Biographies
Peter Andrew Danzig, LSW, MSS, MA, CPT, CTP
(they/he)
Therapist and Licensed Social Worker
Behavioral Health, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professional
Founding Member, Theatrical Trainer
Peter Andrew Danzig is a Psychotherapist (LSW), Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, Somatic Trainer and Artist/Creativity Researcher in the Greater Philadelphia region. In 2021, Peter was appointed as the Director of Training and Capacity Building in the Mayor’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Peter’s research and practice interests are invested in play therapy, community mental health, theories on adult play and the ways it frames our social interactions, and trauma informed work with artists and creatives. Peter’s clinical approach is rooted in holistic, relational and humanistic theory. They believe in a strengths-based perspective, recognizing the resiliency in their clients. Peter hopes to always create a supportive and safe space to help clients and organizations navigate trauma, conflict, and difficult life transitions with clear and focused goals. Peter firmly believes in the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client and strives to support their clients in a myriad of ways. Their focus is to help Creatives, LGBTQ+ and marginalized people find strength amongst a polarizing environment, empowering them to appreciate their strongest instrument, their selves. Peter’s research focuses on the ways in which our minds and bodies are often separated through trauma and looks for healing approaches in which to strengthen our fragmented selves. They are also a Certified Trauma Professional and Certified Geek Therapist.
Peter’s research and Op-Eds have been featured in Psychology Today, The Wall Street Journal, Philadelphia Gay News, The Mighty, and others. You can also find Peter serving as a motivational speaker, panelist, and conference workshop coach. Their passion is creative approaches to industrial psychology and organizational dynamics and finds it thrilling to help organizations engage with difficult dialogues around diversity, inclusion, and emotional wellbeing.
Prior to their work in mental health and organizational dynamics, Peter worked in the arts and administration at the University of the Arts, University of Pennsylvania, and Moore College of Art. Peter received his MA as an Acting Scholar from Villanova University and his undergraduate degree from Temple University. Peter received their MSS in Social Work (clinical concentration) at Bryn Mawr College and was the L. Diane Bernard Fund for LGBTQ and Human Sexuality Scholar recipient and the Joyce Lewis Memorial Fund: Named Scholar. Peter has experience providing case management and counseling in a variety of settings including hospitals, higher education, and non-profit arts agencies. In 2014, Peter founded Theatrical Trainer, a non-profit research collective dedicated to social service and wellness for artists across the country. They also teach body science, movement and theater arts at Drexel University, University of the Arts and others.
"I am drawn now to research the ways in which the therapy that people find through the interdisciplinary approach to the arts can be paralleled in clinical approach to result in resolution, healing expression, comfort and community. What happens when you use stage-combat as a means of exploring aggression? Can photography with a worded statement allow people to find the voice and words they can’t bear to utter aloud? Can dance allow someone to be present with their body and escape anxiety and fear? These are the questions that have been fueling my research and passion."- Peter Andrew Danzig
Their future goals and scholaly approaches gravitate towards researching the creative mind and social factors as to why this population (creative types, artists, performers) are easily susceptible to mental health diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder and addiction. Dedicated to creating a safe space for this population and furthering research in the field to provide wellness opportunities to a population often unable to find options due to financial and social stigmas.
In their spare time, Peter is an exercise enthusiast, pop-music connoisseur and all around proud geek. You can find them enjoying time with their French bulldogs and husband nerding out over Sailor Moon and cooking shows.
(they/he)
Therapist and Licensed Social Worker
Behavioral Health, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professional
Founding Member, Theatrical Trainer
Peter Andrew Danzig is a Psychotherapist (LSW), Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, Somatic Trainer and Artist/Creativity Researcher in the Greater Philadelphia region. In 2021, Peter was appointed as the Director of Training and Capacity Building in the Mayor’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Peter’s research and practice interests are invested in play therapy, community mental health, theories on adult play and the ways it frames our social interactions, and trauma informed work with artists and creatives. Peter’s clinical approach is rooted in holistic, relational and humanistic theory. They believe in a strengths-based perspective, recognizing the resiliency in their clients. Peter hopes to always create a supportive and safe space to help clients and organizations navigate trauma, conflict, and difficult life transitions with clear and focused goals. Peter firmly believes in the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client and strives to support their clients in a myriad of ways. Their focus is to help Creatives, LGBTQ+ and marginalized people find strength amongst a polarizing environment, empowering them to appreciate their strongest instrument, their selves. Peter’s research focuses on the ways in which our minds and bodies are often separated through trauma and looks for healing approaches in which to strengthen our fragmented selves. They are also a Certified Trauma Professional and Certified Geek Therapist.
