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ABOUT US

WHO WE ARE

The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company is a nonprofit arts organization that bridges systemic inequalities in the lack of arts access in LA through tuition-free high quality arts programs focused specifically on amplifying original voices. Focused on the live theatre space, The Unusual Suspects aims to create a stage for a new generation of storytellers where all LA youth are equipped with the tools and resources to effectively and powerfully share their own stories.

Providing free access to dozens of year-long theatre residencies focused on the creation and performance of original plays as well as exposure to professional theatre performances, The Unusual Suspects has evolved from a local program serving roughly 50 participants in Van Nuys in 1993 into a robust program that serves over 3,000 youth and families in over 20 communities of Los Angeles annually.

MISSION

Our mission is to mentor, educate, and enrich youth in under-resourced communities through the creation of collaborative original theatre.

VISION

Our vision is a world where all youth are given the opportunities and support they need to succeed.

TEACHING ARTISTS

Teaching Artist

Jasmin Abernathy
Teaching Artist

Blythe Baten
Teaching Artist

Christopher Baker
Teaching Artist

Daniel Bisuano
Teaching Artist

Marcus Baldwin
Teaching Artist

Bridget Flanery
Teaching Artist

Alex Hogy

Teaching Artist

Jasmin Abernathy

Jasmin Abernathy is an actor, spoken word artist, and youth educator.
Originally from New York City, she began performing when she was a child. Acting was an outlet for her to share her emotions and connect with others in a deeper way. During high school, she was selected to be a part of Roundabout Theater Company’s first youth division, called “Voices.” The Youth Division wrote, directed, produced, and acted in original plays. She and the other members performed the original works at Roundabout’s Black Box Theater. Her love for acting and working with young people inspired her decision to pursue the field of teaching. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a Minor in Theater from Lehman College, graduating magna cum laude. She is also a SAG-AFTRA member. She is passionate about working with the youth and helping them with the process of authentically expressing themselves, through the performing arts and beyond.

Teaching Artist

Blythe Baten

Blythe graduated with a B.A. from Colorado College and received her graduate training at the New Actors Workshop conservatory program where she studied with renowned directors Mike Nichols, Paul Sills and Geoorge Morrison. She was chosen to participate in master classes taught by Michael Howard and Wynn Handman. She began her professional career in theatre playing Anne Frank in multiple regional productions and went on to understudy the Broadway production starring Natalie Portman. Blythe worked extensively Off-Broadway with The Irish Repertory Theatre before moving to Los Angeles. Since then she has worked in commercials, voiceover, film and television. She worked as a teaching artist with ENACT theatre company in NYC and has been the lead Teaching Artist and Program Manager for Los Angeles Repertory Theater for 15 years. She is very excited to be working with USTC and in having the opportunity to make an impact on the communities it serves.

Teaching Artist

Christopher Baker

Christopher Baker, the rising star in the entertainment and theatre industry. With a BFA in Acting and a Minor in Education, Christopher has honed his craft through years of experience in community, regional, and educational theatre. Originally from Florida, Christopher’s passion for storytelling led him to Los Angeles where he’s making waves as a resident teaching artist at Dramatic Results, The Advot Project, Improv it Up, and recently joined the team of The Unusual Suspects. His dedication to his craft and infectious enthusiasm have gained him a reputation as one of the most personable and talented performance artists in the industry. Keep an eye out for Christopher Baker, as he continues to make his mark on the entertainment world.

Teaching Artist

Daniel Bisuano

Daniel Bisuano is an actor, writer, poet, and advocate. He continues to pursue his dreams and goals to pursue his creative goals while also empowering his community through his advocacy work. Daniel has been an advocate for seven years and has worked with and been a part of organizations like; Homeboys Industries, Arts for Healing Justice Network, California Justice Leaders, and Inside OUT Writers. Daniel continues to strive to not only better himself but also the community around him. Having spent seven years in the justice system as a youth he has a strong passion for the empowerment and advocacy of the formerly incarcerated community. Living as a former foster youth. Daniel believes that many different communities intertwine and have a strong passion for creating awareness and change amongst each one. Currently Daniel is on the board and committees of different community advocacy organizations like; Reproductive Health and Equity Project for Foster Youth, Integrated Health community with the Los Angeles Regional Reentry Partnership, and the BUS ambassador program with U.C Berkeley.  He also served a term as a Youth Commissioner for District 3 and, along with his different engagements with advocacy, Daniel is a part time student at Cal State University of Los Angeles majoring in English. Daniel continues to explore different ways to help the community through his work as well as different ways to share the stories of people impacted by the various barriers associated with being involved within the justice system.

Teaching Artist

Marcus Baldwin

Marcus Baldwin earned a BFA in acting from the California Institute of the Arts in 2020 and went on to successfully pursue acting full-time in Los Angeles, appearing in a variety of projects across Film, Television, and New Media. He first began with an internship for The Unusual Suspects back in 2019. Since then, he has been a frequent supporter, Volunteer Mentor, and Teaching Artist for the company. Above all, Marcus is passionate about serving under-resourced and incarcerated youth, and hopes to be instrumental in carving out a path for their future success in the arts and beyond!

Teaching Artist

Bridget Flanery

Bridget Flanery holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama. She has performed in theatres all over the country. Some favorite stage roles include: Karen in August: Osage County, Olga in Three Sisters, Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, Lizzie in The Rainmaker, Blanche Dubois in A Streetcar Named Desire, Rita Malone in The Psychic, Beppi in Farmyard, Isabella in Measure for Measure, Wendla in Spring Awakening, Kate in The Taming of the Shrew, Viola in Twelfth Night and Hermione in The Winter’s Tale.

Bridget has appeared in many television shows and films, including: Hart of Dixie, Desperate Housewives, Two and a Half Men, Will and Grace, Without a Trace, General Hospital, Out of Practice, 7th Heaven, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, All My Children, Guiding Light, Babylon 5 and Something Blue.

Bridget is also a screenwriter. Her feature film Gossamer Folds is currently streaming on several site, including Amazon Prime, Apple Tv and VUDU.

Teaching Artist

Alex Hogy

Alex Hogy (he/him) is a Los Angeles–based actor and teaching artist. He holds a BFA in Acting from AMDA and has trained extensively in scene study and improv in Los Angeles, including work with The Groundlings.

