Changed for the Better

Changed for the Better: episode 40

Karema Brown has an educator's heart. Her mission is to do all she can to improve the school experience for her kids. This is her story of service, how she processed her complicated roles as a Black woman, educator, and daughter of the badge, and how the dance studio taught her that vulnerability is a strength to be cherished.

Changed for the Better

Changed for the Better, episode 37

Episode 37 features Rushane Dunn, the first alum to be profiled from the class of 2019! Always the high-achiever, he is now finishing his senior year at Brown University. We talked about his dual passions for STEM and performing arts, being at the precipice of his adulthood and his impending journey into medicine.

Changed for the Better

Changed for the Better: Episode 35

Darian Garner, the valedictorian of the class of 2013. A perfect blend of brilliance, kindness and humility, Darian graciously shared her stories about navigating the challenges of being Black in an Ivy League school, losing her mom, becoming an actuary, and growing into her independence.

Changed for the Better

Changed for the Better: Episode 31

Welcome to Season 3!! Episode 31 takes us back to the class of 2003. A self-professed “Jane of all trades” and Heartland Emmy nominee, Marie Casimir discovered her passion for everything the arts had to offer during high school, when she immersed herself in dance and Thespians. Now, she is sharing her own vision with the world.

Changed for the Better

Changed for the Better: Episode 21

Back in high school, Bianca was a bright, personable, happy young woman with a smile as wide as Texas, full of positivity and light. Despite some significant, unresolved childhood traumas, Bianca found a home with Thespians, where she was surrounded by a community who embraced her energy and helped her channel the difficult emotions she was experiencing behind that smile.

Changed for the Better

Changed for the Better: episode 20

Alex Domini's story is another example of how you make plans, God laughs, and you make new plans. Life is a journey, and it's best to traverse the terrain with eyes wide open, ears attuned to the universe, and heart ready for the ride. Read on to learn about Alex's journey.

Changed for the Better

Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 16

Though known as "the quiet one" of the family, Kenney had lots to say about his high school Thespian experience. Following closely behind his sister as "Tendrina's little brother," he learned how to make his own impression and became his own person.

Changed for the Better

Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 15

Victor went from the "new kid in town" to the shining star who found his home in the studio. In this episode, we talk about learning to live your authentic self, in all of its incarnations, despite the immense challenges of adolescence.

Changed for the Better

Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 14

In this episode, we travel back to the class of 2003 and get an inside look at the life of a first responder/law enforcement professional who found his peace in the performing arts.

Changed for the Better

Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 13

Graig Kriendler is all about nostalgia. It seems to be the driving force behind his life's work, which is why this interview feels so special. For a guy who has been interviewed for tons of articles and podcasts about his professional achievements, this discussion was particularly meaningful for both of us.

Changed for the Better

Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 12

Special college edition! Tom Dheere is a fellow Montclair State alum (class of 1993!). We chatted about college, his prolific career as a voiceover professional (aka The VO Strategist), and how taking care of your mental health is paramount to any measure of success.

Changed for the Better

Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 11

Growing a leader requires an infusion of trust in a young person and giving them the support it takes to help them trust themselves. Becoming a leader requires taking that trust and further developing it yourself. This week's discussion with Hilary Becker-Jarusinsky shows how this can be accomplished through arts education.