About Shirley
Shirley Dorritie specializes in training performers throughout the world for optimal achievement. A
retired licensed psychotherapist and founder of The Center for Performance and Achievement, Shirley works with a broad spectrum of individuals who are required to manage their responses to stress and pressure in order to perform
at their best when it really counts — including corporate executives, police, fire, and paramedic personnel, as well as performers, athletes, educators, choreographers and conductors throughout the U.S., Europe, and Japan.
Her book, PERFORMING AT THE TOP OF YOUR GAME: Practical Strategies for When It Really Counts! is available in paperback and e-Pub format.
Shirley believes that performance is:
“DELIVERING THE GOODS”
(whatever they are)
RIGHT NOW!
Being a great performer means
that when the pressure of NOW comes — when the curtain opens,
the downbeat hits,
the tape rolls,
the emergency arises,
your name is announced. . .
you CAN DELIVER YOUR GOODS, rock solid and without doubt!
Shirley holds a Master of Arts degree in Counseling/Body-Oriented Psychology, and certifications in Sport Psychology, Hypnotherapy, and Level II EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). She is a graduate of the Academy of Intuitive Studies Intuition Medicine program and is also a certified Yoga teacher (200+ hr. RYT).
A performance coach, instructor, and visual designer in the pageantry arts for over four decades, Shirley’s credits include overseeing Mental Health and Performance Strategies for the 21-time DCI World Champion Concord Blue Devils, as well as numerous drum corps, marching band, and winter guard programs such as the Santa Clara Vanguard, Arizona Academy, Clovis West High School, and James Logan High School.
A leader and innovator in competitive Marching Band and Winter Color Guard adjudication since 1983, Shirley served as Judge Development Manager for Winter Guard International (2015-2024), Director of Judge Education for the Winter Guard Association of Southern California (2011-2024), and the Director of Adjudication Philosophy for USBands (2021-2024).
Shirley is a member of the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame, the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame, and the Winter Guard Association of Southern California’s Order of Excellence.