I often like to joke I was meant to be an actress because I entered the world in high dramatic fashion my doctors' had to work on me for 45 minutes before I started breathing on her own. I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (which mildly affects my speech and gait) around age two. I grew up wanting to be an actress and was determined to not let adversity stand in the way of me accomplishing my dream. I was equally determined to not be limited to only being cast in disability specific roles but also in roles where my  disability is incidental to the character or storyline.


I have realized my dream and I have worked in film, theater and television. I am  a member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors Equity Association and I was the first actor with a disability to obtain a Masters of Fine Arts in Acting from California State University Long Beach (2001). I was the recipient of the 2016 Best Actor Honor for The 48 Disability Film Challenge and I am one of the featured artists in Liliana Moldovan's new book Eroii Imposibilului, a book featuring multi-disciplined artists with disabilities from around the world.

As a self-professed Expression Arts Passionista ( one passion, many hats)  I am an actor, filmmaker,solo artist, (speaker) artist-educator, acting coach (Performing Arts Studio West) writer, and a disability inclusion artivist,  though I rarely do it all at the same time.  My passion for the trans-formative power of the expressive arts inspired me to  launch my Expressive Arts Production Company The Rainbow Butterfly Café in 2015. For more information on The Rainbow Butterfly Cafe, please visit http://www.rainbowbutterflycafe.com

 

Ten Fun Trivia DEJ Facts

1) Favorite Drink- Chai Tea Late 

2) My Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather  are/were all ministers

3) Best Moment In A 7-11- Meeting James Earl Jones

4) Favorite Humbling Moment- Receiving The Tradition Of Excellence Award from my former high school Oak Park River Forest High School. Other distinguished alumni include Earnest Hemingway, Ray Koch ( McDonald's Founder), Thomas Lennon ( Reno 911)

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5) Favorite Feeling Of Accomplishment-Getting A Masters Of Fine Arts in Acting From California State University Long Beach (2001)

6) I am an artivist (art+activism) and am passionate about exploring ways my art can be used as a tool for social justice issues.

7 My cousins include Grammy nominated guitarist Stanley Jordan ( fathers were brothers) an actor Hill Harper ( grandparents were siblings )

8) My first commercial was for Easterseals when I was 11

9) Favorite Unwind  Walking On The Beach.

10) Favorite Role Of All Time- Aunt Di to Nephews James Wesley 12 And Jordan Gregory 8 1/2.

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It All Began Dreaming Big On A Swing

It All Began Dreaming Big On A Swing