Not all of my Changed for the Better guests craved the spotlight. Some were very happy behind-the-scenes, putting their production talents to good use in quieter ways.
Tag: sage advice
Changed for the Better, episode 43
From teen mom to LPN to NP, Esskee Nance-Doucet has climbed mountainous terrain in order to smell the sweet, clean air of success. Read on for her story.
Changed for the Better, episode 41
Ornely Aubourg was one of my tried and true students, my tiny dancer, so to speak. At Spring Valley High School, the dance studio was her safe space, a leotard and tights was her outfit of choice, and being in the spotlight was her comfort zone. Tune in to learn how this working mom has connected her performing arts training to her role as a first responder.
Changed for the Better: episode 39
Joseph "Royalty" Wallace, once a pulsing ball of energy, has focused his creativity and discipline to become a successful man in finance and entrepreneurship. Read on to learn how dance was the catalyst for his leap into leadership.
Changed for the Better, episode 38
Bria Manning is someone who sees what she wants and she gets it. Back in high school, she poured her energy into the Spring Valley community as a class officer, cheerleader, and active Thespian and dancer. Now entrenched in her quarter-century status, she is finding ways to balance the requirements of adulting with her need for community, creativity and dancing.
Changed for the Better: Episode 33
A superhero is aware of the inequities of the world, and possesses the energy and drive to do something about it. Melissa Denizard is Spring Valley's homegrown superhero. We talk about how she melds activism with her exploding artistic vision.
Changed for the Better: episode 29
Jessica Butler (La Presidenta) was tiny force of nature in Thespians. Taking notice of our drama club in middle school, she made an instant decision: she would lead the troupe in her senior year. Challenge accepted. In this episode, we discuss mentorship, embracing your ability in the face of imposter syndrome, and learning how to "figure it out."
Changed for the Better, episode 28
As we go through life, our identity is defined by the things we do and the relationships we hold dear. In this episode, Jacqueline Smith-Musselman reflects on all of her identifiers, including the bliss (and terrors) of motherhood and her dream job as a Kindergarten teacher. We also talk about the benefits of therapy, being joyful, and the struggle to maintain balance.
Changed for the Better: episode 22
Brittany Gischner is straight out of Central Casting - literally. This successful casting director looks back to her roots as Thespian President, and how she applies our motto, "Act well your part; there all the honor lies" every single day.
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: the power of arts in education, episode 18
The third of the Alexandre legacy at Spring Valley, Kinsley talks about learning to enjoy the journey every day, and how maturing has taught him to work smarter, not harder.
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: 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: 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.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode TEN
Tendrina Alexandre We made it to episode TEN (cue the balloons and confetti)!! I feel like there should be bells, whistles and heralding trumpets! Tendrina Alexandre (get it? TEN??) is another superstar from the past, who comes from a superstar family. Does it feel like everyone I interview here are my faves? Yes, yes it… Continue reading Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode TEN
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 8
There's a lot to say about this budding superstar. I knew her as a teenager - smart, observant, swimming in talent. She melted the paint off of the auditorium walls of and now she is releasing simmering Neo-Soul singles to the world. Someday soon, everybody will have Brianna Knight's name on their lips.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 7
When Kristen Santos walked across the threshold of my classroom, I knew I had to up my game. What a gift it was to work with such talent, and a joy to know she continues to hone her craft today. Read on to learn what this dancing-beast learned in my classroom and how she has worked to find balance and peace in adulthood.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 6
Hernz Laguerre, Jr. has worn many hats. Linebacker, dancing cowboy, storyteller, multimedia journalist - he has taken the lessons learned from high school and infused them into his transition to adulthood. Read on about how his performing arts experiences informed who he is today.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 5
Stephanie Lauredent-Diasio is back in my blogspace! "Aside from being yourself, realizing that you have your own special thing that you do so incredibly well, will get you so far in life. It's not about the grades...it's really about you as a person and the tools that you bring to the table that matters so much more than the grades you have."
Changed for the better: the power of arts in education, episode 3
Now, Elijah Fremont is all grown up. We have kept in touch over the years, and always have good conversation when we connect. It’s like we were never really apart, we just pressed pause for a little bit. In this blog post, I share some of the highlights of our chat that made me smile.
Stacey's Headspace 