Founders

Marissa Ghavami
(she / they)Founding Executive + Artistic Director
Marissa Ghavami (she/they) is an Iranian-American actor, singer, producer and advocate based in New York
Marissa Ghavami
Marissa Ghavami (she/they) is an Iranian-American actor, singer, producer and advocate based in New York City. She founded Healing TREE in 2014 and serves as the nonprofit’s Executive + Artistic Director.
In addition to her advocacy work with Healing TREE, Marissa is a national public speaker. Her engagements include an event for The Mighty (the world’s largest online health community) and New York University’s Martin Scorsese Virtual Production Center. She has also given keynotes, post-show talk-backs and presented Continuing Education Units to doctors, nurses, psychologists, therapists and social workers. Additionally, Marissa is a healing trauma focused coach for artists and a trauma consultant for productions.
As an actor, most recently, Marissa starred on stage as Irene in the U.S. Debut workshop production of the international hit, two-hander play The Little Pony at Torn Page in NYC. Her film and television highlights include starring in the feature film The Gift of Christmas, alongside Academy Award Nominee Bruce Davison. Other highlights include roles in Paramount’s theatrically released feature film Not Fade Away with James Gandolfini and on CBS’s Without A Trace. Recently in musical theatre, Marissa played Khalilah opposite Tony Winner KO (Karen Olivo) in a workshop of Siluetas, part of 4xLatiné Off-Broadway. As a singer, she performed on NBC’s legendary It’s Showtime at the Apollo and was named their “Star of Tomorrow”. Marissa has also sung at Birdland (alongside Academy Award Winner and Tony Nominee Ariana DeBose), Joe’s Pub (alongside Tony Nominee L Morgan Lee) and 54 Below.
As a producer, Marissa co-produced the feature film Mass, written and directed by Fran Kranz, starring Emmy Winners Ann Dowd and Martha Plimpton, Tony Winner Reed Birney and Jason Isaacs. Mass premiered at Sundance, had a theatrical release, won the Robert Altman Award and was a Gotham, Critics Choice and BAFTA nominee. She produced and co-wrote the (Healing TREE) short film Silk, directed by John Magaro (Past Lives, Carol, The Big Short), an Official Selection at the Academy Award Qualifying Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival, among others. She is a Founding Company Member of Divine Riot, a new theatre and film company that defies convention.
Marissa is passionate about art with social impact, meditation, manifestation and wellness. She is a cat parent to her two rescue Bengal mixes, Sebastian and Viola. Website: www.marissaghavami.com Instagram: @marissaghavami

Debbie Ghavami
(she / her)Co-Founder
As a co-founder of Healing TREE and the mother to the Founder, whose experience with
Debbie Ghavami
As a co-founder of Healing TREE and the mother to the Founder, whose experience with trauma and subsequent healing was the catalyst for this organization, Debbie knows firsthand the nightmare and devastation trauma can cause. Having witnessed the destruction her daughter was left to heal from, Debbie was not only determined to get her daughter the proper help she needed in order to fully heal but was also determined to make a difference. Debbie’s constant plea became, “Help me to help my daughter!”
Debbie heavily immersed herself in researching and talking with experts across the United States in order to understand how to heal from such trauma and to identify the best treatment for her daughter’s healing. Many of these contacts have contributed to the wealth of knowledge that can be found on Healing TREE’s website.
Prior to the family’s devastation, ensuing healing and her interest in advocacy, Debbie’s professional career has included being a Buyer and Manager for an upscale woman’s shoe and clothing store, a Cosmetic Manager, and a Director of Event Planning at a four star restaurant. Currently, Debbie holds a Kentucky Real Estate license, on occasion assists her restaurateur husband, Majid, during special events at his restaurant, and started working part time in cosmetics again.
Debbie is so grateful and proud of her daughter’s fortitude, in not only healing, but in starting Healing TREE. Today mother and daughter continue to work together to help all those whose plea is, “Help me to help………!”

Bruce Hardy, PH.D.
Co-founderDr. Bruce Hardy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, approved as a Marriage and
Bruce Hardy, PH.D.
Dr. Bruce Hardy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, approved as a Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor and certified as a Sexual Addiction Therapist and Multiple Addictions Therapist. He has been practicing since 1986. Prior to his work in the mental health field, Dr. Hardy worked as a police officer, EMS responder and pastor. He also holds a Master of Divinity and Master of Theology. Since 2000, he has been the Director and Owner of Hardy Associates, LLC where he specializes in treating people who have experienced trauma. He treats people with a history of physical, emotional, verbal, and religious abuse, people who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and dissociative disorders and people with sexual compulsive disorders and addictions. He also offers Marriage and Family Therapy. He is certified in EMDR therapy and holds a certificate from the International Institute For Trauma and Addiction as well as the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.
Board of Directors

Sarah Rogers
(she / her)President
Sarah has 18+ years of experience in healthcare. As an Associate Vice-President within Medicare and
Sarah Rogers
Sarah has 18+ years of experience in healthcare. As an Associate Vice-President within Medicare and Medicaid Strategy at Humana, she is responsible for the 3-year strategic plan, operating structure and cadence, ongoing performance monitoring, and supporting the segment with process, project, change, and learning enablement. Sarah has held a number of consulting and leadership role, primarily at the intersection of strategy development and implementation.
Sarah graduated from Mary Baldwin College with a BA in Psychology and obtained an MBA in Entrepreneurship and New Business Development from the University of Louisville. While always interested in mental health, Sarah was able to see firsthand the difficulty in finding appropriate care while part of Humana’s Behavioral Health business. Seeing how patients had lifelong struggles with their mental health led her to join Healing Tree first as an Advisory Board member and then as Board Secretary from 2015 to 2019. She is excited to rejoin the Board.

Andrea Carter
(she / her)Treasurer
Andrea has over 22 years of experience as a business consultant working with a range
Andrea Carter
Andrea has over 22 years of experience as a business consultant working with a range of companies from pre-IPO to top Fortune 100 companies to help improve overall compliance, risk and operation disciplines. During this tenure, Andrea has always volunteered her skills and talents to support organizations focused on solving community issues while desiring to achieve fiscal and financial responsibility. Whether through management training, recommended best practices or taking an active role in reviewing and analyzing financials, Andrea values the opportunity to give back and help nonprofit organizations like Healing TREE, meet their strategic goals and grow financially to give back even more.
Andrea’s passion in the community and where she has specifically narrowed her focus of philanthropy and volunteerism is that of serving organizations that provide opportunities for underrepresented communities, education advancement for children and young adults and resources for families and children in foster and adoption care. Andrea understands life can present unintended challenges that can prevent families from developing into their full potential and believes small things like education, support and encouragement go a long way in changing the trajectory of a child or family forever.
Andrea is a Certified Internal Auditor and a Certified Fraud Examiner, having had experience reconciling fundraising efforts, compiling board reports and analyzing variances to assist management with achieving their desired strategic goals.

Bhavani Naganaboyina
(she / her)Secretary
Bhavani is a young HR professional working in the tech industry! With a background in
Bhavani Naganaboyina
Bhavani immigrated to America at a young age and spent the majority of her childhood in California and North Carolina. She moved to India in her teenage years and graduated high school with an IB diploma. In 2014, Bhavani moved back to the United States to further her academic pursuits in biology and mental health. Four years later, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Pursuing her passion to provide mental health resources to underprivileged communities, she moved to Philadelphia to work at a Child Crisis Treatment center. For two years, she served her young clients by supporting them through their treatment plans. She became invested in early childhood adversity and the impacts of trauma on development during this time.She concluded her work there once the lockdown started and decided to shift career trajectory into talent acquisition. Since then, Bhavani has worked for a few big tech companies supporting internal teams to fulfill their hiring needs. Moving forward, she intends to pursue a master’s degree in psychology with a specific focus on trauma. She also plans to continue developing career in HR.

