TIGER

What College(s) did you attended? What is/was your major? Year of Graduation?

I graduated in 2011 from Franklin Pierce University with degrees in Theatre and English.

Why did you want to become a TIGER?

I wanted to become a TIGER because I care deeply about using the arts to help kids find themselves.

Have you experienced any of the issues that TIGER addresses and how did you get through them? And what advice would you offer kids in the same situation?

I most certainly have! I had a terrible time in middle and high school, and I wish that I had a group like TIGER to let me know that I wasn’t all alone. Being a victim of bullying is a terribly lonely thing; you feel like you must be doing something wrong! I want kids to know that it is not alright to feel terrible all the time, especially at such a young age. Children need to know that their communities are full of people that not only know how, but truly want to help them.

What reaction or memorable experienced has touched you the most since becoming a TIGER?

I don’t think it’s fair to give more meaning to one moment more than another, because we are approached at every show and in every workshop by a student or an adult that has a story. I suppose I could say that I am touched daily by the fact that we meet so many people who are willing to share their pain in order to help others.

What kind of music is on your I-pod? Name a few artists we’d find or a favorite tune or two…

All kinds! I really do enjoy a little bit of everything. My iPod is filled to the brim with bluegrass, mid century french pop, west coast rap, swedish dance pop, and many many other things. I particularly love anything with a horn section, handclaps, or a shout-along chorus.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by the courage and creativity that I see in other people. I am greatly inspired by and in awe of Dolly Parton, Patti Smith, Michelle Obama, and the late great Jim Henson.

What is your favorite quote or saying?

When faced with something new and different, my mother has always said “It works for me!”. Seeing as how I am turning into my mother, well, it works for me!

What is your favorite…

TIGER Song: The other Tigers will roll their eyes at this one, but “There’s Always Room for Another Friend”!

Musical: Into the Woods. No one is better than Sondheim.

Movie: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Author: Ernest Hemingway

Actor: Bill Murray

Actress: Kate Winslet

TV Show: Friday Night Lights

And finally, who is your favorite tiger and why?

Hobbes is the best Tiger of all time! He’s the best friend a kid could ask for. He’s creative, caring, challenging, and compassionate, and most of all, he’s real!