Some people are born natural performers; that is not my story. I believe my first acting experience was in the 4th grade. I played Doc, of the 7 Dwarves. I earned the role, by having a toy lantern to use as a prop. I was so incapable of stopping on my mark that Doc and his lantern were moved to the back of the line. Through the years, I stuck with it. Eventually, I hope I improved. Through high school and college my identity was always as performer. Even as a theatre major I kept my focus on acting. After nearly 50 roles, I found myself entering professional life. Now my role was teacher, coach and director. Although I had to direct in college and do the course work, I never identified with that role. It was after about 10 years teaching that I realized my view had changed. I was focusing on creating entire imagery and not just singular performances. I spent many years operating a business which included summer camps and after school lessons. As a side I was directing college, school and community plays. During this time, I was also training students to compete in choreographed fight scenes. Many of my college age students have competed and won from coast to coast. In 2012, I decided to leave my business and freelancing behind and go back full time into the classroom. As an international teacher, I get to work with talented people from all over the world. I would say I miss performing, but honestly I perform for 6th through 12th graders everyday.