STAFF & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Staff
Judith Smith, Artistic Director, Artistic Director, has earned an international reputation in the field of physically integrated dance. Upon taking over artistic leadership of AXIS in 1997, AXIS began commissioning works by some of the nation’s best choreographers, composers and designers and launched Dance Access Community Education and Outreach Program. Prior to becoming disabled in a car accident at age 17 Judith was a champion equestrian. She transferred her passion for riding to dance after discovering contact improvisation in 1983. Along with several other disabled and non-disabled dancers she founded AXIS in 1987.
judy@axisdance.org
Annika Nonhebel, Education Director, relocated to California in early 2006. Originally from the Netherlands, she holds a major in sign languages. Whilst studying Annika worked on a variety of different theater productions as a choreographer, director, and dance teacher with children of all ages. After receiving her MA in Dutch Language & Literature in 2002 she was employed as a research assistant and later as education director for a sign language institute. Annika has been working for AXIS as Education Director since 2007.
annika@axisdance.org
Mollie McFarland, Development Manager, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Santa Clara University in 1994 with a BFA in Theater & Dance and a BA in English. In 1996, she received her MFA in Dance from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. In her 11 years as a performing arts administrator, Mollie has worked for several performing arts organizations including Dance Theater Workshop, NYC; Stephen Petronio Company, Robert Friedman Presents and Western Arts Alliance. Mollie has been AXIS Dance Company’s Managing Director from 2002-2008 and now works as Development Manager.
mollie@axisdance.org
Board Members
Chuck McAvoy, Interim President
Network planning engineer, Kaiser Permanente
Parker Monroe, Secretary/Treasurer
Executive Director, New Century Chamber Orchestra
Anne Finger
Author/Lecturer/Professor
Anna dos Ramos
CSSA, Diversity and Inclusion
Kate Sadowsky MA, C.M.T
Wellness Consultant
Judith Smith
Artistic Director AXIS Dance Company
Marilyn Straka
CEO On the Level Walking Tours
Find out more about becoming a Board Member.
photo courtesy of Trib LaPrade