As a dance coordinator, professor of dance and the only full-time faculty in her department, Casandra Hillman has been teaching developing and directing academic programs and liaising with stakeholders in institutional, professional, and community avenues for over 20 years. She excels in standards and quality assurance development, instilling compliance, as well as strategic planning, continuous improvement, budgeting, and fundraising, with a focus on fiscal oversight. Casandra Hillman has been significantly involved in her faculty and college duties, particularly collaborating with faculty members on dance procedures and artistic growth, and promoting the curriculum, performances, and outreach through community engagement.
Mrs. Hillman attended Butte College for an associate of arts degree in social sciences, the School of Music and dance at San Francisco State University for a bachelor’s degree in choreography and performance, and Mills College for a master of fine arts degree in dance–choreography and performance. Casandra Hillman has pursued various certifications to further her technical training, and her administration and teaching skills– including the 2024 Gus Giordano Jazz dance technique certification in Chicago Illinois, and the 2023 Enrollment Management Academy at the University of San Diego. Besides her college teaching duties, she enjoys: camping, summer day trips to the lake, snowboarding in Tahoe–Donner, scoping new breweries in Auburn and Sacramento, and stepping into her weekend “hospitality superstar” roll at Tasting Notes Winery.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
After a good night’s sleep, I start my day with a short morning prayer, taking a moment to name something I’m grateful for before easing into my routine. I begin by tidying up around the house (a habit I was raised with), including making the bed every morning, which I still do despite my husband’s mild (and ongoing) protests.
Once the vacuuming is done and the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen are in order, I shift into self-care mode. My morning includes a solid facial cleansing and hydration routine, always finished with SPF 50—an intentional step after past skin cancer scares.
The most grounding part of my morning comes next: feeding my 10-year-old Chihuahua, Captain, and heading out for a 30- to 45-minute walk at one of Windsor’s parks. During the walk, I listen to The Daily Jay on Calm, which helps clear any lingering negative thoughts and offers a simple focus or mantra for the day ahead. By the time I get home, I feel centered, positive, and ready to move forward with whatever the day brings.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life through collaboration, intention, and accountability. I ground every idea in purpose, invite diverse perspectives, and create a supportive structure that allows people to contribute their strengths. By staying organized, adaptable, and committed to follow-through, I transform ideas into sustainable results that serve both people and institutions.
What’s one trend that excites you?
There are three trends that genuinely excite me right now.
First is AI—in all its many forms. I’m constantly amazed by how powerful it can be, both incredibly useful and, honestly, a little terrifying. I’ve been enjoying exploring different tools like Gemini, AI Quiz Generator, Summary AI, ChatGPT, Klap, and marketing platforms such as Canva. What excites me most is learning how these tools can support students who went through the education system during COVID and may not have had the chance to fully build strong reading and writing skills. Used thoughtfully, AI can be a real bridge instead of a barrier.
Second is Petite Syrah in wine blends. I’ve worked in the wine industry since my 20s, and I’ve seen plenty of trends come and go. Blending Petite Syrah—especially with varietals like Sangiovese and Zinfandel, as J. Cage Wines does—creates some of the most beautiful, juicy, and approachable wines. It’s bold, balanced, and just plain enjoyable.
My third favorite trend is a more personal one. I’m part of a tight-knit group of seven girlfriends, and we’ve recently committed to getting together once a month for a ladies’ lunch. It’s become such a meaningful ritual—a chance to feel supported, laugh hard, cry when needed, and yes, occasionally toss around a well-earned curse word or two about life’s drama. It’s connection at its best, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
To me, being productive in life means balance. Kindness towards others, respect and love for my husband and home, being present and available for my friends and family, and dedicating all my talent and intelligence towards providing my students with a strong and valuable education. However, being productive like this requires habits and habits can be easily pushed off to the side when life throws its Sandy Koufax curve balls. When hard things happen, I let myself feel them. Frustration, anger, sadness—they all get their moment. But they stay moments, not destinations.
Two habits help ground me every day. The first is staying out of the negative feedback loop. The second is a piece of advice my dad—who was a psychologist for 35 years—shared with me in my 20s: “Keep moving, and the demons won’t get you.” It’s stayed with me ever since.