Alex has worked as a teaching artist and instructor with organizations including Performing Arts Studio West, 24th Street Theatre, Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts, BeatBuds, and Unusual Suspects Theatre Company, leading acting, improv, music, and creative storytelling programs for students of all ages and abilities. He has significant experience working with disabled and neurodivergent students and specializes in creating inclusive classroom environments that support collaboration, communication, and creative expression.

In addition to his teaching work, Alex is a theatre performer and company member of Celebration Theatre in Los Angeles. He also works extensively in TV and commercials.

Alex also works as a Standardized Patient Educator with medical schools, facilitating training for future physicians in communication and patient-centered care, including trans and gender-diverse health.

Teaching Artist

Christina Kroell
Teaching Artist

Gloria De Leon
Teaching Artist

Ali MacLean
Teaching Artist

Dani Schlenker
Teaching Artist

Julian Smith
Teaching Artist

Monique Sypkens

Teaching Artist

Christina Kroell

Christina Kroell (she/her) is a Los Angeles-based actor, artist, and educator originally from Tucson, Arizona. She began her teaching artist career in New York City working with Atlantic Theater Company’s Staging Success Program, acting with STAR Theater for Social Change, and serving as the drama teacher for Kids Creative and The Boys & Girls Club Virtual Program. She has a background in physical and devised theatre and is passionate about original thought-provoking work. She was a founding member of the Journalists Theatre Company in NYC and since transitioning to LA has been a part of many independent films, and the A Light in Dark Places play festival advocating for mental health awareness. Christina aims to instill a sense of creative authority in her students and encourages them to be bold in their storytelling. She enjoys baking, thrifting, and walking her dog Finn, and is currently writing her first feature film. She believes in the healing power of art of all forms, and wouldn’t be who or where she is today without access to arts education at a young age. She is thrilled to be a part of The Unusual Suspects!

Teaching Artist

Gloria De Leon

Gloria De Leon is an actress and writer, from Santa Paula, CA. She graduated from UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television with a degree in theater and has performed bilingually in Spanish and English in LA and Ventura counties. She is a founding member of the sketch comedy team FATCH, and you can hear her voice-over work on Netflix’s El Chapo, Gentefied, and Nailed It!. Gloria LOVES the DRAMA, and she is the producer and host of Noveleando, a podcast all about telenovela fandom.

Teaching Artist

Ali MacLean

Ali MacLean is a writer/actor/director and mental health advocate who has 25 years of professional experience in TV, radio, film, web, print, and theater. She cut her theater teeth at the Miami University Actor’s Studio and the LaJolla Playhouse Acting Conservatory where she trained with Tony-winner Des McAnuff and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Tony Church.

Ali has worked as a TV comedy writer, stand up and sketch performer, radio and TV host, and characters in teen movies she was way too old for. Her acting has been nominated by Method Fest, Broadway World, and the Monologue SlamFest at the Arcola Theatre in London. Ali is the winner of the David Sedaris Humor Prize. She is a Coverfly endorsed writer whose
screenplays have earned fellowships from Stowe StoryLabs, Writers For Writers, RespectAbility Disability Lab, 1in4 Coalition, and Black Magic Filmmakers Collective, to name a few.

Ali’s plays have won and placed in over 60 different competitions, and are published by Applause Books and Smith & Kraus. She is a member of EST/LA, The Dramatist Guild, Honor Roll, and has participated in several professional playwright labs, fellowships, and workshops, including Citadel of Playwrights (Resident Artist), Playwrights Realm, Dramatist Guild’s Footlights, and locally, Cloud Factory, Antaeus Theatre Lab, The Road’s SPF, SheLA Arts, and Ensemble Studio Theatre LA’s Playwrights Unit.

Ali teaches playwriting, acting, and public speaking. Her goal is to help each student find their own unique voice and develop the skills to get that voice on the page and the stage.

Teaching Artist

Dani Schlenker

Dani has been a dedicated teacher of the performing arts for the last year and a half, working with companies like Theatre 360 in Pasadena and STAR Education in Santa Monica and Marina del Rey. While studying theatre and biology at Whitman College she had the opportunity to expand her education at the National Theatre Institute, and later worked as an Associate in their Theatremakers program. She’s thrilled to be a part of the Unusual Suspects Theatre Company!

Teaching Artist

Julian Smith

Julian Smith is a Los Angeles-based actor, writer and singer. He is originally from Daytona Beach, Florida, and has developed his résumé working in film, television, community, regional and educational theatre. After receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, he moved to Los Angeles to make an impact in the entertainment industry. When Julian is not performing, he is a resident teaching artist in the Los Angeles area, where he shares his knowledge, experience, and passion for theatre with children and young adults.

Teaching Artist

Monique Sypkens

Monique Sypkens is a Los Angeles-based teaching artist, actor, and model. She graduated as a Theatre Arts major and film minor from Long Beach State, and is now a proud member of SAG-AFTRA. Monique has had over 6 years of experience working as an arts educator and curriculum developer for theatre companies and arts organizations in Los Angeles. Monique is currently working with Center Theatre Group in addition to USTC.  She has starred in National commercials and Films, while indulging in local theatre productions. Monique has also performed internationally with the Pure Praxis Theatre Group to educate military personnel on interpersonal conflict resolution. Monique is passionate about storytelling and how it presents a special opportunity for self-realization, empathy, community, and growth.

Teaching Artist

Jasmin Abernathy
Teaching Artist

Blythe Baten
Teaching Artist

Christopher Baker
Teaching Artist

Daniel Bisuano
Teaching Artist

Christina Kroell
Teaching Artist

Gloria De Leon
Teaching Artist

Ali MacLean
Teaching Artist

Dani Schlenker
Teaching Artist

Julian Smith
Teaching Artist

Monique Sypkens
Teaching Artist

Marcus Baldwin
Teaching Artist

Bridget Flanery
Teaching Artist

Alex Hogy

Teaching Artist

Jasmin Abernathy

Jasmin Abernathy is an actor, spoken word artist, and youth educator.
Originally from New York City, she began performing when she was a child. Acting was an outlet for her to share her emotions and connect with others in a deeper way. During high school, she was selected to be a part of Roundabout Theater Company’s first youth division, called “Voices.” The Youth Division wrote, directed, produced, and acted in original plays. She and the other members performed the original works at Roundabout’s Black Box Theater. Her love for acting and working with young people inspired her decision to pursue the field of teaching. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a Minor in Theater from Lehman College, graduating magna cum laude. She is also a SAG-AFTRA member. She is passionate about working with the youth and helping them with the process of authentically expressing themselves, through the performing arts and beyond.