Marissa Ghavami
(she / they)Founding Board Member
Marissa Ghavami (she/they) is an Iranian-American actor, singer, producer and advocate based in New York
Marissa Ghavami
Marissa Ghavami (she/they) is an Iranian-American actor, singer, producer and advocate based in New York City. She founded Healing TREE in 2014 and serves as the nonprofit’s Executive + Artistic Director.
In addition to her advocacy work with Healing TREE, Marissa is a national public speaker. Her engagements include an event for The Mighty (the world’s largest online health community) and New York University’s Martin Scorsese Virtual Production Center. She has also given keynotes, post-show talk-backs and presented Continuing Education Units to doctors, nurses, psychologists, therapists and social workers. Additionally, Marissa is a healing trauma focused coach for artists and a trauma consultant for productions.
As an actor, most recently, Marissa starred on stage as Irene in the U.S. Debut workshop production of the international hit, two-hander play The Little Pony at Torn Page in NYC. Her film and television highlights include starring in the feature film The Gift of Christmas, alongside Academy Award Nominee Bruce Davison. Other highlights include roles in Paramount’s theatrically released feature film Not Fade Away with James Gandolfini and on CBS’s Without A Trace. Recently in musical theatre, Marissa played Khalilah opposite Tony Winner KO (Karen Olivo) in a workshop of Siluetas, part of 4xLatiné Off-Broadway. As a singer, she performed on NBC’s legendary It’s Showtime at the Apollo and was named their “Star of Tomorrow”. Marissa has also sung at Birdland (alongside Academy Award Winner and Tony Nominee Ariana DeBose), Joe’s Pub (alongside Tony Nominee L Morgan Lee) and 54 Below.
As a producer, Marissa co-produced the feature film Mass, written and directed by Fran Kranz, starring Emmy Winners Ann Dowd and Martha Plimpton, Tony Winner Reed Birney and Jason Isaacs. Mass premiered at Sundance, had a theatrical release, won the Robert Altman Award and was a Gotham, Critics Choice and BAFTA nominee. She produced and co-wrote the (Healing TREE) short film Silk, directed by John Magaro (Past Lives, Carol, The Big Short), an Official Selection at the Academy Award Qualifying Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival, among others. She is a Founding Company Member of Divine Riot, a new theatre and film company that defies convention.
Marissa is passionate about art with social impact, meditation, manifestation and wellness. She is a cat parent to her two rescue Bengal mixes, Sebastian and Viola. Website: www.marissaghavami.com Instagram: @marissaghavami

Renee Rosiecki, DSW, LCSW, LCADC
(she / her)Chair of Grant Writing
Dr. Renee Rosiecki, is a licensed psychotherapist and currently serves as the Assistant Women Veterans
Renee Rosiecki, DSW, LCSW, LCADC
Dr. Renee Rosiecki, is a licensed psychotherapist and currently serves as the Assistant Women Veterans Program Manager for the New Jersey Veterans Health Administration. She previously worked as Clinical Director at a county wide domestic violence and sexual assault agency. With an emphasis on trauma-informed care, she has worked in a variety of settings including correctional facilities, outpatient behavioral health, private practice, and a medication-assisted treatment facility. Additionally, she served as a Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate for a community Sexual Assault Response Team. Dr. Rosiecki has presented at state and national conferences including the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the National Correctional Conference on Health Care, and New Jersey National Association of Social Workers (NASW). She serves as a reviewer for the Clinical Social Work Journal and a grant reviewer for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Dr. Rosiecki earned her Doctorate in Clinical Social Work from New York University, her Masters in Clinical Social Work from Rutgers University, and her Bachelors in Social Work from Rutgers University. She is dually licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and as a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) in New Jersey. Dr. Rosiecki completed post-graduate training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). She has completed the NASW Clinical Supervisor Certification and Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI) Certification.

Lori Scott
(she / her)Chair of Fundraising
Meet Lori Scott, a dynamic force in community well-being and empowerment. Hailing from Savannah, GA,
Lori Scott
Meet Lori Scott, a dynamic force in community well-being and empowerment. Hailing from Savannah, GA, Lori’s journey into community engagement started early, actively participating in church initiatives, from organizing clean-ups to delivering inspirational sermons on Youth Sundays. Her impact expanded during her time at Georgia State University in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in various clubs, represented the university at the African Model United Nations, and studied abroad in Europe. Proudly affiliated with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the founder of Speak Yours, emphasizing the power of expression, Lori’s commitment to community service remains unwavering.
Following her graduation in Fall 2021, Lori briefly explored the world of sales before finding her true calling in the vibrant neighborhood of Harlem, NYC. Co-founding New Harlem Project in 2022, Lori established a platform dedicated to amplifying small businesses through strategic social media initiatives. Her dedication to community well-being reached new heights when she joined the New York Urban League, where she actively supports high school students in their journey towards college and career readiness. Managing Project Ready Mentor, a signature program focused on fostering mentorship and essential life skills, Lori has become a catalyst for positive change in the lives of young individuals.
Beyond her impactful community work, Lori is a Health & Wellness Consultant and a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher. Her yoga practice is a testament to balanced posture, mindfulness, and the promotion of optimal body function. Lori seamlessly integrates neuroscience and positive psychology into her teachings, addressing critical aspects such as stress management, resilience, chronic disease prevention, and overall flourishing.
Thrilled to join The Healing Tree’s board, Lori brings a wealth of experience, passion, and a genuine commitment to creating positive change within communities. Website: loriscottwellness.com IG Handle: loriscottwellness

Leah Gaydos
(she / her)Board Member
Leah is a legal professional and award-winning film producer with a proven track record at
Leah Gaydos
Leah is a legal professional and award-winning film producer with a proven track record at the intersection of entertainment, law, and business. With over a decade of entertainment experience, Leah has produced more than 20 short films and two features, including Rounding, which premiered at Tribeca Festival 2022 and earned accolades at the Nashville and Chicago International Film Festivals. She has worked on major productions such as The Batman (2022) and Chicago PD. She served as Chief Financial Officer for the women-owned independent film studio, [REDACTED] Entertainment, securing financing and negotiating contracts for high-impact projects. Her consulting practice now supports film and commercial production companies in managing projects, expanding industry connections, and navigating complex legal and business challenges.
Leah graduated with cum laude distinction from Hofstra University’s Maurice A. Deane School of Law, with a concentration in Intellectual Property, building on her extensive production experience. She has held legal roles at NBCUniversal and Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard LLP, working in content acquisitions, intellectual property, and production agreements. A nationally recognized negotiator and published scholar, Leah blends creative vision with strategic expertise to drive success in entertainment law and production.
The mission of Healing TREE holds a personal significance for Leah, as her own therapeutic journey underscored the transformative power of accessible, trauma-informed mental health resources. She is deeply committed to the organization’s vision of creating content that empowers and educates. Leveraging her entertainment background and extensive network of industry professionals, Leah is eager to help Healing TREE expand its impact, secure critical funding, and amplify the visibility of its projects to reach those who need them most.

Adrienne Rose White
(she / her)Board Member
Adrienne Rose White is an actress, writer, and producer of good TV that makes the
Adrienne Rose White
Adrienne Rose White is an actress, writer, and producer of good TV that makes the world a better place. She developed the online course How to *Actually* Sell a TV Show, Organically to empower and inform creatives on how to develop, package, and sell the story that only they could tell, and is excited to bring her pitching and development skills to the Healing TREE board.
As a writer and producer, Adrienne has written comedies that explore the drastic measures women of color take to navigate inequality. Her shows, including How to Be a White Guy at CBS Network (executive produced by Cedric the Entertainer), have received industry recognition and coverage in Deadline and Variety. Her versatility and dedication to her craft solidified her as a rising star in comedy where Elizabeth Banks’ WhoHaha named her a Comedienne to Watch in their Comedy Call-Out in 2020.
As an actress, she stars alongside Amy Adams in the Searchlight Pictures feature Nightbitch. Described as a “force of nature” by Dan Buffa of the Critic’s Choice Association, Adrienne has built her career on captivating stories that mix surreal magic, subversive social commentary, and genuine, heartfelt comedy. Adrienne first garnered attention as the straight-talking best friend in the comedy series Quirky Female Protagonist, a cheerfully surreal satire she also produced. The show went viral, earning critical praise from outlets like Huffington Post, IndieWire, and WUWM 89.7 FM.
Adrienne’s comedic flair complements her powerful dramatic performances. She led the bittersweet romantic feature After We’re Over to winning the Audience Award at STLIFF, an Academy Award-qualifying festival. She also plays the trusted advisor in Another Girl on Showtime and is a know-it-all with magical powers in the thriller The Witch Files on FreeVee.
Outside of her professional achievements, Adrienne is passionate about advocacy and manifesting a better future. She serves on the board of the non-profit Healing TREE (Trauma Resources, Education & Entertainment), mixes mocktails with fresh mint and wild abandon, and enjoys quality time with her fiancé and their two dogs, Bo and Aurelius.

