Zazel-Chavah O'Garra

Zazel-Chavah O'Garra, MSW, is an accomplished Artistic Director and Founder of ZCO/DANCE PROJECT, a physically integrated dance company that promotes inclusion of individuals with disabilities. With extensive experience as an advocate for families impacted by traumatic brain injury at the Brain Injury Association of New York State, Zazel also serves as a public speaker with the National Disability Speaker Bureau and as a Teaching Artist with YAI-Disability Services & Support Organization. A former Teaching Artist with Healing Arts Initiatives, Zazel developed creative movement workshops for developmentally disabled and mentally ill patients. Additional experience includes mentoring high-risk youth as part of the Leadership Program, serving as a social worker for the Academy of Urban Planning, and providing counseling and case management for HIV-positive clients at Jacobi Medical Center. Zazel holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan Empire State College.