What years did you attend WAA?
I attended Woodlawn officially beginning in 2011 through 2016, but I never really left. I volunteered for Woodlawn’s kids’ and junior productions as an alumni assistant from 2014 until 2021, then was hired in 2022 and have been working there ever since. I’ve taken a few more classes off and on. I also participated as a performer in the Theatre in the Park show at Woodlawn in 2024 and 2025.
What program(s) did you participate in at WAA?
I primarily participated in Woodlawn’s kids and junior productions, beginning with AristoCats Kids in 2011 and ending with Alladin Jr. in 2016. I also attended a few writing, sewing, cooking and drama classes in those years. I volunteered during rehearsals and shows for theatre productions beginning with Jungle Book Kids in 2014 and ending with, ironically enough, Jungle Book Kids in 2021. Since then, I have worked at Woodlawn as a stage director, assistant director and director for many kids and junior productions. I also teach theatre and educational classes when I can.
How did WAA make a lasting impression and impact on you?
Woodlawn, not to be dramatic or anything, changed my life. I was a very shy, quiet kid who was terrified of crowds, loud noises and talking to anyone, including my teachers. Why my parents signed me up for a theatre production, I’ll never know, but it was the best thing they could have done for me. It took me a few years, but I eventually came out of my shell and transformed into the confident person I am today, primarily thanks to my experiences in theatre. If not for Woodlawn, I would not be on the career path I am now, and I can’t even begin to imagine what kind of person I would be.
What areas of study did you pursue after your time at WAA?
I went on to study psychology, social work, and theatre in my undergraduate studies, and am now pursuing my master’s degree in social work.
What is your current job/career?
I currently have a lot of jobs! I am interning at Hope Cancer Wellness Center as a social work intern; substitute teaching for Dixon Public Schools in elementary special education; on the directing team for the fall play and group interpretation team at Dixon High School; and working for Woodlawn as the director of the winter musical, assistant director for the summer musical, and teaching theatre and educational classes.
Do you feel that your time at WAA had an impact on your current position/career path?
Woodlawn absolutely had a huge impact on my current career path, especially because I currently work there! My time volunteering with WAA fostered my love of working with children, which led to both my social work and substitute teaching jobs. And, of course, Woodlawn played a critical role in my love of theatre. I have participated in more than 70 theatre productions over the years, and almost half of them have been with Woodlawn. Special shout out to Faith Morrison, Ashley Aurand and Mardi Huffstutler, all of whom were once my directors for Woodlawn shows when I was a kid, and now are my co-workers here and my friends! Shout out also to Anne Whalen, my aunt, who was previously an employee with Woodlawn and one of the major reasons I started attending!
