Portia Abernathy

M.A., M.Ed., is the Director of Programs of VSA Massachusetts where she promotes the involvement of people of all abilities in the cultural life of our communities.

She previously was the Assistant Director of Education and Community Initiatives at Boston Ballet.

In this role, she oversaw programming that provides accessible and inclusive dance education to 3,000 students in the Boston area.

She offers trainings to educators and service providers. Portia also serves as an advisor on institutional issues of accessibility and inclusion.

Portia earned her Master of Education in Prevention Science and Practice from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, her Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Colorado and graduated Cum Laude from Colorado College.

She is a former Special Education teacher with Denver Public Schools and instructional coach for new teachers.