Our Team
Our Directors
Jodi Beckwith and Allison Roberts have over 40 years of collective experience designing and implementing programs that use interactive theatre to teach and train. They have developed arts-integrated curricula, facilitated workshops and residencies in schools, and conducted theatre-based training for students and professionals in corporate, non- profit, medical and educational settings.
Jodi Beckwith is an experienced educator, actor, director, and facilitator who has been designing and implementing programs that use interactive theatre to teach and train for over 20 years. She has provided professional development, conducted residencies, and trained professionals in the fields of education, medicine, and law enforcement. Jodi worked with Rochester Children’s Theatre, Young Audiences of Rochester, Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts, and the Rochester City School District, conducting workshops for teachers on arts integration, and developing and implementing curricula that use interactive drama to teach literacy skills. She facilitated parent-teacher communication training with pre-service teachers at the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education, and collaborated with Lead Teachers at the Rochester City School District to develop workshops on conflict resolution and communication skills for union representatives and professional teacher mentors. In 1996, Jodi created the Education Through Drama Program (ETD) at Planned Parenthood of Rochester, NY. This program featured a teen theatre troupe that used interactive theatre to help young people problem solve around issues such as sexual harassment, teen pregnancy, peer pressure, date rape, homophobia, sexual decision-making, and dating violence. ETD also trained health professionals to use interactive drama as an educational tool. Jodi directed ETD for four years, and then spent a year as the Assistant Education Director and a company member at Ardeo Theatre Project in St. Poitiers, France. As a performance educator, Jodi uses interactive drama to train medical students at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and to train law enforcement officers and social workers in Forensic Interviewing Best Practices with the NYS Child Advocacy Consultation and Resource Center. Jodi performs locally in commercials, videos, and on many Rochester stages. She has a BS in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University, and an MA in Educational Theatre from NYU.
Allison Roberts has 15 years experience working as a trainer, teaching artist, performance educator, and co-facilitator, covering topics such as cultural competency, sexual harassment, and communication skill building for both corporate clients and not-for-profit organizations. Past clients include, but are not limited to: Xerox, Kodak, Honda, Harris RF, and the University of Rochester Medical School, where she uses interactive drama to train medical students through the Office of Experiential Learning. As a teaching artist, Allison has worked for several not-for-profit organizations, including RASA (Rochester After School Academy), Artworks, and ArtPeace, teaching visual arts, improv, acting, and job readiness skills to at-risk youth and students with special needs. Allison is also an accomplished actor, visual artist, and writer. She performs in local theater productions, short films, and commercials, and is the founder, producer, and a script-writer for the popular comedy troupe, EstroFest, which has been running in Rochester for over 15 years. EstroFest has also performed in NYC and Toronto. Allison has performed in, written scripts for, and directed educational theatre pieces at the Rochester Museum and Science Center and at The Strong. Her visual art works include murals, community art, illustration, painting, and jewelry making. She is also a set painter, illustrator, and prop master for both EstroFest and TYKES Children’s Theatre. Her writing has been published in City Newspaper, Democrat & Chronicle, and Rochester Magazine. She has a BS in Art and English, with a minor in writing, from Nazareth College of Rochester.
Allison Roberts
Co-Founder & Director
(she/her)
Jodi Beckwith
Co-Founder & Director
(she/her)
Our Performance Educators
Our professional performance educators receive intensive training in interactive and traditional theatre skills. They have diverse backgrounds and represent a wide range of demographics so that we can accurately reflect our clients and their communities.
Scott is an actor and writer, with a degree in Speech Communication and Film/Drama from Syracuse University. Originally from New Jersey, he spent many years in Los Angeles, where he studied acting under Milton Katselas at The Beverly Hills Playhouse. He went back and forth from regional stage to film & television, building up an eclectic resume. Locally, he has performed with Blackfriars Theatre and JCC CenterStage. He taught English and History at Tobinworld, a school for children with autism and developmental/emotional disabilities. He was also a Tour Guide at Warner Brothers Studios, where he spent his days talking to people from all over the world about movies and TV. He hopes to use art to help change hearts. He is grateful to Impact for the opportunity to do that.
