Jessica Dillard- Eastern Seat Candidate
Jessica Dillard- Certified Advanced Rolfer™
Hello All,
My name is Jessica Dillard, and I am applying for the Eastern Seat of the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute Board. I have lived a varied life which has shaped me into an empathetic, community-minded, endlessly enthusiastic individual. I lived internationally (in India, Singapore, and Australia) and spent my working years (before Rolfing) in leadership positions in customer service, retail, and agricultural business roles. I have been a Certified Rolfer for 11 years and graduated from Advanced Training last year, as well as graduating with a Bachelors’ Degree in Science for Agricultural Business. I am a detail-oriented person with a passion for improving systems and seeing models become more sustainable.
I want to serve on the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute Board because I am determined to see the field of Rolfing become more widely recognized, and for the demand of this transformative bodywork to grow beyond our current class sizes.
To secure a future for Rolfing and Rolfers alike, we need to better support the businesses of our current Rolfers and those of our new graduates. I remember graduating from Rolfing school and the sweaty realization hit me, I had no idea how to build a business! It was extremely frustrating to feel confident in my skills to begin practicing Rolfing, though unable to get clients in the door. As a 2024 Business Major Graduate, I have the most current information of how to start up, grow and maintain a business in our technology-based and social media-focused market. It would be a joy to serve our Rolfing community and see the efficacy of our work navigate the evolving landscape that is the business market today!
Dr. Ida Rolf was a pioneer on the cutting edge of knowledge available at her time. The future frontier of Rolfing should be met with curiosity and an open mind to adapt and stay relevant to our current body of knowledge. I hold a deep loyalty to the history and foundation of which Dr. Rolf developed this body of work, and in tandem, have that pioneer spirit that asks: “What now? How can we grow? How do we build upon this incredible foundation?” I don’t think that I have all the answers, however, I ask lots of good questions, which can lead to new insights- this skill of inquisition is a quality I would bring to the Board.
I believe in the power of community, that we are better together! I believe in strategic, small changes that make big ripples! If what I’ve shared stirs excitement, hope or joy for the future of our Rolfing community- then vote for me and I’ll do my best to serve and see positive change in these next four years!
“If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward,” -Thomas Jefferson.
Endorsement
"I met Jessica during the recent Advanced Training that I audited, taught by Tessy Brungardt and Valerie Berg. Taking the AT is evidence of dedication to the work and to lifetime learning. I believe Jessica will bring a commitment to learning and improving the organization, along with her other skills, to helping DIRI continue to evolve. I can recommend her for this position.”
Libby Eason
Certified Advanced Rolfer™
Chair, DIRI Board of Directors
Faculty, Dr. Ida Rolf Institute®