Teaching Artist

Blythe Baten

Blythe graduated with a B.A. from Colorado College and received her graduate training at the New Actors Workshop conservatory program where she studied with renowned directors Mike Nichols, Paul Sills and Geoorge Morrison. She was chosen to participate in master classes taught by Michael Howard and Wynn Handman. She began her professional career in theatre playing Anne Frank in multiple regional productions and went on to understudy the Broadway production starring Natalie Portman. Blythe worked extensively Off-Broadway with The Irish Repertory Theatre before moving to Los Angeles. Since then she has worked in commercials, voiceover, film and television. She worked as a teaching artist with ENACT theatre company in NYC and has been the lead Teaching Artist and Program Manager for Los Angeles Repertory Theater for 15 years. She is very excited to be working with USTC and in having the opportunity to make an impact on the communities it serves.

Teaching Artist

Christopher Baker

Christopher Baker, the rising star in the entertainment and theatre industry. With a BFA in Acting and a Minor in Education, Christopher has honed his craft through years of experience in community, regional, and educational theatre. Originally from Florida, Christopher’s passion for storytelling led him to Los Angeles where he’s making waves as a resident teaching artist at Dramatic Results, The Advot Project, Improv it Up, and recently joined the team of The Unusual Suspects. His dedication to his craft and infectious enthusiasm have gained him a reputation as one of the most personable and talented performance artists in the industry. Keep an eye out for Christopher Baker, as he continues to make his mark on the entertainment world.

Teaching Artist

Daniel Bisuano

Daniel Bisuano is an actor, writer, poet, and advocate. He continues to pursue his dreams and goals to pursue his creative goals while also empowering his community through his advocacy work. Daniel has been an advocate for seven years and has worked with and been a part of organizations like; Homeboys Industries, Arts for Healing Justice Network, California Justice Leaders, and Inside OUT Writers. Daniel continues to strive to not only better himself but also the community around him. Having spent seven years in the justice system as a youth he has a strong passion for the empowerment and advocacy of the formerly incarcerated community. Living as a former foster youth. Daniel believes that many different communities intertwine and have a strong passion for creating awareness and change amongst each one. Currently Daniel is on the board and committees of different community advocacy organizations like; Reproductive Health and Equity Project for Foster Youth, Integrated Health community with the Los Angeles Regional Reentry Partnership, and the BUS ambassador program with U.C Berkeley.  He also served a term as a Youth Commissioner for District 3 and, along with his different engagements with advocacy, Daniel is a part time student at Cal State University of Los Angeles majoring in English. Daniel continues to explore different ways to help the community through his work as well as different ways to share the stories of people impacted by the various barriers associated with being involved within the justice system.

Teaching Artist

Christina Kroell

Christina Kroell (she/her) is a Los Angeles-based actor, artist, and educator originally from Tucson, Arizona. She began her teaching artist career in New York City working with Atlantic Theater Company’s Staging Success Program, acting with STAR Theater for Social Change, and serving as the drama teacher for Kids Creative and The Boys & Girls Club Virtual Program. She has a background in physical and devised theatre and is passionate about original thought-provoking work. She was a founding member of the Journalists Theatre Company in NYC and since transitioning to LA has been a part of many independent films, and the A Light in Dark Places play festival advocating for mental health awareness. Christina aims to instill a sense of creative authority in her students and encourages them to be bold in their storytelling. She enjoys baking, thrifting, and walking her dog Finn, and is currently writing her first feature film. She believes in the healing power of art of all forms, and wouldn’t be who or where she is today without access to arts education at a young age. She is thrilled to be a part of The Unusual Suspects!

Teaching Artist

Gloria De Leon

Gloria De Leon is an actress and writer, from Santa Paula, CA. She graduated from UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television with a degree in theater and has performed bilingually in Spanish and English in LA and Ventura counties. She is a founding member of the sketch comedy team FATCH, and you can hear her voice-over work on Netflix’s El Chapo, Gentefied, and Nailed It!. Gloria LOVES the DRAMA, and she is the producer and host of Noveleando, a podcast all about telenovela fandom.

Teaching Artist

Ali MacLean

Ali MacLean is a writer/actor/director and mental health advocate who has 25 years of professional experience in TV, radio, film, web, print, and theater. She cut her theater teeth at the Miami University Actor’s Studio and the LaJolla Playhouse Acting Conservatory where she trained with Tony-winner Des McAnuff and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Tony Church.

Ali has worked as a TV comedy writer, stand up and sketch performer, radio and TV host, and characters in teen movies she was way too old for. Her acting has been nominated by Method Fest, Broadway World, and the Monologue SlamFest at the Arcola Theatre in London. Ali is the winner of the David Sedaris Humor Prize. She is a Coverfly endorsed writer whose
screenplays have earned fellowships from Stowe StoryLabs, Writers For Writers, RespectAbility Disability Lab, 1in4 Coalition, and Black Magic Filmmakers Collective, to name a few.

Ali’s plays have won and placed in over 60 different competitions, and are published by Applause Books and Smith & Kraus. She is a member of EST/LA, The Dramatist Guild, Honor Roll, and has participated in several professional playwright labs, fellowships, and workshops, including Citadel of Playwrights (Resident Artist), Playwrights Realm, Dramatist Guild’s Footlights, and locally, Cloud Factory, Antaeus Theatre Lab, The Road’s SPF, SheLA Arts, and Ensemble Studio Theatre LA’s Playwrights Unit.

Ali teaches playwriting, acting, and public speaking. Her goal is to help each student find their own unique voice and develop the skills to get that voice on the page and the stage.

Teaching Artist

Dani Schlenker

Dani has been a dedicated teacher of the performing arts for the last year and a half, working with companies like Theatre 360 in Pasadena and STAR Education in Santa Monica and Marina del Rey. While studying theatre and biology at Whitman College she had the opportunity to expand her education at the National Theatre Institute, and later worked as an Associate in their Theatremakers program. She’s thrilled to be a part of the Unusual Suspects Theatre Company!

