WHO WE ARE

Nasira Burkholder-Cooley, DrPH, RDN, BFA

​Nasira is a registered dietitian, fitness expert, and nutrition educator. She was drawn to public health and nutrition as a result of her diverse background in science, fine arts, and fitness. Nasira is currently an adjunct faculty member at Chapman University, a private practice registered dietitian, and post-doctoral researcher.  She also serves as the Nutrition Educator for Chapman University Department of Dance, the ABT Gillespe School at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and Maples Conservatory of Dance. She is a former classical ballet dancer and trained with Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle, WA and the University of Arizona School of Dance and attended summer intensives at the National Ballet of Canada and American Ballet Theater. Upon graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona with a B.S. in Nutrition and a B.F.A. in dance, Nasira continued her studies in pursuit of a career as a nutrition professional and obtained a Masters in Public Health from UCLA and a Doctorate in Nutritional Sciences from Loma Linda University. Nasira has been a NASM certified personal trainer since 2008 and is a certified yoga instructor. Her experience in the fitness industry has deepened her knowledge of biomechanics and kinesiology, which has improved her dance technique and understanding of the role of nutrition in dance performance.

Moira Docherty, PT, DPT, BFA

​Moira is a former competitive gymnast and dancer. She trained at various summer intensives such as Kaatsbaan Ballet and Houston Ballet. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona with a B.F.A in dance. She danced and performed pieces in jazz, modern, and ballet. In 2015, Moira graduated from California State University Long Beach with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She has also completed training in vestibular rehabilitation from the prestigious Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Currently, she is working at Progressive Physical Therapy in Costa Mesa. She is also serving as the PT resource for the ABT Gillespe School at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Her extensive dance background in various movement styles engendered a unique understanding of complex movement patterns and translated into a knowledgeable approach to treating movement dysfunction. In addition, her first-hand experience with dance affords her unique understanding on preventing and treating the various disorders associated with dancers of all ages. In her free time, she teaches Pilates and lectures on prevention and management of dance-related injuries. She is working on completing her Pilates apparatus accreditation with Body Arts And Science International and is actively incorporating her learned skills in daily treatment sessions.