Alli Madsen
Practice Manager · they/them/she
Alli Madsen was born and raised in Flint, MI. Growing up, she spent a lot of time outdoors—canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and backpacking in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. As well as having a love for the outdoors, Alli discovered their true passion in a high school art class: darkroom photography. They became interested in exploring and pushing the idea of what photography is or can be.
A Creative Foundation
The darkroom became a new kind of language, a filter for expression and exploration. This early exploration guided their artistic practice into adulthood, opening a dialogue to explore their personal history and our shared histories.
In Grand Rapids, MI, Alli began their managerial career running a successful restaurant. Their experience in the restaurant also sparked an interest in the culinary arts, finding a similar joy in the kitchen as they found in the darkroom. Cooking and nutrition are still passions Alli embraces today, always looking for new and creative ways to enjoy healthy cuisine.
Community & the Arts
Also while in Grand Rapids, Alli started working with various community-based nonprofit arts organizations, facilitating workshops for kids and helping to curate large-scale events such as Art.Downtown, First Fridays, artists markets, and workshops.
The Path to Move Better
Returning to their first love of photography, Alli enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2014, earning their BFA in Photo + Film in 2018. After graduating, they moved to Portland to start a new adventure. Part of that adventure was an unexpected healing journey that brought them to Move Better.
Having experienced firsthand the benefits and healing power of the work being done at Move Better, they became a firm believer in their mission and its implementation. This inspired them to work with our team to encourage movement-based medicine.
Life Outside the Clinic
In their free time, Alli likes to hike, eat delicious food, make art, check out a movie at one of Portland’s many independent cinemas and spend time with their partner, two kitties Fry and Leela and their snake Gunter.
Education & Website
Education
- Bachelor of Fine Arts, Photography and Film, with a photography concentration, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA
Website
Volunteer Experience
- 2018-present, Collection for Social Justice, Contributing Artist, Worldwide
- 2018, 1708 Gallery, Administration and Preparator, Richmond, VA
- 2017-2018, 2018 VCU Photo graduating class, Fundraising Chair, Richmond, VA
- 2017, Oakwood Arts + P35, Programs and Volunteer Coordinator, Richmond, VA
- 2017, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Events and Exhibitions volunteer, Richmond, VA
- 2012-2014, Avenue for the Arts, Artist Member + Programs Curator, Grand Rapids, MI
- 2012-2013, Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, Events and Theatre volunteer, Grand Rapids, MI
- 2012-2013, (106) Gallery, Events and Exhibitions volunteer, Grand Rapids, MI
- 2004-2009, Art for Kids, Instructor, Flint, MI
Standards Testing
Last tested 7/31/2025 | Bodyweight = 192 lbs
| Exercise | Standard Goal | Alli’s Result |
|---|---|---|
| Barbell Deadlift | 1.5× bodyweight | 260 lbs ✓ |
| Chinups | 5 reps | |
| Pushups | 20 reps | |
| Turkish Getup | 33% bodyweight | 25 lbs ✓ |
Meet the Move Better Team
Alli’s unique path — from the darkroom to the restaurant kitchen to community arts, and finally to Move Better — brings a rare blend of creativity, care, and lived experience to our practice. We’re glad to have them on the team.