Holding onto these mantras helps me keep moving forward with a more positive mindset, especially when things feel heavy. That forward motion is also supported by my faith in God and a deep belief in karma—trusting that what we put out into the world truly matters.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t get stuck on the idea that you’re lonely. You’re probably just bored. Go do things for you. Find something in that Analysis and Criticism class that actually sparks your interest and go down that rabbit hole. Let yourself get curious.
Go to the library and study yourself—your Type A tendencies, anxiety, fears, Sagittarius traits, food and health, mental health. Learn what makes you tick. Bake cookies. Bake more. Lean into it.
And honestly? Don’t even bother with live plants. You can’t keep them alive at this age—and that’s okay. Some things just aren’t your thing.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I have an almost unreasonable belief in blind trust. Not blind as in reckless, but blind in the sense that I choose to assume good intent until someone clearly proves otherwise—and almost nobody agrees with me on that. People tell me it’s naïve, that it sets you up to be disappointed, or worse, hurt. But I think constantly guarding yourself is its own kind of damage. I’d rather risk being wrong about someone than live closed off, suspicious, and tight in my chest. Trust, for me, is a posture, not a contract—and I believe the world feels lighter when you lead with it, even if it occasionally costs you.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Prayer, gratitude checks, vacuum your home, and make your bed!
Prayer and gratitude are basically my nervous system’s version of a deep breath and a gentle “girl, relax.” They pull me out of fear spirals, doom loops, and endless “what ifs” and drop me back into the present. Even a quick prayer or moment of gratitude sends a clear message to my brain: we’re okay right now. Stress lowers, steadiness returns, and honestly, it’s a little addictive in the best, healthiest way.
Vacuuming and making the bed work the same kind of magic, just louder and with more crumbs involved. These are small, controllable wins with a clear start and finish. I do the thing, the thing looks better, end of story. My brain loves that. When the rest of life feels chaotic or out of my hands, at least the floor is clean and the bed looks like someone responsible lives here.
I keep doing these habits because they regulate me. They give me structure, predictability, and the quiet satisfaction of thinking, “I showed up today.” I took care of myself. I took care of my space. I moved forward—even if only by a vacuum line at a time.
That combo—meaning (prayer), perspective (gratitude), and order (cleaning rituals)—is incredibly stabilizing. It’s not about being perfect or disciplined. It’s about feeling safe, capable, and grounded. My nervous system remembers that feeling…and absolutely demands it again tomorrow.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed, I go for a walk. I grab my 5-pound weights, put on some Mel Robbins, and just…walk it out. Ten minutes, 30 minutes—there’s no schedule. I go until my mind clears and my heart remembers how to calm down. It’s cheap therapy with arm toning.
When I feel unfocused, I usually try to figure out why. I like to identify the obstacle, so I can remove it, sidestep it, or at least glare at it knowingly. That said, there is absolutely nothing I can do about perimenopause and its completely unhinged effects on women’s focus.
Case in point: a few mornings ago, I made a genuinely beautiful cup of coffee. Delicious. Thoughtful. Crafted. (I have a process, obviously.) Then I started moving around the house, and suddenly…the coffee was gone. Vanished. I searched everywhere: every room, every surface, every nook and cranny. Eventually, fueled by frustration and a deep hatred for the mythical gnomes I’m convinced live in our home (the same ones who steal socks), I gave up.
Three days later, I found that perfect cup of coffee in the coat closet. On a shelf. Next to my dog’s medication.
And honestly? That pretty much sums it all up.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that has consistently helped me grow and advance in my career is choosing not to burn bridges. I believe deeply in community outreach and in leading with kindness—especially toward people I don’t know yet. Every interaction is an opportunity to build trust, show respect, and leave someone feeling seen rather than used or dismissed. Over time, this approach creates a strong, organic network. People remember how you made them feel, and kindness has a way of circling back in unexpected and meaningful ways. By staying connected, being generous with my time and energy, and treating every relationship as valuable—not transactional—I’ve built lasting professional relationships that continue to support my work and open doors I couldn’t have planned for.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One of the most difficult failures in my career came not from a lack of skill or preparation, but from how I initially struggled to respond to a very public and deeply defamatory attack by a student and her family. The experience was painful and disorienting, and I had to confront emotions of anger, grief, and a desire to defend myself at all costs. Over time, I realized that holding onto anger and thoughts of retaliation was not helping me heal or move forward. I made a deliberate choice to practice forgiveness—not as an excuse for the harm done, but as a way to release myself from carrying it every day. When those feelings resurfaced, I returned to reflection and compassion, which gradually eased the emotional weight and allowed me to regain clarity and balance. The lesson I took from this experience is that resilience is not only about standing firm, but about choosing integrity, humanity, and self-preservation in the face of harm. Forgiveness became a tool for healing, growth, and recommitting to my values, even under extraordinary pressure.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea I would not-so-happily give away is a hybrid space that blends mentoring, movement, and community care. By day, it operates as an after-school mentoring and dance program for teenagers. In one room, students gather for guided conversations about life—identity, confidence, relationships, and the everyday questions that don’t always fit neatly into classrooms. In the adjoining studio, they move. Dance becomes a tool for building self-confidence, self-respect, body awareness, and a healthy relationship with their own physical presence in the world.
