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ABOUT US | Meet the TT Team

Ellen G. Waller

Founder & Coach

Education:

Masters of Science, Exercise Science

  Northeastern Illinois University

  Chicago, IL

Bachelors of Science, Irish Dance Education

   Ohio State University

   Columbus, OH

   CLICK HERE to read more about Ellen's undergraduate

    degree in Irish Dance Education

Certifications:  

  NASM - Certified Personal Trainer

  NASM - Performance Enhancement Specialist

  TCRG (2005)

  CPR-AED

  Youth Mental Health First Aid

  VIRTUS 

Memberships: 

  International Association of Dance Medicine and Science

  National Academy of Sports Medicine

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MEET ELLEN

Long time competitive and professional Irish dancer and instructor, Ellen G. Waller, has dedicated her life to Irish dance.  Her talent as a dancer has lead her to perform for thousands across the world and her passion as an Irish dance instructor has influenced innumerable young dancers.

 

As a young dancer, Ellen recognized the unique physical and mental challenges encountered by elite dancers and athletes.  Determined to learn more about supporting young dancers and athletes, she returned to school to complete her Masters of Science in Exercise Science. 

 

Coupling her in-depth experience as an Irish dancer/instructor with her expansive knowledge of kinesiology, Ellen developed the innovative Target Training program; a series of courses and training methods that condition the specific muscles Irish dancers need to

  • optimize performance;

  • improve technique;

  • prevent injuries;

  • overcome physical and mental challenges;

  • perform and compete at an elite level.

 

Learn more about how Ellen got started HERE

Learn more about Ellen's undergraduate degree in Irish Dance Education HERE

Ella Pomplun
Operations & Communications Manager, TT Coach

Education:

Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class of 2024)

  University of Minnesota

  Minneapolis, MN

Bachelors of Science, Exercise & Movement Science

   University of Wisconsin

   Madison, WI

Certifications:

  Certified Personal Trainer - NASM

  CPR-BLS for Healthcare Providers

Memberships: 

  American Physical Therapy Association

  National Academy of Sports Medicine 

MEET ELLA

Ella began Irish dancing at the age of eight, and her passion for dance comes through in every aspect of her life. As a young dancer, she became interested in improving dance skills and preventing injuries through strength training and grew intent on building a career out of this passion. She pursued a degree in Kinesiology with the ultimate goal of becoming a physical therapist and a TCRG to implement strength and conditioning practices into Irish dance training. She began working for Target Training in 2018 as the Special Projects Intern and is now the Operations and Communications Manager. 

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Abbey Holmes
TT Coach

Education:

Bachelor’s of Science, Atmospheric Science

  University of Georgia

  Athens, GA

Certifications:

  Certified Personal Trainer - NASM

MEET ABBEY

Abbey is an undergraduate student at the University of Georgia pursuing a bachelor's degree in atmospheric science. As a part of her studies, Abbey is involved in the WeatherDawgs program, a student-run weather service through the university that provides weather forecasts for North Georgia. Despite starting Irish dance relatively later in life at the age of 15, she quickly discovered her love and passion for the sport. She has danced competitively throughout her high school and college career. In addition to dance and her academic pursuits, Abbey is also a volunteer puppy raiser with the Guide Dog Foundation, where she helps ensure that future guide dogs receive the training and care they need to become successful service dogs. Abbey became a Target Training athlete in 2021 and has loved learning about the science behind dance training. She is so excited to share her passion for dance and exercise science with others. 

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Meg Fitzpatrick
TT Coach

Education:

Bachelor's of Science, Geophysical Sciences

  University of Chicago

  Chicago, IL

Certifications:

  Certified Personal Trainer - NASM

MEET MEG

Irish dance has been a major part of Meg's life since she was six years old. As a high school track and field athlete, she discovered the benefits that strength training could bring to her dancing. She continued dancing and running track while pursuing her degree in geophysical sciences at the University of Chicago. During this time, Meg became a Target Training athlete and learned to find balance in her training, which led her to become an NCAA All-American sprinter and qualify for the World Championships of Irish Dance. Meg now works as a math interventionist for DuSable High School in Chicago where she is also the head track and field coach. She is passionate about creating a supportive training environment for all dancers and athletes. 

Käri Barile
Social Media Specialist

Education:

Bachelors of Science, Psychology

  Western Washington University

  Bellingham, WA

MEET KÄRI

Käri graduated from Western Washington University with a BS in psychology and neuroscience and is a mental health advocate, having worked with organizations to promote mental well-being throughout her community. She is passionate about sharing mental health and wellness with other Irish dancers. 

 

Käri has been an ambassador for Target Training since 2018 and a TT athlete herself for many years. Her work in social media has taken her to work with Irish Dancing Magazine as their social media specialist for five years, and now to write for the Irish Dance Globe as their Editorial Intern. 

 

Käri began dancing at the age of nine, and has been dancing both competitively and professionally for 13 years. She has achieved top 5 placings at major championships such as the U.S. Nationals and Great Britain Championships, and 12th place World Medal Holder at the World Championships. Käri has also earned her diploma in Irish dancing after completing all 12 CLRG grade exams and has toured professionally with Christmas in Killarney and Studio2Stage Productions.

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