For Dara Hart Riley, the rhythm of recovery isn’t just a metaphor — it’s a clinical reality. After a devastating 2021 MOGAD attack left her bedridden and without the use of her right side, the music, dance and yoga instructor turned to her own “toolbox” of harmony and mindfulness to heal.
Now, she is launching ‘Music, Movement & MOGAD,’ a specialized, inclusive, and low-impact program designed to help others — especially children — navigate the complexities of life with the rare neuroimmune disorder.
Supported by The MOG Project and UCB (a global biopharmaceutical leader), the free monthly classes are set to begin virtually on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET.
Using percussion instruments, finger plays, rhythmic movement, and yogic breathing, these sessions are designed to engage both body and brain.
From patient to pioneer, Dara has been a Music, Movement, and Mindfulness instructor since 2018. She found herself applying her professional training during her own recovery. Following the onset of MOGAD with brainstem involvement which included autoimmune encephalitis and bilateral optic neuritis, her journey through inpatient rehabilitation became the catalyst for the new program.
“Music, movement and mindfulness helped me get back on my feet, both literally and figuratively,” explains Dara, a member of The MOG Project’s Advisory Board.
“I went from being completely bedridden to volunteering, then working full-time, teaching voice lessons and holding in-person Music, Movement & Mindfulness classes again — all while managing a household with two children.
“Now I want to help others.”
Why Music and Movement Matter with MOGAD
At the heart of the program is neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to rewire itself and form new neural connections after injury. By engaging multiple senses simultaneously, these classes aim to help the brain “map out” alternative pathways to regain functions affected by MOGAD lesions.
Just as importantly, Dara has tailored the sessions to be inclusive and low-impact with the realities of what children with MOGAD experience: fatigue, compromised immune systems, and fluctuating energy levels.
“The goal isn’t performance — it’s healing, confidence, and connection,” Dara explains.
“Many of us are immunocompromised and/or terribly fatigued… safety and energy levels are always at the forefront.”
Bringing the family together
The classes are intentionally “family-centered,” creating space for children living with MOGAD and caregivers to participate in a group activity together.
These sessions include using predictable rhythms and gentle movement, and breathing exercises to stimulate the vagus nerve, often called the “calming nerve,” to help participants regulate their nervous systems.
The curriculum isn’t just about music and movement. Dara, who is currently studying psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent development, points to significant physical and cognitive milestones for regular practitioners, including:
- Strengthened gross motor skills (walking and balance)
- Improved dexterity (fine motor control in hands and wrists)
- Enhanced word recall and working memory
- Decreased fatigue through paced activity
How to Join
The sessions will be held via Zoom the last Sunday of every month, starting in April during MOGAD Awareness Month These online sessions will include free class kits for the first 25 registrants.
Recordings will be available for registrants unable to attend live.
Concluding, Dara says, “My personal mantra is ‘use it or lose it.’
“The brain has the ability to overcome injury — and this is one way to help, through structured music and coordinated movement, where we create a safe space that supports brain recovery and emotional resilience.”
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or someone living with MOGAD, this program offers more than just activity — it offers a pathway to recovery, confidence, and community.
Register today to join the next session and experience the power of music and movement for you and your child!
