Our Instructors and Board Members

BIOGRAPHIES

Go to the “BB4B In Action” page to meet more amazing people!

Susan Frikken, DPT, LMT
Instructor & Co-founder

“My goal is to incorporate arts and nature into therapeutic practice, helping to change the way of health and wellness care in our country. I love to dance, bicycle, be outside, and play at just about anything, so I try to stay healthy and able in case I’m invited to join in! I am a physical therapist in private practice in Madison, Wisconsin, a graduate of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2013. I’ve been a massage therapist since 1993. Areas of special interest are restoring optimal posture and function, conservative scoliosis management, working with the many circus artists in the Madison area, soft tissue work (massage), and – of course! – balance and falls resilience! I’m honored to have been adjunct faculty and guest lecturer at UW for the DPT program. Also, I’m a proud member of the Falls Free Dane Coalition which builds partnerships with people and organizations, collaborating to reduce older adult injury and complications from falls.  I’m a certified facilitator of Stepping On, an evidence-based falls reduction program. Proudly, I am a founding member of the Madison Area Wellness Collective, connecting practitioners and community. Most recenty I began co-leading parkour classes with seniors. Originally from metro Detroit, I live in Madison with my wife and animals.”

My LinkedIn profile.

Podcast Interview with Second Act Fit Pros

Darcie Olson, Ph.D, OTR
Instructor & Advisory Board Member

“Darcie Olson, Ph.D., OTR is a retired Occupational Therapist who loves working with older adults. Darcie completed her BS in OT from UW Madison in 1981, a Masters in Health Science from the University of Indianapolis in 1999 and a PhD from UW Milwaukee in 2013.

During her career, Darcie worked as an outpatient OT for 20 years, specializing as a certified hand therapist and an onsite ergonomic specialist for several manufacturing facilities. She made the move to teaching in the late 90s and educated many OT and OTA students in both Madison and Milwaukee. Her courses primarily focused on physical rehabilitation and geriatrics.

Darcie joined Susan in her wonderful Ballroom Basics for BalanceTM program in 2015 and recognized that participation benefitted her as much as the members of the class.  As an instructor in Madison College’s OTA program, she involved all of her students in BB4B promoting the love of working with older adults.

Darcie is a member of Falls Free Dane, is trained in Parkour Silver and volunteers with AgeBetterToday providing free home safety visits for older adults. Additionally, Darcie is AARP’s state coordinator for CarFit, a safety program for senior drivers.”

Mary Berg, Instructor

“I graduated from UW Whitewater with a degree in Physical Education and a minor in Recreation Administration. I have worked in the recreation field for twenty-four years, thirteen of which have been for the Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department. I am responsible for the establishment, operation and evaluation of recreational programs, services and facilities for the community, including the management and supervision of all Recreation Division personnel. The City of Waukesha has utilized the Ballroom Basics for Balance curriculum in class, at Special Events and as a staff energizing activity. Ballroom Basics for Balance elements rhythm, synchrony and shared movement has brought our community together.”

Sue Gasparri, Instructor

“I am a Physical Therapist and have worked with a wide variety of patients over the years. During my short stay in Madison, I was fortunate to volunteer and dance with BB4B. The smiles and sense of community that are shared during these classes fuel my soul. I am a strong believer in the importance of staying active for physical and mental health, and enjoy yoga, dance, and the outdoors.”

Krista Spiro, Instructor & Advisory Board Member

“I am a long-time Madisonian who loves music and dance. I learned ballroom dancing as an undergraduate and started the Madison Argentine Tango Society. I enjoy dancing at community events with my family and friends, and try to keep up with my kid’s hip-hop moves. I enjoy travel, camping, biking, learning languages and being outdoors as much as possible. I earned a Master’s of Physical Therapy at UW Madison and work at Unity Point Health Meriter in the area of neurological physical therapy. I am a certified in leader of Stepping On, an evidence-based falls reduction program. I love that dancing can bring joy to exercise and be a means to improve confidence, balance and energy.”

Atala-Nicole Mitchell
Instructor

“Teaching is one of my favorite parts of life. I love to watch people enjoy learning and to support people in finding joy, health, well-being, and creative expression. I have taught creative movement, ballet, ballroom, modern, aerial, jazz, and tap dance, as well as adaptive Pilates, meditation, relaxation, stress relief, and classes for living well with chronic pain. I hold a Master of Fine Arts in Dance and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. I look forward to meeting you and to a strengthening and fun class.”

