What’s your deal? Who are you and what’s your story?
I’m an actor, writer, director, creator, and human being based out of Los Angeles, CA. Over the years, I’ve worked with TAM as an actor, director, and house manager, and am eager to add writer to my list of collaborations with the company. I’m originally from Alaska, and have lived in Florida, Oregon, and New York City.

What most excites you about writing/directing TAM’s PACHANGA! Latinx Stories for Kids?
I love the joy of it all! Writing for young audiences asks you to be exuberant and open to the world, a mindset we tend to shift away from as we get older. Tapping into that viewpoint reminds me it’s something I need to do more regularly in my day to day life.

What are you hoping students will take away from the play?
I hope to show that Latinx storytelling has a rich and exciting history. While more Latinx stories are being told these days, many of the stories shared in recent years are wholly new creations. PACHANGA consists of classic tales culled from the past. It is important to create new work, however, as someone who believes in the power of history and scholarship, I believe there’s a unique value in seeing what previous generations shared as well.

Which character in the play is most like you and why?
Since I’m the writer, I’m ALL the characters!

You can have dinner with any three influential people. Who are your dream guests, why them, and what is the topic of conversation?
Guests: Eleanor Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, RuPaul. First, we self-actualize with stimulating conversation, then we gab and gossip and share stories and jokes! And since this is a dinner, Julia Child is our chef (with Anthony Bourdain as her sous chef); they join us for dessert and espresso as the night winds down.


What recent accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m big on cultivating and challenging the self, and enjoying our brief time here on Earth. So, this year I’m committed to vegetarianism at home, and taking hip hop dance classes every week. It’s going well, so I’m proud of that!

What’s your super power?
I prophesy; I see; I have the gift of sight! Things will be good shortly—and, indeed, are pretty good right now, though we may not see it…gift of sight 😉