I began my journey with music at the age of 12, drawn to it as a way to express what words alone couldn’t. It wasn’t long before I discovered musical theatre, where I learned the thrill of stepping into new identities, new stories, and new ways of being. But the true magic wasn’t in becoming someone else—it was in discovering who I am beneath all the roles I play, the identities I cling to, and the stories I tell myself.

I’ve worn many hats over the years: from aspiring pop star to young professional musical theatre artist; a choreography and dance teacher for a time; and most recently, a voice coach/director. Along the way, I’ve nurtured the dream version of myself—the producer, songwriter, and musician. And beyond that, I’ve imagined myself as a podcast host for The Daydreamer (the same name of the musical I’m writing), an author reflecting on the experience of being adopted and how it has shaped my mystical worldview.

I will clarify—this is not about the kind of "woo-woo" thinking that believes the world can be bent to our will, or that we can manipulate life to get exactly what we want. Far from it—that’s poppycock. As Fr. Richard Rohr so eloquently writes, “We are more often attracted to magic or mysticism for personal gain than for its transformative capacity. In that sense, many spiritual practices become not about the Divine, but about us—our comfort, our ‘specialness.’ True mysticism is never about making ourselves feel superior or unique.” (The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See)

The deeper I go into all of this, the more I realize that my personal discoveries have been about more than just my career—they’ve been about uncovering who I am. And as I do, the way I use my voice in the world reveals more and more.

In the last few years, I’ve become deeply fascinated by the ways our stories shape us and the way they sometimes limit us. I’ve spent time reflecting on the powerful forces that shape modern American culture, from the QAnon movement to the Make America Great Again ideology. One day, I might write a book about what it was like growing up with a close family member who dove deep into these virtual spaces, and how that influenced our family’s dynamic. I’m still working on that one—digging through layers of shadow work to approach it with an honest and unbiased lens.

Yet, I know that at the heart of all of these roles and explorations is one thing: storytelling. Whether it’s through music, theatre, coaching, or writing, it has always been about knowing myself through others.

This philosophy extends into the work I do with others—whether that’s through my voice studio, In Your Own Way Studios. Inspired by Alan Watts’ book  (In My Own Way)—a reminder that we often get stuck in the stories we tell of ourselves and what we should be. When truly, we should be letting ourselves be changed by the world and find what we are drawn to, what repels, and we ultimately find who we are.

In my work as a voice coach/director, I’ve learned that the voice is an expression of ourselves, not something to be controlled or perfected. It's a process, an unfolding, and even more so, something we dig. So often, we get in our own way—trying to figure out if we should sound like this person or that person and we often lose sight of what makes us feel joy. It can be paralyzing, especially when you look out and there are so many copycats. It wasn’t until I understood that when I prepare an audition that I, for those 5-10 minutes, am taking my opportunity to be whatever it is I want. I have the chance to perform my 10-minute show the way no one will ever see it again because it’s the cornerstone of all I have encountered as a lover of music, story, and brilliant people.

I am still working on this every day, and I will be for the rest of my life. But I think it’s so true that if you pour your heart into one great performance—whether it's an audition, recital, intensive, summer camp, social media post, talent show, or community theatre performance—you will get a taste of what it is to push the boundaries of what you've been shown and change it in a way only you would think to change it. And make something you are so proud to share. That’s the type of creativity I endorse—when you can show up In Your Own Way.

My dream life is to live on 10-15 acres of land where I can grow my own food and crops. Ideally, I’d also build a production studio on-site. I envision creating a space where I can host bands, record music, and offer them a peaceful retreat experience. Along with hosting events and shows, I’d love to serve delicious meals made from the food I grow. While I’d still enjoy working on occasional productions, I also want the freedom to travel, tour, and perform my own music—sharing it with the world.

I’m deeply grateful for the people in my life, the opportunities I’ve been entrusted with, and the foundation laid by those who came before me and alongside me—even as I strive to chart my own path. Oh! And books!

I’m a Pisces Sun, Gemini Moon, and Scorpio Rising. I’m a lover of the Enneagram, a system that, the more I understand it, the more freeing it feels. However, the more I share it with others—especially those who treat it like a party trick—the more boxed in it seems. Despite that, I’m fascinated by how the Enneagram can support my work in acting and storytelling.

Marvel movies, chocolate-covered mangoes, sleeping in, crispy French fries, and Maker’s Mark whiskey—just a few of my favorite things!