During Volunteer Appreciation Month, all of us at Yes, You Can Dance! would like to acknowledge a few of the MANY incredible volunteers that make our dance programming not only a success, but a reality!

Meet Fred! Fred Discenzo, Ph.D. in Biographical Sketch, is recently retired as a R&D manager from Rockwell Automation, but  remains active in several research programs. Dr. Discenzo’s current activities includes collaboration with several hospitals and universities to develop an exercise bike for people with Parkinson’s that provide significant improvement in motor skills. Fred’s longstanding interest in music and exercise have come together in dance. He has completed ballroom instruction through the silver level and studies tap dancing (pictured tapping above) along with regularly performing volunteer ballroom and tap dance performances at local nursing homes. Fred and his wife Dianne started the first Parkinson’s Dance program in Ohio six years ago and continue to provide regular dance programs for Parkinson’s in Northeastern Ohio. Though Fred resides in Cleveland, OH, he has been driving to Pittsburgh almost every weekend to serve as a Volunteer Dance Mentor  for the Special Needs Ballroom Program! In regards to the Special Needs Ballroom Program, Fred states, “Working with the other dance mentors and students is always a fun a rewarding experience. There is a special bond among us as we share the fun of dance each week.”

Thank you Fred for all of your hours donated, not only to volunteering during Special Needs Ballroom classes, but also for your 50+ hours spent commuting to Pittsburgh from Cleveland each week!