Kim Gardner: founded O’Connor Hospital’s Dance Medicine/Pilates Program in 1999 to serve patients with a variety of rehabilitative issues and brings her skills and more than 20 years experience teaching movement to the SBSPMA team. Kim and Dance Med staff develop sports/dance-specific conditioning and functional rehabilitation programs based upon individual needs and physical therapy goals.

Kim danced professionally for 17 years and has been teaching ballet since 1984. Known for her ability to impact an experiential knowledge of the anatomy and aesthetics of ballet technique, Kim enjoys helping dancers and instructors reduce their risk of injury.

As Lead Dance Medicine Specialist, Kim has given numerous presentations on the applications of Pilates-based exercise for injury prevention and rehabilitation to physical therapists, athletic trainers, physicians, dance instructors, and university dance and theatre departments.

Memberships:

• Pilates Method Alliance
• International Association for Dance Medicine and Science

Awards:

• Core Value Award for Excellence – O’Connor Hospital
• California Arts Council – Artist in Residence Grant