Lisa Fultz is the Founder and President of Special Kids Dance & Performing Arts. Lisa began dancing at the age of 9 in Buffalo, NY where she trained for many years at Mullen’s School of Dance and studied ballet with Dorothy Gaye. Lisa performed at Kleinhans Music Hall in New York and worked at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Lisa opened her first dance studio in 1992, teaching tap and ballet to young children. In February 2000 she became the proud parent of a child with Down syndrome. It was her daughter who inspired her to create "Special Kids Dance" and to teach children with special needs. She loves working with children of all ages and hopes to expand the program to reach out to many more children for years to come.
Lisa Fultz, Founder and President
Devenia Cowper, our TKD Instructor began studying martial arts with her three children seven years ago, and decided right away to become an instructor. She trained with the American Taekwondo Association and their masters for three years to achieve each level on instructor collar, level 3 red, level 2 black and red and finally level 1, black collar, certified ATA instructor. Ms. Cowper has been teaching Taekwondo for 4 years and owned her own ATA school for three years. It is her goal to make sure each student feels motivation, self confidence and respect for others, and improves their physical abilities and coordination. Ms. Cowper has worked with children with different issues and abilities, and enjoys seeing each one reach their potential.
Devenia Cowper, TKD Instructor
Lily Alcott is the Art & Yoga Instructor. Miss Lily has an undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, CO. Lily taught pre- kindergarten, kindergarten and elementary school children. She is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Special Education at the University of South Florida at St. Petersburg, FL. She has pursued a yoga certification for Special Kids Dance. Lily is a member of the Business and Professional Women's Organization, the South Pasadena Cultural Arts Council, the Museum of Fine Arts, and loves animals, reading and to travel.
Lily Alcott, Art Instructor
Alice Slayton is our Dance Instructor at the Palm Harbor YMCA location. Alice has an 8 year old daughter with Down syndrome. She has been dancing most of her life and has been helping with Special Kids Dance since 2005. Alice conducted our Drama/Vocal class in 2007 but dancing is her real passion! Alice has a great deal of previous dance expierence and has worked at Busch Gardens for many years! She teaches ballet, tap and hip hop at our Palm Harbor location. Alice has a beautiful singing voice and sings at weddings. She also is a very talented clown or Raggedy Ann and will entertain at your child's next birthday party. Call Alice at (727) 781-3633.
Alice Slayton, Dance Instructor
Nancy Russell, LCSW
Nancy Russell MSW, LCSW. Nancy has over 20 years of experience in early childhood development and working with hearing, deaf, and hard of hearing clients. Her practice in Florida has been recognized for its insightful and effective methods in helping children overcome traumas and early childhood development problems. She incorporates the family into the solution and directs treatment to build on the child's self-esteem, allowing them to overcome their problems with dignity and support from their parents and siblings. Utilizing both play therapy, art therapy, interactive counseling methods, and her understanding of the complications children face in adjusting as they age, Nancy brings with her a deep compassion and insight. www.coaching4kids.com
