Hi. I’m Dana. Welcome to my website.
I am a New York City-based actor and writer who grew up in northern California.
Take a peek around and learn more about me.
Here’s where I’m coming from.
My Background
I grew up in Northern California where my favorite activities were going to the movies with my great Aunt Putty, and swimming at the community pool with my friends. I moved to New York City after college, and have been there ever since.
I have worked in New York Theater, film & television — including the acclaimed Off-Broadway production of Our Town directed by David Cromer. I wrote, produced, and performed in Fall Risk — a solo show chronicling my recovery from a Traumatic Brain Injury sustained in a cycling accident in Prospect Park — that’s been performed for doctors and residents at NYU Langone and received the inaugural Penny Marshall Award from the Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS).
A perfect day is walking out of my apartment building and exploring the city without an agenda or a schedule. Just letting the city guide me.
My Training
I am always in a class! I love being a student, and have studied with amazing teachers . I earned my BA in Theater degree at UC Irvine, and my MFA at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University.
My Philosophy
I believe that story telling can heal people. Ever since I can remember, I have turned to stories for comfort, guidance, and hope.
In 2011, I was hit by a bicyclist in Prospect Park and found myself with all kinds of injuries, including a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). I believe my training as a storyteller and the theater community saved my life. I created a one person show , Fall Risk, that shared my experience of healing from this accident, and had the opportunity to perform for TBI survivors and their caregivers, and doctors and residents at NYU Langone. I experienced first hand the healing power of sharing my stories with others, and this is what keeps me going.
Right now, I work as a program manager at NACTO, a non-profit membership organization, that supports cities with designing safe, equitable, sustainable street design and policies. I oversee a national conference where city practitioners meet to share their stories about their work, and I am learning every day how to create safe, inclusive spaces where people can learn and connect.
Intrigued?
