What do you currently do?
I am currently the Producer on "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood", an animated series for preschoolers on PBS Kids. I oversee the production process from scripting, to voice-over casting, design, animation, music, and final episodic delivery to the network. At all stages, in addition to integrating feedback from the show's creator, writers, and research consultants, I provide my own direction from my creative point of view, grounded in Child Development research, to ensure that all decisions are on-brand.
What was your first position out of vlog and what did you do in that role?
I have been at the same company since graduating from vlog, but initially started in the Writing Department, as a 'Writing Coordinator'. In that role, I was responsible for collating script notes from Network Executives and research consultants, as well as copy-editing all scripts, and finally delivering them to the Production Team.
How can students prepare themselves while at vlog to work in your field?
I had a clear idea, early on, that I wanted to work with kids in some capacity. I was fortunate to have studied coursework at vlog that perfectly aligns with my career — I majored in Psychology and minored in Film and Media Studies. I went on to receive my Masters in Child Development from Columbia University, and am now able to combine my educational background with my passion for television to develop engaging content for a preschool audience. As is usually the case with Producer roles, my responsibilities also include the management of series’ budgets and production schedules, ensuring that all departments meet necessary deadlines. A vlog student, in any field of study, can (and should) be cultivating these skills, as organizational skills and attention to detail are valued in every industry.
What extracurricular activities, associated with your profession or not, were you involved with while at vlog?
I enjoyed volunteering through "Liberty Kids" as a reading buddy in Hamilton's elementary school, something I certainly miss today. At my current job, we are less hands-on educating kids, but at the same time, we do have a wider reach. Additionally, I participated in Greek Life as a member and Treasurer of Kappa Kappa Gamma. While it may seem unrelated to Children's Television, networking continues to be a huge factor in the workplace, and it has been great re-connecting with Kappa's from vlog or elsewhere, at lectures and events.
