Founder’s Story: Lisa’s Journey to Empowered By Movement

Lisa’s love for dance began at the age of 3, becoming a lifelong passion that shaped her path. At just 14 years old, she became a founding Company Member of the Wisconsin Ballet Theatre, where she danced semi-professionally. These formative years provided Lisa with not only the skills and techniques required to excel but also invaluable life lessons that have guided her journey.

Her dedication to dance continued as an Instructor and Choreographer at Barb’s Center for Dance, where she played a pivotal role in developing the center’s ballet program. In addition to teaching ballet, Lisa shared her expertise in pointe, lyrical, modern, tap, and jazz. She further expanded her knowledge of movement and performance while studying in the theatre and dance program at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

In her early 20s, Lisa shifted her focus to raising her family and building a successful career in marketing and advertising. Yet her deep connection to dance never waned. In 2015 and 2018, Lisa participated in the American Red Cross Dancing with Our Stars fundraising events, raising over $60,000 for the Green Bay community. These experiences reignited her passion for dance and inspired her to use movement as a powerful tool for good.

In 2018, Lisa answered her calling, guided by faith and a renewed sense of purpose. She founded Empowerment Dance, creating a space where creative movement could empower underserved populations, particularly seniors and individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. Her teaching practice is based on the Dance for PD program, which combines the transformative power of dance with Parkinson’s-specific techniques to improve movement, cognition, and quality of life.

In 2024, Lisa transitioned the business into the nonprofit organization called Empowered By Movement. With this evolution, her vision grew even larger: to deepen community connections and transform more lives through the joy of movement.

Today, Empowered By Movement embodies Lisa’s passion and purpose. The organization’s mission is to deliver joy through movement, music, and the creative arts, empowering individuals and creating lasting change.

Under Lisa’s leadership, Empowered By Movement continues to inspire, uplift, and make every move count—one step at a time.