Dr. Melinda Smith comes from a professional background of mentoring and consultancy in the disability and education sectors. In 2008, Melinda began to develop a series of journal articles, conference presentations and workshops promoting the health and wellbeing outcomes of dance and movement for people who have physical disabilities, in particular those with complex communication needs. Her work has been presented at national and international conferences, including the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. In 2019 she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Deakin University “for her outstanding contribution to the arts and her tireless work in breaking down barriers to inclusion for people with disability both in Australia and internationally.” In 2020 Melinda became a member of the Deakin University Disability and Inclusion team as a lecturer in Inclusive Arts. Melinda has worked with the Deakin Dance School as a Research Assistant, working specifically on the AllPlay dance resources. Since that time, Melinda has continued to expand her artistic and dance practice, with her collaboration with the creators of the AirSticks music technology, as well as with her work with the Women’s Circus inclusive ensemble, Momentum. Melinda’s work as an educator has now expanded to presenting to students at both Melbourne and Monash Universities, Including the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA).