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Programs
What a Psychologist can Teach with Acting
You Don’t Know Me Until You Know Me
From the moment I arrived in this world, my story began. I was born in Queens, New York, at St. John’s Hospital, on a night when I was the only baby delivered—and the first boy born there in five months. The nurses, delighted by my arrival, gifted my mom a gold cross for me, saying, “We don’t know what your son will accomplish in this world, but one thing is certain—it will be remarkable.”
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From an early age, I’ve seen life through a unique lens. As a neurodivergent individual, I embrace my idiosyncrasies and celebrate the facets of myself that defy society’s expectations. This perspective inspired me to create a 75-minute presentation titled "You Don’t Know Me Until You Know Me," where I invite others to explore self-discovery and the beauty of embracing differences. Today, this mission feels more urgent than ever—our collective mental health is fragile, and young people are grappling with unprecedented levels of anxiety.
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We’ve all learned to wear masks to conceal our vulnerabilities, driven by fear and societal conditioning. But what if our pain, rather than something to hide, could be seen as a gift? What if embracing our true selves and our differences could lead to profound change? In this workshop, I weave together humor, performance, poetry, storytelling, psychology, and personal experiences to challenge the deeply rooted beliefs that have shaped us since childhood.
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I am on a mission to save lives. This program is for everyone, from pre-teens to adults. It’s an invitation to transform pain into reflection, healing, and action. Even the smallest gestures—a smile, a kind word, a moment of connection—can spark transformation. I encourage us all to shed our masks, like the oyster that turns its pain into a pearl, not for itself, but as a gift to others. Together, we can cultivate a world that is more inclusive, compassionate, and connected.
I am not the Enemy
When I first saw a t-shirt at Hot Topic that read, "I am not the enemy," I was struck by its simplicity and profound truth. That message stayed with me and inspired me to create my presentation, "I Am Not the Enemy," as a way to challenge perceptions and confront the labels we place on ourselves and others.
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I began asking myself some difficult questions: Who is the enemy? Where do they live? What languages do they speak? What crimes have they committed? Are they the people who question the norms, who dare to challenge the majority? And if we continue pointing fingers at supposed enemies, won’t those fingers eventually turn back to us? These questions were the foundation of my journey to explore how we define others—and ultimately, ourselves.
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Through this show, I take my audience on an emotional and thought-provoking journey. Slipping in and out of character monologues, I use humor and tragedy, poetry and insight, weaving stories that connect in unexpected and meaningful ways. Each character I embody offers a unique perspective, pushing the boundaries of understanding and empathy. Together, we explore themes of acceptance, forgiveness, and the courage to embrace our own flaws.
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At the end of the performance, I leave the audience with one final thought: "Who is my enemy? Perhaps all along, I failed to see that my true enemy has always and only been me." It’s a powerful message, one that I hope resonates deeply and inspires reflection long after the curtain falls.
Even Small Crayons Make Bright Marks
From an early age, people often ask, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question rooted in a flawed belief—that we only start making an impact once we’ve earned a title, a degree, or some level of success. But I’ve never subscribed to that notion, and thankfully, neither do many kids.
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I remember hearing a seven-year-old girl respond to this question with wisdom far beyond her years. Flashing a bright smile, she said, “Even small crayons make bright marks, silly!” That simple statement stuck with me and became the foundation for something greater—a program designed to empower those “small crayons.”
I’ve created a show that speaks directly to children in grades 3-5, blending performance art, storytelling, and audience participation. Through this dynamic medium, I challenge kids to see themselves as agents of change, capable of transforming the world through small acts of kindness. This isn’t just about preventing bullying, though that’s part of it. It’s about inclusion, acceptance, and the power of standing together.
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In the program, I use zebras as a metaphor. Alone, a zebra is an easy target—vulnerable to lions, much like individuals can be to bullies. But when zebras band together in a dazzle, they create a mesmerizing blur, appearing as one large, untouchable creature. The lion backs down. Similarly, when we support one another, we become a force too strong to ignore.
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My goal is for every child to walk away from this experience feeling seen, valued, and inspired. Changing the world doesn’t require grand gestures or impressive titles. It starts with noticing someone who feels alone and helping them feel less like that. Even the smallest acts of kindness can leave a mark brighter than we ever imagined.
Beyond the 9 to 5: Rediscovering Your True Self
Our lives are far more than the jobs we hold, yet our work often defines us in ways that overlook the fullness of who we are. Years ago, while in graduate school, I heard songwriter Charlie King sing a line that has stayed with me ever since: “Our life is more than our work, and our work is more than our job.” That simple truth struck a chord, offering validation I didn’t know I needed. We are more than degrees, titles, or job descriptions. We are dynamic, creative beings with passions, stories, and dimensions that transcend the confines of the workplace.
Beyond the 9 to 5 is an exhilarating journey into rediscovering the parts of ourselves that often remain hidden in the shadows of our professional lives. Through this theatrical performance, I invite audiences to explore the dualities that make us human—the passions, quirks, and contradictions that reveal our true selves.
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This is not just a presentation; it’s an experience. Imagine uncovering the layers of the executive who transforms into a fearless surfer after hours, the professional athlete who finds solace in the strings of a violin, or the Catholic school teacher married to a shaman. Picture the quiet librarian who spends her days helping others find calm in books, only to steal the spotlight as the lead singer of a rock band on weekends. These stories—and countless others—illustrate the beautiful complexities of our lives beyond the professional grind.
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I, too, share this complexity. On stage, I am the outgoing, vibrant performer, but offstage, I find peace in solitude—watching movies alone or meticulously organizing baseball cards to quiet my mind. In Beyond the 9 to 5, I don’t just present; I open my life to you. I share not only the characters I’ve created but also my laughter, my pain, my reflections, and the lessons learned from embracing the wholeness of who we are.
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This performance is a call to action: to see ourselves and others not as singular roles or occupations but as multifaceted beings. It’s an invitation to step beyond the labels and discover the vibrant tent of community that exists when we embrace our shared humanity. By the end of Beyond the 9 to 5, you won’t just see the world differently — you’ll recognize yourself anew. This is more than a show; it’s a celebration of the life that pulses within us all.
