Maria Giarrizzo-Bartz is an experiential educator and curriculum designer with a passion for middle school. She holds a Master’s in Education from Harvard and a BFA from the University of Montana, where she was a Presidential Scholar and conducted research on the academic impact of theatre. From 2008 to 2016, she ran the drama program at The East Harlem School; there, she created and directed an interdisciplinary middle school drama curriculum and taught Math Lab. Prior to founding ATLAS, she designed experiential, project-based programming and curricula for AF Greenfield in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York. She has directed children’s theater productions for companies and schools across the nation. Leading ATLAS is a dream come true.

Kendall Driffin is a New Haven native and dedicated actor and theatre educator. She is a graduate of AMDA College of the Performing Arts. She marked her professional acting debut at the esteemed Long Wharf Theatre, a stepping stone to her subsequent performances with industry giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime. She has also performed in numerous theatre productions in New York City and Connecticut. Kendall's dedication to education is as strong as her passion for theater. She served as the Education and Community Engagement Associate at the historic Westport Country Playhouse, where she brought her unique blend of theatrical and educational expertise to the role. Her commitment to her students was further demonstrated in her role as a theater teacher at the Connecticut Center for Arts and Technology in New Haven, Connecticut, where she taught students from grades 5^th through 12^th. She also created and led drama therapy programs in New Haven public schools, focusing on Social and Emotional Learning through theatre arts.

Ariel Thorne is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, trauma-trained therapist, and child mental health expert who has provided therapeutic training and treatment to at-risk children and their caretakers for over a decade. Her expertise lies in creating a holistic culture of care for disenfranchised children through intensive work with those children and the adults who love them. Ariel’s educational background, professional journey and lived experience have equipped her with the skills and versatility necessary for effecting change for vulnerable children. Ariel is an expert at effectively fostering safe communities where there is an improved ability to meet the complex mental and emotional needs of young hearts.