Jovyn Anderson
Workshop Director, Director of Fall Play

In Jovyn’s own words, “While I was nervous about participating at first, I joined PACT in 2013 and haven’t looked back since. Upon doing this, not only did I gain many valuable skills in acting and theater, but also many friends. Like many of PACT’s students, I have autism. I love helping others to not only participate, but excel in our classes by helping them to find their true theatrical potential. I am an aspiring author and actor, and when I am not working or studying, I will likely be found rereading this very bio, looking for spelling mistakes and wondering what I could have done to make it more entertaining.” