In this episode, I’m chatting with Kenney Alexandre, the second eldest of my favorite Alexandre clan. Though known as the quiet observer of the family, Kenney had lots to say about his high school Thespian experience. Following closely behind his dynamic powerhouse of a sister, Tendrina (from episode TEN!!), he learned how to make his own impression and became his own person in the process.

Music: "Hey" Bensound

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One of the goals that most teachers have in their career is to offer valuable lessons to kids that are lasting and will inform the rest of their lives. One of the goals of this podcast is to see what those foundational experiences are and how they have impacted my students as they transitioned into their adulthood.

Victorious Collymore-Bey (class of 2015) went from the "new kid in town" to the shining star who found his home in the studio. In episode 15, we talk about learning to live your authentic self, in all of its incarnations, despite the immense challenges of adolescence. 

Today, Victor has blossomed into the best version of himself. Find out how this theater kid followed his heart to become the New York Public Library Reference Librarian at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. His story is inspiring, for sure!

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In today’s episode, we travel back to the class of 2003 and get an inside look at the life of a first responder/law enforcement professional. The epitome of “protect and serve,” Jean-Guerdy Saint-Louis has had a long and varied career. He has worked in a multitude of areas: EMS, fire, law enforcement, emergency dispatch. Even back in high school, he started his commitment to serving his community, volunteering for the Spring Valley fire department.

Though technically, Jean-Guerdy is Quebecois, he spent many years in Spring Valley, New York, which is where we crossed paths. We talked about his beloved experiences in the dance studio and performing in Thespian productions as well as his life as a first responder, particularly through the COVID pandemic.

Tune in to hear his inspiring story!

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Graig Kriendler is all about nostalgia. It seems to be the driving force behind his life’s work, which is why this interview feels so special. 

If you've never heard of him, let me introduce you. A Google search of his name will come up with the title of “American painter.” Simply put, he is a baseball painter, but there's so much more to it. From his website, "His goal is to portray the national pastime in an era when players were accessibly human, and the atmosphere of a welcoming ballpark was just as important as what happened on the field." 

He is a master of his craft. His news coverage alone reflects that easily. He even has his own Wikipedia page. But I’m happy to say "I knew him when." I'm even happier to say I know him now. For a guy who has been interviewed for tons of articles and podcasts about his professional achievements, this discussion was particularly meaningful for both of us.

Tune in for a look back to the time before he became the master painter and see what made him tick, what inspired him, and how his Thespian experience helped to form who he is today.

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Photo credit: Benjamin Hoste

Special college edition! For this episode, I reconnected with Tom Dheere, a fellow Montclair State alum (class of 1993!). 

We chatted about our college experience as acting majors, his prolific career as a voiceover professional (aka The VO Strategist), and how taking care of your mental health is paramount to any measure of success. For Tom, it was a bumpy road, but he candidly shares his story with me on Changed for the Better.

Read the blog about Tom on my website!

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Growing a leader requires an infusion of trust in a young person and giving them the support it takes to help them trust themselves. Becoming a leader requires taking that trust and further developing it yourself. 

This week's discussion with Hilary Becker-Jarusinsky shows how leadership is fostered in a vibrant arts-in-education community. We talk about being an introverted extrovert, rising to the occasion, and recognizing that the plans you make can (and do) change.

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Read the blog at staceytirro.com

Episode TEN of Changed for the Better features budding fashionista and influencer Tendrina Alexandre, a superstar person from a superstar family. The eldest sister of the bunch, she broke ground for her younger brothers to join the Thespian family at Spring Valley High School. Once an over-eager people pleaser, she talks about how she developed her self-confidence in the safe space of the studio and learned how to be less reliant on other people's perceptions. Now more comfortable with saying "no," she makes choices based on her own needs and wants.

She also knows that part of the process of life is about showing up, taking up space, doing the work, and always looking at the bigger picture in order to evolve and grow as an adult. Tune in to hear her gregarious charm and insightful musings!

Follow Tendrina on Instagram and Tiktok @tenontrend.

Music: "Hey" Bensound

Read the blog post about Tendrina

Hopefully, there are people in your life who, when you think about them, spark a sensation of pure joy, love, and light. While I have many people who fit in that category, Kayla Tavares is at the top of the list. 

Once upon a time, Kayla has aspirations to become a speech pathologist. However, after finishing her college degree, she realized that she had other passions that better fit her needs. 

In this episode, we talk about how she has learned to manage the anxiety that became a thorn in her side in college, and how she now shares her wellness insights as a yoga instructor. On this path, she is able to fully express her authentic self and live the life she really wants.

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Read the blog about Kayla's episode

There's a lot to say about this budding superstar. I knew her as a teenager - smart, observant, swimming in talent. She melted the paint off of the auditorium walls and now she is releasing simmering Neo-Soul singles to the world. Someday soon, everybody will have the name Brianna Knight on their lips.

In Episode 8, Brianna talks about her decision to dedicate herself to her artistry, how she brings her world into focus, and having the courage to take up her space in the music industry. She is using her platform both to entertain and educate, sharing her talent and her knowledge with the world.

You can follow Brianna @poetdreaming on Instagram and TikTok. Listen to her latest soulful singles "Bad Decisions" and "So Deep." Show her some love. You'll be glad you did.

Read the blog about Brianna.

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From dance diva to marketing tech maven, Kristen Santos-Latrenta's confidence, talent and eternal optimism has always served her well; success has been par for the course from an early age. 

In episode 7 of Changed for the Better, Kristen talks to me about how she learned in the high school dance studio to check her ego at the door and allow herself to be more vulnerable in order to understand more about herself and the world around her. Part of that lesson in vulnerability has been to acknowledge her more uncomfortable feelings so she can have a more authentic, connected life experience. Tune in to hear her story!

Music: "Hey" Bensound

Watch the video on YouTube

Read the blog post about Kristen