Anna Mathai
(she / her)Board Member
Anna Mathai is an entertainment lawyer and multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles whose has
Anna Mathai
Anna Mathai is an entertainment lawyer and multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles whose has worked to help the success of recognizable shows such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Anna graduated cum laude with senior research honors from the Northwestern University School of Law. During her time there, she visited the Supreme Court of Tanzania to assist with legal reforms, developed a plan to re-open and sustain a refugee health clinic in Sudan, and invented and filed a provisional patent for a nerve-detecting surgical instrument. She brings to the Healing Tree board insight from her advisory work as an intellectual property lawyer advising companies ranging from small nonprofits to billion-dollar companies on complex legal issues, as well as from her experience in clinical medicine, science research, and her own creative practice. Outside of her legal work, Anna is an artist and writer whose work has been published, awarded, and exhibited worldwide. You can find her at www.byMathai.com and on Instagram @byMathai.
Staff

Marissa Ghavami
(she / they)Founding Executive + Artistic Director
Marissa Ghavami (she/they) is an Iranian-American actor, singer, producer and advocate based in New York
Marissa Ghavami
Marissa Ghavami (she/they) is an Iranian-American actor, singer, producer and advocate based in New York City. She founded Healing TREE in 2014 and serves as the nonprofit’s Executive + Artistic Director.
In addition to her advocacy work with Healing TREE, Marissa is a national public speaker. Her engagements include an event for The Mighty (the world’s largest online health community) and New York University’s Martin Scorsese Virtual Production Center. She has also given keynotes, post-show talk-backs and presented Continuing Education Units to doctors, nurses, psychologists, therapists and social workers. Additionally, Marissa is a healing trauma focused coach for artists and a trauma consultant for productions.
As an actor, most recently, Marissa starred on stage as Irene in the U.S. Debut workshop production of the international hit, two-hander play The Little Pony at Torn Page in NYC. Her film and television highlights include starring in the feature film The Gift of Christmas, alongside Academy Award Nominee Bruce Davison. Other highlights include roles in Paramount’s theatrically released feature film Not Fade Away with James Gandolfini and on CBS’s Without A Trace. Recently in musical theatre, Marissa played Khalilah opposite Tony Winner KO (Karen Olivo) in a workshop of Siluetas, part of 4xLatiné Off-Broadway. As a singer, she performed on NBC’s legendary It’s Showtime at the Apollo and was named their “Star of Tomorrow”. Marissa has also sung at Birdland (alongside Academy Award Winner and Tony Nominee Ariana DeBose), Joe’s Pub (alongside Tony Nominee L Morgan Lee) and 54 Below.
As a producer, Marissa co-produced the feature film Mass, written and directed by Fran Kranz, starring Emmy Winners Ann Dowd and Martha Plimpton, Tony Winner Reed Birney and Jason Isaacs. Mass premiered at Sundance, had a theatrical release, won the Robert Altman Award and was a Gotham, Critics Choice and BAFTA nominee. She produced and co-wrote the (Healing TREE) short film Silk, directed by John Magaro (Past Lives, Carol, The Big Short), an Official Selection at the Academy Award Qualifying Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival, among others. She is a Founding Company Member of Divine Riot, a new theatre and film company that defies convention.
Marissa is passionate about art with social impact, meditation, manifestation and wellness. She is a cat parent to her two rescue Bengal mixes, Sebastian and Viola. Website: www.marissaghavami.com Instagram: @marissaghavami

Stephanie Mangan, MRC LPCC-S
(she / her)Interim Director of Programming + Operations
Stephanie has 15+ years of experience as a mental health therapist in the state of
Stephanie Mangan, MRC LPCC-S
Stephanie has 15+ years of experience as a mental
health therapist in the state of Kentucky as Licensed
Professional Clinical Counselor. Stephanie is also a Board
approved Clinical Supervisor for the licensing board.
Stephanie has been on the board of directors for Healing
TREE since 2018.
Stephanie has worked in a variety of settings as a mental
health therapist over the past decade and enjoys
providing services to individuals who have a variety of
needs to obtain overall wellness. These include, but are
not limited to, substance abuse, mood disorders,
attachment disorders, bereavement, adjustment
disorders, chronic mental illness, personality disorders,
depression & anxiety, PTSD, trauma, foster care and
adoptive children and their caregivers and ADHD.
Stephanie focuses on the resolution and healing of the
impact life circumstances present. Stephanie believes life
was never meant to be a struggle and overcoming and
healing those struggles can be the beginning of a new
life. Additionally, Stephanie provides contract work as a
Trauma Expert for film and arts professionals assisting in
ensuring their projects are trauma-informed and
appropriate for their audiences/viewers.
Stephanie has certifications and training in interventions
and treatment approaches that include, but are not
limited to, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing
(EMDR), Parent/Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Ego-
State Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Dissociative
Disorders, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,
Motivational Interviewing, Crisis Intervention, Trauma
Systems Therapy and Nurturing Parenting.
Stephanie also has a passion to provide mental health
services to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals and is
certified and trained in American Sign Language and Deaf
Studies

Janelle Yull
(she / her)Interim Executive Assistant
Janelle Yull (she/her) is a New York based actor, dancer, singer, and musician who has
Janelle Yull
Janelle Yull (she/her) is a New York based actor, dancer, singer, and musician who has worked professionally on both stage and screen for 10+ years. She has been classically trained in various dance styles since the age of 3 years old. Originally from just north of Boston, she is passionate about blending her work as an artist with her mental health advocacy and is excited to bring her success with her own healing journey to the Healing TREE team.
Most recently as an actress, Janelle originated the role of Alana in the world premiere of the play Lake George at the Chain Theater in NYC. She starred in the hip-hop artists D1C3 and Sean Prophet NYC’s music video short film Devils as well as the award winning music video short Love Lies. As a dancer, Janelle was a principal dancer in Greta Gerwig’s Little Women and recently starred in the commercial short film Villa and These Games We Play. She has also worked around the country at respected regional theaters such as North Shore Music Theater, The Arts Center for Coastal Carolina, Theater by the Sea, and Opera North in beloved musicals such as Sunset Boulevard alongside Tony Award Winner Alice Ripley, Chicago (Liz, Velma u/s), A Chorus Line (Maggie), Mamma Mia (Ali), LaChiusa’s The Wild Party (Sally), Beauty and the Beast, The Music Man, Carousel and Guys and Dolls.
A proud graduate of the William Esper Studio, Janelle is dedicated to crafting her life in art, as well as a life of healing and self discovery, and inspiring others to do the same. She believes her commitment to portraying the human experience as truthfully and compassionately as possible through her artistic work is one piece of the greater puzzle that is piecing back together our lives through the lens of trauma and life experience. She also has a BFA in Musical Theater from Boston Conservatory. She is grateful for her time in Boston as it became the catalyst for her own healing journey and belief in trauma-focused work. Website: janelleyull.com Instagram: @janelleyull
Volunteers

Mediaura
Digital AgencyFounded in 2003, Mediaura has built a solid reputation in the community through our integrity,
Mediaura
Founded in 2003, Mediaura has built a solid reputation in the community through our integrity, expertise, and client satisfaction. We are a company that strives to achieve the best possible results for a fair price. Mediaura takes pride in all the work we do, and our staff is available to explain and educate along the way.
Privately-owned, the company has experienced consistent annual growth over the past 14 years. We service clients that are local, regional, national, and international; as well as companies that are both from the for-profit and non-profit sectors.
Our company began as the “Interactive Partner” for several traditional advertising firms, most notably Creative Alliance (now known as Scoppechio). Mediaura team members were at the forefront of the digital media revolution, and that has given us not only the edge when implementing new technologies, but combined with our experience with traditional advertising agencies, we can thoroughly assess and speak to our client’s needs. We are a company that knows how to be innovative and push boundaries, while also remaining accessible enough to an audience that may prefer more traditional methods. This allows our clients to maintain their core base demographic while increasing their market reach.

Suresh Shrestha
(he / him)Web Developer
Suresh Shrestha is a Weber State University graduate with a major in Computer Science and
Suresh Shrestha
Suresh Shrestha is a Weber State University graduate with a major in Computer Science and a minor in Web Technologies. Suresh served as president of the Science, Technology, and Engineering Programs (STEP) club for three years at WSU, where he worked closely with the STEP advisor and other officers to accomplish all the STEP activities. During his STEP leadership, he coordinated with Weber State alumni and industry experts to share their knowledge and experience with current students. He also served as student senator for one year at WSU. He was awarded the outstanding 2021/2022 Computer Science Student award by the College of Engineering, Applied Science and Technology.
Suresh is a full-time software developer in Little Giant Ladders. He loves to learn more about programming in his spare time.
In her personal life, Suresh enjoys playing board games, reading books, traveling, and spending time in nature.
Board of Advisors

Lia Amakawa, Ph.D.
(she / her)Board of Advisors
Lia Amakawa is a trauma therapist and founder of Transformative Psychotherapy, a group practice dedicated
Lia Amakawa, Ph.D.
Lia Amakawa is a trauma therapist and founder of Transformative Psychotherapy, a group practice dedicated to the compassionate and comprehensive treatment of traumatic stress. Her pursuit of expedited healing has brought her to schools (The Rebecca School, Mount Sinai St. Luke’s therapeutic high school), hospitals (Memorial Sloan Kettering, Bronx Lebanon), clinics (Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Child and Family Institute, Fort Hamilton’s adult outpatient division) and group private practices (Behavior Therapy of NY, Rennicke & Associates) throughout NYC. It has inspired training in many empirically supported and innovative treatments (e.g., IFS, AEDP, DBT, ARC, DDP, CBT, Theraplay®) and certification in EMDR. For over 15 years, she has had the unique experience of treating traumatic stress in all ages, using a variety of treatment models and modalities, gathering clinical and practical wisdom from her colleagues and clients. She is in the process of developing and teaching integrative therapy for trauma that flexibly adapts to the individual’s evolving needs. She is passionate about Healing TREE and her own shared mission to provide trauma survivors with specialized, effective care.

