This episode of Changed for the Better features one of my all-time favorite people: Hernz Laguerre, Jr. 

This Syracuse grad has worn many hats: linebacker, dancing cowboy, storyteller and multimedia journalist to name a few. In our chat, we talk about how he has taken the lessons learned from his Spring Valley dance and Thespian days and infused them in his transition to become the best version of himself. Stepping out of his comfort zone and into the dance studio was one of the best things this 6'2" linebacker ever did. Since those transformative experiences, he has grown into a successful adult and I'm proud to say he is now a collaborator and dear friend of mine. Listen, and be inspired.

Follow him on Instagram @Hernzjr.

Read my blog about Hernz

Music: "Hey" Bensound

Stephanie Lauredent-Diasio, owner of SLD Wellness is building her personal healing empire in Denver, CO. In coming to terms with her own mental health struggles due to toxic work environments, she was able to elucidate a new path for herself and a new set of clientele. Today, Stephanie is a doula who incorporates her passion for practicing Reiki, yoga and meditation into her services, putting her clients’ well-being into focus as they bring new life into this world.

In episode 5, Stephanie and I talk about creating boundaries, finding your voice, and leaning into your passions and strengths so that you can offer your best self to the world. You can hear her podcast, SLD Wellness on Spotify!

Music: "Hey" Bensound

Teachers have the special task of getting kids to try new things, hopefully inspiring them to develop interests and talents that they might otherwise never be exposed to. Sometimes, you get a student who walks into your classroom and immediately feels at home, taking her space in the atmosphere and making her impression for everyone in the room to witness. My guest on episode 4 is Denishah Desroches (aka Stormy D) whose made the dance studio her home away from home.

Follow Denishah on her IG pages @stormyd_ and @stretchwithstormy

Read my blog post about my chat with Denishah. 

Music: "Hey" Bensound

Humble yourself and listen to your mother. Sage advice from my guest from episode 3, Elijah Fremont. This class of 2015 graduate talks about the character we present to the world when we interact with others, mindfully receiving criticism and of course, honoring the woman who raised him.

Tune in to be inspired and benefit from some of the lessons Elijah learned in this performing arts teacher's studio.

Music: "Hey" Bensound

Once upon a time, Emily Dowd didn't say very much, but she really knew how to express herself - on the dance floor. Tune in to hear how this dance diva/anxious people pleaser leaned into her strengths and set her boundaries to help her grow into the confident, chatty adult she is today.

Music: "Hey" Bensound

Read the blog/watch our chat at staceytirro.com --> Changed for the Better Podcast

Today’s guest is from Spring Valley High School’s class of 2015, Manuel Piedra, Jr., now an up-and-coming urban artist in NYC. He’s part of the SYNCHRONOUS creative collective that exploded on the urban art scene in early 2020, providing immersive art experiences to his viewers.

We talked about how he learned to blend his rebellious, artist’s heart with a focused determination to take ownership of his creative path. He shared how he’s changed since high school, lessons that he’s carried with him, and sage advice for today's adolescents. 

Check him out on Instagram @manuelpiedrajr. 

Read more about his story at staceytirro.com

Music: "Hey" Bensound

Welcome to Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education 

Here's a little background: I'm a high school performing arts educator. In my 25+ years of teaching adolescents, I've shared creative space with a LOT of people. This podcast features interviews with my marvelous alumni, who have made their transition to adulthood. We chat about what they learned in my classroom, how their performing arts experiences have impacted them, and what lessons the have carried with them to become the amazing adults they are today.

Their experiences speak for themselves. With maturity, comes wisdom; how fortunate we are that they so graciously sat with me to share what they've learned.

Read the blogs about each episode at staceytirro.com

Watch the full interviews on my Changed for the Better channel on YouTube!

Music: "Hey" Bensound