Peter’s research and Op-Eds have been featured in Psychology Today, The Wall Street Journal, Philadelphia Gay News, The Mighty, and others. You can also find Peter serving as a motivational speaker, panelist, and conference workshop coach. Their passion is creative approaches to industrial psychology and organizational dynamics and finds it thrilling to help organizations engage with difficult dialogues around diversity, inclusion, and emotional wellbeing.
Prior to their work in mental health and organizational dynamics, Peter worked in the arts and administration at the University of the Arts, University of Pennsylvania, and Moore College of Art. Peter received his MA as an Acting Scholar from Villanova University and his undergraduate degree from Temple University. Peter received their MSS in Social Work (clinical concentration) at Bryn Mawr College and was the L. Diane Bernard Fund for LGBTQ and Human Sexuality Scholar recipient and the Joyce Lewis Memorial Fund: Named Scholar. Peter has experience providing case management and counseling in a variety of settings including hospitals, higher education, and non-profit arts agencies. In 2014, Peter founded Theatrical Trainer, a non-profit research collective dedicated to social service and wellness for artists across the country. They also teach body science, movement and theater arts at Drexel University, University of the Arts and others.
"I am drawn now to research the ways in which the therapy that people find through the interdisciplinary approach to the arts can be paralleled in clinical approach to result in resolution, healing expression, comfort and community. What happens when you use stage-combat as a means of exploring aggression? Can photography with a worded statement allow people to find the voice and words they can’t bear to utter aloud? Can dance allow someone to be present with their body and escape anxiety and fear? These are the questions that have been fueling my research and passion."- Peter Andrew Danzig
Their future goals and scholaly approaches gravitate towards researching the creative mind and social factors as to why this population (creative types, artists, performers) are easily susceptible to mental health diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder and addiction. Dedicated to creating a safe space for this population and furthering research in the field to provide wellness opportunities to a population often unable to find options due to financial and social stigmas.
In their spare time, Peter is an exercise enthusiast, pop-music connoisseur and all around proud geek. You can find them enjoying time with their French bulldogs and husband nerding out over Sailor Moon and cooking shows.
- Certified Culturally Competent Geek Therapist (APA Approved)
- Certified Trauma Professional (NASW Approved)
- Certified American Council on Exercise Master Trainer.
- Certification in High Intensity Integration Movement.
- Certified in Health and Wellness Integration.
- CPR/AED Certified.
Ibrahim Ridley
Certified Personal Trainer and Director of Training Ibrahim Ridley(he/him) is a first-degree black belt in Chang Moo Kwon and Moo Duk Kwon Taekwondo and Shotokan Karate. He studied under the tutelage of Grandmaster Ozzie Wright Jr. and Grandmaster Andrew Walker. for over 20 years. While spending most of his life focused on training and competing, he became more aware of the physical limitations for martial artists who want to continue training after hitting the age cap. With this he began to focus his training on strength and conditioning exercises, together this helped him to win many tournaments with the National Sport Karate Association (NSKA). This sparked his interest in researching more about holistic wellness, nutrition, and exercise science. His English major fueled his love for storytelling and created a spark that has pushed him to start his first novel in 2013. Ibrahim Ridley graduated from Saint Joseph University with a B.A. in English and a minor in Philosophy in 2018. The following year he acquired his personal training certification from AAAI/ISMA in 2019. Ibrahim has continued to use his experience of martial arts and wellness to create a fitness style that aims to gently push the body to get results with minimal risk. As a martial artist, Ibrahim believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to live life at their best. His relentless passion for nutrition and exercise ignites his will to add innovation to physical fitness. In the future, he plans to obtain a nutritionist certification to aid in providing a holistic exercise experience.
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Arlen Hancock
Education Research Specialist
Arlen Shane Hancock is a graduate from the UArts BFA Acting program and an avid devised movement practitioner. Arlen is further exploring research through attending Emerson College for Theater Education to explore mindful practices for neurodiverse communities. His experience as a consultant for adolescents on the autism spectrum at Philadelphia Health Management Corporation further supports his passion for the cross pollination of education and theatre arts. His professional credits include work with Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Commonwealth Classics, Philadelphia Shakespeare Theater, Plays and Players, InterAct,IRC, Philadelphia Theater Company, Scranton Shakespeare Festival, Saratoga Shakespeare Festival, The Arden, and The Walnut. Arlen is an Advanced Actor Combatant and is certified by the SAFD in unarmed, rapier, quarterstaff, rapier and dagger, sword and shield, small sword, knife, and saber. Additionally, he is a special effects blood technician and trained in bullwhip. Arlen believes that the actor is an athlete, and that wellness and mindfulness are critical to creating strong choices on stage. An artist must combine the creativity and play inherent within them with the diligence and discipline of an athlete. He also firmly believes in the ability for introspective transformation through artistic practice- allowing everyone, regardless of ability- to find their best creative self.
