GENI MORROWIEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Geni has a 35 year teaching/dancing background which is as varied as it is extensive. As a teacher she has coached gymnastics throughout Oregon, Alaska, and Hawaii, as well as at the prestigious National Academy of Artistic Gymnastics. She decided to combine her dance and gymnastics experience and founded The EDGE in 1992. As a performer she has danced with Lifters, Inc., the 5 by 2 Dance Co., University of Alaska, the Jones-Ludin Dance Company, the Eugene Jazz Company, Oregon Coast Ballet Company, San Nicholas and Company, and Mary Seereiter. She is the producer of Dance for a Reason and co-owner of The Reach Center.

CAT JENKINSIPRESIDENT

Cat has been a vibrant member of the Eugene Community for almost 30 years. Besides graduating from South Eugene High School, LCC and the U of O, she taught water aerobics, kids swim classes, land aerobics, modern and jazz dance to all ages of the Eugene com- munity for over 10 years. She then moved on to acquire a MAT from OSU and has been an elementary school teacher ever since. Cat has been involved with Dance For A Reason from the start as a volunteer, a supporter, and even an occasional performer. She is proud to be the President of the DFAR board, and is excited about the upcoming season. Cat loves to swim, visit with friends and spend every moment possible with her two beautiful daughters.

JEAN MEYER-FEROIVICE PRESIDENT

Jean is a 30 year transplant to Eugene from the midwest, with a BS in Art from the Univer- sity of Wisconsin/Stevens Point. She spent many years as an Art and Marketing director for a national media company. Since 2002 she has owned her own graphic design business, Aries Creative, and is a partner in a design and marketing cooperative, Helios Creative. Jean served on the board of directors for the Professional Women’s Network of Oregon as Program Director and continues as a member. Through her many associations with clients, performers, artists and friends, she stays very connected to the community. She enjoys singing, growing flowers, reading, and bringing interesting people together. Jean has been a supporter and volunteer for DFAR since it’s beginning and has attended every performance.

JOCELYN BURDICKISECRETARY

Jocelyn has been living in Eugene for almost ten years. She came out here from the east coast to attend the University of Oregon. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Family and Human Services in 2003, she entered the professional world of non-profit. She worked at Committed Partners for Youth, a local mentoring agency, before landing a job at Big Broth- ers Big Sisters, where she managed mentor/youth matches, organized group activities, and taught an after school program with high school and elementary school students. She has done exciting work with the Eugene Family YMCA, the First Tee of Willamette Valley, the University of Oregon, and other local agencies. Currently, she is attending Lane Community college where she is studying massage therapy and business. Jocelyn enjoys working with children, volunteering in the community, and spending time with her friends.

PAT COYNEITREASURER

Pat keeps forgetting to email her bio to our webmaster. Perhaps this public message will create action . . .

MAUREEN BERINGER

Maureen has lived in Eugene for 23 years. She loves it here and feels lucky to be a part of this community. Maureen is a R.N. and works at Sacred Heart Riverbend in the Neonatal De- partment. She is mother to Eileen, who has kept her connected to the dance world through performing and teaching for 23 years. Maureen believes in Dance For A Reason and is proud to be a Board Member.

BESS BLACQUIERE

Bess has grown up in Eugene. She comes from a family of dance beginning with a mother that danced with Jose Limon in New York City. She has been a gymnast, a dancer, and a supporter of the arts for most of her life. Bess stays involved in the arts through her beautiful children, Will, Nuvia & Makena, who live and breath dance and music and participate annual- ly in Dance for a Reason. Bess owns Equinox Real Estate with her husband and has worked as a real estate broker since 1996. She is currently on the Board of Doulas Supporting Teens and an active member of the community. Bess believes in the power of dance knowing that both art and dance contribute to making well-rounded students, encourage the pursuit of happiness, are fantastic stress relievers, and provide a sense of worth to all involved. Bess has been a supporter of Dance for a Reason as it is a show case for creative expression; giving not only our community, but also the artists, dancers, musicians, and choreographers a place to admire, encourage, and enjoy one another.

DONNA BLANC

As a professional Cellist, Donna grew up in a family of professional musicians. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, she holds a BA from Holy Names University, in Oakland California. The cultural nature of the Bay Area has always been reflected in the rich diversity of its artists. Donna has collaborated with several groups, including a Dance Com- pany, performing original works. While living in Oakland for several years, she participated in many community development projects. As a musician, working with and supporting the arts remains her life’s pssion. Donna left the Bay Area, moving to the Willamette Valley in 2004. While greatly enjoying the beauty of this Valley, she does see tremendous potential for many more types of professional performances in this community.