Originally from Chicago, I have worked as a Performer, Director, Designer, Choreographer, Digital Storyteller, Access and Inclusion Consultant, Independent Researcher, and Teaching Artist in Arizona, Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, Washington DC, and Wisconsin. I received my formal training from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona earning a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Theatre for Youth. I received my Bachelor of Science in Communication Arts with an emphasis in Theatre Performance and Theatre Design with a Minor in Dance from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. Additionally I received a Certificate in Theatre for Young Audiences with Complex Disabilities from Rose Bruford College of Theatre & Performance and Oily Cart in the United Kingdom. Currently, I am the Theatre Teacher and Director of Theatre at Northwest High School in Clarksville, TN, a Teaching Artist for Nashville Children's Theatre and an Adjunct Professor of Theatre at Middle Tennessee State University and Nashville State Community College, and Artistic Director of Starcatcher Initiative.
Awards and Achievements
Service and Affiliations
Professional
Awards and Achievements
- Jim Rye Fellow, 2013 IPAY Jim Rye Fellowship Recipient & Jim Rye Fellow, 2012 IPAY Jim Rye Fellowship Recipient
- Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, Arizona State University, Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, School of Theatre and Film for the Fall 2010, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Spring 2012, and Fall 2012 Terms
- Special Talent Scholarship for the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 Academic Year, Arizona State University Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Dean’s Fellowship for the 2010-2011 Academic Year, Arizona State University Graduate College
- Austin Peay State University 2010 Governor’s Impact Award
- Nominee for the Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award, Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
- Nominee for the William McClure Drane Award, Austin Peay State University
- Nominee for the Halbert Harvill Civitan Citizenship Award, Austin Peay State University
- Dean’s List Honors Fall 2007 Summa Cum Laude, Spring 2008 Magna Cum Laude, Fall 2008 Magna Cum Laude, Spring 2009 Summa Cum Laude, and Fall 2009 Summa Cum Laude
Service and Affiliations
Professional
- Member TYA/USA, The United States chapter of ASSITEJ
- Member of AATE, American Alliance for Theatre and Education
- Member ASSITEJ, The International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People
- Member of IPAY: International Performing Arts for Youth
- Member of EdTA: Educational Theatre Association
- Vice Chair, Theatre for Youth Division, Southeastern Theatre Conference 2014-Present
- Chair, Theatre for Youth Invitational Festival, Southeastern Theatre Conference 2014-2016
- Member of TYA/USA Blog Committee
- Member Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Fraternity, Mu Zeta Chapter
- Member of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society
- Member of Phi Theta Kappa Society International Scholastic Order of the Two-Year College, Chi Eta Chapter
- Founder of the Starcatcher Initiative
- Member Tennessee Theatre Association 2008-2010 & 2012-present
- Member Southeastern Theatre Conference 2008-2010 & 2013-Present
- Member American College Dance Festival Association 2007-2009
- Vice President, Austin Peay State University Young Alumni Council.
- Ambassador for Austin Peay State University Area of Theatre and Dance 2008-2010
- Member Austin Peay State University Academic Grievance Committee, a University Standing Committee (2008-2010)
- Elected Senator for the Student Government Association for the College of Arts and Letters 2009-2010
- Founder and President (2008-2010) of T.O.Y.S., the Theatre Organization for Youth by Students
- Core Staff member of Camp MARC 2008 – present
- Counselor for Camp MARC 1996-2008
- Consultant and Past Vice President of the Board of Directors for Clarksville Children’s Theatre (2010-2011)
- Assistant Youth Minister: St. Joseph Perish, Central City, Kentucky (2004-2006)
- Member Muhlenberg Community Theatre, Inc (Board of Directors Member from 2001-2004)