Jessica Blank
(she / her)Board of Advisors
Jessica Blank is an actor, writer, director, speaker, and coach. With her husband Erik Jensen,
Jessica Blank
Jessica Blank is an actor, writer, director, speaker, and coach. With her husband Erik Jensen, she is author of THE EXONERATED, a play based on interviews they conducted with over 40 wrongfully convicted death row inmates across the United States. THE EXONERATED won Lucille Lortel, Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Ovation, Fringe First and Herald Angel Awards; it has also received awards from Amnesty International, the American Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Death Penalty Focus, and Court TV, and was listed by the New York Times as “the number 1 play of the year.” It was made into an award-winning movie adapted by Jessica and Erik, starring Susan Sarandon, Danny Glover, Brian Dennehy, Aidan Quinn and Delroy Lindo, has received hundreds of productions across the United States and internationally, read into the Senate record, and translated into Mandarin, French, Spanish and Japanese. LIVING JUSTICE, their book about the making of THE EXONERATED, was published by Simon and Schuster. Their documentary play AFTERMATH, based on interviews they conducted with Iraqi civilian refugees in Jordan, directed by Jessica, was a New York Times Critics’ Pick, toured internationally for two years and was nominated for two Drama League Awards. Their latest play, HOW TO BE A ROCK CRITIC (based on the writings of Lester Bangs), recently completed sold-out runs at the Kirk Douglas Theater, South Coast Rep, ArtsEmerson, Steppenwolf, and Off-Broadway at the Public Theater, with Erik starring and Jessica directing, and is in development for feature film with Likely Story. They are at work on a new documentary play under commission from the Public Theater, about the 2010 Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster, with original music by the Grammy-Award winning musician Steve Earle.
Jessica is also active as a writer, director and actor for film and television; she and Erik recently completed their first feature, ALMOST HOME, which they directed and adapted from Jessica’s first novel (Hyperion, 2008), and which premieres in fall of 2018. Their second feature, HOW TO BE A ROCK CRITIC, is in development with Likely Story. They wrote the pilot THE NEGOTIATOR for Gaumont TV (Tom Fontana, EP) and have developed for TV with Fox TV Studios, 20th Century TV, Avenue Pictures, Sunswept Entertainment, Virgin Produced, and Radical Media.
As an actor, Jessica appeared regularly as the lead’s loudmouthed big sister in CBS’ MADE IN JERSEY. Additional TV credits include BLUE BLOODS, ELEMENTARY, THE FOLLOWING, THE MENTALIST, HBO’s HIGH MAINTENANCE, BORED TO DEATH, RESCUE ME, LAW AND ORDER: CI, THE BRONX IS BURNING, and several more. Film acting credits include THE NAMESAKE (dir. Mira Nair), YOU’RE NOBODY TILL SOMEBODY KILLS YOU (prod. Spike Lee), SLENDER MAN, and over a dozen indies including CREATIVE CONTROL (Grand Jury Prize, SXSW) and ON THE ROAD WITH JUDAS (Sundance).
As a story consultant and narrative coach, Jessica works with TV showrunners, Sundance-supported filmmakers, Off-Broadway playwrights, published novelists, Broadway actors and series regulars. She also works with thought leaders, changemakers, and progressive candidates to harness the power of story, including national and state level progressive candidates and numerous national and international NGOs. She was a founding mentor for the Writers Guild Initiative’s Veterans’ Writing Project and, has taught writing to vets, wounded veterans’ caregivers, formerly incarcerated individuals, and death row exonerees for eight years. Jessica is a resident teacher at several New York acting schools, a mentor for the Firelight Documentary Lab, and has guest-taught at numerous colleges and universities including Brown, Stanford, Vanderbilt, NYU, The New School, Northwestern, Indiana University, Macalester College, and Hamline University. She is a frequent speaker and panelist on the arts and social justice, and has a thriving private practice in New York and Los Angeles as a story consultant and performance coach for professional writers and actors.

Marlow Bull
(they / them)Board of Advisors
Marlow is a queer and trans marketer, actor and educator. A lifelong storyteller, they are
Marlow Bull
Marlow is a queer and trans marketer, actor and educator. A lifelong storyteller, they are now applying their storytelling skills to a career in marketing. They are passionate about telling brand stories that foreground marginalized voices. They use their own voice and lived experience to advocate for LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities.
In 2021, Marlow earned their MBA from Yale School of Management, where they were a ROMBA Fellow, a Yale Center for Consumer Insights Fellow, and a leader of the LGBTQ+ student group. They also taught applied theater and public speaking workshops to other MBAs.
Marlow has spent much of their life in theaters, and was carried onstage before they could walk. They earned an MFA in Acting from Columbia University, then served as a lecturer on the UMass Amherst Theater Department’s performance faculty for six years. They taught courses including acting, voice and public speaking, movement, dialects, and musical theater. Marlow spearheaded interdisciplinary collaborations with non-arts departments at UMass, bringing actors’ skills like creative collaboration, public speaking, storytelling, deep listening and empathy to other fields. At the intersection of theater and healthcare, they co-created the curriculum for a new course, ‘Acting for Healthcare Professionals’, with faculty from the UMass College of Nursing. They also worked as a ghostwriter of personal & company memoirs and a fine wine salesperson after earning their AB from the University of Chicago in Humanities with focus on Ancient Greek, Linguistics & Shakespeare.
Marlow is the parent of a rad 8-year-old, a long-time yoga & strength training enthusiast & practitioner, an inveterate jokester, an incurable believer in people, and a seeker on their healing journey from both group and 1:1 cultic and narcissistic abuse. They live with C-PTSD and are passionate about transforming their trauma into understanding that can help others heal from, prevent and identify abuse. Marlow is thrilled to join the Healing TREE board as VP of Development, and to merge their skills to improve access to information about and resources for those healing from trauma and abuse.

David Grand, Ph.D.
Board of AdvisorsDavid Grand, Ph.D is the founder and developer of groundbreaking brain-body based Brainspotting method. Through
David Grand, Ph.D.
David Grand, Ph.D is the founder and developer of groundbreaking brain-body based Brainspotting method. Through his Brainspotting Trainings, Inc he has trained over 8,000 therapists internationally and has developed 22 trainers worldwide. Dr. Grand is the author of the acclaimed book, Brainspotting: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Rapid and Effective Chance and the Co-author of This is Your Brain on Sports. Dr. Grand is in demand as a lecturer on a variety of topics. He has accomplished breakthroughs in performance and creativity with his Brainspotting Sports Work and Brainspotting Acting and Singing Coaching. Dr. Grand has been widely featured in the media including The NY Times, NBC National News, The Discovery Channel, CNN, MSNBC, Sports Illustrated and Sirius Radio.
Dr. Grand still finds time for a full-time private psychotherapy and performance practice in Manhattan, NY.

Tom Mangan
(he / him)Board of Advisors
Tom has over 40 years of experience as a senior executive for several Fortune 500
Tom Mangan
Tom has over 40 years of experience as a senior executive for several Fortune 500 companies and Tier-One Global Consulting companies with experience in building and growing large-scale global organizations focused on business transformation in the areas of growth strategies, digital adoption, analytics, customer service, and thought leadership. Tom has built high-performance organizations in a variety of industries: healthcare, retail, financial services, and telecommunications and is currently a strategic advisor to several pre-IPO, private equity, and other investment companies in the areas of high-tech.
Tom is excited to work with the Healing TREE and values the opportunity to leverage his career experience in giving back to help them achieve their critical mission to make healing from abuse and trauma, rather than coping with the symptoms and obtain their growth objectives

