As a child, I dreamed of becoming an architect. I loved buildings and I was fascinated by their history, their design, and their sense of place and purpose. I’d look at a building and know it had a story or two to tell. And I wanted to tell stories.

My future was set. My parents and grandparents, my teachers, everyone affirmed my passion for architecture and told me that I was going to be an architect.

But… “All the dreams you never thought you’d lose got tossed along the way.” - John Rzeznik

 My path changed its course over time, and I didn’t become an architect. I graduated with a degree in marketing, I got married, I had kids. And instead of designing houses, I was selling houses. But I felt my life was not complete.

I had never considered the benefits of studying improv comedy until 2008 when I read an article written by someone who would later become my first improv instructor. “Improv teaches you to think fast on your feet and is especially beneficial to those in sales… like real estate.”  And that started it all!

I discovered that improv is good for developing your whole self. It makes you more creative, it builds confidence, and helps you become a better listener. You feel comfortable taking risks; you don’t take yourself so seriously and you find time to play, and in the end, it helps you make friends.

My passion for improv led me to open Bay Cities Improv Company in 2013 to share the art of improvisation with others. I no longer sell real estate.

Improv opened the door for me to pursue acting, directing, producing, and writing.  Each year, over 200 original improv performances are produced by Bay Cities Improv Company, based on four to eight original shows that I write. I also teach improv to those that are curious and willing to learn.

I may not have become that person who designs buildings. I became a person who designs stories and experiences for those that want to escape the real world, if only for a moment or two. And now that I think about it, my childhood dreams did come true - I am an architect.