STAFF & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Staff

Judith Smith, 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 12 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

Christy Thomas, Administrative Assistant, relocated to California in 2007 after graduating with a BFA in Dance from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. She stumbled upon AXIS's website prior to moving and was intrigued by the work. One year later, she is on the AXIS team and pretty excited about it! In addition to working for AXIS, she is dancing herself here in the area. So far, she's enjoyed working with Alyce Finwall, Patricia Banchik, and Mo Miner and is excited to continue dancing and exploring what the future holds.
info@axisdance.org

Board of Directors

Chuck McAvoy, Interim President, works at Kaiser IT as a Network Infrastructure Engineer/Design Consultant and serves as the President of Kaiser Permanente Employees with Disabilities Association. Chuck lives in Danville, CA and has been on the AXIS board since 2006.
(Network planning engineer, Kaiser Permanente)

Parker Monroe, Secretary/Treasurer, has been a member of the Axis Board of Directors since 2006. He also serves on the boards of the San Francisco-based Chamber Music Partnership as Secretary, and the San Rafael-based Marin Literacy Program, also as Secretary. He has worked in non-profit arts management as a symphony orchestra manage for over 20 years, and is currently executive director of the New Century Chamber Orchestra.
(Executive Director, New Century Chamber Orchestra)

Anne Finger is a writer of fiction and non-fiction. Her short story collection, *Call Me Ahab*, was awarded the Prairie Schooner Book Prize in fiction for 2008 and will be published by the University of Nebraska Press. She has been an AXIS board member since 2008.
(Author/Lecturer/Professor)

Robin Pomerance Robin brings almost twenty years of arts administration experience to AXIS Dance. She joined the board in July 2008 in an effort to use her skills to promote the mission of this exciting company, and to support its educational objectives.
(Program Administrator, Cal Performances)

Anna dos Ramos - member since 2007
(CSSA, Diversity and Inclusion)

Kate Sadowsky MA, C.M.T has a masters degree in Holistic Health Education, is currently studying Ayurvedic Medicine, and works as a bodyworker, meditation teacher, and organizational wellness consultant. Her passion for AXIS Dance Company stems from her own love of movement and dance as a form of pure inquiry and expression. From her experience volunteering with the Dance Access Outreach programs, she has seen firsthand the growth and joy that arises from youth breaking free from limitations and coming into genuine contact with each other and themselves. She has been an AXIS board member since 2008.
(Wellness Consultant)

Judith Smith, is one of AXIS' founding members and has earned an international reputation in the field of physically integrated dance.
(Artistic Director AXIS Dance Company)

Marilyn Straka - member since 2000
(CEO On the Level Walking Tours)

Find out more about becoming a Board Member.