Gwendolynn Doyle, Instructor

“Dancing has been a part of my life since the age of 3. I couldn’t imagine my life without dance, so I pursued it in college, obtaining a BFA in dance and dance education. I taught dance for 15 years in Wisconsin, Illinois, and even South Korea. My main focus has been ballet and modern dance, but have taught everything from hip hop to gymnastics to samba. I have taught movement to age groups from 4 months to senior citizens. I decided to return to school for physical therapy and graduated in 2019 with an associates in physical therapy. Ballroom Basics for Balance is a fun way to blend my two interests.”

Georgia Corner, Instructor

“I am a physical therapist who began my movement career as a dancer/dance teacher. I currently work as an outpatient therapist, and continue to teach dance and incorporate dance into my therapy practice. I am inspired by the idea that movement for pleasure can keep us all vigorous at all ages.”

Susan Martin, Advisory Board Member

“I am a student in a Ballroom Basics for Balance class. Susan Frikken, my PT, mentioned BB4B several times before I decided to try a class. Am I glad I did. In addition to improving my balance and coordination the BB4B class is so much fun. I have practiced yoga for over 30 years. I find yoga is a practice that takes me inside myself. BB4B classes are outwardly focused taking me into the sense of community and sharing. BB4B and yoga give me a nice balance emotionally and physically.

My education is in biological sciences and I worked in biomedical research for many years. In retirement, I received my yoga teacher training certificate, and volunteer teach at the Madison Senior Center and Middleton Senior Center in association with YAFA, Yoga Accessible For All. I have additional training and certification in Yoga for Arthritis, Yoga for Seniors and Chair Yoga.

My one year old dog/puppy keeps me entertained and busy. When I have a few extra moments I like to read or cook.”

Deb Kohlwey, Instructor

“I first came to BB4B as a student. I learned a lot from Georgia, my instructor, and loved that dancing could improve my balance. Because of my positive experience, I decided I wanted to teach the course. My goals are to continue to learn and practice the skills necessary to teach the course and to improve my students’ well-being.

On a personal note, I have lived in Madison my entire life. I attended UW Madison and earned two B.S. degrees, one ag related and the other in education. I also have a masters in curriculum and instruction. I was a high school English teacher for 33 years and retired in 2021.

I enjoy spending time with my family, taking classes through MSCR, and volunteering for various organizations that improve our community.”

Listen to Deb’s interview on the Second Act Fit Pros podcast!  

Laura Prieto, Instructor

Laura Prieto earned her Ph.D. in Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a concentration on Motor Control and Behavior and adapted physical activity. Dr. Prieto is committed to improving equitable access to quality physical activity opportunities for the Latine older adult community. She has taught dance for the past 12 years in a variety of settings, including private dance studios, schools, and retirement homes. She has taught several dance and movement classes for older adults including Parkinson specific classes in Syracuse, NY, and currently a dance class at Renaissance Assisted Living. In 2022, she began a dance program called Activate Bailando for Latine older adults in Madison, WI. In 2023, she began to work with Romina Guarisma, her co-instructor, to further develop Activate Bailando program. She is excited to share part of what they have created with the BB4B community. 

Laura Prieto obtuvo su doctorado en Kinesiología en la Universidad de Wisconsin-Madison con especialización en Control Motor y Comportamiento y actividad física adaptada. La Dra. Prieto está comprometida a mejorar el acceso a oportunidades de actividad física y ejercicio para la comunidad de adultos mayores Latinos/Hispanos. Ha enseñado danza durante los últimos 12 años en una variedad entornos incluyendo estudios de baile privados, colegios, y residencias para personas retiradas. Ha enseñado varias clases de danza y movimiento para adultos mayores, incluyendo clases específicas de Parkinson en Syracuse, NY, y actualmente una clase de danza en Renaissance Assisted Living. En 2022, comenzó un programa de danza llamado Activate Bailando para adultos mayores latinos en Madison, WI.  En 2023, empezó a trabajar con Romina Guarisma, su constructora, para seguir desarrollando el programa de Activate Bailando. Laura está emocionada de compartir parte de lo que han creado con la comunidad BB4B.

