LEAP 2020 Graduates
Congratulations to the Saint Mary's College of California's LEAP class of 2020!
Carol Bentley
My mantra was "Get it done." There were so many challenges and obstacles throughout my time with LEAP.
The other was "Thank you." I needed patience and help. Thank you to my husband and son, to Mark Baird and Annie Colbeck and Margot De La Barre, and to all the professors and teachers who guided the way!
LEAP City : New York
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
I took my classes and homework all over the country, as I moved three times and did extensive travel for work while completing the program. I will remember this always.
What was your senior project? How have you used these new skills or knowledge?
My senior project was a writing project. I've since mentored other graduating college seniors on their theses, and have started another document of my own.
What are some of your future goals now that you've completed your BA Degree?
Currently, I have positions at two universities and work on creative projects for TV, film, and stage, based in New York City. Ultimately, I'd like to find a Master's program out West, continue working with students, and write.
Selected Performance Credits: Swing! (Broadway), Dance with Me (Film), Enchanged (Film)
Alison Jantzie Coles
LEAP City : New York
Eugenio Contenti
Growing is my favorite way to learn, and learning is my favorite way to grow.
LEAP City : New York
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
During one of the in-person classes, I remember feeling a deep sense of accomplishment and joy. Maybe at that very moment, I fully realized that I was indeed getting the degree I always wanted, surrounded by peers who are also colleagues and friends, while also being a professional artist in NYC. That instant has a special place in my heart because I thought this could never happen, and yet, it was happening in the best way I could have ever imagined. That sense of joy fueled the determination and passion that accompanied me through the program. I am beyond grateful.
What was your senior project? How have you used these new skills or knowledge?
My final project was on choreographing a brand new jukebox musical from conception through opening night. The experience helped me learn my own creative system and finesse methodology in order to better approach a new theatrical adventure, and it provided the confidence to face projects with strength and knowledge.
What are some of your future goals now that you've completed your BA Degree?
I am definitely thinking of continuing my education and apply for a terminal degree in the arts. Also, I am just thrilled to be informing my current projects with the knowledge I have acquired thanks to LEAP.
Sierra French
"If you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill
LEAP City : New York
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
My favorite memory is when I learned what the LEAP program has to offer and what a wonderful program it is for artists.
What was your senior project?
My senior project was a dance film.
What are some of your future goals now that you've completed your BA Degree?
My goal is to keep learning, dancing and exploring life.
Celia Fushille
"A brick a day builds a house" - Michael Smuin, as told to him by his grandfather.
LEAP City : San Francisco
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
Taking anatomy while laid up after foot surgery so I had 7 hours a day to study!
What was your senior project? How have you used these new skills or knowledge?
Being production assistant on a ballet that premiered at Lincoln Center. I've gotten many ballets to the stage since that time.
What are some of your future goals now that you've completed your BA Degree?
Pray to my mom and dad in heaven to let them know I finally finished my degree!
Selected Performance Credits: San Francisco Ballet, Smuin Contemporary Ballet, The Fantasticks (Film)
Elliott Marshall Goodwin Gittelsohn
"There is nothing more beautiful than finding your course as you believe you bob aimlessly in the current. Wouldn’t you know that your path was there all along, waiting for you to knock, waiting for you to become. This path does not belong to your parents, your teachers, your leaders, or your lovers. Your path is your character defining itself more and more everyday like a photograph coming into focus." - Jodie Foster
LEAP City : San Francisco
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
Self-exploration and peer review process in Personal and Professional Assessment with Kimmy Johnson.
What was your senior project? How have you used these new skills or knowledge?
I developed and conducted research on the self-reported psychological stress-recovery response of circus performers in training vs. performance. The research was presented at the 2019 AAAS Pacific Division and accepted at 2020 Western Psychological Association Convention and the Creativity Conference.
What are some of your future goals now that you've completed your BA Degree?
I plan on pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, eventually. I am currently working with a fashion designer and working on starting my own line.
Selected Performance Credits: Capacitor, Vau de Vire Society, Celebrity Cruises
Alyssa A. Gray
LEAP City : Las Vegas
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
I loved the face to face classes with so many different entertainers of different ages and backgrounds within my community. I found it very inspiring and loved visually seeing that there is no age limit on education.
What was your senior project? How have you used these new skills or knowledge?
I did an internship with an event production company here in Las Vegas. I work in the event industry already and it was eye opening to work on the other side of the stage.
What are some of your future goals now that you've completed your BA Degree?
With the downtime we've had due to COVID-19 I've had some time to reflect on myself and what I may want to do next. I am exploring a few different graduate school options.
Ina Haybaeck-Rogers
"Our Life Is What Our Thoughts Make Of It!" - Marcus Aurelius
LEAP City : Los Angeles
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
So many.... What stands out....meeting at "The Garland Hotel" and having amazing conversations with my peers prior to classes! Having incredible teachers/ mentors who will guide me in my life far beyond college!
