Professionals We Trust
Dr. Lily Hicks, PT, DPT
Dr. Aimee Martel, PT, DPT
Dr. Aimee Martel, PT, DPT
COLORADO
Dance-Specialized Physical Therapist
Dr. Lily Hicks brings a unique blend of firsthand ballet experience and clinical expertise to her work with the ShamRockk Foundation. A former pre-professional ballet dancer, Lily trained extensively in classical ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary, dedicating over 25 hours a
COLORADO
Dance-Specialized Physical Therapist
Dr. Lily Hicks brings a unique blend of firsthand ballet experience and clinical expertise to her work with the ShamRockk Foundation. A former pre-professional ballet dancer, Lily trained extensively in classical ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary, dedicating over 25 hours a week to her craft during her formative years. Though she eventually chose to step away from the stage, her passion never left the dance world—it simply shifted to the wings.
Now a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy based in Denver, Lily channels her deep understanding of a dancer’s physical and emotional demands into injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance support. With degrees from Eastern Illinois University and Concordia University Wisconsin, she combines the science of movement with a lifelong love for dance to help artists move better, recover smarter, and perform longer.
As a valued health partner with the ShamRockk Foundation, Lily plays an essential role in equipping young male ballet dancers with the resources and care they need to thrive in training and beyond.
Dr. Aimee Martel, PT, DPT
Dr. Aimee Martel, PT, DPT
Dr. Aimee Martel, PT, DPT
CALIFORNIA
Dance-Specialized Physical Therapist
Creative Generations Wellness Team
Aimee Martel’s journey from ballet dancer to physical therapist was fueled by a deep curiosity about movement and injury prevention. Based in the Bay Area, she works with recreational, pre-professional, and professional performers, helping t
CALIFORNIA
Dance-Specialized Physical Therapist
Creative Generations Wellness Team
Aimee Martel’s journey from ballet dancer to physical therapist was fueled by a deep curiosity about movement and injury prevention. Based in the Bay Area, she works with recreational, pre-professional, and professional performers, helping them recover and return to their craft stronger than before.
Formerly the PT for Team USA Artistic Swimming, Aimee brings experience working with artistic athletes from student to Olympian. She’s known for creating a space where dancers feel seen, heard, and cared for by someone who truly “speaks their language.” Her approach emphasizes injury risk reduction, rehabilitation through strength and technique refinement, and proactive education through anatomy-based workshops.
Since earning her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2007, Aimee has completed advanced training in Performing Arts Medicine and is a Certified Progressing Ballet Technique Instructor. She founded her dance-specialized private practice in 2012 and is proud to support motivated, movement-driven individuals of all backgrounds. Through her affiliation with Creative Generations, Aimee has already supported several of our ShamRockks in their health and performance journeys.
Dinah Hampson
Dr. Aimee Martel, PT, DPT
Pierre Vilanoba, MA, LMFT
CANADA and USA
Registered International Sports Physiotherapist
Dinah Hampson is a leading physiotherapist and educator with a unique focus on dancers and artistic athletes. Holding degrees from Queen’s University and the University of Toronto, she is a Registered International Sports Physiotherapist and active member of Sport
CANADA and USA
Registered International Sports Physiotherapist
Dinah Hampson is a leading physiotherapist and educator with a unique focus on dancers and artistic athletes. Holding degrees from Queen’s University and the University of Toronto, she is a Registered International Sports Physiotherapist and active member of Sport Physio Canada.
In 2003, she founded Pivot Sport Medicine, and later co-founded Pivot Dancer, where she bridges her classical ballet background with cutting-edge sports science. Dinah is internationally recognized for her expertise in pointe shoe fitting, foot mechanics, and advancing access to resources for dancers.
Her career spans work with Olympic, Paralympic, and national teams across multiple sports, alongside a faculty role at the University of Toronto’s Department of Physical Therapy, where she has earned awards for teaching and mentorship. Passionate about education and innovation, Dinah continues to shape the future of dance health worldwide.
