MEET THE CO-FOUNDER
B.F.A., M.S., LBS
Co-Founder | Dancer | Behavioral Educator | Community Advocate
"Creating spaces where all feel seen, cared for, and loved."
-- Trish Morris, B.F.A., M.S., LBS
Education
B.F.A. Dance Education, University of the Arts
M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis
Licensed
Licensed Behavioral Specialist (LBS)
Performed With
Eleone Dance Theatre
Chuck Davis African American Dance Ensemble
Select Honors
Stella Moore Award
Herbert L. Glick Award
Marion D. Cuyjet Award
Eleone Icon Award
HER STORY
Trish Morris, a proud South Philadelphia native, has dedicated more than three decades to the performing arts, education, and community empowerment. Her passion for the arts and community was first nurtured under the direction of Duane Wilkins and Stacy Williams through Y.D.P. and Messiah Dance Works at the Marian Anderson Recreation Center. Her artistry was later shaped and guided through the mentorship of Faye B. Snow and Wayne St. David while training at Franklin Learning Center High School.
A graduate of the University of the Arts, Trish studied Modern Dance Education under a multitude of legendary master teachers while drawing inspiration from many of Philadelphia’s most influential companies and teaching icons. She later trained with local organizations and dance companies including Philadanco Training Company, Kariamu & Company, Freedom Theatre, Untouchables, and others. She anchored her professional performing career as a principal dancer and choreographer with Eleone Dance Theatre under the direction of Shawn Lamere Williams and Sheila A. Ward, as well as with the Chuck Davis African American Dance Ensemble.
In addition to studying and performing with acclaimed dance companies, Trish has shared her expertise as a dance educator through Philadelphia Arts and Education Programs (PAEP) and as an Artist in Residence at schools, colleges, universities, and community centers nationwide. Drawing on her training in Horton Technique, improvisation, rhythm and movement, choreography, jazz, ballet, and African diasporic traditions, she inspires students through movement and storytelling.
Her career also includes producing and directing numerous performing arts productions while serving as Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Collaboration Works, a prevention-through-the-arts 501(c)(3) organization. Trish has been recognized for her artistic excellence and contributions to the performing arts, receiving honors including the Stella Moore Award, Herbert L. Glick Award, Marion D. Cuyjet Award, Eleone Icon Award, and numerous other distinctions.
Trish’s impact extends far beyond the stage. She has built a distinguished career in behavioral health, gaining extensive experience in Sanctuary Training, life-skills development, team building, and mindfulness practices. She has held leadership positions as a Milieu Director, Counselor, and Program Director across drug and alcohol, residential, and intensive prevention programs. In these roles, she provided youth, parent, and group training in home and community settings.
She has also facilitated professional development for educators in Safety Crisis Management, Responsive Classroom, Social-Emotional Learning, Behavior Management, and Trauma-Informed Care. Trish credits the mentorship of Dr. Jeff Friedman and Karen Salama McCain with broadening her vision of how the arts can be intentionally used to foster healing, strengthen families, and inspire meaningful personal and behavioral growth.
Most recently, Trish served as Title IX Officer, Administrator, and Director of School Culture at Folk Arts Cultural Treasures Charter School under the leadership of Ellen Somekawa and Pheng Lim. Trish credits their mentorship with strengthening her leadership skills and deepening her commitment to community building, particularly in environments where individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds can learn, collaborate, and thrive while preserving the dignity and identity of each person.
As a Licensed Behavioral Specialist with a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Trish continues to bridge the worlds of performing arts and behavioral science. As Co-Founder of Core Artistry Collective, Trish is committed to creating accessible spaces where the performing arts and life-skills education intersect with behavioral, mental, and physical health to support collective healing, education and growth.
Motivated by her love for Jesus Christ and her son, Trish is committed to using the arts to create environments where individuals feel safe, valued, and supported while discovering and accessing the confidence, purpose, and ability to fulfill the greatness that already exists within them.
Learn more about the vision, the people, and the movement behind Core Artistry Collective.
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