Andrea Kolbe
Andrea Kolbe, originally from Maryland, began her dance training at the Ballet Arts of Potomac run by her godmother, Susan Wolfarth, who had studied at the Washington Ballet under Mary Day. She continued at Ballet 106 with Linda Miller formerly with the Eliot Feld Ballet Company and then moved to the American Dance Institute founded by Pamela Booth Bjerknes, a former American Ballet Theater dancer, and Michael Bjerknes, a former Joffrey Ballet principal.
Andrea attended Hofstra University, graduating with a BA in Dance where she performed works by Robin Becker, Rachel List, and Karla Wolfangle. After graduating from Hofstra University in 2010, she was the first employee of the newly established Arts in Motion Dance Center (AIM) in Melville, New York. She became a co-owner when they opened their second Northport, New York location in 2019. She taught every kind of dance including ballet, contemporary, modern, lyrical, hip-hop, and jazz. She was an accomplished choreographer winning many top awards, particularly in contemporary, at the various dance competitions that AIM participated in.
Andrea and Chazz Fenner-McBride, the love of her life, met while in the dance program at Hofstra. They were married on June 26, 2020. Chazz, who is an accomplished dance teacher as well, has performed with various dance companies including the Eglevsky Ballet and the Lydia Johnson Dance Company. Andrea and Chazz welcomed their sweet baby boy, Harbor, into the world on August 24, 2023. They named him after the stunning harbors they had visited during their travels and adventures. Interestingly, Andrea learned the gender of her baby while enjoying a meal at one of their favorite restaurants located on Huntington Harbor.
The heartbreak that her family, friends, and dance community have endured from her tragic passing from postpartum depression has led all who knew her to channel their grief and sadness into improving maternal health care, making information available to all mothers about the critical nature of this diagnosis, and removing the stigma that surrounds the feelings that this type of depression exhibits.
Andrea sustained herself by the love of her family, a quote of hers from an Instagram post. She was an extraordinary woman, full of passion and love for her life. She found joy in teaching dance and cherished her relationships with her parents, sisters, nephews, and friends. The beauty of sunrises and sunsets left her in awe, and she loved taking walks in the nature that surrounded her in Caumsett State Park in Huntington. She also enjoyed spending time at the beach. All of these experiences made her the wonderfully sensitive and beautiful person that she was. Her legacy will live on, cherished forever by the thousands she touched with her kindness and love.
“Hand in hand, on the edge of the sand, they danced by the light of the moon.” 🌔
Andrea's Wish Foundation
On World Maternal Mental Health Day, May 1, 2024, I am proud to announce the establishment of
The Andrea’s Wish Foundation Fund at the Baltimore Community Foundation.
Our foundation is committed to honoring the life and legacy of Andrea Kolbe. We believe that by raising awareness and improving access to postpartum depression resources and maternal mental healthcare, we can make a positive impact on the lives of many. Our goal is to bring hope to those affected by postpartum depression and suicide by funding scientific research, educating the public, and advocating for public policies in maternal mental health.
The Andrea's Wish Foundation Fund is made possible through the generous donations of family, friends, and individuals who believe in raising awareness and improving access to resources for postpartum depression and maternal mental healthcare. We are immensely grateful to them for giving us the privilege to contribute to organizations and causes in the community that we deeply care about.
Andrea's legacy will live on, cherished forever by the thousands she touched with her kindness and love ❤️
Andrea's beloved nephews, Dominic (13) and Jax (10).
Our Mission
Our foundation is driven by a strong commitment to honor Andrea's life and legacy. We believe that by raising awareness and improving access to postpartum depression resources and maternal mental healthcare, we can make a positive impact on the lives of many. Through funding scientific research, educating the public, and advocating for public policies in maternal mental health, we strive to bring hope to those affected by postpartum depression and suicide.
Fundraising Events
PAST EVENTS
ANDREA’S WISH FOUNDATION 1ST ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
September 16, 2024 9:00 AM Shotgun Start
Montgomery Country Club, Laytonsville, MD
https://marylandsportsacademy.sportngin.com/register/form/549450061
THE LADIES OF JAZZ: THE NEXT GENERATION
June 4, 2024 6pm
The Recher Theatre, Towson, MD
https://therechermd.com/event/the-ladies-of-jazz-the-next-generation/the-recher/towson-maryland/
16th ANNUAL SOUNDS OF SILENCE 5K/10K
Sounds of Silence, Friends of the Postpartum Resource Center of New York (SOS)
May 18, 2024
Brightwaters New York
https://postpartumny.org/sosrun2024/
OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK
May 4, 2024 11am
Towsontown Field on Towson University Campus, Towson, MD
https://supporting.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.team&teamID=335840
OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK
April 13, 2024 11am
Homewood Campus at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
https://supporting.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.team&teamID=337676
Policy Advocacy
Maryland Maternal Health Act of 2024
(HB1051/SB1059)
March 6, 2024
House Office Building Annapolis, MD
Health and Government Operations
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb1059?ys=2024RS
In the News
THE BALTIMORE SUN
March 21, 2024
THE TOWSON TIMES
April 3, 2024
NEWSDAY
June 21, 2024
https://www.newsday.com/long-island/li-life/no-mom-left-behind-andrea-kolbe-coxvkvqc
NEW YORK TIMES
October 9, 2024
Postpartum Depression Resources
If you’re in mental health distress or are having thoughts of harming yourself,
call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/
Call or text the Postpartum Support International HelpLine at 800-944-4773.
Join a FREE Online Support Group!
To view the current schedule and register, visit http://bit.ly/FindSupportGroup.
If you are pregnant or a new mother and feel like you are struggling,
you can call or text 833-TLC-MAMA (833-852-6262),
for free confidential support from the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.
2024 Annual Conference:
https://www.postpartum.net/professionals/psi-conference/
The 2025 Conference is scheduled July 11-13, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Maryland Chapter: https://psichapters.com/md/
New York Chapter: https://psichapters.com/ny/
The Postpartum Resource Center of New York, Inc.
https://postpartumny.org/prcny/
Family Connects International:
The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA):
Community after Birth, Parent Resouces:
https://www.4thtrimesterfamily.com/for-parents/parent-resources
Suzanne DellOrfano, MSW, LCSW-C
https://www.bethesdawomensmentalhealth.com/
https://www.modernmotherhoodpause.com/store/p/journal-1-the-ride-home
suzannedellorfano@modernmotherhoodpause