IN THE SPOTLIGHT

DCNT: Tell us a little about your life growing up.

DEG: I grew up in Laredo, Texas. At the time, it was the poorest city in the United States, and my family fit right in. Nonetheless, my grandfather declared, “Liz has a talent for dancing. She should have dance lessons.” Even though we had many hardships, my parents never stopped my dance lessons. .

DCNT: Where did you receive your dance training and whom do you credit with having the greatest impact on you?

mother’s dance studio. I took the job. At the end of the year, the students wanted to continue with me. I rented floor space in a local studio. When finished my master’s degree, I had 325 students in the Liz Gallego School of Dance which I owned and operated for 18 years.

DCNT: When it comes to teaching dance, what do you think have been your greatest accomplishments?

DEG: While I have received many awards and recognitions, I believe my greatest accomplishment is the depth of understanding that have gained from teaching children in low socio-economic neighborhoods. The practice of this knowledge has led to the many awards have received including a Disney Teacher Award and the Texas Dance Teachers ‘Hall of Fame award. The best demonstration of my success was in 2007 when ninety-one of my Molina High School students performed at Dance for the Planet.

DCNT: Since retiring, how do you occupy your time?

When I retired in 2016, I was sure I was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s which runs in my family. went through the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM) Coaching program, the IFM Bredesen Protocol for the prevention of Alzheimer’s and the reversal of cognitive decline. I also went through the Amen Brain Health Professionals and the HeartMath stress reduction certification. While studying the Bredesen Protocol, underwent the recommended testing, and learned that I did not have Alzheimer’s even though am at high risk. had ADHD and PTSD from developmental trauma during my childhood. Since then, have learned that girls with ADD are frequently not diagnosed. Following menopause, and without practicing stress reduction strategies, ADD can look and feel like Alzheimer’s.