Pierre Vilanoba, MA, LMFT
Dr. Aimee Martel, PT, DPT
Pierre Vilanoba, MA, LMFT
USA - CALIFORNIA
Ballet & Men’s Health Specialist
1-925-298-2452
Pierre Vilanoba began training at the Paris Opera Ballet School at age eleven, later dancing with the Paris Opera Ballet and San Francisco Ballet, where he retired as a principal dancer in 2013.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in psycholog
USA - CALIFORNIA
Ballet & Men’s Health Specialist
1-925-298-2452
Pierre Vilanoba began training at the Paris Opera Ballet School at age eleven, later dancing with the Paris Opera Ballet and San Francisco Ballet, where he retired as a principal dancer in 2013.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in Counseling Psychology at the Wright Institute in Berkeley. He has since built a practice supporting children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, depression, grief, eating disorders, trauma, and life transitions. His clinical work has included leading groups addressing suicidality and supporting youth with eating disorders.
Pierre’s specialty lies at the intersection of ballet and men’s mental health. Having faced the pressures of professional dance himself, he offers a safe and supportive space where clients build resilience and self-awareness. He integrates psychodynamic insight with evidence-based practices, tailoring sessions to each individual.
Through his Lafayette, CA, practice and his work with the Bay Area Psychotherapy Training Institute (BAPTI), Pierre helps dancers develop tools to thrive—in the studio, on stage, and in life.
Focus Areas:
Men’s Issues · Artists & Athletes · Anxiety & Depression · Suicidality · Eating Disorders · Grief & Loss · Life Transitions
Lauren McArdle
Jody Herman, MS, RDN, CEDRD
Jody Herman, MS, RDN, CEDRD
USA
Mental Performance Coach
Performance Psychologist
Lauren McArdle is a professional ballet dancer and mental performance coach whose career highlights include seasons as a Soloist with The Sarasota Ballet and performances with The National Ballet of Canada. She has brought lead roles in works by Balanchine, Ashton, Rob
USA
Mental Performance Coach
Performance Psychologist
Lauren McArdle is a professional ballet dancer and mental performance coach whose career highlights include seasons as a Soloist with The Sarasota Ballet and performances with The National Ballet of Canada. She has brought lead roles in works by Balanchine, Ashton, Robbins, Tharp, Taylor, Graham, and MacMillan to life on stages across North America and Europe. Currently completing her Master’s in Sport & Performance Psychology and pursuing CMPC certification, Lauren also coaches at IMG Academy and presents internationally on the intersection of ballet and mental performance. She is passionate about equipping dancers and athletes with the mental tools to achieve excellence, resilience, and long-term well-being.
Jody Herman, MS, RDN, CEDRD
Jody Herman, MS, RDN, CEDRD
Jody Herman, MS, RDN, CEDRD
USA - California
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Certified Eating Disorder Specialist
Jody is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist with a background as a professional dancer. She has extensive experience working with dancers and athletes, as well as individuals navigating eating disorder
USA - California
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Certified Eating Disorder Specialist
Jody is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist with a background as a professional dancer. She has extensive experience working with dancers and athletes, as well as individuals navigating eating disorders, trauma, substance abuse, food allergies, and gastrointestinal issues. Holding a Master’s in Human Nutrition from Drexel University, Jody is passionate about helping performers build a positive relationship with food, body image, and self-trust—supporting both their health and longevity in dance and beyond. Through her affiliation with Creative Generations, Jody has already worked with several of our ShamRockks, bringing her expertise and care directly into their journeys.
Organizations We Trust
Vital Motion, Physical Therapy
Vital Motion, Physical Therapy
Vital Motion, Physical Therapy
At Vital Motion, our mission is to empower individuals to master their movements, reclaim their strength, and live life confidently without limitations. Through personalized physical therapy, we help you transform every motion into a step toward mastery, enabling you to thrive in all aspects of life.
Pivot Dancer
Vital Motion, Physical Therapy
Vital Motion, Physical Therapy
Pivot Dancer connects dancers, parents, and healthcare professionals with expert knowledge, resources, and community. Rooted in current research and dance science, our programs are designed to be flexible, accessible, and practical—empowering dancers worldwide to grow stronger, more resilient, and better supported both in and out of the studio. With an impressive roster of dance-specific professionals—including DPTs, registered physiotherapists, Pilates instructors, ballet coaches, registered dietitians, and strength coaches—we bring the highest level of expertise directly to the dance community.