What was your senior project? How have you used these new skills or knowledge?
My senior-project morphed as I went through the process. It ended up being a self-reflection on my personal hardships, challenges,development and growth as a human being and artist throughout my three years with LEAP. I created an artistic rendering as a power point- movie presentation utilizing my own photography. The project was very timely in my life and today's society as it challenged me to take on the digital world, and it allowed me to develop computer-skills, internet awareness, etc. I am using these newly acquired skills on a daily basis now!
What are some of your future goals now that you've completed your BA Degree?
I consider continuing my studies in a Master Degree Program.
Ashley Jeanne` Jackson
Think of your craziest dreams you ever wanted to do, even if they seem impossible - now go do it. Do what you have to do now, so you can do what you want to later.
LEAP City : San Francisco
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
I am so grateful for my time in the LEAP program, Liberal Education for Arts Professionals. It has made transitioning from dance enormously better. Looking back I truly enjoyed the time spent in the Personal and Professional Assessment class with Kimmy. She is such a wonderful and supportive teacher. She even came to some of my Alonzo King LINES Ballet dance performances.
What was your senior project? How have you used these new skills or knowledge?
For my senior project I focused on Film and Dance. I've used the writing skills I acquired during that time in many areas in my life.
What are some of your future goals now that you've completed your BA Degree?
I am transitioning from a former career as a world traveling Ballet dancer to a field of medicine, science, and groundbreaking clinical research. With my Bachelors of Arts degree in Performing Arts from Saint Mary's College of California and with an Associate's degree in Biological Sciences from Canada College, I am excited to announce that will be applying to attend medical school soon.
Nicholas Korkos
LEAP City : San Francisco
Selected Performance Credits: Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Le Ballet Jazz de Montreal, Assure Barton & Dancers
Briana Marin Lopez
"Curious that we spend more time congratulating people who have succeeded than encouraging people who have not." - Neil deGrasse Tyson
LEAP City : Los Angeles
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
My proudest moment in the LEAP Program was being awarded 19 units for my Certified Coursework Portfolio. The information I incorporated covered more than a decade of my life and career. It was deeply gratifying to connect so many phases of my creative training, and reflect how they've shaped my professional and personal endeavors.
What was your senior project? How have you used these new skills or knowledge?
For my Senior Project I developed a business plan to create and market a workshop for young dancers who wish to act. I plan to collaborate with my colleagues and give back to two creatively demanding and competitive industries I have been fortunate enough to work in and learn from.
What are some of your future goals now that you've completed your BA Degree?
I would love to connect with and potentially work with LEAP alumni. I would like to continue working on developing my workshop, write and produce my own multimedia projects, and get back into dance class three times a week. I would like to direct and choreograph for Film/TV. I would like to explore photojournalism and documentary filmmaking. I would like to work with animals. I would like to take more improv classes. I would like to travel and learn a new language. I would love a job with health care included. I would like to take both of my parents on a vacation, wherever they desire. I'm exploring the thought of graduate school in either psychology or business. Also, I would like to learn how to do a real pull-up.
Lisa Gajda Maiolo
Be with your kind: LEAP !
LEAP City : New York
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
Working with Christian and Michael.
What was your senior project? How have you used these new skills or knowledge?
I did a paper on the psychology of dancers and their development over time.
What are some of your future goals now that you've completed your BA Degree?
I’m getting my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy!
Cristobal Marquez
Somewhere, someone chose to do something for you, look back and see how far have you come! - Marquez
LEAP City : New York
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
Visiting Zamma Dance School in Gugulethu, Cape Town South Africa with LEAP program. I found it to be the most memorable experience of my life, I was able to travel back on time, and remember the importance of life. I see how many people abandon their dreams due to circumstances like drugs, alcoholism, and unemployment. The important thing is to give the best you every single day, so, at the end of your day, you can smile. We all have a story, but success doesn’t just happen. Someone, somewhere in my life chose to do something and I thank all of you!
What are some of your future goals now that you've completed your BA Degree?
Thanks to LEAP, I have been able to continue my career teaching dance for many institutions like Salt Lake City School District, Boston Public School, Bridgewater State University, and Dean College. My academic goal is to continue my education until I get a Ph.D. My personal goal is to help as many students to overcome personal of external challenges that may face.
Rebeca Ramos O’Reilly
“To teach is to create change” - (I believe it was my mom who was a teacher that said this to me and LEAP created a change in me)
LEAP City : Los Angeles
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
I loved in the acting challenge class watching everyone perform I felt privileged to be part of such a strong and smart group of women.
What was your senior project? How have you used these new skills or knowledge?
I wrote about the origins of ballet. Everything I have learned and researched has given me a better understanding of the value of historical reference for my own teaching and the value of art in general but ballet specifically in the political and social development of culture.