Teaching Artist

Julian Smith

Julian Smith is a Los Angeles-based actor, writer and singer. He is originally from Daytona Beach, Florida, and has developed his résumé working in film, television, community, regional and educational theatre. After receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, he moved to Los Angeles to make an impact in the entertainment industry. When Julian is not performing, he is a resident teaching artist in the Los Angeles area, where he shares his knowledge, experience, and passion for theatre with children and young adults.

Teaching Artist

Monique Sypkens

Monique Sypkens is a Los Angeles-based teaching artist, actor, and model. She graduated as a Theatre Arts major and film minor from Long Beach State, and is now a proud member of SAG-AFTRA. Monique has had over 6 years of experience working as an arts educator and curriculum developer for theatre companies and arts organizations in Los Angeles. Monique is currently working with Center Theatre Group in addition to USTC.  She has starred in National commercials and Films, while indulging in local theatre productions. Monique has also performed internationally with the Pure Praxis Theatre Group to educate military personnel on interpersonal conflict resolution. Monique is passionate about storytelling and how it presents a special opportunity for self-realization, empathy, community, and growth.

Teaching Artist

Marcus Baldwin

Marcus Baldwin earned a BFA in acting from the California Institute of the Arts in 2020 and went on to successfully pursue acting full-time in Los Angeles, appearing in a variety of projects across Film, Television, and New Media. He first began with an internship for The Unusual Suspects back in 2019. Since then, he has been a frequent supporter, Volunteer Mentor, and Teaching Artist for the company. Above all, Marcus is passionate about serving under-resourced and incarcerated youth, and hopes to be instrumental in carving out a path for their future success in the arts and beyond!

Teaching Artist

Bridget Flanery

Bridget Flanery holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama. She has performed in theatres all over the country. Some favorite stage roles include: Karen in August: Osage County, Olga in Three Sisters, Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, Lizzie in The Rainmaker, Blanche Dubois in A Streetcar Named Desire, Rita Malone in The Psychic, Beppi in Farmyard, Isabella in Measure for Measure, Wendla in Spring Awakening, Kate in The Taming of the Shrew, Viola in Twelfth Night and Hermione in The Winter’s Tale.

Bridget has appeared in many television shows and films, including: Hart of Dixie, Desperate Housewives, Two and a Half Men, Will and Grace, Without a Trace, General Hospital, Out of Practice, 7th Heaven, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, All My Children, Guiding Light, Babylon 5 and Something Blue.

Bridget is also a screenwriter. Her feature film Gossamer Folds is currently streaming on several site, including Amazon Prime, Apple Tv and VUDU.

Teaching Artist

Alex Hogy

Alex Hogy (he/him) is a Los Angeles–based actor and teaching artist. He holds a BFA in Acting from AMDA and has trained extensively in scene study and improv in Los Angeles, including work with The Groundlings.

Alex has worked as a teaching artist and instructor with organizations including Performing Arts Studio West, 24th Street Theatre, Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts, BeatBuds, and Unusual Suspects Theatre Company, leading acting, improv, music, and creative storytelling programs for students of all ages and abilities. He has significant experience working with disabled and neurodivergent students and specializes in creating inclusive classroom environments that support collaboration, communication, and creative expression.

In addition to his teaching work, Alex is a theatre performer and company member of Celebration Theatre in Los Angeles. He also works extensively in TV and commercials.

Alex also works as a Standardized Patient Educator with medical schools, facilitating training for future physicians in communication and patient-centered care, including trans and gender-diverse health.

STAFF

Chief Executive Officer

Abiram Brizuela
Chief Advancement Officer

Nick Williams
Director of Communications

Angie Lee
Institutional Giving Manager

Rachel Reed
Manager of Community Partnerships

Sierra Marcks-O’Neill
Content Creation Intern

Dekland Jones

Chief Executive Officer

Abiram Brizuela

Abiram Brizuela is a Venezuelan-born arts executive and a multidisciplinary artist whose work straddles theater, film, music, and themed entertainment. Before joining The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company as its Executive Director, Abiram served as Director of Artist Community at the Sundance Institute, overseeing a community of over 20,000 independent artists emerging from the world-famous Sundance Film Festival as well as the institute’s ongoing programs, grants, and funds.

Since 2007, Abiram has worked as a Director and Composer on more than 30 international productions, including Wartime Stories to Sleep in Peace by Karin Valecillos, winner of the Municipal Theatre Award for Best Original Score in 2008, and an ambitious adaptation of Jules Verne’s Journey To The Center Of The Earth, winner of three Municipal Theatre Awards for Best Director, Best Original Score, and Best Children’s Play in 2010.

Since relocating to the United States in 2010, Abiram has led multiple arts education programs, including Miami Music Project, MusicWorks, and The Harmony Project, has served as an advisor and keynote speaker for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and El Sistema USA and continues his support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the arts through his work with Peter Golub at the Film Music Lab as well as Antigravity Academy with actor Kelly Marie Tran and Academy Award nominee, Carlos Lopez Estrada.

Chief Advancement Officer

Nick Williams

Nick Williams is an actor, producer, and proud father. He was store director at Hollywood Video’s flagship store in Los Angeles and is the former art board President at Theatre of NOTE in Hollywood, where he still acts on a regular basis. Some of his recent performances at NOTE include Rio Hondo, Entropy (Scenie Award), I Wanna Hold Your Hand (two Scenies Awards), What May Fall (Broadway World Awards nomination), The Pity of Things (two Broadway World Awards nominations), Skeleton Stories, Nibbler and Kill Me, Deadly (Ticket Holder Awards’ Best Supporting Actor nomination). Among several non-NOTE performances in Los Angeles, his portrayal of Chris Keller in All My Sons at the Raven Playhouse was recognized for “Best Performance by a Lead Actor / Drama” (Stage Scene LA). He holds a BA in Acting from Willamette University. Nick has worked in Development for The Unusual Suspects since 2012 and is honored to play a small role in bringing the transformative power of theatre to our most underserved communities.