Ann Niedermeier, Advisory Board Member

Ann, a Madison, Wisconsin native and retired educator, loves living in Madison because it’s easy to get outdoors in all seasons. She taught English as a Second Language (ESL) K-12, developed program and wrote textbooks for the Madison schools, taught Methods and Practicum for future teachers at UW-Madison and finished her 34-year career in education as a school-based Staff Developer, working to improve learning for all students. 

As a retiree, she continues to enjoy bicycling, cross-country skiing, walking, snow-shoeing  and small-water kayaking. Quieter activities include reading, knitting, piano study and gardening, including public gardening. She gave up squash and broomball long ago. Some years ago, Susan Frikken invited her to join a BB4B class, and since then Ann has invited many friends to join in, too. They all say their balance has improved and so has their joy. Ann is not a movement instructor, but she certainly promotes BB4B.

Doubara Stucki, PT, DPT aka “Dobby”, Instructor

I am a board-certified geriatric clinical specialist with a passion for teaching and promoting wellness. I hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from UW-Madison, and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, and I am certified in Advanced Competency in Home Health Care.

Dance has always been an integral part of my life, deeply rooted in my African culture. I believe that dance is a powerful form of expression and connection, bringing joy, improving physical health, and fostering a sense of community. My philosophy is that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can experience the benefits of dance and movement.

BB4B helps me bring my love for movement and community into adaptive spaces. I enjoy dancing with people in assisted living and memory care, because it combines my expertise in physical therapy with my enthusiasm for dance, helping participants improve their balance and enjoy the joy of movement.

Kelly Bullard, Instructor

Kelly is a global fitness professional inspiring and educating for over 25 years. With an M.S. Degree in Sports Administration, Bachelor’s degrees in Physical Education and Health Ed, she taught at both university level and as a high school teacher.

You will find Kelly inspiring residents of Waukesha County, Wisconsin in her zesty BB4B classes!

Kelly is a Strong Nation Master Trainer and Zumba Education Specialist (ZES) with an extensive fitness background and an abundance of fitness certifications.  She has presented in over 38 countries for land exercise and aquatics including IHRSA Brazil, IHRSA (USA), IDEA, SCW Mania, Empower, AAAI/ISMA, AEA Europe, IAFTC (AEA), Fit Expo, CanFitPro, RIMINI Wellness Italy. She is an annual presenter for the Zumba Convention.

Kelly is a continuing education provider, appears in several Zumba educational videos, the highlighted instructor in Aqua Zumba Volume 6, and was one of the 2015 Zumba Fitness Concert performers. Kelly gives leadership as a lead ZES for two of the Zumba programs, serves as an advisor for aspiring instructors, and creates social media content for various platforms.

You can find Kelly teaching 16 weekly classes virtually and in-person in the Milwaukee area. As a fitness educator and certified Personal Trainer, Kelly uses her all-encompassing education and fitness background to help participants thrive and set them up for success!

Sarah Neman, Instructor

Gail Gottinger, Instructor

Cindy Steinert, Instructor

Tara Scott, Instructor

Lynn Zemaitis, Advisory Board Member

Rena Kornblum, MCAT, BC-DMT, DTRL, Instructor

“I am a board-certified dance/movement therapist and have taught and practiced dance therapy for over forty years. I consider myself very lucky because I love my work. I coordinate an undergraduate certificate program in Dance/Movement Therapy at UW-Madison where I teach 4 levels of dance therapy classes as well as Relaxation Techniques for Embodiment and Stress Management, and Ballroom Dance.

I spent thirty years working at Hancock Center for Dance/Movement Therapy where I developed children and family programing and was the executive director for 14 years. As part of my work for Hancock Center, which has continued after I retired, I provide services in Madison elementary schools and neighborhood centers. This consists of embodied social skills classes for classrooms and families via a research-based violence prevention curriculum: Disarming the Playground, Violence Prevention Through Movement and Pro-Social Skills. I developed and published this curriculum, and run therapy groups for children needing more intensive work.

I teach about my work nationally and internationally and recently have developed a multi-cultural approach with pictorial handouts in several languages and activities that directly address how different cultures use space, eye contact, self-regulation and conflict resolution.

I love my work – I love moving with people. I find joy every day moving and dancing with others.”