion for teaching drama and art to special needs populations. Susan is also a pianist/composer and writer/poet. In her spare time she loves being out in nature with one or both of her sons.

  • Will Shaw (he/him) received an undergraduate degree in Public Health and is now pursuing his Master of Occupational Therapy at the University of Washington. He is passionate about serving the community and loves animals, especially his two cats, Pippa & Pepper. He hopes to merge his two passions and work in animal-assisted therapy one day.

  • Xanne (they/them) was born and raised in Hawaiʻi and is the proud parent of two adult children, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. Their personal experiences as a parent, combined with a lifelong commitment to inclusion and community-building, have shaped their passion for creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and free to express themselves authentically.  Xanne holds a BA in Intercultural Communication from the University of Hawaiʻi. They believe deeply in the power of creative play and the importance of fostering welcoming environments where connection can happen beyond words. Drawing from the expressive arts, Xanne’s teaching incorporates movement, sound, improvisation, and embodied exploration as pathways to self-discovery, authentic expression, and meaningful connection. Their approach encourages participants to engage with their inner landscape while honoring each person's unique way of experiencing and interacting with the world.  Xanne enjoys staying active through dancing, open water swimming, and playing pickleball.  They also value attending various community events that center social and racial justice issues.  

  • Yumin is pursuing her B.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of Washington. She also works with Seattle Young Engineers, helping run an after-school LEGO STEM program for SPS. She joined AIM because she sees it as an incredible opportunity to immerse herself in creative arts and connect with an amazing community. Outside of academics, Yumin enjoys reading Penguin Modern Classics, using Letterboxd, spending time with cats, and trying new restaurants.

  • “All I want for my daughter is a place where they will accept and appreciate her unique qualities and gift.”

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