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Created by Veronica Vasquez Garcia, the SEL Dance Method is a unique approach that integrates Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) with dance. This method helps students develop critical life skills such as emotional regulation, empathy, and teamwork through movement, making it an effective tool for holistic education.
Get To Know Us!
What Is the SEL Dance Method?
JMM Dance Co. was established in 2017 with the mission of promoting social-emotional learning (SEL) through the medium of dance. Our founder, drawing from years of experience in dance instruction and studio ownership, recognized the transformative potential of dance for emotional healing, release of generational trauma and development. Identifying a disparity in access to these opportunities among individuals facing socio-economic, physical, emotional, or mental challenges, she founded JMM Dance Co. to bridge this gap. Under her visionary leadership, JMM Dance Co. has become a symbol of inclusivity and creativity within the dance community.
JMM Dance Co. empowers individuals of all abilities through an inclusive, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) dance education method. We aim to foster a supportive and creative environment where every participant can thrive emotionally, mentally, and physically. Our focus is on raising mental health awareness, fostering cultural unity, and providing tools for emotional well-being within communities.
Creativity: We encourage creativity as a fundamental aspect of personal expression, embracing diverse forms of artistic exploration within the realm of dance.
Empowerment: We are dedicated to empowering individuals by fostering personal growth, self-discovery, and creative expression through dance.
Holistic Growth: We prioritize holistic growth by addressing not only the physical aspects of dance but also the social-emotional well-being and overall development of each individual.
To unite people from different backgrounds through the arts to grow in social emotional skills.
At JMM Dance Co., we celebrate diversity! We pledge to create an inclusive space where everyone, no matter their age, background, or ability, is welcomed and celebrated. We value diversity, offer equal opportunities, encourage open dialogue, provide accessible spaces, and cultivate a sense of belonging for all.
We are committed to fairness at JMM Dance Co. We promise equal opportunities, reject discrimination, maintain transparent practices, continuously improve, and strive for inclusive leadership. Our goal is to ensure that every individual in our community is treated with dignity and respect, fostering a culture of justice for all.
We envision a world where every individual, regardless of age or background, has the opportunity to experience the joy of dance, nurture their emotional intelligence, and connect with others in meaningful ways.
Our Board Members
President
Raymond Garcia
Is known for his balanced business acumen. He holds a B.S. in Business Management from San Jose State, double minor in computer information systems and early childhood mental health, plus a certification with CTEC tax preparation.
Through his well-rounded personality and diverse work experience he is able to relate to almost anyone. His empathy for others is what sets him apart in the office world.
His past roles include Sales Manager, Children and Teens Dance Studio Director, Clinical Scheduler for multiple regions and County Case Manager Welfare Specialist.
Ray has overcome financial adversity; he was the first person in his family to graduate from college and debt free! Currently he is the Operations Officer for First 5 San Benito.
As a compassionate father of a child with special needs he realized that his assets are best served developing companies and organizations that uplift others and yield positive community benefits. He is excited to be part of the development and impact of JMM Dance Co.
Vice President
Armida Garcia
A passionate advocate for bilingual education and inclusivity, particularly focusing on language accessibility for Spanish speakers. Her journey began as a helping parent in her son's classroom, where she experienced firsthand the challenges non-English speakers face in navigating the education system. She is dedicated to breaking down language barriers to ensure equitable access to educational resources and support for Spanish-speaking families. With her deep understanding of diverse community needs and her role as a grandmother to a child with autism, she brings invaluable perspectives to her position as Vice President of the Board. She is committed to championing the rights of all children, creating a supportive environment where language barriers are minimized, and empowering Spanish-speaking families for academic success.
Secretary
Leah Segoviano
A driven law student with a deep-seated commitment to advocating for underserved populations. Serving on the JMM Dance Co board, Leah merges her legal acumen with her passion for social justice. With an unwavering belief in the transformative power of dance and community engagement, Leah endeavors to dismantle barriers and promote equality for all individuals. Through her role with JMM Dance Co, Leah seeks to empower marginalized communities, amplify their voices, and effect meaningful change towards a more inclusive society.
Secretary
Maria Vasquez
A resilient advocate, Maria's journey has been shaped by her own battles with fibromyalgia and her unwavering dedication to advocating for her daughter's needs throughout her childhood illness.