Jamie Marich, Ph.D.
(she / they)Board of Advisors
Jamie Marich’s friends and colleagues describe her as a renaissance woman. A dancer, musician, performer,
Jamie Marich, Ph.D.
Jamie Marich’s friends and colleagues describe her as a renaissance woman. A dancer, musician, performer, writer, clinical counselor, and registered expressive arts therapist, Marich unites these elements of her experience to achieve an ultimate mission: bringing the art and joy of healing to others. Marich’s career in counseling and human services began while she worked in Bosnia-Hercegovina from 2000-2003. While in Bosnia, Marich served as an English and music teacher, in addition to working freelance for other humanitarian aid projects.
Marich, currently working in private practice after obtaining many years of experience in inpatient mental health, inpatient chemical dependency, and outpatient dual diagnosis treatment, travels the country for several professional continuing education providers, offering instruction on a variety of clinical topics. Jamie is the author of five books: EMDR Made Simple (2011), Trauma and the Twelve Steps (2012), Creative Mindfulness (2013), and Trauma Made Simple (2014), and her latest book, Dancing Mindfulness: A Creative Path to Healing and Transformation, which was released in the Fall of 2015 (SkylightPaths Publishing). Jamie was interviewed as a master clinician in the DVD, Trauma Treatment: Psychotherapy for the 21st Century (2012) alongside icons like Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Dr. Peter Levine, Dr. Robert Scaer, and Belleruth Naparstek. Jamie had the privilege of offering trauma recovery retreats at the Kripalu School for Yoga & Health in the Fall of 2012, at the Esalen Institute in the Spring of 2013 and Winter of 2014, and at Amrit Yoga Institute in Salt Springs, Florida in the Fall of 2015 and 2016. In 2015, Marich launched her own EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Therapy training curriculum and now enjoys training a new generation of EMDR clinicians alongside her collaborative faculty members (and friends) Amber Stiles-Bodnar and Dr. Stephen Dansiger. Marich and Dansiger are working collaboratively on a book EMDR Therapy & Mindfulness for Trauma Focused Care, due out with Springer Publishing later in 2016.
Jamie strives to incorporate music and other forms of creative expression into her practice. As her career developed, Marich’s love for experience-oriented methods of healing and trauma resolution intensified, prompting her to explore the conscious dance scene and various ways of applying these wonderful, “come as you are” practices into the healing process. Having completed several trainings and experiencing other conscious dance practices at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Massachusetts, Marich was encouraged and inspired to develop her own, unique practice, which now exists in the form of Dancing Mindfulness. To date, Marich has taught conscious dance seminars at various conferences nationally and internationally and has trained more than 170 facilitators in the Dancing Mindfulness practice. She completed her Reiki Master teacher training in the Usui Shiki Ryoho system of Reiki under Master Valerie Spitaler. Marich is a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) through the International Association of Expressive Arts Therapists and offers a full certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy through her Institute for Creative Mindfulness. Trained in several modalities of recovery and trauma-informed yoga, Marich recently launched the Yoga Unchained method of trauma-informed yoga with Jessica Sowers.

Jessica Mastro
(she / her)Board of Advisors
Jessica Mastro is a story teller. She explores the human experience through a wide array
Jessica Mastro
Jessica Mastro is a story teller. She explores the human experience through a wide array of lenses, ranging from absurdist to realist. She experiments with many different mediums, including: film production, screenwriting, playwriting, photography, songwriting and painting. She often uses her own life experience as inspiration, touching on feminist issues, childhood trauma, and romantic relationships. Jessica’s primary goal is to use art to create a more empathetic world.

Carlos Hernandez Ocampo
(he / him)Board of Advisors
A U.S. Navy veteran and licensed KY attorney. In law school, he excelled in Trial
Carlos Hernandez Ocampo
A U.S. Navy veteran and licensed KY attorney. In law school, he excelled in Trial Practice and distinguished himself working with MBA Entrepreneur Track students at the Entrepreneurship Clinic. Before that, he received his Bachelor in Studio Art from the Hite Art Institute with a concentration on painting.
Carlos is a native Spanish speaker born in Cuba, and he has devoted his life to making meaningful connections with the people he meets. His passion for communication and open dialogue has led him to learn several languages to better communicate and understand the cultures he works with. He speaks fluent English, Spanish, Bosnian, and Italian.
Tough And Universal: Law School Graduate Carlos Hernandez Remembers Journey From Cuba To Louisville

Shannon Moody
(she / her)Board of Advisors
Shannon Moody joined Kentucky Youth Advocates in July 2013. In her role as a Policy
Shannon Moody
Shannon Moody joined Kentucky Youth Advocates in July 2013. In her role as a Policy Director she conducts policy advocacy and research, coordinates the Kosair Charities’ Face It® Campaign, and staffs the Kinship Families Coalition of Kentucky. Shannon chairs the Jefferson County Citizen’s Review Panel and is a member of both state and national coalitions focused on child welfare work. Shannon has a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Michigan State University, a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and is currently pursuing at PhD at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work. Shannon began her career working with adults with traumatic brain injury or severe autism followed by years of direct service work for adjudicated youth in a psychiatric residential treatment facility, and then mental health case management at a transitional high school

Peng Wang
(he / him)Board of Advisors
Peng was born and grew up in China and came to the States for his
Peng Wang
Peng was born and grew up in China and came to the States for his graduate study in accounting at University of California, Irvine in 2018. Peng is a licensed CPA in California, having worked in banking and public accounting for years. He mainly serviced industries of financial services and nonprofits. During a year of his career, he worked exclusively with nonprofits of all sizes and provided services of audit, review, and complication. He helped his nonprofit clients build better reporting frameworks and provide education to meet their short and long-term goals. Peng believes it is important to use his analytical skills and accounting knowledge to give back to the community and help organizations that make a positive impact.

Arash Javanbakht, M.D.
(he / him)Board of Advisors
Arash Javanbakht, M.D., is a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, founder and director of the Stress, Trauma,
Arash Javanbakht, M.D.
Arash Javanbakht, M.D., is a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, founder and director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic (STARC) at Wayne State University School of Medicine. He is nationally known for his clinical and research work on anxiety, trauma, and PTSD. He is heavily involved in treatment of civilians, refugees, and first responders with PTSD.
Dr Javanbakht researches the biological, psychological, and factors of risk and resilience among refugee children and adults. This work is funded by an NICHD R01 award and examines epigenetic, autonomic, parenting, and environmental elements of trauma impact. STARC also uses art, dance and movement, and yoga and mindfulness in helping refugee families overcome stress.
Dr Javanbakht work in treatment and research of trauma among first responders is funded by the State of Michigan.
STARC is also a national leader in utilization of patented artificial intelligence and augmented reality and telemedicine technologies for treatment for anxiety disorders and PTSD. This work is funded by the State of Michigan, and the DoD.
Dr Javanbakht is recipient of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America Distinguished Member Award, The Society for Biological Psychiatry Humanitarian Award, and International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Distinguished Member Award.
Dr Javanbakht’s work has been featured on the CNN, Aljazeera, NPR, Scientific American, Washington Post, Smithsonian, PBS, Science, Lancet, American Psychiatric Association, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Society of Biological Psychiatry, and tens of other media outlets.
He is the author of the book “Afraid: Understanding the Purpose of Fear, and Harnessing the Power of Anxiety”.
Artist Advocates

Emily Althaus
(she / her)Orange Is The New Black
Emily Althaus is a proud Louisville native, an alumni of duPont Manual High School / YPAS
Emily Althaus
Emily Althaus is a proud Louisville native, an alumni of duPont Manual High School / YPAS (Youth Performing Arts School), and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts from Western Kentucky University. She recurs on both Orange Is The New Black (NETFLIX) as ‘Maureen Kukudio,’ inmate and love interest to Emmy Award Winner Uzo Aduba’s ‘Crazy Eyes,’ as well as Togetherness (HBO) as ‘Natalie’ opposite Mark Duplass. She has also guest starred on Law & Order: SVU (NBC), Blue Bloods (CBS), Adam Ruins Everything (TRU), You’re The Worst (FX) and The Resident (FOX). On film, Emily will next be seen in the independent feature film The Strange Ones scheduled for theatrical release January 5th, 2018. Her theater background includes significant stage performances in Harvey (Broadway), Assistance (The Wilma Theatre), Three Sisters (Classic Stage Company), as well as The Torchbearers and Stop Possuming, Mommy all at the Williamstown Theatre Festival.
In addition to her work with Healing TREE, Emily works alongside organizations focused on prison reform (#CLOSErikers) as well as organizations that aid the formerly incarcerated (#WPA: Women’s Prison Association), giving public speaking engagements and marching. Follow Emily on social media and join her on the next march!
Twitter and Instagram: @emilyalthaus

Jordan Baker
(she / her)The New Adventures of Old Christine
View Jordan Baker’s resume on IMDB
Jordan Baker

Christina Bianco
(she / her)2x Drama Desk Nom; Funny Girl
From stage to screen, Christina Bianco’s singular voice and comedic charm have brought audiences around
Christina Bianco
From stage to screen, Christina Bianco’s singular voice and comedic charm have brought audiences around the world to their feet. Bianco captured international acclaim as a YouTube sensation with her ‘diva’ impression videos, gaining over 25 million views. Dubbed ‘the girl of a thousand voices,’ Christina has performed on major television programs such as The Ellen Degeneres Show and The Today Show, in the US, and The Paul O’Grady Show and This Morning, in the UK.
A Two-Time Drama Desk Award nominee, Christina made her West End debut starring in The Menier Chocolate Factory’s hailed production of Forbidden Broadway at the Vaudeville Theatre in London. Most recently, Christina played the iconic role of Fanny Brice at the Theatre Marigny’s celebrated production of Funny Girl in Paris, earning unanimous rave reviews. Christina was awarded the Trophee De Le Comedie Musicale for her performance. Beginning March 2022, Christina will play LV in the new UK tour of The Rise And Fall of Little Voice.
New York credits include Forbidden Broadway; Goes To Rehab (Drama Desk Award Nomination), the one-woman, multi-character comedy, Application Pending (Drama Desk Award Nomination), The Marvelous Wonderettes (Missy), and Newsical the Musical. Other theatre credits include: Hello Dolly (Minnie Fay/Indianapolis Symphony), Rent (Maureen/Weston Playhouse), Beehive (Riverside Theatre) and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator/Drury Lane Theatre).
Television credits include the iTV’s The Imitation Game, POP TV sitcom Impress Me, Hallmark’s, Signed, Sealed, Delivered and frequent voice work for RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Christina has performed her critically acclaimed concerts to sold out crowds in NYC and across the U.S. In the UK, she’s enjoyed extended runs headlining at London’s Hippodrome, Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room, Live at Zedel’s, The Charing Cross Theatre, The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and completed her second UK tour, titled, First Impressions in 2019. She recently made concert debuts in Switzerland, Spain and South Africa and in Australia, at The Sydney Opera House. Christina frequently performs with major US and Canadian symphonies and performs her solo symphony show under the direction of Maestro Jack Everly. Her debut live album, Life Of The Party, is available on iTunes and other major music platforms.

