SARI ANNA THOMAS is the artistic director of DFD and an instructor, as well. Originally from Seattle, her love for dance started early, bringing her to Los Angeles in 2000 on a scholarship to EDGE PAC. She danced professionally for 5 years and in 2006 began transitioning into directing, choreographing, and teaching. In 2013 she began dancing with the Down syndrome community and continues to be deeply inspired by the work. She is humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to guide dancers through movement in a way that inspires creativity and self-expression. Her approach in the classroom is unique, as she has found a way to conduct class where everyone of all ages, levels and abilities feels challenged, supported, and successful.  

DANI EVERTS grew up in Southern California and started dancing at age 9.  At age 22 she left dancing professionally to follow her heart and teach and direct the Dance Department at Wilson High School in Long Beach. In 2007 she left Wilson H.S. to raise her family and currently teaches dance and fitness classes. In February 2018 she was invited to a DFD performance. She loved the program and instantly knew she wanted to get involved. She has been teaching with DFD for about a year and a half and will be teaching hip hop this summer. She is so excited and grateful for the opportunity to share her love and joy of dance with these inspiring individuals!

AMBER L CROMWELL, LMFT, ATR-BC, is a board-certified art therapist and arts educator. She is a Clinical Supervisor in the Helen B. Landgarten clinic and Co-Director of The Summer Arts Workshop for Loyola Marymount University's Department of Marital and Family Therapy with Specialization in Art Therapy. She also has a private practice and provides art therapy group services in the Los Angeles Unified School District through the Cedars-Sinai Share & Care program.

CHIHIRO SANO (she/her), originally from Japan, began her modern dance training at the age of seven. After graduating from high school in Japan, she moved to California to further her dance training. Chihiro joined Backhausdance as an apprentice and has been a full company member since 2010. Chihiro currently serves as the Education Coordinator for Backhausdance and is passionate about sharing her love of dance and yoga with people of all ages and abilities. Chihiro is excited to be a part of DFD family. 

ANNIE GRIFFITH is the co-founder and Executive Director of DFD. Growing up with a brother with Down syndrome, Annie always felt drawn to work with these individuals and she has always had a passion for dance. She took her first dance class at age 5 and continued through high school. She found herself back in the studio in 2013, when she started teaching adult dance fitness classes. She is thrilled that she is able to bring her love of dance and the arts to the DFD community.

KRISTEN UJIMORI provides administrative support for DFD. Born and raised in Southern California, she grew up dancing in Torrance and graduated with a BA in Dance, from Cal State Long Beach. With over 20 years of administrative experience, she's worked with companies and organizations that cover a wide range of industries. Kristen is inspired by the work that DFD is doing with the disability community and is excited to be a part of this mission-driven organization. 

BROOKE FREEMAN is tech support for the online classes at DFD. Having an older sister with Down syndrome, she grew up participating as a volunteer coach and coach’s assistant for Special Olympics basketball & swim. Brooke is an actress and her sister is a dancer, so artistic performance runs in the family. She loves sharing this passion for art with this exceptional community and learning about every person’s unique story and experience.