In the workplace, Maria has bravely fought for accommodations to manage her fibromyalgia symptoms while simultaneously providing care and support for her daughter in the education system. Her personal experiences have fueled her passion for promoting inclusivity and accessibility, both in the workplace and in broader society.
Witnessing the profound impact that movement has had on her daughter's health, Maria has been inspired to support her daughter's vision as the founder of JMM Dance Co. Recognizing the transformative power of dance, Maria is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive space where individuals of all abilities can experience the joy and healing benefits of movement.
Board Member
Allison Garcia
A devoted community advocate and proud native of Hollister. Allison is a dedicated wife, mother of two special needs boys, and recent business owner, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the table. Her role as a stay-at-home mother has provided her with invaluable insights into the needs of special needs children and adults, driving her commitment to advocating for and promoting the services available to them within the community.
Allison is honored to join the JMM Dance board as a member, eager to collaborate with fellow board members to advance their shared mission. Whether offering a listening ear, providing support, or sharing insights, she is committed to serving the community.
Board Member
Darcy L. Plunkett
Darcy is a highly skilled and empathetic therapist with a passion for helping individuals achieve mental and emotional well-being and live to their highest potential. With over 10 years of experience in the field, Darcy has honed her expertise in various therapeutic approaches to provide personalized care.
Darcy’s collaborative approach combined with her extensive training in Relational Cultural Theory, Grief Recovery and Narcissistic Abuse Recovery allows her to guide clients through difficult life challenges, trauma, and relationship issues.
Known for compassionate and non-judgmental approach, Darcy creates a safe and supportive environment where individuals can openly express their thoughts and feelings. By incorporating evidence-based techniques in her work, Darcy empowers clients to develop effective coping strategies and build resilience.
Whether it's managing anxiety and depression, enhancing self-esteem, addressing interpersonal conflicts, or facilitating personal growth, Darcy tailors her therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs of each client. She strongly believes in fostering collaboration and shared decision-making to ensure that individuals feel actively involved in their own healing journey.
In addition to their clinical work, Darcy is committed to staying updated with the latest research and advances in the field of psychotherapy. She participates in continuous professional development, attends seminars and conferences, and maintains membership in professional organizations. This dedication allows Darcy to offer the highest standard of care to their clients.
Board Member
Amy McGraw
A passionate advocate dedicated to guiding individuals in unraveling medical mysteries through Wi-Fi detoxification. With a keen focus on promoting electromagnetic field (EMF) health and safety, Amy endeavors to educate others about the risks associated with EMFs and empower them to adopt healthier, low-EMF lifestyles.
Amy's journey began amidst a five-year struggle with undiagnosed medical complexities, coinciding with her senior year while pursuing a degree in Kinesiology. During this period, she grappled with sensations resembling being engulfed in flames while simultaneously electrocuted, leading to severe muscular weakness and the eventual need for a cane for mobility support. Faced with the prospect of wheelchair dependence by the age of 40, a milestone she recently reached on the 7th of this month, even routine tasks like brushing teeth became arduous, often requiring assistance from her husband, Josh, to prevent falls.
The revelation of Amy's sensitivity to electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) emerged through the practice of Earthing, which involves grounding oneself to the Earth. This realization, occurring seven months ago, shed light on the detrimental effects of the pervasive radiation emitted by cell phones and electronic devices.
Since this pivotal discovery, Amy has dedicated herself to raising awareness about the dangers of EMFs, understanding the underlying mechanisms of the body's adverse reactions, and exploring pathways to detoxification from what she terms "Wi-Fi Overload."
Accessibility Pledge
At JMM Dance Co, accessibility is paramount. Here's how we ensure everyone can join in:
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Physical: We offer wheelchair-accessible spaces, ramps, and restrooms equipped with grab bars.
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Communication: Providing sign language interpreters, audio descriptions, and materials in alternative formats.
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Program: Inclusive classes, adaptive equipment, and instructors trained in inclusive teaching.
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Outreach: Collaborating with disability groups, offering scholarships, and eagerly seeking feedback.
Proud Members Of
SEL Dance Instructor
Karina Javier Casillas
Hello, I'm Karina, and I've been teaching dance for about 6-8 years. I'm incredibly passionate about my Mexican heritage and culture. While I enjoy learning various dance styles, I'm particularly drawn to folkloric dances, especially those from the regions of Sinaloa, Guerrero, and Jalisco. I was born in Mexico and raised in Salinas, California. I'm excited to meet you and share my love for dance.
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