In the late afternoon and evening, the space transforms into an adult dance studio. The programming shifts to meet grown-up needs with equal intention—and a bit of humor. Hip-hop classes might carry names like “Swear and Dance It Out,” creating a judgment-free space where women and men can release stress, shake off the day, and reclaim joy through sweat, movement, and laughter.
Alongside this, ballet classes would focus less on perfection and more on grace, poise, body positivity, and community connection—offering participants a chance to feel strong, elegant, and supported exactly as they are.
At its heart, the idea is simple: one space, two generations, and a shared belief that movement, mentorship, and a little irreverent joy can help people carry themselves—literally and figuratively—with more confidence and care.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
This was a difficult question to respond to.
One piece of software that consistently helps me stay productive is Google Calendar. I use it less as a rigid scheduler and more as a visual map of my energy, commitments, and priorities. I block time not only for meetings and deadlines, but also for teaching, creative work, administrative tasks, and recovery—because productivity, for me, depends on balance as much as output.
Color-coding allows me to quickly see where my time is going, and recurring blocks help protect space for deep work and reflection. I also use calendar notes to add context—what I need to prepare, who I need to follow up with, or why a task matters—so I’m not rethinking decisions each time. It keeps me focused, realistic, and intentional, especially when juggling leadership, teaching, and creative responsibilities.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
In December, the local high school held its winter formal. A colleague of mine at the winery has a daughter who is a senior and had never attended a school dance. One day at work, she confided in me that she was excited but missing a few finishing touches—shoes and a small shawl to complete her dress. With her mother’s permission, I offered to purchase the accessories as a Christmas gift. After work, I went to the store, selected the items, and later left them on their doorstep as a surprise. It was a small gesture, but one made with care and the hope of helping a young person feel confident and celebrated for a meaningful milestone.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“Mel Robbins: The 5 Second Rule.”
In the negative feedback loop? You have five seconds, then it’s over.
Tired and feeling hopeless? You have five seconds to feel that way, then move on.
Planning on going to work out but can’t find the energy? 5-4-3-2-1.
Have a mouthful of hate to respond to someone’s insult? Inhale for five seconds, exhale for five seconds, and let the thought leave.
Want another brownie after you’ve already had one? Well, forget the five-second rule and have the frickin’ brownie. Enjoy your life.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
In “The Old Guard,” Andromache faces an attack on her chosen family and responds with decisive strength. The scene reflects a powerful instinct many leaders recognize: the urge to step in forcefully and stop harm immediately.
That moment resonates with my own experience of navigating a public challenge to my professional reputation. While the impulse to fight back is human, leadership requires a different response. I have learned that true leadership is not reactive. It demands restraint, clarity, and trust in ethical process rather than emotion-driven action.
This experience reinforced an essential lesson for me: leadership is often quiet. It is demonstrated through composure, consistency, and the ability to protect one’s values without escalating conflict. Strength, in professional life, is shown not by how loudly one responds, but by how steadily one stands.
Key learnings
- Small daily rituals create stability and momentum, which help regulate emotions, reduce overwhelm, and build a sense of control.
- Growth often comes from choosing reflection over reaction, forgiveness over retaliation, and trust over cynicism.
- Whether through mentorship, professional networking, or simply showing kindness in everyday interactions, long-term success is built on trust and meaningful relationships.
- True leadership is rooted in restraint, reflection, consistency, and empathy.
- Long-term engagement in the arts reinforces consistency, accountability, and a deep respect for both people and craft.