Director of Communications

Angie Lee

Angie Lee is the Director of Communications at The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company. With over a decade of experience in marketing and advertising, she has led award-winning social campaigns for clients including Amazon Prime Video, Disney, and public sector agencies. Beyond her professional work, Angie has dedicated her skills to nonprofit initiatives, including co-founding an international volunteer-run medical clinic that offers free services and launching a local zine fair that provides emerging artists with a platform to share their work. Across all her projects, she is passionate about storytelling, the arts, and creating accessible community spaces both online and offline.

Institutional Giving Manager

Rachel Reed

Rachel has worked with USTC off and on since 2019, and is grateful for the renewed opportunity to generate resources for USTC’s programs and demonstrate the organization’s impact on emerging artists and communities. Hailing from a family of educators, musicians, and writers, Rachel believes in the power of the arts to enhance individual and social flourishing. She is not as pretentious as she sounds.

A combination of idealism, pragmatism, and inertia has kept Rachel in the nonprofit sector for over 15 years. As a consultant, Rachel collaborates with nonprofits to identify their value, hone their messaging, and improve their fundraising and evaluation capacity. She has a BA in Anthropology from Reed College and an MA in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago, and has taught the Grant Writing Practicum for USC Price School’s Masters of Nonprofit Leadership and Management program since 2021.

An aspiring novelist, Rachel has written books since 1994, but has yet to finish one. She is in perpetual pursuit of more reading time. Sometimes she sings and dances like it’s 1937, and she can probably beat you at pool.

Manager of Community Partnerships

Sierra Marcks-O’Neill

Sierra Marcks-O’Neill is a theatremaker, voice actor, and mother. She serves on the Board of Directors for Theatre of Note and has performed there, as well as numerous other theatres in NYC and LA. Her passion is working on new plays and being a part of the development process for new theatre works. She received her BFA in Acting from Marymount Manhattan College and holds a Bookkeeping Certificate from Santa Monica College.

Content Creation Intern

Dekland Jones

Dekland Jones is the Content Creation Intern, currently completing his B.A. in Dramatic Arts at the University of Southern California. He previously worked as a filmmaker for the Young Actors’ Theatre Camp, as well as the assistant editor and digital imaging technician on two feature films. He has also worked on numerous multimedia projects for artists such as Nick Cannon, Kevin Olusola, and Taylor Black.

Chief Operating Officer

Michael Halpin
Program Director

Joe Samaniego
Associate Director of Community Partnerships

Sandy Masciarelli
Manager of Curriculum & Implementation

Arcadia Eckmayer
Bilingual Program Coordinator

Kristian Guerra

Chief Operating Officer

Michael Halpin

Michael has been a longtime supporter of The Unusual Suspects and has a fierce belief that the arts are an important piece in a child’s development of confidence, collaboration, and success – no matter where their future takes them. For many years he has been involved in the Los Angeles arts community as an actor, singer, and long ago, a dancer. Michael has also been active, as a volunteer, with the non-profit organizations; Hearts In Motion and Meals on Wheels.

His business background comes with more than 20 years’ experience in Operations and Facility Management, and he is a certified LEED AP (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design). He began his career as general manager of a wholesale bread manufacturing company where he was eventually promoted to VP of Operations, then moved to a software telecommunications company, and recently worked at a global, commercial real estate organization. Joining The Unusual Suspects is the perfect place to share his passion for the arts and experience in business management.

Program Director

Joe Samaniego

Joe Samaniego holds a BFA in Acting from UC Santa Barbara, an MFA in Playwriting from UCLA, and a Diploma in DEIA Leadership from Stanford. As a playwright, his plays have been published through Samuel French and have premiered on stages such as The Rattlestick Theater in NYC, Aspen Playwright’s Festival, as well as several National and International tours. With a passion for the community-building and transformative potential of the arts, Joe has worked for the better part of the last decade educating and building curriculum to inspire and empower young people, and to create a more equitable landscape in arts education.

He most recently held the role of Director of Education where he served hundreds of students to create individualized learning plans and help close educational gaps caused by Covid-19 learning loss and subsequent resource scarcity. He continues to volunteer with initiatives such as the People’s Voice Theater which works with young women in the juvenile justice system on the explorative power of writing, as well as several other organizations that support first-generation college students at UCSB and UCLA. He is grateful to be a part of The Unusual Suspects and to continue to make an impact in the communities we serve.

Associate Director of Community Partnerships

Sandy Masciarelli

Sandy Masciarelli holds a BA in Theatre from the University of Southern California and brings over a decade of experience in school and district partnerships. Her career has spanned both corporate and education sectors, leading retention and partnership efforts with districts of all sizes from small, rural schools to major districts such as LAUSD and San Diego Unified. A former high school theatre educator, Sandy helped develop a Theatre Arts Career Pathway program, directed and produced numerous plays and musicals, and taught a wide range of performance and production classes. Her deep commitment to arts education extended beyond the classroom through volunteer work with several arts education nonprofits which ultimately guided her career transition into the nonprofit sector. Today, Sandy draws on her partnerships expertise to support the growth and impact of The Unusual Suspects. She is passionate about expanding access to transformative arts experiences for young people and is proud to be part of a team creating meaningful change in the communities they serve.

Manager of Curriculum & Implementation

Arcadia Eckmayer

Arcadia Eckmayer is a passionate arts advocate and Southern California native. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a BA in Social Welfare and minors in Theatre and Education. While she first engaged with theatre via acting, she quickly grew impassioned about theatre education and its intersections with social justice. She began her work as a Student Ambassador with Center Theatre Group and later served as an Intern at the San Francisco Opera.

Bilingual Program Coordinator

Kristian Guerra

Kristian Guerra (he/him) is a queer, Latine creative dedicated to uplifting young people and creating inclusive spaces rooted in cultural awareness and care. As a former participant at LA Art Division, a nonprofit supporting underserved youth in the arts, he brings a personal understanding of the transformative impact these programs can have. Now, as Bilingual Program Coordinator at The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company, he helps ensure access, representation, and community connection remain at the heart of the work. Kristian holds a BA in Graphic Design and Visual Communication with a minor in Marketing from Cal State LA, and brings a blend of creativity and compassion to everything he does. A proud first-generation college graduate, he’s passionate about using the arts to inspire confidence and lasting change.