What are some of your future goals now that you've completed your BA Degree?
I have applied to a masters program and I would like to write a book.
Alexandra Elizabeth Pullen
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. — Maya Angelou
LEAP City : Los Angeles
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
I loved being able to use my brain in a different way!
What was your senior project? How have you used these new skills or knowledge?
Marketing! (Check out her blog!)
What are some of your future goals now that you've completed your BA Degree?
Grad school!
Leah Samelson
LEAP City : San Francisco
What was your senior project? How have you used these new skills or knowledge?
My senior project was a choreography project in which I both created original work with the help of my advisor and also collaborated with videographers to best bring that movement to life. I have used the knowledge gained in many of my future collaborations with videographers and photographers, and it opened my mind to the possibilities that digital media holds for performing artists.
What are some of your future goals now that you've completed your BA Degree?
I will be attending law school in the Fall at Lewis & Clark to study Environmental Law.
Meredith Ann Seeley
If you keep LEAPin’ long enough and hard enough, you’ll eventually land your bachelor’s degree. Now stick that plié!
LEAP City : Las Vegas
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
I loved classes with Christian, my senior project, and how supportive Margot and Stephanie were to help me finish!
What was your senior project? How have you used these new skills or knowledge?
It was an aikido/dance comparative study. I was paired with a scholar and aikidoka in California (I am in Chicago) as a teacher and he led me on a truly beautiful journey comparing movement styles. I gleaned a lot of somatic awareness and think of that time studying with him often.
What are some of your future goals now that you've completed your BA Degree?
I will continue on my path of helping and educating others on how to move their bodies better for more robust whole-body health and happiness. I am currently enrolled in some neurology courses as I intend to learn much more about our nervous system and brain. I would like to become an advocate and/or educator/awareness builder for Visual Snow Syndrome which is a rare neurological disorder that I finally discovered I have.
Tracy Silver
Don't be interesting; be INTERESTED!
LEAP City: Los Angeles
Selected Performance Credits: West Side Story (International Company), Fast Forward (Film)
Alyssa Thompson
“What is now proved was once only imagined” - William Blake
LEAP City : Los Angeles
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
So many good memories during all of the courses, whether they were in person or online. But, what I keep thinking about are the nights when after a long Monday of working, followed by four hours of lecture, a group of us would decide to stick around the restaurant at The Garland and just talk.
What was your senior project? How have you used these new skills or knowledge?
My senior project was choreographing, directing, and editing a dance film. Having this expanded film knowledge has helped in my career in animation as I can more clearly see things through a directorial point of view.
What are some of your future goals now that you've completed your BA Degree?
I am considering going to Grad school eventually (after taking a few years off from school/having weekends again). I would love to continue creating dance films and growing in my understanding of this field. Other than that, several months after starting with LEAP I started working for Disney Television Animation and fell in love with my job. I plan on continuing to grow with this company and expand my knowledge of the world of animation.
Micki Weiner
Stop waiting to reach the light at the end of the tunnel. You are the light. - Unknown
LEAP City : New York
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
Yes! Taking Global Conversations with Christian De Matteo. We met on Sunday nights and the class had fantastic and interesting chats about the books we read. Sometimes we'd get takeout. It was a great group.
What was your senior project? How have you used these new skills or knowledge?
I set an entire musical, on behalf of the choreographer. I made this job my senior project, and have since used my skills in other projects. Codifying how I worked and reflecting, both through my senior project, allowed me to have a stronger grasp on how to best and most effectively work in this realm.
What are some of your future goals now that you've completed your BA Degree?
With the Coronavirus pandemic upending my career in the performing arts, I'm not 100% certain what that means for me. I'm currently focused on voiceover work and exploring what might be next in my future. Right now I'm reading a lot and working on personal growth projects.
Selected Performance Credits: The Phantom of the Opera (National Tour), The Chase Brock Experience
Jessica Anne Woodman
"If you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill
LEAP City : San Francisco
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
I will always remember the support my fellow dancers showed each other. It was great to be in class with such amazing people.
What was your senior project? How have you used these new skills or knowledge?
I studied different nonprofit business models and what it takes for an organization to maximize donations. This included a deep dive into how nonprofit performing arts organizations currently approach getting donations in the Bay Area and how their approach could change to accommodate current trends. I have used this knowledge to start the process of developing my own performing arts business in an effort to see if there is a way to create a more stable business model.
What are some of your future goals now that you've completed your BA Degree?
I will continue to work on building my business. While this pandemic has thrown a wrench in quite a few plans, I still hope to produce my first creative work this year. I just have to get a little extra creative in how I make it happen.
Jessica Alejandra Wyatt
Just keep keepin on!
LEAP City : New York
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
In person classes in NY and meeting other students.