Neurodivergent student thrives in dance instructor program

When Megan Tamez entered the San Jacinto College South Campus, she carried with her years of feeling left out and underestimated. Today, the 19-year-old will graduate this December as part of the first cohort from the College's innovative dance instructor program. 

For Tamez, who is on the autism spectrum, dance became more than movement — it allowed her to express herself without words. During the pandemic, she found an outlet in ballet, which has remained her favorite style. 

"I wish that everyone could see that people with autism can actually dance," she said. "Not a lot of people see them." 

Tamez’s discouragement from a high school dance class turned into motivation when her mother found another opportunity after graduation. In spring 2024, Neida Tamez met with dance professor Jamie Williams, who mentioned the new certificate program. 

The timing felt like an answered prayer. 

“I believe Megan is where God wanted her to be," her mother said.  

Built for accessibility 

Williams and fellow dance professor Jennifer Salter built accessibility into the program, which features customized coursework in industry-standard facilities. Students like Tamez can focus on dance instruction without typical core classes and submit work in flexible formats.  

"We didn't want there to be any barriers to student success," Williams said. "Most importantly, we encourage students to communicate with us about their specific needs. If there is any way that we can help them be successful, we do it."  

The program culminates in two semester-long internships at local dance studios. Last semester, Tamez worked with preschool children at Amy Blake Academy of Dance, and this fall, special needs children at Kennedy Dance Theater. 

"I want to be a good teacher. To help other students. To help other people,” She said. "Maybe one day I could be an instructor for kids with disabilities because I understand what they need.” 

Finding belonging 

Salter has witnessed substantial changes in Megan's development throughout the program. 

"We have seen Megan grow, not only in her movement ability, but more importantly in her ability to communicate with others and articulate academic ideas," Salter said.  

Tamez also found a sense of belonging that she missed in past experiences. 

"When the other girls introduced themselves to me, I was like, 'Oh, I'm not going to be alone,'" she said.  

"For the first time ever, she was included in the text group, included in all the plans," Neida said. "Everybody was so welcoming." 

The welcoming environment wasn't accidental.  

"It has not been a surprise to us that anyone, including Megan, would feel welcomed and cared for in our program," Salter said. "Our students have always been kind and inclusive, which we value deeply."  

For Williams, the program represents a broader shift toward inclusivity in dance.  

"We believe and teach that dance is for everyone," she said. "Artists with different abilities and backgrounds contribute new perspectives that are redefining what dance is and who it's for." 

Drawing from her experience, Tamez shared what she would tell other families considering San Jac: "I would recommend it for all kids and kids with disabilities. I feel like it's a great opportunity for them to learn and not feel like they can't do it." 

As one of the first students to complete the program, Tamez is breaking barriers and paving the way for future students.  

"In high school, I told Megan, 'If you want to see change, you need to be the change,'" Neida said. 

Now, she is doing exactly that, expressing herself through dance and helping others do the same. 

"We are so proud of this program that we have built but even more proud of the students doing the work," Salter said. "We cannot wait to watch Megan walk across the stage as our first graduate."   

Learn more about the dance instructor certificate program

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About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.