Chief Executive Officer

Abiram Brizuela
Chief Operating Officer

Michael Halpin
Chief Advancement Officer

Nick Williams
Program Director

Joe Samaniego
Director of Communications

Angie Lee
Institutional Giving Manager

Rachel Reed
Manager of Curriculum & Implementation

Arcadia Eckmayer
Manager of Community Partnerships

Sierra Marcks-O’Neill
Bilingual Program Coordinator

Kristian Guerra
Associate Director of Community Partnerships

Sandy Masciarelli
Content Creation Intern

Dekland Jones

Chief Executive Officer

Abiram Brizuela

Abiram Brizuela is a Venezuelan-born arts executive and a multidisciplinary artist whose work straddles theater, film, music, and themed entertainment. Before joining The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company as its Executive Director, Abiram served as Director of Artist Community at the Sundance Institute, overseeing a community of over 20,000 independent artists emerging from the world-famous Sundance Film Festival as well as the institute’s ongoing programs, grants, and funds.

Since 2007, Abiram has worked as a Director and Composer on more than 30 international productions, including Wartime Stories to Sleep in Peace by Karin Valecillos, winner of the Municipal Theatre Award for Best Original Score in 2008, and an ambitious adaptation of Jules Verne’s Journey To The Center Of The Earth, winner of three Municipal Theatre Awards for Best Director, Best Original Score, and Best Children’s Play in 2010.

Since relocating to the United States in 2010, Abiram has led multiple arts education programs, including Miami Music Project, MusicWorks, and The Harmony Project, has served as an advisor and keynote speaker for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and El Sistema USA and continues his support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the arts through his work with Peter Golub at the Film Music Lab as well as Antigravity Academy with actor Kelly Marie Tran and Academy Award nominee, Carlos Lopez Estrada.

Chief Operating Officer

Michael Halpin

Michael has been a longtime supporter of The Unusual Suspects and has a fierce belief that the arts are an important piece in a child’s development of confidence, collaboration, and success – no matter where their future takes them. For many years he has been involved in the Los Angeles arts community as an actor, singer, and long ago, a dancer. Michael has also been active, as a volunteer, with the non-profit organizations; Hearts In Motion and Meals on Wheels.

His business background comes with more than 20 years’ experience in Operations and Facility Management, and he is a certified LEED AP (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design). He began his career as general manager of a wholesale bread manufacturing company where he was eventually promoted to VP of Operations, then moved to a software telecommunications company, and recently worked at a global, commercial real estate organization. Joining The Unusual Suspects is the perfect place to share his passion for the arts and experience in business management.

Chief Advancement Officer

Nick Williams

Nick Williams is an actor, producer, and proud father. He was store director at Hollywood Video’s flagship store in Los Angeles and is the former art board President at Theatre of NOTE in Hollywood, where he still acts on a regular basis. Some of his recent performances at NOTE include Rio Hondo, Entropy (Scenie Award), I Wanna Hold Your Hand (two Scenies Awards), What May Fall (Broadway World Awards nomination), The Pity of Things (two Broadway World Awards nominations), Skeleton Stories, Nibbler and Kill Me, Deadly (Ticket Holder Awards’ Best Supporting Actor nomination). Among several non-NOTE performances in Los Angeles, his portrayal of Chris Keller in All My Sons at the Raven Playhouse was recognized for “Best Performance by a Lead Actor / Drama” (Stage Scene LA). He holds a BA in Acting from Willamette University. Nick has worked in Development for The Unusual Suspects since 2012 and is honored to play a small role in bringing the transformative power of theatre to our most underserved communities.

Program Director

Joe Samaniego

Joe Samaniego holds a BFA in Acting from UC Santa Barbara, an MFA in Playwriting from UCLA, and a Diploma in DEIA Leadership from Stanford. As a playwright, his plays have been published through Samuel French and have premiered on stages such as The Rattlestick Theater in NYC, Aspen Playwright’s Festival, as well as several National and International tours. With a passion for the community-building and transformative potential of the arts, Joe has worked for the better part of the last decade educating and building curriculum to inspire and empower young people, and to create a more equitable landscape in arts education.

He most recently held the role of Director of Education where he served hundreds of students to create individualized learning plans and help close educational gaps caused by Covid-19 learning loss and subsequent resource scarcity. He continues to volunteer with initiatives such as the People’s Voice Theater which works with young women in the juvenile justice system on the explorative power of writing, as well as several other organizations that support first-generation college students at UCSB and UCLA. He is grateful to be a part of The Unusual Suspects and to continue to make an impact in the communities we serve.

Director of Communications

Angie Lee

Angie Lee is the Director of Communications at The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company. With over a decade of experience in marketing and advertising, she has led award-winning social campaigns for clients including Amazon Prime Video, Disney, and public sector agencies. Beyond her professional work, Angie has dedicated her skills to nonprofit initiatives, including co-founding an international volunteer-run medical clinic that offers free services and launching a local zine fair that provides emerging artists with a platform to share their work. Across all her projects, she is passionate about storytelling, the arts, and creating accessible community spaces both online and offline.

Institutional Giving Manager

Rachel Reed

Rachel has worked with USTC off and on since 2019, and is grateful for the renewed opportunity to generate resources for USTC’s programs and demonstrate the organization’s impact on emerging artists and communities. Hailing from a family of educators, musicians, and writers, Rachel believes in the power of the arts to enhance individual and social flourishing. She is not as pretentious as she sounds.

A combination of idealism, pragmatism, and inertia has kept Rachel in the nonprofit sector for over 15 years. As a consultant, Rachel collaborates with nonprofits to identify their value, hone their messaging, and improve their fundraising and evaluation capacity. She has a BA in Anthropology from Reed College and an MA in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago, and has taught the Grant Writing Practicum for USC Price School’s Masters of Nonprofit Leadership and Management program since 2021.

An aspiring novelist, Rachel has written books since 1994, but has yet to finish one. She is in perpetual pursuit of more reading time. Sometimes she sings and dances like it’s 1937, and she can probably beat you at pool.

Manager of Curriculum & Implementation

Arcadia Eckmayer

Arcadia Eckmayer is a passionate arts advocate and Southern California native. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a BA in Social Welfare and minors in Theatre and Education. While she first engaged with theatre via acting, she quickly grew impassioned about theatre education and its intersections with social justice. She began her work as a Student Ambassador with Center Theatre Group and later served as an Intern at the San Francisco Opera.

