Episode Details

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner working in school-based & community dance programs. You will hear from the personal and professional experiences of Arnel Calvario, OTD, OTR/L. Believing in using his talents & resources to promote community outreach, “respect for all people,” artistic expression, and education, Dr. Arnel Calvario has dedicated himself to the dance community since his college days. In 1992, he founded UC Irvine’s own Kaba Modern. He currently serves as the Board President of Culture Shock International and as an active member of the KINJAZ. He managed Kaba Modern, Fanny Pak, the Beat Freaks, & Kinjaz during their runs on MTV’s hit show America’s Best Dance Crew. Arnel also helped manage Kinjaz during their 2017 run on NBC’s World of Dance. He also launched his “Dance Therapy Program for Neurodivergent Children” in April 2014 in collaboration with Culture Shock LA & the DEA. Arnel has been a guest lecturer at UC Irvine, USC, Grossmont College, Cal State Fullerton, UCLA, Cornell University, & Princeton University. He also continues to teach his ROOTS B4 BRANCHES dance workshop and his international virtual program LEADERSHIP TOOLS for the DANCE LEADER, judge dance competitions, speak on discussion panels & participate in program development & leadership mentorship internationally. He is also the United States judge for the annual Hip Hop International (HHI) Dance Championships and is the Co-Coordinator for the annual HHI World Battles. He does all this while continuing to work as a full-time Doctor of Occupational Therapy for Long Beach Unified School District Related Services. 

Show Key Points:

·      Arnel gives us a glimpse of his background and interests

·      Arnel describes The Uncommon OT work that he does, the setting and population he serves

·      Arnel describes what drew her to this type of work and how she got there

·      Arnel describes a typical session on the job

·      Arnel  dispels some myths about the profession

·      Arnel discusses how OTs can branch into Creative Arts Programs

·      Arnel provides his contact information

RESOURCES:

LinkTree:  https://linktr.ee/ArnelCalvario

https://www.kinjaz.com/

www.cultureshockla.org 

Instagram: @kabamodern

Instagram: @CultureShockLA  

Instagram: @Kinjaz  

Children's Hospital LA

https://secure1.chla.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2241&mfc_pref=T&2241.donation=form1

As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot 

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