Monica Gaydos is the Research Operations Administrator for the Center for Governance and Markets. She has extensive experience in research, technical writing, and administration through previous professional roles both at the University of Pittsburgh and Drexel University. Monica is completing her PhD in Creative Arts Therapies through Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. With a BA in Political Science from Duquesne University and an MA in Dance Movement Psychotherapy from Goldsmiths College, University of London, Monica has volunteered at the United Nations and Human Rights Watch in New York City. She has a strong interest in and dedication to international human rights.
Monica is currently collaborating with faculty at Drexel University to create a “global classroom” curriculum for dance therapy M.A. students in the U.S. to learn community-based models of movement assessment in conjunction with dance therapists in India through a partnership with Dr. Sohini Chakraborty’s organization, Kolkata Sanved. This women-led organization uses dance movement therapy as a tool for trauma healing and empowerment of marginalized populations, promoting holistic well-being and enhancing the quality of life for survivors of sex trafficking and other forms of gender-based violence.
Monica’s written work has been published in the Commonwealth Journal and Frontiers in Pain Research, and she has co-authored a book chapter on trauma-informed dance movement therapy in the context of medical illness. Monica is excited to integrate her interests, passions, and experience by supporting the research initiatives at CGM.
- Drexel University, PhD Creative Therapies
- Goldsmiths College (University of London), MA Dance Movement Psychotherapy
- Duquesne University, BA Political Science