Staats’ work is quite unique for American modern dance, in part because her background, influences, and interests are international in nature. She received her MFA at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Staats has been teaching creative movement, Movement intentionality for the stage/intensive movement for actors, contact improvisation and Modern Dance for over 15 years. She is a recipient of numerous grants and Fellowships in the United States.She has been recognized by choreographers, dance teachers, dancers, audiences, and the press as a remarkable choreographer of contemporary dance.