ABOUT US
GuiDANCE Autism is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization developed to expose
children and young adults with autism and other special needs to the arts and creative expression normally only available to their typically-able peers.
Servicing students of all levels in an environment of compassion that leads to transformation,the GuiDANCE Autism team of practitioners uses the medium of dance along with respite techniques and rhythmic music to enable them to break through their shells and connect to their surrounding world.
Let your spirit DANCE!
VIDEO
FOUNDER
GuiDANCE Autism founder, Kerisse Hutchinson, is a Magna Cum Laude Graduate of Towson University and certified Autism Movement Therapist. She received her dance training at the Alvin Ailey Dance Center and has performed and choreographed throughout the US and abroad.
Calling dance her “saving grace” during a troubled childhood, she endeavored to extend the gift of dance to underserved populations. While working as a dance therapist for children with autism throughout the New York City school system, she began witnessing the amazing effects her classes had on the students and hearing heartfelt testimonials from parents and teachers. Noticing a lack of dance and movement classes geared toward children with autism, Kerisse tailored her passion and skills as an accomplished dancer, choreographer, actor, into developing dance and movement techniques for children with autism and other special needs.
"Dance connects the body, mind, and spirit
and gives you the freedom to express who you
are without judgment. I believe everyone should be
GUIDED toward the freeing spirit of DANCE!"
~Kerisse
TESTIMONIALS
"We have some kids here that have severe behavioral issues. They wanted all the kids to be involved. I could not believe how the music, dancing, and their personal touch allowed some of these kids to interact in ways we never witness."
"GuiDANCE has helped a lot but in a fun way. She’s moving around more confident and becoming more aware of herself in terms of space and movements."
"He wasn’t use to interacting because he’s nonverbal. His coordination has improved and his interaction-- even his stamina. I’m glad that I exposed my son to something new and he’s done very well with it and he’s had a lot of fun!"
"The GuiDANCE program is at once methodical and deeply intuitive. I have witnessed the transformation of many a child under their loving care. With limitless love, talent and patience, they're able to open children to new worlds of creativity, awareness, and acceptance."