Heather McCartney (Associate Director, Arts In Education & Community Programs) oversees the AileyDance Kids residencies, working with over 50 schools and organizations annually. She is responsible for introducing residencies, workshops, and performances to pre-K to grade 12 schools, hospitals, community centers, and other youth development programs. Each year, Ms. McCartney serves as a mentor to high school and college student interns interested in learning more about arts education. Ms. McCartney began her early dance and performance training at the 92nd Street Y and studied modern dance and ballet throughout the major dance institutions in New York City. She has devoted over 20 years as a dance educator for New York City public schools and has established and developed dance programs at several alternative schools. Her experiences include work as a researcher for ArtsConnection and as a teaching artist for Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts and the Joyce Theater. Ms. McCartney holds a B.S in Dance Education from New York University and an M.S. Ed. in the Education of the Gifted and Talented from College of New Rochelle.