Sara Jo is one of the Co-Director of Ascend Movement Collective. Sara Jo holds a PhD in Inclusive Special Education from Syracuse University. A native of Wisconsin, she began dancing at age three and soon enrolled in a pre‑professional ballet program, where she mastered the Cecchetti, Vaganova, and Balanchine traditions. Her training later expanded to include pointe, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, and lyrical techniques.

In high school, Sara Jo joined the elite competitive team at Accent on Dance, earning national titles in jazz, contemporary, tap, and modern. She also secured placements in prestigious summer intensives, masterclasses, and workshops led by Jean‑Paul Comelin, Cedric Gardener, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, the Martha Graham School, Milwaukee Ballet, Dance Masters of Wisconsin, and American Ballet Theatre.

At just twelve years old, Sara Jo began working as a demonstrator and teaching assistant. There, she discovered her passion for cultivating a nurturing, inclusive environment that empowers every dancer to reach their fullest potential. After high school, she pursued advanced coursework in ballet, tap, contemporary, and modern dance at the university level. Sara Jo is committed to embedding the principles of universal design into her classes and studio spaces, ensuring that dance remains accessible, safe, and inspiring for all dancers!

Sara Jo teaches all styles of dance and choreographs for Ascend’s Ensemble.