Manager of Community Partnerships

Sierra Marcks-O’Neill

Sierra Marcks-O’Neill is a theatremaker, voice actor, and mother. She serves on the Board of Directors for Theatre of Note and has performed there, as well as numerous other theatres in NYC and LA. Her passion is working on new plays and being a part of the development process for new theatre works. She received her BFA in Acting from Marymount Manhattan College and holds a Bookkeeping Certificate from Santa Monica College.

Bilingual Program Coordinator

Kristian Guerra

Kristian Guerra (he/him) is a queer, Latine creative dedicated to uplifting young people and creating inclusive spaces rooted in cultural awareness and care. As a former participant at LA Art Division, a nonprofit supporting underserved youth in the arts, he brings a personal understanding of the transformative impact these programs can have. Now, as Bilingual Program Coordinator at The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company, he helps ensure access, representation, and community connection remain at the heart of the work. Kristian holds a BA in Graphic Design and Visual Communication with a minor in Marketing from Cal State LA, and brings a blend of creativity and compassion to everything he does. A proud first-generation college graduate, he’s passionate about using the arts to inspire confidence and lasting change.

Associate Director of Community Partnerships

Sandy Masciarelli

Sandy Masciarelli holds a BA in Theatre from the University of Southern California and brings over a decade of experience in school and district partnerships. Her career has spanned both corporate and education sectors, leading retention and partnership efforts with districts of all sizes from small, rural schools to major districts such as LAUSD and San Diego Unified. A former high school theatre educator, Sandy helped develop a Theatre Arts Career Pathway program, directed and produced numerous plays and musicals, and taught a wide range of performance and production classes. Her deep commitment to arts education extended beyond the classroom through volunteer work with several arts education nonprofits which ultimately guided her career transition into the nonprofit sector. Today, Sandy draws on her partnerships expertise to support the growth and impact of The Unusual Suspects. She is passionate about expanding access to transformative arts experiences for young people and is proud to be part of a team creating meaningful change in the communities they serve.

Content Creation Intern

Dekland Jones

Dekland Jones is the Content Creation Intern, currently completing his B.A. in Dramatic Arts at the University of Southern California. He previously worked as a filmmaker for the Young Actors’ Theatre Camp, as well as the assistant editor and digital imaging technician on two feature films. He has also worked on numerous multimedia projects for artists such as Nick Cannon, Kevin Olusola, and Taylor Black.

FOUNDER

Laura Leigh Hughes, Actor & Philanthropist

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Board Chair

Lynnette Ramirez
Board Vice Chair

Chris Quintos Cathcart
Board Member

Katja Amirkhanian
Board Member

Amanda Brown

Board Chair

Lynnette Ramirez

President of Bassett Vance Productions, Lynnette is focused on identifying and developing film and television projects with a strong emphasis on BIPOC voices both in front and behind the camera. Named 40 Under 40 Class by Multichannel News, Lynnette Ramirez is a visionary leader with over 20 years of success in the field of entertainment. Most recently Lynnette served as senior development executive for 20k, a CBS Television Studios Co. Prior to that was consulting at Very Tall Productions, producers of the Facebook Watch award-winning series, “Red Table Talk.” From 2012 to 2016, Lynnette was the SVP of Original Content for Fuse Media. In this role, she oversaw all new and returning series for the network – including Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce, Fluffy Breaks Even, and Transcendent – as well as additional programming from Jennifer Lopez, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias.

Ms. Ramirez began her career in development with Sean Connery’s Fountainbridge Films, and in 2002, she launched Vida Films, an independent film production company that produced two independent features: The Blue Hour, starring Emily Rios and Alyssa Milano and 2Days starring Paul Rudd. In 2007 Lynnette became SVP of development and production for George Lopez Presents. During her tenure with Lopez, she produced several projects including the Nickelodeon hit original movie, Mr. Troop Mom. Lynnette graduated from the Loyola Marymount University screenwriting undergrad program. She’s also a writer, has had a popular ‘Hollywood themed’ blog, written and sold romantic comedy screenplays.

Board Vice Chair

Chris Quintos Cathcart

Board Member

Katja Amirkhanian

Board Member

Amanda Brown

Board Treasurer

Grace Del Val
Board Secretary

Melissa Srbinovich
Board Member

John Freeland Jr.

Board Treasurer

Grace Del Val

President of Bassett Vance Productions, Lynnette is focused on identifying and developing film and television projects with a strong emphasis on BIPOC voices both in front and behind the camera. Named 40 Under 40 Class by Multichannel News, Lynnette Ramirez is a visionary leader with over 20 years of success in the field of entertainment. Most recently Lynnette served as senior development executive for 20k, a CBS Television Studios Co. Prior to that was consulting at Very Tall Productions, producers of the Facebook Watch award-winning series, “Red Table Talk.” From 2012 to 2016, Lynnette was the SVP of Original Content for Fuse Media. In this role, she oversaw all new and returning series for the network – including Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce, Fluffy Breaks Even, and Transcendent – as well as additional programming from Jennifer Lopez, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias.

Ms. Ramirez began her career in development with Sean Connery’s Fountainbridge Films, and in 2002, she launched Vida Films, an independent film production company that produced two independent features: The Blue Hour, starring Emily Rios and Alyssa Milano and 2Days starring Paul Rudd. In 2007 Lynnette became SVP of development and production for George Lopez Presents. During her tenure with Lopez, she produced several projects including the Nickelodeon hit original movie, Mr. Troop Mom. Lynnette graduated from the Loyola Marymount University screenwriting undergrad program. She’s also a writer, has had a popular ‘Hollywood themed’ blog, written and sold romantic comedy screenplays.

Board Secretary

Melissa Srbinovich

Board Member

John Freeland Jr.

Began working with youth in the arts in 1978 with The Oddfellows Playhouse in his hometown of Middletown, CT. Since moving to Los Angeles in 1980, he worked as a teaching artist and mentor for youth in middle schools, high schools and youth incarcerated in the juvenile justice system, assisting them in acting, writing to performing what they’ve written by using theatre games and improv techniques.