Mahalet Dejene
(she / her)New Amsterdam
Mahalet Dejene was born in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. She moved to Baltimore, MD when
Mahalet Dejene
Mahalet Dejene was born in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. She moved to Baltimore, MD when she was 6 years old. Although she was active in the performing arts from a young age, she matriculated from New York University with both a Journalism and Spanish degree. After pursuing a short career in television news, she switched gears to focus on acting. Her first major television role was as a reporter and new pundit on the critically-acclaimed hit HBO series “The Undoing” directed by Susanne Bier. She then booked a recurring role on NBC’s “New Amsterdam” as an anesthesiologist, Dr. Nyala Abebe.

Hollis Duggans
(she / her)Tiktok: @HollisQueenss
Hollis Duggans is an equity stage manager in New York City, New Jersey area. She
Hollis Duggans
Hollis Duggans is an equity stage manager in New York City, New Jersey area. She has worked on large productions like The Producers, Spamalot and You Can’t Take it With You. She rehearsal stage managed A Chorus Line Tour and Legally Blonde Tour for Big League productions. When she isn’t managing shows, She’s a headshot makeup artist and makeup content creator, having over 20k followers on Tiktok @HollisQueenss.

Jeremy Fury
(he / him)Jeremy and the Harlequins
Jeremy Fury aka Jeremy Lublin is the singer/ songwriter of Brooklyn based rock ‘n’ roll
Jeremy Fury
Jeremy Fury aka Jeremy Lublin is the singer/ songwriter of Brooklyn based rock ‘n’ roll band, Jeremy & The Harlequins. The band have released three LP’s, Remember This (2018, Yep Roc Records), Into the Night (2016, Yep Roc Records), and American Dreamer (2015, Harlequin Music). The band has had their music featured in numerous commercials, television shows, and films, such as Edge of Tomorrow: Live. Die. Repeat (Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt), Heavy (Sophie Turner), Shameless, Vampire Diaries, In the Dark, Graceland, and more. The band have also had a number of singles featured on SiriusXM’s Little Steven’s Underground Garage.
Prior to starting Jeremy & The Harlequins, Jeremy was the singer of Ohio based band, We Are The Fury (Warner Music Group/ILG). The band released their debut album Venus (2007) with critical praise. Following the the release, the band spent years on tour, opening for such acts as the New York Dolls, Silverchair, Jack’s Mannequin, Head Automatica, and Vans Warped Tour.
Independently, Jeremy has created music for a number of commercials for brands such as Miller High Life, Smirnoff, Royal Caribbean, and Nestle. He is also the co-founder/CEO of Fury Bros. and has designed album covers for artists on Rhino, ORG Music, and Sun Records.

Ava Geyer
(she / her)Playwright
Ava Geyer is a playwright and screenwriter based in NY. She is a current member
Ava Geyer
Ava Geyer is a playwright and screenwriter based in NY. She is a current member of EST/Youngblood and under commission by La Jolla Playhouse. She was a 2020 recipient of Theater Masters’ Visionary Award and a Shank Resident Playwright at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater (’19-’20). Plays include Monster (finalist, Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition), B-Storm (pub. by Samuel French; winner, National MFA Playwrights Festival), Fruit Snacks (“Hopeful Decade” event, Williamsburg, BK), SERE (Wagner New Play Festival, ’18) and Baby Teeth (WNPF ’17). MFA: UC San Diego ’19. BA: Princeton University ’15.

Rodney Hicks
(he / they)Come From Away (OBC)
Ford’s: KUDZU. Broadway: The Scottsboro Boys; RENT (Closing Cast, DVD); Jesus Christ Superstar; RENT (Original Cast
Rodney Hicks
Ford’s: KUDZU. Broadway: The Scottsboro Boys; RENT (Closing Cast, DVD); Jesus Christ Superstar; RENT (Original Cast -OBC Recording). Off-Broadway: Jacques Brel is Alive… (New Cast Recording) ; RENT (Closing Cast/DVD -Benny); Bring in the Morning. Regional: The 5th: Paint Your Wagon; HAIR. La Jolla Playhouse: Come From Away (Outstanding Ensemble); Seattle Repertory Theatre: Come From Away; PCS: The Mountaintop; Dreamgirls; Oklahoma. Seattle Rep/La Jolla: Come from Away. DTC: King Lear. Geva: Lobby Hero. Philadelphia Theatre Company: The Scottsboro Boys (Barrymore Award Leading Actor); Royal George: White Noise. CenterStage: Two Gentlemen of Verona. TV: Leverage; GRIMM; Law & Order: Criminal Intent; NYPD Blue. Film: Bad Decisions; Django. Playwright: NC-17.

Adam Irigoyen
(he / him)Shake It Up
With a dynamic career spanning acting and entrepreneurial ventures in the film industry, Adam has
Adam Irigoyen
With a dynamic career spanning acting and entrepreneurial ventures in the film industry, Adam has cultivated a rich portfolio of experiences grounded in my passion for storytelling. As an actor, his roles in productions such as Disney’s ‘Shake It Up!’, TNT’s ‘The Last Ship,’ and Netflix’s ‘Away’ have conveyed diverse narratives to global audiences.
In addition to his acting career, Adam is the Founder and President of Double 9 Productions, a production company dedicated to highlighting Latiné stories on both big and small screens. As a bilingual professional, Adam has fully immersed himself in both coasts’ Latino communities.
This understanding, coupled with industry experience, fuels his mission at Double 9 Productions: to produce content that reflects the rich diversity and experiences of Latiné communities. The company has already made strides in its goals, securing high-profile collaborators and developing several film and TV projects. Beyond his professional roles, Adam has shared industry insights and career advice through speaking engagements at institutions like Pace University and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Gold Program.
Adam’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and authentic representation has established him as a voice for the next generation of Latiné filmmakers. Adam’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence, vision, and staying true to one’s roots.

Crista Marie Jackson
(she / her)The Greatest Showman
Crista Marie is an accomplished aerialist, actress, stunt woman and choreographer. She believes in using her
Crista Marie Jackson
Crista Marie is an accomplished aerialist, actress, stunt woman and choreographer. She believes in using her art to inspire activism and change. She holds a BFA from Hofstra University. She started her career working with Words of Choice, touring nationally to advocate for women’s rights and is honored to have been able to utilize her skills as an actress, aerialist and choreographer in SILK. She recently finished touring as the Assistant Artistic Director of Alegria by Cirque du Soleil. Her work has been featured in major motion pictures (THE GREATEST SHOWMAN – ENDERS GAME), off-Broadway houses (The Lynn Redgrave, The Pearl, The Sheen Center), television shows (LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER) national and international tours, cruise ships and corporate venues. Her work has been featured in The Metropolitan Opera House, LA Opera, Beyonce’s FORMATION World Tour, TIFF, NYC summer-stage, Broadway Bares, Cirque de la Mer, Radio City Music Hall, KCD Worldwide and the CFDA Awards. www.cristamariejackson.com @crista_marie

