about us

Nina Schmid founded Move Forward Foundation in 2014. Two years earlier, she began volunteering as a dance teacher in refugee centres across the Netherlands.

Through her work with children and young people, she discovered how movement could help them release tension, reconnect with their bodies and rebuild trust. This belief later grew into TRASMO and Move Forward Foundation as it exists today.

It started with
‍a dance class

Many of the young people she met had experienced war, violence, abuse or displacement. Putting those experiences into words was not always easy. Dance and sport offered another way to express themselves, reconnect with their bodies and gradually rebuild trust.

That insight led Nina to establish Move Forward Foundation in 2014. What began with dance classes in refugee centres has since grown into trauma-sensitive programmes in shelters and vulnerable communities in the Netherlands and abroad.

Along the way, Move Forward developed TRASMO, its Trauma Support Movement Program. The organisation now works with coaches, care professionals, researchers and partner organisations to keep strengthening its approach.

The work has grown, but the belief at its heart remains the same: movement can create space for strength, joy and connection.

our team

Lesley Macaya joined Move Forward Foundation four years ago as a boxing coach and mentor to young coaches within our Street Academy. His background in sports and experience building cultural businesses in Amsterdam bring a fresh perspective to the organisation and its continued growth.

Lesley

Director

Iris is a dancer, teacher and creative force who leads workshops in Hidden Girls and the AZC Workshop Tour while coordinating our Hidden Boys pilot.

Iris

Coordinator Hidden Boys (pilot)

Tieka is storyteller, poet and former dance teacher, and brings both her artistic practice and lived experience to her role as coordinator within this project.

Tieka

Coordinator Hidden Girls

Marije is our Project Developer, bringing ideas together and turning them into meaningful action.

Marije

Fundraiser

board members

Dorien Wellen

Advisory Board

Dorien brings together the right mix of people and organizations to develop innovations that change people's lives.

Alexander de Gaay Fortman

Advisory Board

Alexander de Gaay Fortman has worked for several international NGOs as a project manager, advisor, sales manager and capacity-building coordinator. His international experience and strategic perspective support the continued development of Move Forward Foundation.

Femke Wijma

Treasurer

Femke Wijma is a post-merger integration specialist with a strong financial background. As Treasurer, she supports Move Forward’s financial health and sustainable growth.

Thera Adam – van Straaten

Chair

Thera Adam – van Straaten is a partner at an international law firm. Her strategic insight, determination and commitment support the continued development of Move Forward Foundation.

Tanya van Neerbos

Secretary

Tanya van Neerbos has extensive experience as a clinical psychologist in mental healthcare and forensic psychology, including many years as an investigative psychologist with the Dutch police. Her expertise in trauma, complex behaviour, risk assessment and safety brings valuable insight and strategic guidance to the Move Forward Foundation.

support our work

There are many ways to support our work. Become a partner, make a donation, contribute equipment or share your time and expertise. Every contribution helps us bring trauma-sensitive dance and sport to more young people.

What you can do