It was in 1995 John was working as a teaching artist/mentor with an organization that is now known as The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company. Several youth programs John has worked with include Summer Night Lights. Selected as one of eight artists to participate in the pilot program for The City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD).

John has appeared in t.v., films and many stage productions. He worked as a Production Stage Manager for various theatre’s, theatre festivals, music festivals, and dance companies in the United States and Europe. John studied theatre at Wesleyan University. And is former Adjunct Professor at Cal Poly Pomona College, Production Manager, Department of Theatre and New Dance. John is honored to be on the board of The Unusual Suspects.

Board Chair

Lynnette Ramirez
Board Vice Chair

Chris Quintos Cathcart
Board Treasurer

Grace Del Val
Board Secretary

Melissa Srbinovich
Board Member

Katja Amirkhanian
Board Member

Amanda Brown
Board Member

John Freeland Jr.

Board Chair

Lynnette Ramirez

President of Bassett Vance Productions, Lynnette is focused on identifying and developing film and television projects with a strong emphasis on BIPOC voices both in front and behind the camera. Named 40 Under 40 Class by Multichannel News, Lynnette Ramirez is a visionary leader with over 20 years of success in the field of entertainment. Most recently Lynnette served as senior development executive for 20k, a CBS Television Studios Co. Prior to that was consulting at Very Tall Productions, producers of the Facebook Watch award-winning series, “Red Table Talk.” From 2012 to 2016, Lynnette was the SVP of Original Content for Fuse Media. In this role, she oversaw all new and returning series for the network – including Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce, Fluffy Breaks Even, and Transcendent – as well as additional programming from Jennifer Lopez, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias.

Ms. Ramirez began her career in development with Sean Connery’s Fountainbridge Films, and in 2002, she launched Vida Films, an independent film production company that produced two independent features: The Blue Hour, starring Emily Rios and Alyssa Milano and 2Days starring Paul Rudd. In 2007 Lynnette became SVP of development and production for George Lopez Presents. During her tenure with Lopez, she produced several projects including the Nickelodeon hit original movie, Mr. Troop Mom. Lynnette graduated from the Loyola Marymount University screenwriting undergrad program. She’s also a writer, has had a popular ‘Hollywood themed’ blog, written and sold romantic comedy screenplays.

Board Vice Chair

Chris Quintos Cathcart

Board Treasurer

Grace Del Val

President of Bassett Vance Productions, Lynnette is focused on identifying and developing film and television projects with a strong emphasis on BIPOC voices both in front and behind the camera. Named 40 Under 40 Class by Multichannel News, Lynnette Ramirez is a visionary leader with over 20 years of success in the field of entertainment. Most recently Lynnette served as senior development executive for 20k, a CBS Television Studios Co. Prior to that was consulting at Very Tall Productions, producers of the Facebook Watch award-winning series, “Red Table Talk.” From 2012 to 2016, Lynnette was the SVP of Original Content for Fuse Media. In this role, she oversaw all new and returning series for the network – including Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce, Fluffy Breaks Even, and Transcendent – as well as additional programming from Jennifer Lopez, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias.

Ms. Ramirez began her career in development with Sean Connery’s Fountainbridge Films, and in 2002, she launched Vida Films, an independent film production company that produced two independent features: The Blue Hour, starring Emily Rios and Alyssa Milano and 2Days starring Paul Rudd. In 2007 Lynnette became SVP of development and production for George Lopez Presents. During her tenure with Lopez, she produced several projects including the Nickelodeon hit original movie, Mr. Troop Mom. Lynnette graduated from the Loyola Marymount University screenwriting undergrad program. She’s also a writer, has had a popular ‘Hollywood themed’ blog, written and sold romantic comedy screenplays.

Board Secretary

Melissa Srbinovich

Board Member

Katja Amirkhanian

Board Member

Amanda Brown

Board Member

John Freeland Jr.

Began working with youth in the arts in 1978 with The Oddfellows Playhouse in his hometown of Middletown, CT. Since moving to Los Angeles in 1980, he worked as a teaching artist and mentor for youth in middle schools, high schools and youth incarcerated in the juvenile justice system, assisting them in acting, writing to performing what they’ve written by using theatre games and improv techniques.

It was in 1995 John was working as a teaching artist/mentor with an organization that is now known as The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company. Several youth programs John has worked with include Summer Night Lights. Selected as one of eight artists to participate in the pilot program for The City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD).

John has appeared in t.v., films and many stage productions. He worked as a Production Stage Manager for various theatre’s, theatre festivals, music festivals, and dance companies in the United States and Europe. John studied theatre at Wesleyan University. And is former Adjunct Professor at Cal Poly Pomona College, Production Manager, Department of Theatre and New Dance. John is honored to be on the board of The Unusual Suspects.

ADVISORY BOARD

Shawn Amos, Music Producer, Singer-Songwriter

Tameka Carter, USTC Alumni 

Sally Fairman, Former Executive Director of USTC 

Annabeth Gish, Actor

Bradford Bancroft, Licensed Therapist & Actor

Ed Coghlan, Senior Corporate Communications Executive

Markese Freeman,Youth Advocate & Senior Detention Officer

Rachel Goldberg, Award-Winning Writer & Director

Laura Leigh Hughes, Actor & Founder of USTC

Sydney Kamlager-Dove, 37th District Congresswoman 

Annie Lukowski, Writer & Director 

Johnny Ortiz, USTC Alumni & Actor

David Henry Hwang, American Playwright, Librettist, Screenwriter, & Theatre Professor

Deborah Lintz, Partner at Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole LLP

Lara Magnusen, Portfolio Strategist and Portfolio Manager at Altegris Advisors

Luis J. Rodriguez, Writer & Co-Founder of Tía Chucha Press

Elizabeth Silver, Author

Julie Tugend, Writer & Executive Coach

Kirsten Vangsness, Actor

LAURA LEIGH HUGHES

Laura Leigh Hughes is the founder of The Unusual Suspects.  An actress for more than 20 years, having acted in dozens of television and film productions including Rizzoli & Isles, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Mentalist and CSI, Laura Leigh served as The Unusual Suspects’ executive director for 10 years. She then moved on to become a board member and served in that capacity for six years. Today, she continues to promote and support The Unusual Suspects while she focuses on her acting career and raising her daughter, Maleigha. She graduated from UCLA with a BA degree in Sociology.