Kevin Kilner
(he / him)Theatre World Award (Best Broadway Debut); Acapulco
Kevin has most recently appeared on television in The Blacklist, The Good Wife, Happyish, Person of Interest, Madam Secretary, Castle, Blue Bloods, Royal Pains and
Kevin Kilner
Kevin has most recently appeared on television in The Blacklist, The Good Wife, Happyish, Person of Interest, Madam Secretary, Castle, Blue Bloods, Royal Pains and the hit Netflix series House of Cards with Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. Kevin co-starred with Nancy Travis on the CBS sitcom Almost Perfect, and was the star of Gene Roddenberry’s EARTH: Final Conflict, as “Boone,” which was syndicated worldwide. He has also been on such shows as Greek, Whit Collar, CSI: NY, Damages, Ugly Betty, Cashmere Mafia, Ghost Whisperer, The Closer, The New Adventures of Old Christine, One Tree Hill, Monk, Crossing Jordan, Judging Amy, Malcolm in the Middle, CSI: Miami, Touched by an Angel, Frasier, and Murder, She Wrote.
His film credits include the upcoming The Unattainable Story (with Irina Björklund) as well as Paranoia (with Liam Hemsworth, Harrison Ford), Julia with Tilda Swinton, Raising Helen (with Joan Cusack, Kate Hudson) A Cinderella Story, (with Hillary Duff, Chad Michael Murray), American Pie II and Home Alone III.
He starred on Broadway in the 50th anniversary production of The Glass Menagerie with Julie Harris, Calista Flockhart and Zeljko Ivanek, directed by Frank Galati for which he won a Theatre World Award and was nominated for the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. Off-Broadway credits include Dinner With Friends(2000 Pulitzer Prize), directed by Daniel Sullivan and Lemon Sky, directed by Jonathan Silverstein. Regional theatre credits include Bucks County Playhouse’s Other Desert Cities, Adobe Rose Theatre’s Time Stands Still, Denver Center For the Performing Arts’ The Christians, Baltimore Centerstage’s An Enemy Of The People, NY Stage & Film’s Ninetyand Pasadena Playhouse’s Defiance.

Fran Kranz
(he / him)The Cabin in the Woods
Fran Kranz wanted to be an actor ever since he landed a leading role in
Fran Kranz
Fran Kranz wanted to be an actor ever since he landed a leading role in his 9th grade play. He has worked consistently as a professional actor ever since. Fran can next be seen in the HBO Max series, JULIA, created by Chris Keyser and starring Sarah Lancashire as Julia Child.
Kranz recently turned his creative attention to writing and directing with his debut feature film MASS, starring Jason Isaacs, Martha Plimpton, Ann Dowd and Reed Birney. The film premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews and was released by Bleecker Street Films on October 8, 2021. MASS received the prestigious Robert Altman Award from the 2022 Spirit Independent Film Awards. Previously, Kranz produced and starred opposite Lily Rabe and Finn Wittrock in an adaptation of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, which premiered at the 2017 Los Angeles Film Festival.
Kranz stars in the upcoming independent thriller HALF LIVES. He also co-stars in another upcoming thriller, THEY WHISPER, as well as in the Mary Pickford biopic WHY NOT CHOOSE LOVE: A MARY PICKFORD MANIFESTO, opposite Cary Elwes and Sophie Kennedy Clark. His other feature credits include THE DARK TOWER, opposite Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey, the Netflix film REBIRTH, MOJAVE, opposite Garrett Hedlund and Oscar Isaac, THE TRUTH ABOUT LIES, the horror comedy BLOODSUCKING BASTARDS, THE LIVING, LAST WEEKEND, opposite Patricia Clarkson, MURDER OF A CAT, opposite J.K. Simmons and Greg Kinnear, Joss Whedon’s adaptation of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, directed by Drew Goddard and produced by Whedon, M. Night Shyamalan’s THE VILLAGE, Ridley Scott’s MATCHSTICK MEN, THE TV SET, DIARY OF A WIMPY KID 2, ORANGE COUNTY, Antoine Fuqua’s TRAINING DAY and DONNIE DARKO.
On television, Kranz most recently recurred in Showtime’s Roger Ailes series THE LOUDEST VOICE starring Russell Crowe and Amazon’s HOMECOMING created by Sam Esmail and starring Julia Roberts. Kranz is also well-known for playing the role of ‘Topher,’ the sarcastic, tech wunderkind, on Joss Whedon’s FOX sci-fi series DOLLHOUSE, alongside Eliza Dushku. He also played the lead role in the CBS comedy series WELCOME TO THE CAPTAIN, created and directed by John Hamburg. Other television credits include BALLERS, MAJOR CRIMES, ELEMENTARY, THE GOOD WIFE, DALLAS, IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, PRIVATE PRACTICE and FRASIER.
Kranz starred on Broadway opposite Rose Byrne and James Earl Jones in the much-praised revival of YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU. He made his Broadway debut in director Mike Nichols’ DEATH OF A SALESMEN, opposite Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Andrew Garfield, which won the 2012 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play. In 2017, Fran starred as ‘Merle Debuskey’ in the world premiere of ILLYRIA, written and directed by Richard Nelson, at the Public Theater. He also starred in the critically acclaimed staging of BACHELORETTE at the Second Stage Theatre Off-Broadway.
Kranz attended high school at the Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, where he was active in theater, and also studied at the prestigious Oxford Tradition program, where he won a Best Actor Award for his portrayal of ‘Petruchio’ in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. Fran went on to Yale University, where he was a member of the improv troupe “The Ex!t Players”, and performed in such plays as ANGELS IN AMERICA, A BRIGHT ROOM CALLED DAY, HENRY IV, ANTONY & CLEOPATRA, and TWELFTH NIGHT.

Dana Aliya Levinson
(they / she)American Gods
Dana Aliya Levinson (they/she) is an actor, writer, and musician. Favorite acting credits, television: Toni Rykener in American Gods (Starz),
Dana Aliya Levinson
Dana Aliya Levinson (they/she) is an actor, writer, and musician. Favorite acting credits, television: Toni Rykener in American Gods (Starz), Sadie Lipton in The Good Fight (CBS All Access), film: Hazel in Adam (dir. Rhys Ernst, Sundance, 2019), Jess in The Dress You Have On (dir. Courtney Hope Thérond, OutFest 2018), theatre: Grace in the world premiere of Ballast. Dana’s visual album, FALLING, directed by Zen Pace and supported by Eve Ensler and One Billion Rising, premiered with PAPER magazine. Dana was a Dramatists Guild Fellow and their TV pilot script FRAUD was a finalist for the Sundance Episodic Lab. Dana is a proud member of the Buchwald Family where she is represented across the board.
www.danaaliyalevinson.com

Andy Lucien
(he / him)The Blacklist
Andy Lucien is an artist and advocate originally from New York City, New York. He
Andy Lucien
Andy Lucien is an artist and advocate originally from New York City, New York. He received both his bachelors and masters in theater. He has been featured in several tv shows including The Blacklist and Netflix’s Daredevil and has been a part of various theatrical productions all over the United States working at such venues as Playwrights Horizons, The Rattlestick Theater, Berkley Rep, La Jolla Playhouse and Studio Theater. In addition to this he also took part in the Grahamstown Theater Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa where he participated in a hip hop adaptation of Hamlet. He is a new Artist Advocate with Healing TREE and is very excited to be working with such an amazing organization dedicated to such fulfilling work.

Taylor Miller
(he / him)FBI
Taylor was born into a film family. Born in Los Angeles, he grew up
Taylor Miller
Taylor was born into a film family. Born in Los Angeles, he grew up in South Florida, and now calls New York City home. Taylor has appeared on “Magic City”, “Chicago Fire”, and “Burn Notice”, to name a few. He currently plays Kelly Moran on CBS’s “FBI”. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Rachel, and their dog Harry.

Pooya Mohseni
(she / her)Outfest Best Performance Award, See You Then
Pooya is an Iranian-American actor, writer, filmmaker & Transgender activist. She’s co-producer/star/writer of “Transit “,
Pooya Mohseni
Pooya is an Iranian-American actor, writer, filmmaker & Transgender activist. She’s co-producer/star/writer of “Transit “, a short film about love between a trans woman and a cis man, coming out in 2021. Her stage performances include “She,He,Me” for National Queer Theater, dir Sivan Battat, “Our Town” in Pride Plays, dir Jenna Worsham, “Hamlet” in Play On Shakespeare festival, dir Ellen McLaughlin, an award winning one woman show “One Woman”, in United Solo at The Theatre Row, dir Joan Kane, “Galatea”, dir Mo Zhou for the WP Pipeline festival, “The Good Muslim” dir William Carden at EST. She has guest starred on the latest season of “Law & Order: SVU “ dir Mariska Hargitay, “Falling Water” on USA, “Madam Secretary” and a recurring guest star on the crime drama “Big Dogs” on Amazon Prime. She is a member of the advisory council for Ackerman Institute’s Gender and Family Project.
Represented by Headline Talent Agency

Laith Nakli
(he / him)Ms. Marvel, Ramy
Laith Nakli is a Syrian actor/writer. He graduated from the prestigious William Esper Studio Professional
Laith Nakli
Laith Nakli is a Syrian actor/writer. He graduated from the prestigious William Esper Studio Professional Actor Training Program.
Laith made his stage debut in War at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater Company. Other credits include Cry of the Reed –Huntington, Inana – Denver Center, Aftermath – NYTW, Lidless – Page 73, Food & Fadwa – NYTW and Cyrano – Goodspeed.
Laith had the world premiere of his first play, Shesh Yak, at the award-winning Off-Broadway Rattlestick Playwrights Theater in NYC.
Laith is one of the regular characters in the HULU series Ramy.
Film credits: Swallow, 12 Strong, The Wall, The Visitor, Arranged, Sam & Amira…. TV credits include: The Long Road Home, 24-Legacy, Inside Amy Schumer, Blindspot, The Blacklist, Third Watch, The Sopranos, among others.

