Leading by Dreaming...

Excerpts from my personal statement:

I believe that integrating performing arts into curriculum for students of all ages could invigorate the impact of educational systems within communities.  It is my hope that working on pursuing my Educational Doctorate will allow me to prove the validity of my belief, determine how to turn my ideas into action, and thus positively impact the city I love, Long Beach.  I believe the performing arts are a vital component of community for two reasons: first, performing arts develop qualities that are beneficial for individual members of society, and second, performing arts generate bonds between individuals and their collective community.  Due to the challenges facing today’s educational leaders in urban communities, I believe embedding the performing arts into our education systems could be one of the most worthwhile endeavors of educational reform. [...] ​I believe that diversifying educational models and systems to include the varied interests, skills, talents and challenges of all students, is one of the best places to begin changing one’s community in pursuit of social justice.

Dreamers, Leaders, and Educators who inspire me:

KEN ROBINSON: Do Schools Kill Creativity?
RITA PIERSON: Every Kid Needs A Champion
ANDREW SOLOMON: How the Worst Moments in Our Lives Make Us Who We Are
EDWARD LEAMER: 2014 Op-Ed - LA Has Three Big Problems
ELIZABETH GILBERT: Big Magic

Hobbies & Interests

Some call them hobbies, superfluous skills, may-haps even useless knowledge...........to me, these are beautiful things that I love to do which turn a boring Sunday afternoon into an art project, brainiac's challenge, or spiritual journey!  I am happy to share my passion about any of these topics and am even available for hire for things like clothing alterations, excel coaching, vegan baking, and/or organization consulting.  I am also available for Tarot Readings which can even be done over the phone!
Radiolab
Knitting and Sewing
Yoga Yogi
TED Radio Hour
Vegan Baking and Cooking
Microsoft Excel Coaching
TED Website
The West Wing Weekly
Home/Office Organization
MGM Classic Musicals Afficionado
Nutrition and Wellness Enthusiast

Iris Theatre Company

In 2009 I founded Iris Theatre Company, named after the stunningly beautiful Greek Goddess and the flowers that grew in my backyard as a child. The two symbols were long time sources of inspiration for my artistic and personal work over the years.  With my dream at my fingertips I started working with some of my favorite artists from across the globe and though thousands of miles separated all of us, we were able to collaborate via technology.  Based on the idea that every person has a unique story, I wanted Iris Theatre Company to celebrate the common threads that tie all human beings to one another through interdisciplinary performing arts.  I am immensely proud of the innovative work that this troupe of artists created.  It was an honor to share in the talents of these beautiful people who have been the inspiration and motivation behind every project.  By the end of 2014 so many lives began to follow exciting new paths (including my own return to California) that the company was dissolved.