Michelle Yadon

Michelle Yadon serves as Lecturer and Director of Drama Therapy at Kansas State University's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. A Registered Drama Therapist and Board Certified Trainer with over a decade of clinical leadership experience, she bridges therapeutic recreation and creative arts therapies within academic and community settings.

Education

• Master of Arts in Drama and Theatre (Drama Therapy emphasis) - Kansas State University
• Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management (in progress) - Clemson University

Her research examines inclusion barriers in theater attendance through disability rights frameworks, integrating drama therapy with community-building initiatives. Professional work emphasizes accessibility in creative arts programming for diverse populations, informed by clinical practice in therapeutic recreation.

Awards

• North American Drama Therapy Association’s Performance Award
• National Parks and Recreation Association's Excellence in Inclusion Award
• Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities' Excellence Award

Current advising activities and grant funding details are not specified in available materials, though Yadon actively mentors through leadership roles in university theater programs.

As Director of Drama Therapy, she oversees KSU's drama therapy curriculum and revives student initiatives like the Barrier-Free Theatre Program. Her association leadership includes serving as Secretary for the North American Drama Therapy Association, where she advocates for systemic inclusion in therapeutic practice.