About Us
About Second Act
Second Act was founded in 2021 by a team of former dancers seeking to build a peer-driven support system for dancers navigating life beyond the stage.
We launched our core mentorship program in January 2022, and have since recruited 80+ volunteer mentors representing diverse dance backgrounds and a range of industry focuses.
Our primary objective is to connect current and former dancers to foster impactful conversations on how to transition from a dance career, apply to college, or discover and thrive in new professional avenues. Our program is free of charge, and highly tailored to the individual needs of our participants.
In July 2025, we expanded our impact through the acquisition of the Encore Fund, now Second Act’s official Scholarships Program. This initiative offers financial support to dancers pursuing higher education, complementing our mentorship model and deepening our commitment to serving the whole dancer, both personally and professionally.
Our Mission
Second Act is a network that empowers dancers of all backgrounds to explore, pursue, and succeed in higher education and alternative careers through mentorship, scholarships, and community.
Our Team
The Second Act Team is made up of a group of former pre-professional and professional dancers, now well-established in subsequent careers. We are brought together by a shared purpose to give back to the dance community by creating a platform to advise dancers based on actionable, real-world experience.
Roland Spier
Founder
Shelby Wallon
Director of Scholarships
Lidiia Volkova
Partnership Coordinator
Julie Wittenberg
Legal Coordinator
Emma Vincent
Board Member
Carolyn Bakich
Executive Director
Veronica Greydak
Director of Mentorship
Mimi Deddens
Partnership Coordinator
Kallee Gallant
Tech Coordinator
Erika Pugh
Board Member
Angie Sheehan
Director of Strategy & Operations
Megan Hill
Social Media Coordinator
Sabrina Karlin
Mentorship Coordinator
Leah Hirsch
Board Member
Garen Scribner
Board Member
