Our Approach
Our Story
At DBL, we are grateful for all of the volunteers who give graciously of their time to get to know their dancer, support and challenge their dancer, and ensure opportunities to participate in adaptive dance! Volunteers are students and professionals, aspiring dancers, siblings and friends. Without our volunteers, this program would not be possible.
Learn How to Volunteer!
Meet the Team
Suzanne Dougherty
Founder
As the founder of DBL, Suzanne wanted to share her passion for dance with the youth she encountered as a pediatric physical therapist. In 2012, she introduced dance to 9 eager young girls in wheelchairs and several still dance with the troupe.
Ashley Hedden
Co-Founder
Ashley, director of Omaha “Bella” Dance, is a pediatric occupational therapist who has undergone training in both adaptive dance and pediatric yoga. She enjoys incorporating props and creative movement into class and teaches dancers poise, dance etiquette, and how to shine on stage.
Stephanie Chase
Artistic Director
Stephanie, a former Rockette and director of Chase the Spirit of Dance in Lincoln, NE, enthusiastically joins DBL with a lifetime of dance experience. She serves as the Artistic Director of DBL, bringing creative and challenging choreography to the dancers and instilling passion.
Angel Racpan
Volunteer Coordinator
Angel comes to DBL from Honolulu, Hawaii! She moved to Omaha to attend Creighton University and majored in Exercise Science. During her time as a Bluejay, she danced on the Creighton Dance Team and was captain her senior year. Angel works with students with learning disabilities and she also coaches at the Dancer’s Edge.
Maggie Fleita
Volunteer Coordinator
Maggie has been dancing since age 3. After growing up in the Chicagoland area, she attended Creighton University studying Exercise Science and Dance. She later earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. Maggie loves to move and groove and is excited to be back in Omaha dancing with DBL!
Lily Lautenschlager
Volunteer Coordinator
Lily is a Senior at Lincoln East High School. She was one of the original members of Dancing Beyond Limits in 2012. Lily participated as a dancer for 6 years before becoming a buddy. She is serving as an instructor in the Lincoln group for her 2nd year. Her favorite part of DBL is meeting and working with all the amazing people!