N’Kenge
(she / her)Emmy Nom; Broadway’s Caroline, or Change
Heralded by the New York Times as “a classically trained diva that can stretch from
N’Kenge
Heralded by the New York Times as “a classically trained diva that can stretch from Broadway, Pop, Soul to Opera”, this Emmy nominated songstress N’Kenge slayed the game on Broadway originating the role of Mary Wells in Motown: The Musical which garnered a Grammy Nomination for Best Musical Theater Album. Motown Founder Berry Gordy describes N’Kenge as “the most versatile artist I know” and NY Post called her performance of Mary Wells “ELECTRIFYING.” N’Kenge’s unique, genre-crossing vocal stylings and five-octave range have wowed audiences from New York to Paris to Monte Carlo. This international award winning singer has sung for Presidents and Dignitaries around the globe including President Obama’s historical Commander-in-Chief Inaugural Ball.
N’Kenge is currently in Broadway’s Caroline, or Change Musical and is slated to star in the role of Jazz in Broadway bound musical DANGEROUS written by John Introcaso and Michael Colby. N’Kenge is the writer and creator of “Forever Summer- a Tribute to Donna Summer” that she will perform at Carnegie Hall in 2022. N’Kenge is thrilled to have TV producer Gina Goff helming her TV musical series BLACK BUTTERFLY that she created as well as co-wrote with award winning writer Mary McCallum.

Andrew Pirozzi
(he / him)Disney’s Frozen on Broadway (OBC)
Andrew Pirozzi became an Artist Advocate for Healing TREE after meeting Healing TREE Founder Marissa
Andrew Pirozzi
Andrew Pirozzi became an Artist Advocate for Healing TREE after meeting Healing TREE Founder Marissa and recognizing how important the work is that she dedicates herself to. Andrew’s been working in both the theater and film and television for his entire career. Some credits include: Movin’ Out, Dirty Dancing, Follies, Silence the Musical and most recently OBC Sven, in Disney’s Frozen on Broadway. TV and Film credits include Films such as I Know Where Lizzie Is, A Million Ways To Die In the West and Rock of Ages. He has danced with artists like Taylor Swift, Seth McFarlane, Neil Patrick Harris and James Corden. Andrew’s work choreographing and collaborating with multiple YouTube artists and live production events can be found at his website: www.andrewpirozzi.com. As an artist and teacher Andrew believes in the power of healing and encourages everyone to recognize the things that make us human. Breathe deeply, feel, and never let fear take over your courage. All the love, all the power. IG: afpirozzi

Taylor A. Purdee
(he / him)Killian & the Comeback Kids
Taylor is an a director, actor, and writer. He has appeared on popular series like Gotham and Marvel’s
Taylor A. Purdee
Taylor is an a director, actor, and writer. He has appeared on popular series like Gotham and Marvel’s Ironfist. He recently served as the curator of the first virtual repertory series, 20th Century Woman: The Documentary Films of Lee Grant. He is the writer, director, and composer of the film Killian & the Comeback Kids, now in theatres.

David and Paul Rigano
(he / him ; he / him)The Rigano Songbook
David and Paul Rigano (The Rigano Songbook) are thrilled to be Artist Advocates with Healing
David and Paul Rigano
David and Paul Rigano (The Rigano Songbook) are thrilled to be Artist Advocates with Healing TREE. They learned of Healing TREE by collaborating with Founder Marissa Ghavami, featuring her in their web concert series Broadway On Deck and their award winning viral music video “Screen to Screen.” Paul’s musical arrangements could be heard during Healing TREE’s virtual UnGala and David’s apartment can be seen in Healing TREE’s short film Silk. Their musicals include The Holy Cows of Credence South Dakota, You Heard it Here, Facing East, We Were Wild, and Awaken: a Sleeping Beauty musical. They created the hit cabaret series The Ides of March Extravaganza and “I Ought to Behave” and Other Naughty Songs. Paul is the Music Assistant on the Broadway revivals of West Side Story and The Music Man. David co-directed the hit Off-Broadway musical satire Me the People: Fire and Fury Edition. To hear more from them check out RiganoSongbook.com and follow @RiganoSongbook on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Tyrone L Robinson
(he / him)Disney’s Frozen on Broadway
Tyrone is a passionate artist who loves collaboration and utilizing the arts to lead social
Tyrone L Robinson
Tyrone is a passionate artist who loves collaboration and utilizing the arts to lead social change.
Most recently he performed on Broadway in Disney’s Frozen and prior to that was in The Book of Mormon and Disney’s The Lion King. He acts to show the fullness of African-American male humanity through his work.
Tyrone will appear on the new HBO series Lovecraft Country.
Also an award-winning writer and director, Tyrone’s short film Un{H}armed is currently streaming on RoleCall Watch and will soon be available on Roku.
Tyrone was selected from a nationwide search to be a part of Chris Rock’s Comedy Central Network Writer’s Program during which time he worked with the writing teams at The Daily Show starring Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report.
Tyrone’s awards include The ASCAP Frederick Loewe Award, Evelyn Russell Layton Award, Joseph Jefferson Award (Chicago), and an Off-Broadway Alliance Award nomination for his musical Show Way.
ACTING WEBSITE
https://www.tyronelrobinson.
WRITING/DIRECTING WEBSITE
http://gurmanagency.com/
UN{H}ARMED SHORT FILM

Ren Dara Santiago
(they / them)Let The Right One In (Showtime) Staff-Writer
Ren Dara Santiago is a Fila-Rican playwright from Harlem. She is the TOW Foundation 2020 playwright-in-residence
Ren Dara Santiago
Ren Dara Santiago is a Fila-Rican playwright from Harlem. She is the TOW Foundation 2020 playwright-in-residence at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, who produced the World Premiere of The Siblings Play. The Gods Play was presented as part of the Bushwick Starr Reading Series in March 2020. Something in the Balete Tree, a 2019 Finalist in the National Playwrights Conference, was written with the support of The Lark’s Playwrights Week 2020, Gingold Theatrical Group, Clubbed Thumb, and SPACE on Ryder Farm. The Siblings Play was development with support from The Cherry Lane Theatre (Mentor Project), LAByrinth Theater, MCC Theater, and Ojai Playwrights Conference. She is a teaching artist for NTI at The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, The Young Women’s Leadership School, and the Playwriting Lab at MCC Youth Company. She is a member of Rising Phoenix Rep, founding member & former Artistic Producer of Middle Voice at Rattlestick, and an eternal member of The Baldwin Project by Lucy Thurber. Ren is the recipient of the 2019 MCC Alumni Award and inaugural Rising Phoenix Rep’s Cornelia Street American Playwriting Award.

Samantha Scaffidi
(she / her)Best New Director, AICP
Samantha Scaffidi is a Manhattan based actress, independent film producer, and filmmaker. With a Bachelor’s
Samantha Scaffidi
Samantha Scaffidi is a Manhattan based actress, independent film producer, and filmmaker. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Salve Regina University and a Certificate in Acting from the William Esper Studio, Samantha is deft in both the production and creative sides of the craft. Samantha has worked with top commercial clients such as Google, Deeplocal, Dior, and Netflix. She was a freelance producer for the Emmy Awarding winning interactive media company Skin Deep, working on “The And 2.0” and “Senior Orientation”. Her main passion as a producer is creating narrative content. In this realm she has produced a feature film, six short films, as well as a music video. As an actress she has worked on over 40 productions. In January of 2017, Samantha attended the Women’s March on Washington where she directed her first project, the short film Documentary: This is America: The Women’s March on Washington, solidifying her move into directing.

Lauren Sowa
(she / her)The Plot Against America
Lauren Sowa is an independent filmmaker. In 2016, she co-founded Form & Pressure Films to
Lauren Sowa
Lauren Sowa is an independent filmmaker. In 2016, she co-founded Form & Pressure Films to tell stories that inspire and provoke thought, while encouraging diversity and equality on set and on screen. Producing credits include: Marisol, directed by Zoé Salicrup Junco which is now on HBO, Shield, written and directed by Danielle Eliska Lyle, Stray, directed by Nora Unkel, and Show & Tell, directed by Sakshi Gurnani, among others. Directing credits include: Midsummer 3.2, In Development, LinkedOut, and To Be in America. As an actor, Lauren has been featured in the films 42 Seconds of Happiness (now available on Amazon Prime), Café Artist, The Rainbow Experiment (Slamdance 2018), and The Devil’s Well. Upcoming: Paris is in Harlem. She received her BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Proud member of SAG-AFTRA.