Special Lecture

Sandra Harris, director of performer health, is Backhausdance company’s first certified athletic trainer. Sandra completed her doctorate of athletic training and a performing arts medicine certificate through Ohio University. Her academic background also includes a Master of Science in Atheltic Training as well as a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology both through Chapman University. Complimenting her athletic training certification, Sandra holds a Pilates certification with a dance specialization which provides a great foundation for rehabilitating injuries.

As a dancer herself - Sandra sought out different means to bring healthcare to performers. Her first opportunity to work with dancers was through an internship through the Dance Clinic at California State University, Long Beach. Soon afterwards, Sandra was contracted out to work with the entertainment department of a very large theme park in Southern California. There, she provided care and injury prevention to professional performing artists such as stunt performers, dancers, singers, musicians, and actors. Through this company, Sandra also provided care for cruise line performers.

In addition to Backhausdance company, Sandra concurrently works as a co-head athletic trainer at Fullerton College. She provides health care services across twenty-two traditional sport teams including football, basketball, baseball, and softball to name a few. Sandra also co-hosts, edits, and produces an athletic training podcast called AT Corner with her husband, Randy, who is also a certified athletic trainer.

Athletic trainers (ATs) are recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) as an allied healthcare profession. ATs work in collaboration with a physician to provide services such as injury examination and clinical diagnosis, emergency care, therapeutic intervention, rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions, and injury and illness prevention.