Scott Adams
Performance Educator
(he/him)
Ruth is a graduate of the University of Rochester and Syracuse University where she earned a Masters Degree in Social Work and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Prior to starting her private practice, Ruth spent 13 years working at the University of Rochester in the Department of Psychiatry as a Team Leader/Psychotherapist. She specialized in individual, group, and family therapy. While at the U of R, she also became a Certified Group Psychotherapist, facilitating various specialty groups. Ruth has been working concomitantly in theatre, television, and film for over 20 years. She performs in regional theatres in Upstate, NY and received her vocal training from the Eastman School of Music. Ruth continues to perform regularly while working as a stay at home wife and mother of two young daughters.
Ruth Bellavia
Performance Educator
(she/her)
Stefan has been teaching U.S. History to Rochester City School District students for over 24 years. He currently directs the RCSD Career in Teaching program, where he trains, assigns, and oversees mentors for new teachers as they enter the profession. Stefan has performed on many Rochester stages, including JCC CenterStage, Blackfriars Theatre, GEVA, T.Y.K.E.S., and Rochester Children’s Theatre. Interactive theatre techniques have been a regular part of his education work with students and colleagues.
Stefan Cohen
Performance Educator &
Facilitator (he/him)
Ashley is a graduate of the University of Florida. Her research in medical anthropology and lifelong love of acting and improv led her to pursue work as a Standardized Patient at the University of Rochester Medical Center, where she uses interactive theatre to train medical students. This and her work with Impact Interactive both align with a core mission of her life: to foster communication, understanding, and respect between people via storytelling. As an anthropologist, Ashley appreciates the value of a good ethnography, whether it be written or performed, for bridging gaps between groups. When not acting, she enjoys creating costumes, writing, and spending time with her husband and daughters.
Ashley Garcell
Performance Educator &
Facilitator(she/he/they)
Born and raised in Rochester, NY, Micayla started performing at a young age. She earned her BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Communications from the State University of New York at Fredonia. She has performed in theatres around New York City, as well as Blackfriars Theatre, RAPA, and the Auditorium Theatre as a Summer Stars Intensive performance intern. Micayla currently works for TransPerfect, a translation software company based in Manhattan, as the Executive Social Media Manager. Micayla is honored to be a part of Impact Interactive and hopes to reach individuals of all kinds through Impact’s powerful theatre-based programs.
Micayla Greco
Performance Educator
(she/her)
Thary is a graduate of Full Sail University. She is a digital artist with a traditional background. She has been involved with theater and film for 25 years in a variety of roles including acting, promoting, set & costume design, editing and make-up. She dabbled in animation and assisted on a Wegmans commercial, helping to bring Danny Wegman’s cats Buju & Ziggie to life in all their cartoon glory. Thary has done commercial work for Kodak, Rochester Colonial, and Sticky Lips BBQ. Most recently she has found a love for cosplay and can be seen at various conventions across the country promoting her costume designs.
Thary Kok
Performance Educator
(she/her)
Since graduating with her BA in Dance from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 2012, Katherine has expanded her career into an array of multidisciplinary performance styles including theater, circus, clowning, juggling, and mime. She worked with international touring company PUSH Physical Theatre from 2014-2018 and is now working full-time as an independent performing artist. Katherine is passionate about developing new dance and physical theatre work; in 2018 she presented new, original work in the International Shanghai Drama Festival (China), Limestone City Juggling Festival (Canada), Rochester Fringe Festival, and the Dances at the MuCCC Festival, among others. Katherine is fascinated with the various ways in which we communicate and believes good communication is one of the most important skills in life. She is honored to be part of the incredible work happening at Impact Interactive.
