Work & Impact

education, creativity, and inclusive leadership

How it began

I started Kids of the Arts (KOTA) when I was eleven, after learning that a young girl in my town was battling cancer. I gathered some friends, built a stage in my living room, and put on a show to raise money for her family. That experience taught me how powerful the arts can be, not just as a form of expression, but as a way to bring people together and create real impact.

By fifteen, KOTA became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and we began staging full productions of classics like The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, and Peter Pan — which I directed at eighteen, complete with professional flying by ZFX! While in college, I created Summer Stage, a program for local kids that also employed high school and college students as teachers and mentors.

After graduating, I moved to New York City, and brought KOTA with me. In 2012, our first NYC production, Pippi Longstocking, opened at The York Theatre, planting the roots for what would grow into a globally recognized, mission-driven arts organization.

Impact & Reach

KOTA’s programs combine performance training with life skills education, mentorship, and workshops designed to build confidence and character.

KOTA has proudly donated over $100,000 to global charities, aligning our creative work with meaningful causes. Every production includes scholarships to remove financial barriers, and we regularly offer free tickets to veterans and underserved communities, ensuring the arts remain inclusive and accessible.

KOTA has created opportunities for thousands of performers around the world — including many alumni who have gone on to star on Broadway, national tours, television shows, and film franchises. Former students are now founding their own companies and supporting nonprofits, continuing the cycle of impact.

KOTA also supports the professional creative community by hiring adult artists, educators, and creatives for meaningful, paid opportunities, from directing and teaching to design, production, and mentorship. We believe in nurturing talent at every level and building a more equitable, inspired industry for the future.

SKILLS

    • Program Development & Project Management

    • Budgeting and Fundraising

    • Team and Stakeholder Coordination

    • Stakeholder Engagement & Team Building

    • Communication & Cross-Functional Collaboration

    • Live Event Planning (Producing, Directing, Casting, Coordination)

    • Video Production & Editing (Final Cut Pro)

    • Public Speaking & Q&A Facilitation

    • Photography (Headshots, Production Photos, Events)

    • Website Marketing & Branding Design

    • Talent Acquisition & Inclusive Hiring Practices

    • Career Pathway Design & Professional Development

    • Coaching for Emerging & Established Talent

    • Talent Onboarding & Team Management

    • Curriculum Design & Instructional Planning

    • Workshop Facilitation (In-Person & Virtual)

    • Educational Content Development (Workbooks & Video)

    • Inclusive Learning Environments & DEI Strategy