A key leader in creating effective opportunities to mindfully meet the growing number of students at my current institution (one of the largest in the U.S.).

 I took on this challenge with integrity, innovation, rigor, and respect for all students, preparing them for whatever challenges they'll face. 

Expanding student opportunities, demanding excellence, and providing evidence of these accomplishments.

A  leader in following the charge to, “...developing creative methods to increase learning.”  Evidence in the development and instruction of the first completely web-based theatre course at The University of Central Florida, creating the ability to dynamically reach more students than ever before in our institution’s history while maintaining personal connections. Recognized by Kendall Hunt Publishing, with the honor of Author of the Month for the development of Theatre UCF’s first completely digital-interactive theatre textbook, engaging students in new and innovative approaches in teaching.

In leading the charge to “cultivate exceptional and diverse students”, I developed unique web-based courses - Queer Theatre, Theatre for Social Change, and Women in Theatre, placing focus on meeting the needs of an ever growing community.

Also recognized for my dynamic and innovative leadership through UCF's celebration of honorees for the 2019 Women’s History Month.  

My leadership skills have been noted and played a significant role in the development of workshops, as well as special projects. Selected experiences include, but not limited to, being the first UCF theatre faculty member to be a part the UCF General Education Faculty Innovator (FCTL) team to continue excellence in course development. Also a collaborator with UCF’s Veteran’s Legacy Program (leading and teaching a series of innovative playwriting workshops and performances for students and veterans), a researcher and presenter at UCF’s first International Women’s Issues Conference, a UCF LGBTQ Ally (creating a course to serve theatre and the UCF- LGBTQ+ community), a Legacy mentor, and one of the first Mosaic mentors to embrace various communities. Leading with “firsts”, innovation in teaching, technology, investing in dynamic service opportunities, helping Theatre UCF to become one of the top (On-stage-blog 2018-19) programs in the U.S., and recognized by our institutions leadership as , “...excellent teacher...created many innovations...leading the charge...much success...strong mentor."

                                                 “Whoever teaches learns in the act of teaching, and whoever learns teaches in the act of learning” - Paulo Freire 

I always hunger for new teaching and learning opportunities!  I love the give and take process through which I challenge my students, and myself. I embrace the leadership role in modeling traditional techniques, such as Stanislavski’s Method, while never forgetting the importance of fresh new tactics and technology to activate and engage students in achieving their goals.

While I value connecting with students on a visceral level, I also acknowledge the need for practice in professionalism, as well as personal discipline in realizing one's fullest potential. Course goals serve as a focus in direction, while real world examples prove the relevance of these ideas. My Theatre for Social Change course is an example of real world experience where students use case studies, explore Boal's work, and then take on the challenge of becoming a "multiplier." 

 Above all I honor my commitment to my profession, my students, my colleagues, and the responsibility that comes with the challenge of encouraging independent thought in developing artists. Stressing preparation, as well as inspiration to take on challenges in the pursuit of creativity, critical thinking in creating a dynamic plan to achieve goals. 

Personal and professional training in teaching and leadership has included a focus on various communities, needs, learning styles, challenges, and celebrating successes. I have engaged in learning opportunities not only in my current position, but also outside as a practicing artist. A couple of my favorite personal development opportunities have been Theatre and Pedagogy of the Oppressed events and Theatre for Social Change (training included but not limited to) New York's Forum Theatre, as well as local training sessions expanding outside of the  theatre and focusing on the wider community with groups such as Jobs With Justice, and various other grassroots organization. My communities in, and outside of the theatre are a priority in continuing my personal growth and development, as well as serving serving my community. 

"Individuality" is a word and a practice I love to embrace! Recognizing the vast nuances each person can bring to the tabl, this is especially important in our ever-growing and changing communities. One of my favorite videos embracing the importance of this idea includes Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's The Danger of a Single Story. “What this demonstrates is how impressionable and vulnerable we are in the face of a story...”. Adichie’s story has inspired me as a leader to begin each teaching and learning experience, even in a class of three-hundred, with a focus on the individual and what makes us unique. Students partner and share two- minute stories with the focus around "fire" and then develop an essay from their observations. Immediately, students have proof of the important role of give-and-take in a teaching and learning experience as well as the importance of individual stories. We come from various places and have unique stories to tell! These stories share our past, give insight into our hopes, and inspire us in meeting all of the moments moving into the future. 

I value every opportunity to provide leadership, dynamic teaching, personal development, and strive to create innovative experiences. 

I am committed to traditional foundations while striving to challenge students with new techniques, perspectives, and most of all my commitment in continuing to encourage them to think outside of the box. 

Be bold and beyond what you've imagined.