Katherine Marino
Performance Educator
(she/her)
Kiyomi was raised and inspired by Rochester's overflowing artistic talent and unique culture. They are a graduate of Monroe Community College where they first majored in Cinema and Screen Studies and then later ended up receiving their degree in Theatre. Kiyomi has had the pleasure of immersing themself in numerous local theatre companies over the past few years while sprinkling in various commercial and independent film work. In their spare time, they enjoy being a parent of multiple fur babies, enhancing their special effects makeup, photography, and video production skills, and tinkering with their favorite instrument — the Appalachian lap dulcimer. Kiyomi is honored to be a part of Impact and gives thanks for giving them the opportunity to challenge perceptions and promote healthier communication through theatre.
Kiyomi Oliver
Performance Educator
(they/them)
Rithy is a Rochester native, a Wilson Magnet High School alum, has an associate’s degree in Health and Science from Monroe Community College, and is currently finishing up a degree in Interdisciplinary Arts for Children Degree with a focus on Theatre from SUNY Brockport. He has been participating in community theatre for several years with Dream Visualize Create, DVC. He is a huge supporter of all forms of art, but is mostly passionate about theatre and music. You might see him on media platforms like YouTube or SoundCloud. Rithy appreciates Impact for the opportunity it provides to meet new people and learn more about social issues.
Tarith “Rithy” Sak
Performance Educator
(he/him)
A Rochester native, Courtney received her BFA in Theater Performance from Niagara University. She has been lucky enough to share stages at local venues such as Blackfriars Theatre, Kodak Center and Lyric Theatre. She serves as the Business & Communications Manager at Dresden Public Relations and as a teaching artist for OFC Creations, directing musical theater camps for students ages 7-17 throughout the year. She is elated to join Impact Interactive, hoping to help foster positive and effective change, communication and connection through the arts.
Courtney Schutt
Performance Educator
(she/her)
Alexa is an actress, director, teacher and producer. She is a proud member of Labyrinth Theatre Company in New York City. She works locally at Blackfriars Theatre, Geva Theatre Center and The JCC Centerstage. Her most recent projects include directing True and Devoted for the RPO, The Undeniable Sound of Right Now for Blackfriars and acting in Survivors for the JCC. She also worked as an actress in New York at many theaters including The Public Theatre, SoHo Rep, and PS 122, and with the Royal Shakespeare Company of London and The Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C. Alexa is a lecturer at the U of R International Theatre Program and she teaches adult acting classes at Blackfriars Theatre. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Key Bank Rochester Fringe Festival.
Alexis Scott-Flaherty
Performance Educator
(she/her)
Sable Is thrilled to be part of the Impact Interactive family. Born and raised in Rochester, NY, she has been singing most of her life and is no stranger to the stage. She has performed with Blackfriars’ Theatre, Rochester JCC Mainstage, RAPA, and OFC Creations. Recently, Sable began directing (vocal and artistic direction) with the OFC Children’s Theatre program. In addition to theatrical performance, Sable grew up singing on the Praise and Worship team at her father’s church. Over the years, she has participated in multiple show choirs, including the Roc City Singers under the direction of Judith Ranaletta. Sable studied Psychology and minored in Interfaith Studies and Conflict Resolution at Nazareth College. She is thrilled to bring both her performance experience and academic background, which included a focus on community building and dialogue, to her position at Impact Interactive.
Sable Stewart
Performance Educator
(she/her)
Esther is a Rochester based actor, singer, music education teacher and business owner. She received her BFA in Musical Theatre from Syracuse University, studied voice at the Manhattan School of Music, and trained at The Actors Studio in NYC. Esther has worked with many local theatre companies including Blackfriars Theatre, JCC CenterStage, Rochester Children's Theatre, Lady Parts Theatre Company, RAPA, and the Hourglass Play Reading Series. She has worked regionally at various theatres including Sacramento Music Circus, North Carolina Theatre, Westchester Broadway Theatre and Maine State Music Theatre, and internationally on the West End with Harold Prince in his production of ShowBoat at the Prince Edward Theatre. She also performs in commercials, videos, voice-overs and independent films. Esther loves her day job as owner and center director of Canalside Music Together in Pittsford, NY, an international music education program for young children and their parents.