Education Research Specialist
Arlen Shane Hancock is a graduate from the UArts BFA Acting program and an avid devised movement practitioner. Arlen is further exploring research through attending Emerson College for Theater Education to explore mindful practices for neurodiverse communities. His experience as a consultant for adolescents on the autism spectrum at Philadelphia Health Management Corporation further supports his passion for the cross pollination of education and theatre arts. His professional credits include work with Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Commonwealth Classics, Philadelphia Shakespeare Theater, Plays and Players, InterAct,IRC, Philadelphia Theater Company, Scranton Shakespeare Festival, Saratoga Shakespeare Festival, The Arden, and The Walnut. Arlen is an Advanced Actor Combatant and is certified by the SAFD in unarmed, rapier, quarterstaff, rapier and dagger, sword and shield, small sword, knife, and saber. Additionally, he is a special effects blood technician and trained in bullwhip. Arlen believes that the actor is an athlete, and that wellness and mindfulness are critical to creating strong choices on stage. An artist must combine the creativity and play inherent within them with the diligence and discipline of an athlete. He also firmly believes in the ability for introspective transformation through artistic practice- allowing everyone, regardless of ability- to find their best creative self.
- SAFD Certified
- Pursuing a MFA in Education through Emmerson College specializing in neauro-divergent populations.
Tori Sklar, Nutrition Consultant & Marketing Associate
Tori is a Temple University graduate with a B.A. in Advertising and a concentration in Art Direction. While studying at Temple she began to pursue her passion for nutrition. Shortly after graduating she embarked on her journey into healthy cooking and whole-food, plant-based lifestyles. In 2016 she became an AFPA Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant and started on her mission to help people develop a healthy relationship with food. She teaches about proper balance, portion control, reading food labels, meal prep and planning and everything else that encompasses a healthy diet.
In addition to working with Theatrical Trainer, Tori works with the South Jersey Food Bank Healthy Life Initiative and teaches cooking classes to disadvantaged families in the South Jersey area. She also coordinates the Hope Mobile Food Pantry in Salem, NJ and assists with donation distribution and counseling on site. Tori works as a nutrition consultant in Philadelphia and provides nutrition advocacy seminars for various populations.
“I believe that everyone has the right to know how to cook and eat properly no matter your budget or ability. We all need to be aware of what we are putting into our bodies and how it affects our daily lives. Nutrition is an integral part of wellness and healthy eating has room in everyone’s schedule, you just have to get creative.”
Tori is a Temple University graduate with a B.A. in Advertising and a concentration in Art Direction. While studying at Temple she began to pursue her passion for nutrition. Shortly after graduating she embarked on her journey into healthy cooking and whole-food, plant-based lifestyles. In 2016 she became an AFPA Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant and started on her mission to help people develop a healthy relationship with food. She teaches about proper balance, portion control, reading food labels, meal prep and planning and everything else that encompasses a healthy diet.
In addition to working with Theatrical Trainer, Tori works with the South Jersey Food Bank Healthy Life Initiative and teaches cooking classes to disadvantaged families in the South Jersey area. She also coordinates the Hope Mobile Food Pantry in Salem, NJ and assists with donation distribution and counseling on site. Tori works as a nutrition consultant in Philadelphia and provides nutrition advocacy seminars for various populations.
“I believe that everyone has the right to know how to cook and eat properly no matter your budget or ability. We all need to be aware of what we are putting into our bodies and how it affects our daily lives. Nutrition is an integral part of wellness and healthy eating has room in everyone’s schedule, you just have to get creative.”
