Our Dance Medicine Team
Members of our specialized team at NYU Langone’s Harkness Center for Dance Injuries aim to advance the quality of dance science and improve the delivery of dance medicine. We do this by conducting ongoing research, establishing standards of excellence for dance medicine practitioners, and serving on the boards and committees of national and international dance medicine associations and journals.
The members of our team have worked with some of the top dance companies and Broadway productions.
Our Leadership
Director | Sports Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedics
Dr. Rose is an orthopedic surgeon and founding director of NYU Langone’s Harkness Center for Dance Injuries, as well as a clinical associate professor at NYU Langone. He is the orthopedic consultant to the Joyce Theatre and Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College, State University of New York (SUNY); numerous dance companies including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Cirque du Soleil, Martha Graham Dance Company, and STREB Extreme Action; and many Broadway and off-Broadway shows. Dr. Rose received the prestigious Dance Library of Israel Documents of Dance Award in 1997, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2002, and the UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2012. He has written numerous chapters and papers on sports medicine, dance injuries, and arthroscopic surgery, and has been listed as a “Top Doctor” by New York Magazine and Castle Connolly.
Alison Deleget, MS, ATC
Assistant Director
Ms. Deleget completed her bachelor’s degree in ballet and her master’s degree in athletic training at Indiana University. She also holds a graduate certificate in core business competencies from NYU. With 20 years’ experience in performing arts medicine, Ms. Deleget has worked with various elite dance companies and Broadway shows in New York, including Dance Theatre of Harlem, Martha Graham, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Ballet Hispánico, Hamilton, Wicked, Les Miserables, and the Public Theater. She has lectured extensively within the dance community and at national and international conferences.
Associate Director | Sports Medicine, Orthopedics
Dr. Borowski is a board-certified family medicine physician with an added qualification in sports medicine. A dance major at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts led Dr. Borowski to pursue a career in sports medicine with a particular interest in dance and performing arts medicine. She is excited to be in New York City to work with the amazing members of its dance community.
Staff Physicians
Sports Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Dr. McKay is a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician with an additional qualification in sports medicine. Her love of musical theater provided her with the opportunity to perform on many famous stages, including at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. By providing care to artists and performers, Dr. McKay hopes to assist them in their pursuit of the arts and to remain connected to a field she is passionate about. She is overjoyed at the opportunity to work and collaborate with the Harkness team.
Consulting Physician | Sports Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedics
Dr. Weiss is an orthopedist specializing in sports medicine and performing arts medicine. He served as an associate director at Harkness Center for Dance Injuries and is now an attending physician and clinical associate professor of orthopedic surgery at NYU Langone. Dr. Weiss serves as an orthopedist for Mark Morris Dance Group, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Parsons Dance Company, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, Ballet Hispánico, The Juilliard School, and many Broadway shows, including Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, Chicago, Wicked, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Beetlejuice, and Hadestown. In all, he has served as an orthopedist for more than 90 Broadway and off-Broadway theatrical productions over the past several decades. In July 2020, he became president of the board of directors of the Dance Research Foundation. Dr. Weiss received his bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Brandeis University, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, and his medical degree from Yale School of Medicine. He completed his orthopedic and sports medicine training at Yale New Haven Medical Center, NYU Langone, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, and University of Chicago Medicine.
Acupuncturist
- AY
Ayla Yavin, MS, LAc
Acupuncturist
A former professional dancer, Ms. Yavin has more than 14 years’ experience as an acupuncturist, with special areas of focus including injury rehabilitation and prevention, psychological resilience, healthy lifestyle, and professional longevity. She earned her bachelor of arts in religion at Swarthmore College and her master of science in oriental medicine at Touro College. Ms. Yavin enjoys collaborating within integrative medical environments.
Athletic Trainers
- HC
Hailey Calkins, MS, LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Ms. Calkins serves as the athletic trainer for Dance Theatre of Harlem, in addition to instructing educational workshops and assessments. She earned her master’s in athletic training from the University of Utah, where she also completed a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, with minors in modern dance and nutrition. Originally from Bend, Oregon, Hailey grew up training in a wide range of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, modern, tap, and musical theater.
Joshua Honrado, DAT, LAT, ATC, CSCS, RYT
Clinical Specialist
Dr. Honrado provides backstage care to Broadway shows and elite dance companies, as well as injury prevention assessments and educational lectures to the dance community. He received his doctor of athletic training degree from A.T. Still University and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and a registered yoga teacher.