Esther Winter
Performance Educator
(she/her)
Alonzo is an actor and a musician who is studying game design and development. He has been interested in performance art since childhood and seeks to use that interest to change the world. He has performed in many high school and college theater productions including Monroe Community College’s “Rocky Horror Show.” Alonzo is excited to learn how to better understand others as well as how to better teach that level of understanding through theater and through the potential of the interactive medium of video games. He enjoys information, creating, and the feeling you get when something genuinely shakes your perspective.
Alonzo Batchateu
Performance Educator
(he/him)
Willis has loved theatre, movies, and entertainment for as long as he can remember. He was a drama major at the School of The Arts in Rochester, NY. While there, he performed in many productions and developed a particular fondness for Shakespeare. He loves movies (especially anything Quinton Tarantino related) and has a slight video gaming addiction. Willis studies Communications at Monroe Community College and works as a Public Relations Coordinator at Entercom Radio. He is considering pursuing a career in Broadcasting.
Ajamu Brooks
Performance Educator
(he/him)
Vince Dalba is a Rochester native. He graduated from SUNY Brockport with a degree in Theatre, and he has lived and performed in both Rochester and Los Angeles. In LA, Vince also worked as a manager for Dance Arts Academy, where he took on a mentoring role with students who were interested in acting. He loves photography and has worked as a digital finisher in a photographic imaging studio. His interests include: theater, reading, social justice, and outdoor activities; as long as there’s no snow. He is thrilled to combine his love of theatre and his passion for social justice in his work with Impact Interactive.
Vince Dalba
Performance Educator
(he/him)
Anthony has been performing in Rochester for the last 20 years. He has worked with many local theatre and improvisation groups, including Shipping Dock, Blackfriars Theatre, JCC CenterStage, Unleashed, and Village Idiots. He is an accomplished voice-over artist, and also writes, directs, and produces his own films. Anthony hopes to bring about positive change through art, as he believes it is the best way to reach individuals.
B. Anthony Gibson
Performance Educator
(he/him)
Danny Hoskins is an actor, director, teacher, and playwright, with an MFA from the University of South Carolina. For the past 20 years, he has performed nationally and internationally at theaters such as: Hartford Stage Company, the Alliance Theatre, The Wings Theatre in NYC, and locally with Blackfriars Theatre, JCC CenterStage, and Rochester Children’s Theatre. He also performs in commercials, videos, and in independent films. Mr. Hoskins has served as Interim Director of Theatre at Elmira College, adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina, developed and directed original works for young actors at the Alliance Theatre Company, and co-founded the South Carolina-based, Pineapple Productions. He has facilitated arts-integration workshops for teachers and conducted arts-integrated residencies in many Rochester Schools. As a performance educator, Mr. Hoskins worked with Teaching and Training by Design, delivering corporate diversity training to companies in Rochester and around the country. He spent five years as Artistic Director and Director of Education at Rochester Children’s Theatre, and has directed numerous productions on many Rochester stages. Mr. Hoskins serves as adjunct professor in the theatre departments for Nazareth College, University of Rochester and SUNY Brockport. He is currently the Artistic & Managing Director of Blackfriars Theatre in Rochester, NY.
Danny Hoskins
Performance Educator
(he/him)
Katie is delighted to be combining her passions for acting and social justice with Impact Interactive. An active member of the local theatre community, Katie has performed with Working Class Theatre Company, Bread & Water Theatre (where she also worked as a Production Intern), Bravo Creative Arts Production Company, Lady Parts Theatre Company, Black Sheep Theatre, Everyone’s Theatre Company, Out of Pocket Productions, and Hourglass Play Reading Series. Katie has put role-playing skills to use training Chaplain Interns at the University of Rochester Medical Center and EMTs at Greece Volunteer Ambulance. In her spare time, Katie enjoys snowboarding and exploring new areas. She is overjoyed to be part of the Impact Interactive team and believes strongly in the power of the arts to foster connection and break down barriers in unique and significant ways.
Katie Kreutter
Performance Educator
(she/her)
Judy received her MFA in Theatre from Trinity Rep Conservatory in Providence, Rhode Island. In Rochester, Judy has worked as an actress, director and teacher of theatre for more than 25 years. She taught theatre at SUNY Brockport and Nazareth College, and for five years was the head of the Drama Program for 9th-12th grade students at The Harley School. Judy returned to Rochester in 2017 after three years of working in NYC with Bedlam Theatre’s Outreach program, doing Shakespeare with Military Veterans. Through that experience, Judy saw first hand the power that theatre has to actually heal trauma. After doing such powerful issue oriented theatre work in NYC, Judy is relieved and utterly honored to be a part of Impact Interactive, and to continue the w
Judy Molner
Performance Educator
(she/her)
Samantha is a Latina lawyer practicing personal injury law at Parisi and Bellavia Law Firm. Ms. Parisi’s love of theater came from performing for Dramadanza, directed by Waldo Gonzalez, in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Ms. Parisi has also had the fortune of performing internationally as a professional ballerina and in theatrical productions with the Walt Disney Company. Ms. Parisi is wrapped in the gratitude and love of her family and Latina community..
Samantha Parisi
Performance Educator (she/her)
Marcy J. Savastano—or MJ—is a Rochester-based actor, teaching artist, director, and performance educator. MJ has worked in regional as well as local theatre, with numerous companies ranging from Geva Theatre Center to Method Machine and Lady Parts Theatre Co. (both of which MJ co-founded). Earning Bachelor’s degrees in Theatre Arts and Secondary Education, MJ enjoys being able to combine the two arenas through Performance Education. For several years, MJ traveled the country participating in—and assisting in the development of—corporate diversity training with Teaching and Training by Design. MJ had also developed and led workshops with Geva Theatre Center and Young Audiences of Rochester. With DVC, or dream/visualize/create, MJ coaches, directs, and performs with students and graduates of Wilson Commencement High School. In 2015, MJ coached the winner of the Rochester Shakespeare Monologue Competition, who moved on to perform on the national level in NYC. As an actor, MJ’s training consists of Stanislavski techniques as well as Strasberg work and various other acting styles. MJ also has training in movement, breath, relaxation, and oratory. MJ’s film, television, and radio work includes pilot TV episodes, webisodes, on-camera and voice over for commercials, and full online course instruction. For more information, visit MJ’s website at http://mjsavaj.wix.com/mjsavaj
MJ Savastano
Performance Educator
(they/them)
Eric is a Rochester grown actor who has been involved in theatre since his middle-high school days at Greece Arcadia. He earned his BFA in Acting from SUNY Fredonia, where he was also involved in group called S.T.E.P.S. (students teaching equals positive sexuality), performing skits and presentations promoting awareness and safety on all kinds of topics ranging from STD prevention, positive/negative relationships, LGBT awareness, and alcohol awareness. Eric has performed with theatres across Rochester like Blackfriars, JCC Centerstage, and OFC creations. By day Eric teaches preschool at Expressive Beginnings Child Care, and also takes time as a teaching artist with OFC, where he's directed children ages 7-17 in shows like Addams Family, Spamalot, and Jungle Book.
Eric Schutt
Performance Educator
(he/him)
Bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Public Relations. He began acting sophomore year of high school for DVC, or Dream/Visualize/Create, a theater group for Wilson Commencement High School students and alumni. He has performed in two original musicals under the direction of Mario Savastano, Junk!: The Musical and More Than This. Christian has a passion for theater, film, and music. He would like to continue exploring opportunities in these realms and is very excited to be a performance educator. In his free time, you’ll find him playing extraordinary amounts of tennis or exercising.
Christian Soto
Performance Educator
(he/him)
Raul Torres is a Rochester native and School of the Arts alum whose enthusiasm for singing led him onto the path of musical theatre and acting. Although he is a vocal major at heart, Raul has spent the last several years cultivating his acting abilities in non-musical productions throughout the Rochester community. Raul has had the pleasure of bringing joy and drama to diverse audiences of venues all over the community from Kodak Theatre on the Ridge all the way to the Strong Museum of Play. Most recently, Raul was seen singing, dancing, and acting at Blackfriars Theatre on E. Main Street. A passionate member of the of the Rochester Latino Theatre Company, Raul is eager to connect his love for acting and musical theatre with his passion for social equity, diversity, and inclusion. Through local theatre, Raul hopes to empower and encourage all Rochester youth to follow their passions in the arts and push beyond the limitations of society. Raul is both excited and grateful to collaborate with the talented and diverse members of the Impact Interactive team and cannot wait to learn and grow from the new and challenging opportunities that lay ahead.
Raul Torres
Performance Educator
(he/him)
Tali is a senior Creative Writing major at the School of the Arts. She has performed with many Rochester theater companies including Blackfriars Theatre, JCC CenterStage, Geva Theatre Center, Rochester Children’s Theatre, and RAPA, as well as at school. Tali has also studied contemporary theater and Shakespeare at the Geva Theatre Summer Academy. She is the co-captain of her school’s Speech and Debate team, plays Varsity softball, and enjoys writing, singing, songwriting, and playing the guitar. She is thrilled to be a part of Impact and the important work it does.
Tali Beckwith-Cohen
Performance Educator
(she/her)
Eric graduated with a degree in Graphic Arts, and still finds time to create art when he can. He is a carpenter by trade; involved in all aspects of new construction, and multi-family renovations with modern design elements. He is also a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and runs a BJJ program at Shogun Martial Arts in Webster NY. Eric has grown to appreciate spontaneity and believes that people need to reach outside of their comfort zone, in order to grow as a person, and not just be a bystander in life. Eric joined Impact because he has seen through his life and work experiences, that people struggle with communicating, and Impact offers people opportunities to communicate in creative and engaging ways.
Eric Cady
Performance Educator
(he/him)
Kat Rina Davis was born and raised in Rochester, NY and is a woman of multiple talents. Wife and mother, Kat Rina advocates for autism awareness and is the published author of the fundraiser children’s book, HAVE YOU SEEN MY BIRTHDAY? The 2015 ROC AWARDS BEST ACTRESS winner was first bitten by the acting bug in 2009 when she debuted in the stage play, FLYIN’ WEST, which was performed at Rapa Theatre and directed by her mentor, David A. Shakes. She has since performed in a host of plays and short films, and she played a major role in the comedy series THE CHURCH. Kat Rina is grateful to be a Performance Educator with Impact Interactive as she takes her acting skills to the next level while helping others along the way. –Each One Teach One
Kat Rina Davis
Performance Educator
(she/her)
Shawn Gray is an actor, improviser, cinematographer, and editor based in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) with a BFA in film and a minor in theatre. As a performance educator, Shawn has helped train EMTs with Henrietta Ambulance and portrayed interactive characters at the Strong Museum of Play, in addition to the work he has done with Impact Interactive. He also enjoys writing sketch comedy, rock climbing, and video game streaming. Shawn is honored to be a part of Impact Interactive and excited to have an opportunity to use his theatre skills to help others in a meaningful way.
Shawn Grey
Performance Educator
(he/him)
Having come from a family of musicians and participating in theater since middle school, Lee has always been involved in performance of some kind. He recently graduated from the University of Rochester with a major in Environmental Humanities and a minor in Epidemiology. While there, he was a member of UR Improv Club and the student run theatre club, TOOP (The Opposite of People). Lee is currently working at the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence through the Rochester Youth Year program. When Lee gets off work, you can usually find him practicing the piano or the trumpet.
Lee Klein
Performance Educator
(he/him)
A Rochester native, but a New Yorker at heart, Hector is very happy to be back in the theater community and having the opportunity to be a part of a number of great ensembles. Hector has performed at the Rochester Fringe Festival, Blackfriars Theater, OFC Creations, with RAPA. He has also had the great opportunity to hold a myriad of other theatrical positions, such as director, choreographer, artistic director, and board member of various companies in the area. Hector is very honored to be involved with such a great ensemble of talented performers. Impact Interactive's mission, along with its unique techniques aligns with Hector's own vision for change and he is very excited to be an active participant in the wonderful work provided by this stellar company to help foster inclusivity and mindfulness through theatre. These values are also echoed in his company, Hequity Studios, which aims to encourage diverse talent through private lessons and various projects that spark constructive dialogue.
Hector Manuel
Performance Educator
(he/him)
Born and raised in Rochester, Jonathan has spent his years of life learning, sharing, challenging, and encouraging others. In earning his BA in Speech and Theatre from St. Lawrence University, he committed his life to developing as an artist, performer, and community member. Jonathan began a professional career in Higher Education that continues to this day, with experience in the areas of Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and Diversity. Collaborating and sharing stories with others is definitely Jonathan’s calling, and it is manifested beyond his primary career. His stage credits include Shakespearean classics, works from contemporary geniuses like August Wilson, and unique theatrical experiences such as Rashomon and Closer. Jonathan is also an accomplished voice-over actor and has appeared in a variety of regional commercials, and most recently, in the feature film, Wildflower.
Jonathan Ntheketha
Performance Educator &
Facilitator (he/him)
Adriana Riano
Performance Educator
(she/her)
Shalonda is a graduate of The Harley School. She is an enormous animal lover and runs her own pet sitting company called ROC City Sitting. She has recently traveled to Thailand to work with rescue elephants at Elephant Nature Park and hopes to get to Africa soon to work with big cats. Working in rescue and rehabilitation with exotic animals is her dream. Shalonda is interested in challenging herself, and throwing herself into new, and at times, uncomfortable situations to gain experience. She joined Impact Interactive to learn new skills and put her interest in social justice to work.
Shalonda Schickling
Performance Educator
(she/her)
Artemis is an actor/singer who was born and raised in Rochester, NY. Most of their work has been lovingly dedicated to DVC a.k.a. Dream/Visualize/Create, an after school theatre program and community group comprised of students and alumni of Wilson Magnet High School, as well as a few other dedicated artists. Artemis attended Alfred University where they double majored in Theatre and Renewable Energy Engineering. They have performed with RAPA and have participated in Rochester Fringe Festival productions with METHOD MACHINE. Artemis works part time as a Standardized Patient at the University of Rochester Medical Center, where their passion for acting melds with the captivating world of medicine. They are also a passionate activist, dedicating their time to local social change groups such as Take Back The Land and Food Not Bombs. Holding true to the original nature of theatre, Artemis wishes to challenge the hearts and minds of the public and open their eyes to the indiscretions of today’s world.
Artemis P. Scott
Performance Educator
(they/them)
In 2006, Rick Staropoli stopped practicing law, and began splitting his time between corporate training and artistic endeavors. Currently, he creates film and video content with his company, Granville House Media, in Rochester, NY. On the side, he works as a voiceover artist out of his home studio, and as an actor on stage and screen. He lives in Rochester with his brilliant wife and their fur-companion. They travel whenever possible, and spend large amounts of time with their two crazy families.
Rick Staropoli
Performance Educator &
Facilitator (he/him)
Shirlyn M. Washington has been performing in Rochester, NY since 1985. She has had the pleasure of bringing living history workshops to classrooms for gifted learners through Project Adept. Shirlyn has undergraduate and graduate degrees in Community Health Education. She seeks out opportunities to engage in deep listening and open conversations about human experiences to address social inequities. She is proud to be part of Impact Interactive and grateful for the opportunity to be involved in work that elevates participant knowledge regarding issues of diversity, inclusion, social justice, and equity.