Ruthanne’s children have performed at NTPA for 10 years. She has volunteered in several areas over those years & now gladly serves our special needs guests through the Starcatchers program. She works for our local school district in Special Needs and Behavioral Support, so this is an extension of what she does in her profession. She believes it is a privilege to work with these families and see the full potential of these students & young adults recognized through the variety of performing arts programs at NTPA.
Kerri has over 18 years of experience in financial, operational and human resource management, primarily in the professional services industry. She holds a CPA certification in Virginia and Georgia. She is the mother of a young adult with special needs and for several years after moving to Texas in 2007, she was on the board of the Lewisville ISD Special Education PTSA. She also has a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and works part-time in a clinic for school-aged children with special needs. Her son has been involved in the the Starcatchers’ program since 2018. She loves the opportunity this program provides for him to experience the arts, connect with peers, and develop new skills.
Kirk Schmidt has been trained to care for individual people with cognitive disabilities. He has volunteered with the Starcatchers since 2018.
Mandy Dockweiler is a Starcatcher Sibling and Performance Partner Parent. She was first introduced to this troupe in the late 1990’s when her brother performed in his first show, a production of “Wizard of Oz,” and the whole family got hooked. Since then, she has recruited numerous students as well as her own two daughters to be Performance Partners. She has been on the Management Board since its inception in 2017. Professionally, Mandy has been an educator for over 25 years at a prominent high school for students with learning differences (LD) as an Instructor of Visual Art and American Sign Language. She has served as department chair, leadership team member, mentor teacher, and written extensive curriculum in both disciplines, including original annual theatrical performances by her ASL classes for elementary students. She taught baby sign language classes for many years, regularly provides ASL lessons to elementary classes, and leads the music crew for her church’s annual vacation bible school. Her interests include art, music, sports, volunteering, and spending time with her family. She is passionate about the therapeutic benefits of the arts and the beautiful language of ASL, and loves to help others find their inner artist.
Lenora has been involved with NTPA Starcatcher’s upon the founding of its board in 2017. As a retired PISD teacher she brings 17 years teaching experience. She developed and wrtoe social skills curriculum which was heavily based on role playing/acting for special needs chilren. She feels acting gives children focus, and that theater is a place to explore and understand emotions. Her first exposure to Starchers was attending one of her former students’ plays where she was astounded with the high level of performance and most impressed with the intern program. NTPA Starcatchers provides opportunities for all participants, both actor and intern, to be stretched to his or her highest potential in a positvie inclusive setting. This program fosters a sense of belonging for performers, their families, and the community. These are the reasons for her involvement. Previouly, Lenora served on the Heritage Farmstead Board and was a Docent, in Bible Study Fellowship Leadership for 11 years, church women’s leadership, P.T.A., and Poineer Girls administration. She owned a fine Arts/Drama Preschool in Manama, Bahrain. She has a B.A. in Communications from University of North Texas. She has lived in Plano for 37 years with her husband, Monty. She has two married children and six grandchildren.
Eric has been an engineer in the semiconductor industry since 1997. He became associated with NTPA in 2012 in the Therapeutic Drama program when his son (Jake) signed up to perform. He has been volunteering with the Starcatchers ever since. Eric is now part of the Starcatchers board to help grow and promote such a valuable program for the special needs community.
Bio and Headshot Coming Soon!
Bio and Headshot Coming Soon!