CDS Alumna Willow Albergo ’13 Turns Her Passion for Dance Into a Career in Wellness and Coaching

For Willow Albergo, some of the most meaningful lessons from her time at Carrollwood Day School extended far beyond the classroom. Looking back, she appreciates the school's commitment to developing character alongside academics, a foundation that continues to stay with her today.

“One of the most positive aspects of CDS was the emphasis they placed on being a good person, not just a good student.”

Growing up on both the Michigan Avenue and Bearss Avenue campuses, Willow experienced traditions and moments that helped define the CDS experience, from the excitement of Funtastic Friday to the cherished Character Education traditions that encouraged students to put values into practice.

Reflecting on her experience, Willow shared, “Being a student at CDS from the very beginning felt like being part of a second family. The teachers and coaches helped create memories that will last a lifetime. CDS gave me and my siblings the greatest childhood, and I will always be grateful for that experience.”

Today, Willow has built a career centered around movement, wellness, and mentorship. After graduating from CDS, she attended Florida Gulf Coast University, where she majored in psychology and spent all four years on the university dance team. Dance had been part of her life since she was very young, and throughout college she continued teaching at local studios while also coaching a high school dance team during her senior year.

After graduating from FGCU in 2017, Willow returned home to Tampa and began teaching again at Dancemakers School of the Dance, the studio where she grew up dancing. Around that same time, she took a Pilates class that unexpectedly introduced her to a new passion.

In 2019, she became an instructor for Club Pilates  and now teaches classes in both Tampa and Fort Myers, along with virtual sessions. Her work focuses heavily on injury prevention and rehabilitation for athletes, dancers, and elderly clients. By studying the movements and posture specific to each sport, she helps clients strengthen the muscles they rely on most while supporting long term health and recovery.

Willow has also remained connected to the collegiate dance world. She currently serves as the assistant coach for the FGCU dance team after returning to visit her former team and volunteering to help with warmups. What began as a simple visit eventually turned into an official coaching role last year. She now regularly travels to work with the dancers and records online workouts to help them stay conditioned throughout the summer.

Reflecting on her journey, Willow says she enjoys helping dancers understand that there are many different paths available after high school and college. Through teaching, coaching, and continuing education opportunities focused on both physical and mental wellness, she has found a way to combine her lifelong love of dance with helping others feel strong and supported.

The values Willow first experienced at CDS continue to guide the work she does today. Whether she is coaching dancers, helping athletes recover from injuries, or mentoring students, she carries with her the same sense of character, community, and encouragement that made her years at CDS so meaningful.