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
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
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improve technique;
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prevent injuries;
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overcome physical and mental challenges;
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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.
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.
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.
