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.
Celebrating 31 wonderful years married to my sweet wife Abby who is an incredible mom to our two sons Michael and Matthew. I have been in private practice Optometry for 23 years in Dallas. Past President of Dallas County Optometric Society and enjoy cooking, exercising and spending time with the family. I see patients at Julia’s Center for Healthcare each month, a free clinic on Avenue K in Plano exclusively for patients without any form of health insurance. Starcatcher’s Theater has been an integral part of our son Michael’s enjoyment and happiness and we are grateful for this organization.
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. For several years after moving to Texas in 2007, she was on the board of the Lewisville ISD Special Education PTSA and has volunteered with other organizations serving the special needs community. Her son has recently become involved with the Starcatchers program. She is excited about the opportunity this program provides for him to experience the arts, connect with peers, and develop new skills.
Bio and Headshot Coming Soon!
I am proud and honored to be part of an incredible Starcatchers Board for over 3 years. I am a parent of a Starcatcher, and have had the pleasure of working with the amazing directors and board members.
I am on the AMPS committee as well as the Tech team for both virtual and live productions. I’ve learned so much through assisting with these productions and have found the experience so rewarding.
I am Sr. VP of Tech Support at a software company for over 20 years.
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.
Kirk Schmidt has been trained to care for individual people with cognitive disabilities. He has volunteered with the Starcatchers since 2018.
Bio and Headshot Coming Soon!