Using a body-centric approach, Lea Comte helps children face challenges in a new light. Using dance movement therapy techniques, Lea's idea is to treat children in a new way when they become frustrated, angry or sad. With her Master degree in dance/movement therapy from Pratt Institute, this educator, writer and speaker, spreads her passion for early childhood mental health wherever she goes. Lea Comte currently works at Headwaters School in Austin Texas supporting teachers, parents, and students ranging in age from eighteen months to six years old. With more than ten years of experience working in early childhood settings, Lea serves her local community by consulting with local Montessori schools, parents, and educators on how to support children facing sensory, behavioral, and other developmental and mental health challenges through a body centric approach.

Lea has been elected to multiple positions in the Texas Chapter of the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA). In 2017, as the chapter President, Lea served as both the Local Chair of the ADTA’s 52nd annual conference and as a workshop presenter. In 2018, as the chapter’s Government Affairs Chair, Lea was invited by the ADTA to advocate for dance therapy during the National Arts Action Summit in Washington D.C. While there she fought for increased funding for the arts with Congressman Ted Cruz and other Texas representatives. In her spare time, Lea takes to the dance floor or hiking trail to recharge her batteries in the sun. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx