I have worked in rural youth advocacy and the arts since I was 14 (34 years ago!). I am a certified educator/administrator, and currently direct the Whitefield Public Library and am president of the Theatre UP board. As a lifelong “theatre kid,” I am proof of return on investment in leadership and arts training to transform lives and build essential relationships and skills. I am also disabled, neurodivergent, and queer, so I understand some of the unique challenges of being “other" in a rural place.