ede board of directors
2025-2026 Board of Directors
Chris Wallace, Board President
Chris works in software development and logistics in the Chicago area, and has a background in film, photography, and the arts. His daughter's love of dance sparked his interest in and appreciation of EDE.
Lisa Lauren, Board Vice President
Lisa Lauren is a pianist, singer/songwriter and recording artist residing in Evanston with her bandleader husband, Bill Pollack. They have two daughters, one of whom is an EDE alum. Lisa was on the original committee that founded The Fancy Dance, and co-chaired the event for many years. Lisa also works in the event industry as a catering sales manager and event planner.
Ryan Buhl
Ryan is an attorney specializing in ethics and professional responsibility at a large law firm. Her daughter, Alex, has been a dancer at Dance Center Evanston since 2017. Inspired by Alex’s passion for dance, Ryan was motivated to join the EDE board and contribute to its ongoing success. Ryan enjoys hiking, running, and traveling with her husband and children.
Parag Bhayani, Treasurer
Parag is the father of an eight year old who has been a dancer at DCE for several years. He would like to help support the continued excellence of EDE. He works in financial operations for a large bank in the Loop.
Lauren Biolsi
As a former EDE dancer, Lauren decided to pursue a different path during college at Butler University and majored in English. She now works at Clique Studios, a website design and development company based in Chicago.
Alex Powers
Alex is a DCE and EDE alumni, and currently is a Chiropractor at The Wellness Revolution.
Béa Rashid
Béa is the Founder to the Evanston Dance Ensemble and Director of Dance Center Evanston. Along with her husband Steve Rashid, she runs the Studio5 Performing Arts Venue presenting professional music, dance and spoken word events.
Johan Tabora
Dr. Johan Tabora is a STEM education researcher and engineering instructor at Northwestern University. He is married to a dancer and is father to two EDE dancers.
Sydney Werd
Sydney Werd was born and raised in Evanston. She loves the beach, sailing, and traveling as much as possible. After working as a florist for nearly eight years, she now works as an office manager at a chiropractic clinic and enjoys helping people whenever she can.
Shaina Young
Shaina is a personal trainer and yoga instructor who has worked and lived in Evanston with her husband, Eric, for the past 25 years. They have three children: one son currently in college and two high school daughters. Their daughters started dancing at the age of three at Dance Center Evanston, and are both currently EDE dancers.