Lauren McIntyre, LAT, ATC
Program Manager
Ms. McIntyre provides backstage care to Broadway shows and dance companies as well as injury prevention assessments and educational lectures to the dance community. The on-site certified athletic trainer for The Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College, SUNY for 15 years, she now manages the Harkness Center’s athletic training team.
- CO
Calvin Orallo, MS, LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Mr. Orallo has been working with performing artists ranging from students to professionals since graduating with a master’s degree in athletic training from Seton Hall University. He has assisted performing artists from dance companies, major theme parks, and freestyle and breaking competitions. He is also an athletic trainer for the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and the Brooklyn Nets entertainment department.
- EO
Ella Otto, MS, LAT, ATC, CPT
Athletic Trainer
Ms. Otto received a bachelor’s degree in movement science and a master’s degree in athletic training from Winona State University, where she also earned a minor in dance. An athletic training student intern with The Harkness Center for Dance Injuries in 2022, she has experience as a choreographer, dancer, and strength and conditioning coach for sports teams. She holds certifications in Graston Technique and personal training and as a corrective exercise specialist.
- MR
Megan Richardson, MS, Dipl, Ac, LAc, LAT, ATC
Per Diem Clinical Specialist
Ms. Richardson is a certified athletic trainer and acupuncturist specializing in manual therapy, Pilates-based rehabilitation, and functional training for performing artists. She has provided backstage care to numerous dance companies and Broadway shows. She has served on the board of directors of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science.
Bridgette Saba, DAT, PAM-Mc, LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Dr. Saba holds a bachelor’s degree in athletic training with double minors in theater and dance from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, a performing arts medicine master’s certificate from Shenandoah University, and a doctorate in athletic training from Moravian University. She is also a certified Graston Technique specialist. Prior to joining the Harkness Center for Dance Injury team, Dr. Saba worked at Moravian University as a graduate teaching assistant for the master of athletic training program and practiced as an athletic trainer working with dancers, musicians, and cheer athletes.
Physical Therapists
Clinical Specialist | Performing Arts & Dance Medicine Therapy | Performing Arts & Dance Medicine Therapy
Dr. Cavaleri received her bachelor of science from the University of Wisconsin—Parkside and her doctor of physical therapy from Columbia University. She successfully completed the Performing Arts Physical Therapy Fellowship at the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries. She has a background in competition dance and is an instructor in full apparatus for classical Pilates. She has experience in treating people of all ages and has provided backstage physical therapy care for multiple Broadway shows.
Clinical Specialist | Performing Arts & Dance Medicine Therapy | Performing Arts & Dance Medicine Therapy
Dr. Edery-Altas received a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and a doctorate in physical therapy from Columbia University. She is currently in a PhD program at Seton Hall University’s Department of Interprofessional Health Sciences and Health Administration and is also in the University of Alberta’s Graduate Certificate in Pain Management program. Previously, she was the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) performing arts special interest group research chair, and currently she is an APTA independent study course task force co-chair. Dr. Edery-Altas is a former professional ballet dancer, who danced as a member of both the Pennsylvania Ballet and the Boston Ballet.
Physical Therapy Supervisor | Performing Arts & Dance Medicine Therapy | Performing Arts & Dance Medicine Therapy
Dr. Heineman received her doctoral degree in physical therapy from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. Her experience in dance, aerial arts, yoga, and Pilates inform her manual therapy and Pilates-based rehabilitation.
- JH
Joan Heeringa, PT, DPT
Performing Arts & Dance Medicine Therapy
Dr. Heeringa holds a doctorate in physical therapy from Columbia University. Prior to her physical therapy education, she danced competitively in the Minneapolis area and earned a bachelor of arts in dance from Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts. She has performed professionally aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, at various regional theaters, and in film and television. Dr. Heeringa has taken course work in advanced orthopedics, was a member of the Columbia University Dance Research team, and completed her final clinical student affiliation at the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries.
Physical Therapist | Performing Arts & Dance Medicine Therapy
Dr. Kesting received a bachelor’s degree in dance and kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a doctorate in physical therapy from Columbia University. She completed her orthopedic physical therapy residency at NYU Steinhardt with clinical hours at Harkness Center for Dance Injuries.
