About Dramakinetics

OUR GOALS

To the best of our ability, we will:

1. Provide direct instruction in performing arts for all individuals;
2. Provide classes for instruction of Dramakinetics methodologies to parents, educators,
   therapists, artists, and caregivers; and
3. Establish further research on the benefits of Dramakinetics as an activity-based
   intervention.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mary Berger and her husband, Rob, live in Bridgetown with their two children, Mason and Marlie. She’s an Early Childhood Intervention Specialist who is also the Preschool Lead to facilitate the Early Childhood Programs in the Oak Hills School District. According to her husband, she’s a professional student, since she’s been in graduate courses to advance professionally. She’s eager to skillfully enhance student learning in achievement in all settings, which will be an ongoing process since one model doesn’t fit every child. She believes that Dramakinetics is important because it furthers her commitment to the “whole child”.

Barbara Koerner has been interested in acting for as long as she can remember. Her lifelong dream to act in a play was fulfilled through her participation in the Renegade Garage Players. Since 2004, she’s appeared in fifteen plays. Among her favorite roles are Thea Elvsted in Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabbler”, Lady Capulet in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, and the Governess in Simon’s “The Good Doctor”. Now that she’s with Dramakinetics, she’s happy to impart her experience and knowledge as both an actress and as a person with Cerebral Palsy.

Patrick Maynard (Board Vice-President) is currently the Executive Director of the Resident Home Corporation. Since joining RHC in 2003, he has led a key strategic planning and development process, implemented major annual fundraising events, and garnered a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to construct two group homes. He was previously the Western U.S. Director for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Associate Director for the National Alzheimer's Association, the Executive Director of United Cerebral Palsy chapters in Seattle, Washington, and Columbus, Ohio, and the Superintendent for Carroll and Fairfield (Ohio) County Boards of MR/DD. He was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Irwin Siegel/United Cerebral Palsy of America National Leadership Award, and was awarded an appointment to the Harvard University Graduate School of Government by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Mary Mazuk (Board Secretary) is a life-long “Westsider”, where she now lives with her husband and their twin daughters. Because of her background in psychology and counseling, she was asked to be a board member by her sister, Colleen McSwiggin. Mary is an ardent fan of the Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team, and is a one-time cow chip throwing champion.

Colleen McSwiggin (Managing and Development Director) is a life-long resident of Cincinnati, growing up in Delhi and Green Township, where she now resides with her husband, Mike, and their two sons. She became involved in Dramakinetics when her sons, Joe (who has PDD and global developmental delays) and Jack began attending classes in the early part of 2007 at the Resident Home Corporation.  She’s proud to say that she’s a one-time Jeopardy! champion and that she was fortunate to visit the set of Sesame Streetin New York with her family.

Cathy Rector (Board President) has spent the past 20+ years in the technology business serving the Communications, Financial and Retail industries. Her area of specialty and focus include business development in web-based solutions. Companies she has served in senior management roles include Cincinnati-based companies such as S&L Data Corporation, Cincinnati Bell, Convergys Corporation and Luxottica Retail. As a fine arts undergraduate, she continues to be actively involved in the arts community in Cincinnati and is a featured singer with the Cincinnati Camerata as well Knox Church choir. She joined Dramakinetics' board because "Dramakinetics is an arts organization with heart through our special focus and outreach". Ms. Rector lives in Anderson Township with her daughter and two furry, four-legged kids - Sophie and Bailey.

Pam Shooner (Education Director) has been using performing arts for fun and function throughout her entire life, which began with her directing her five younger sisters in their annual Christmas pagents. After pursuing a short career as a professional actress, she became a mom who facilitated performances for her daughter, Ann Charlotte, and all of the neighborhood kids. Later, she returned to school to obtain her graduate degree in special education. She now uses both her performing arts background and special education degree to teach Dramakinetics to individuals with and without special needs.  She resides in Northside with her husband, Michael.

Catie Singer (Board Treasurer) graduated with a degree in mathematics and a minor in business from Xavier University. She and her husband, Jeremy, live in Green Township with their daughters, Lauren and Paige. Because Lauren has global developmental delays, Catie has become passionate about special needs services. However, she believes both of her daughters will benefit greatly from the Dramakinetics program. Catie is currently the Business Manager at Blake and Associates, Inc. Physical Therapy. 

OUR ADVISORY BOARD

Sr. Jannita Complo (Life-time Board Member) knew about “kinesthetic intelligence” long before Howard Garner’s 1983 book told parents and teachers there was such a thing. Years before his book came out, Sr. Jannita had already written the books Dramakinetics and Funtactics, incorporating methods and strategies for teaching creative movement and drama in the regular and special education classroom. Throughout her career as teacher, college professor, and principal, and now as the founder and director of the Children’s Creativity Center in Monroe, Michigan, she has promoted the “kinesthetic intelligence”.  Among the honors she has received are: The Outstanding Educator of America (1975), Who’s Who in American Education (1988), The Meritorious Service Award, Bureau of Indian Affairs (1988), Outstanding Administrator of the Year (1988), and Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals (2005, 2007). She has given numerous workshops on Dramakinetics throughout the United States.

Omope Carter Daboiku
Deb Hill
Joe Link