- AFPA Certified
Richie Sklar, Education Programming Associate
Richie Sklar is a 2008 graduate of Temple University’s department of Theater and a member of the founding class of the Musical Theatre Concentration. He currently works as the Visitor Experience and Education Manager at the Garden State Discovery Museum in Cherry Hill, NJ, where he develops original children’s theater productions and educational workshops for children in the tri-state area. His recent “trunk theater” adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk, Jack and the Giant, premiered at the Discovery Museum in November of 2017. As an educator, Richie has taught with Philadelphia Young Playwrights, the Wolf Performing Arts Center, the Young Audiences of New Jersey, and the Theatre Arts Center in Doylestown, PA, as well as at Drexel University and the Moore College of Art and Design. As a performer, Richie has toured nationally with Theatreworks USA and the Nebraska Theatre Caravan and has performed locally with companies such as the Walnut Street Theatre, Media Theatre, and Eagle Theatre. His love and passion for blending the arts, theater education, and wellness are what drive him to lead Theatrical Trainer’s brand new education department.
"Education is paramount. Period. We don't give full value to the power of theater education in this country and also, wellness, nationally, is an issue for discussion. Why not ask questions of the pedagogy behind both and find ways of inclusion for everyone to partake in the conversation from both a science and arts-focused background?"
Richie Sklar is a 2008 graduate of Temple University’s department of Theater and a member of the founding class of the Musical Theatre Concentration. He currently works as the Visitor Experience and Education Manager at the Garden State Discovery Museum in Cherry Hill, NJ, where he develops original children’s theater productions and educational workshops for children in the tri-state area. His recent “trunk theater” adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk, Jack and the Giant, premiered at the Discovery Museum in November of 2017. As an educator, Richie has taught with Philadelphia Young Playwrights, the Wolf Performing Arts Center, the Young Audiences of New Jersey, and the Theatre Arts Center in Doylestown, PA, as well as at Drexel University and the Moore College of Art and Design. As a performer, Richie has toured nationally with Theatreworks USA and the Nebraska Theatre Caravan and has performed locally with companies such as the Walnut Street Theatre, Media Theatre, and Eagle Theatre. His love and passion for blending the arts, theater education, and wellness are what drive him to lead Theatrical Trainer’s brand new education department.
"Education is paramount. Period. We don't give full value to the power of theater education in this country and also, wellness, nationally, is an issue for discussion. Why not ask questions of the pedagogy behind both and find ways of inclusion for everyone to partake in the conversation from both a science and arts-focused background?"
Advisory Board Members
Melissa Anne, Nursing, Penn Medicine, CHOP
Jose Aviles, Director, Director of Education Outreach, Arden Theater
Ross Beschler, Actor
Rachel Camp, Actor, Teaching Artist, Philly Thrive
Charlie DelMArcelle, Actor, Professor
Lisa Fischel, Actor
Steve Gudelunas, Arts Administrator, Actor, Musician, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
Sarah Knittel, Actor, Devised Theater Consultant
Gail S. Kotel, MPT-Pilates based Physical Therapist, Professional Artist
KC Nocero MacMillan, Director, Artistic Director
Rachel O’Hannon-Rodriguez, Actor, Arts Administration
Ahren Portratz, Actor
Kate Raines, Photographer, Founder Plate3 Photography
Robin Stamey, Designer, Production Manager, Stage Manager
Daniel Student, Actor, Director
Ed Swidey, Actor
Lisa Joy Tuttle, Life Coach, UPenn Research Initiatives
Sponsors and Community Partners
Equilibrium Dance Studio, Philadelphia, PA
The Design Center, Philadelphia, PA
Plate3 Photography
Dave Garrett Sarrafian Photography
Melissa Anne, Nursing, Penn Medicine, CHOP
Jose Aviles, Director, Director of Education Outreach, Arden Theater
Ross Beschler, Actor
Rachel Camp, Actor, Teaching Artist, Philly Thrive
Charlie DelMArcelle, Actor, Professor
Lisa Fischel, Actor
Steve Gudelunas, Arts Administrator, Actor, Musician, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
Sarah Knittel, Actor, Devised Theater Consultant
Gail S. Kotel, MPT-Pilates based Physical Therapist, Professional Artist
KC Nocero MacMillan, Director, Artistic Director
Rachel O’Hannon-Rodriguez, Actor, Arts Administration
Ahren Portratz, Actor
Kate Raines, Photographer, Founder Plate3 Photography
Robin Stamey, Designer, Production Manager, Stage Manager
Daniel Student, Actor, Director
Ed Swidey, Actor
Lisa Joy Tuttle, Life Coach, UPenn Research Initiatives
Sponsors and Community Partners
Equilibrium Dance Studio, Philadelphia, PA
The Design Center, Philadelphia, PA
Plate3 Photography
Dave Garrett Sarrafian Photography