- NM
Nicole Mawhirter, PT, DPT
Dr. Mawhirter received her bachelor’s degree in health science studies with a concentration in fine arts and her doctor of physical therapy from Quinnipiac University. She has been a dancer her whole life, and it was her interest in the arts and movement of the human body that led her to pursue orthopedic physical therapy with an emphasis on performing arts and injury prevention.
Physical Therapist | Performing Arts & Dance Medicine Therapy
Dr. Mcreynolds-Waldron holds a doctorate in physical therapy from Columbia University. After receiving her undergraduate degree from California State University, Long Beach, in dance and exercise science, she achieved a successful dance career on Broadway, with Cirque du Soleil, on international tours, and in film and television. Marla is now pursuing orthopedic physical therapy with an emphasis on performing arts. In spring 2022, she completed the physical therapy student clinical affiliation at Harkness Center for Dance Injuries.
Physical Therapist | Performing Arts & Dance Medicine Therapy | Performing Arts & Dance Medicine Therapy
Dr. Plumer-Holzman holds a bachelor of fine arts from the North Carolina School of the Arts and a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Washington. A board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist, she is also a certified functional manual therapist through the Institute of Physical Arts. Previously, Dr. Plumer-Holzman danced professionally in New York City for nine years, performing in both modern and contemporary ballet companies. She has studied with choreographer and anatomist Irene Dowd since 2000, assisting her for five years. Dr. Plumer-Holzman has been a dedicated yoga practitioner and teacher in the Ashtanga yoga tradition for more than 25 years and has taught anatomy and kinesiology for yoga teachers since 2006.
Physical Therapist | Performing Arts & Dance Medicine Therapy | Performing Arts & Dance Medicine Therapy
Dr. Salerno earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science with a minor in dance from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and her doctorate of physical therapy from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She is a registered yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance and has completed postgraduate continuing education in orthopedic manual therapies including North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy, Graston Technique, and NeuroKinetic Therapy, as well as LSVT BIG training for Parkinson’s disease movement disorders. Her clinical interests include injury prevention and rehabilitation for dancers of all styles, musicians, performing artists, and runners of all ages. She is a lifelong dancer and has performed and presented choreographic works internationally as well as taught dance.
- ZT
Zoe Tawa, PT, DPT
Dr. Tawa received her bachelor’s degrees in dance and biology from the George Washington University and her doctorate in physical therapy from Columbia University. Dr. Tawa is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist and also has an interest in women’s health and pelvic floor physical therapy. A lifelong dancer herself, she has had the joy of providing physical therapy backstage for numerous Broadway shows.
Physical Therapist | Performing Arts & Dance Medicine Therapy | Performing Arts & Dance Medicine Therapy
Dr. Varghese specializes in manual therapy and therapeutic exercise. He brings experience working in orthopedic settings as well as backstage on musicals. He received his doctor of physical therapy as well as his bachelor of science in health sciences from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York. Dr. Varghese is also a trained Indian classical dancer.
Administrative Staff
Christopher Augustus, Christina Brodwith, and Yaywati Khanailall, Medical Office Associates
The medical office associates welcome patients to the Harkness Center, schedule appointments, and answer any questions you have about treatment.
Lorik Serreqi, Rehabilitation Attendant
Mr. Serreqi provides support to the physical therapy team and patients.
Kelsey Kempner, MA, Research Associate
Ms. Kempner is a professional dancer, researcher, and educator. She holds a bachelor of science in neuroscience, a bachelor of fine arts in dance from The Ohio State University and a master’s in motor learning and control from Columbia University. Her performance repertoire includes music videos, opera, television, film, and evening-length works, and she is an educator at Breaking Ground Dance and Kaiser’s Room.
Jessica Mattsson, Operations Manager
Ms. Mattsson provides administrative support and coordinates surgeries. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in sport management and communications from Rutgers University. She was a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and head trainer of Crossfit Kids at Crossfit 103 on Staten Island.
Kristen Stevens, MA, Program Manager
Ms. Stevens manages the Harkness Center’s education programs and marketing. She holds a master’s degree in arts administration from Teachers College, Columbia University, and is on faculty at the American Ballet Theatre’s JKO School Children’s Division. Previously, she worked as a professional ballet dancer, including with the Norwegian National Ballet and BalletMet Columbus.