My backstory…

Hey there!

My interest in education and research started with my brother, Zack. Zack has autism, and over time I have learned to understand his abilities, which allows me to see his social goals reached through communication and hands-on experiences with my family. My brother Zack was unreachable, but we were able to build a relationship through play. I have witnessed improv games as a form of therapeutic play for individuals who may otherwise be unreachable. This inspired me to start my non-profit Zip Zap Zop Enrichment in 2011 which uses my improv curriculum to teach children on the autism spectrum social skills using playful improv games. Improv games require no materials and are used by actors when preparing for stage work to stay present and be in the moment. I believe these same improv games apply to life. I eventually turned this non-profit over to a new Executive Director and it is still running to this day. 

In 2018, I began documenting the positive effects of my curriculum by collecting research based on child development theory. I then co-wrote ​The Brain's Playground: Using Improv Games To Teach Social and Emotional Learning​, published by autism expert, Dr. James Partingtion. My favorite part of writing this book was the research element. In ​The Brain's Playground​, I discuss Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies, including self-awareness, social awareness, and responsible decision-making. I tie specific improv games to each competency while including a case study from my research, and a guide for teachers to assess their students. Again and again, I am told by teachers, parents, and therapists that this approach has benefited students' communication, stress-management, relationship skills, and even their academic performance! During COVID-19, this work translated seamlessly into virtual and distance learning. 

The Brain’s Playground became the launching pad for The Improv Method (TIM) where I teamed up with Dr. Ali Arena and Nicole Moore, LMFT to create and launch a new method for therapists stating that the use of improv can benefit connection with clients. This method is taught with online courses and workshops teaching how improv can be used to stay present and how to incorporate intentional improv games in therapy practices. The curriculum found in The Brain’s Playground is also what I currently use as a Social and Emotional Learning Specialist hired by Larchmont Charter School in Los Angeles, California. I work with students daily in the classroom and small groups working on social skills. I even get to go into recess with my designed curriculum and method to take social and emotional learning to the next level with real-life experiences. 

In June 2021 I started writing monthly parenting articles for the company Generation Mindful (GenM). GenM’s main focus is to nurture emotional intelligence through play and positive discipline. GenM has a global reach and is respected by parents and educators. GenM published my ebook for parents titled The Parent’s Play Guidebook: 10 Minutes of Play for 10 Days. 

April 8th, 2021 I had my first baby, being a mother is truly a dream come true. I was blessed again in June 2, 2023 with my second baby boy! I am eager and excited to take my expertise and knowledge of playful learning when helping my children reach their social goals! My children’s names are Wilder and Whitaker and they are magical and I can’t even believe how lucky I am.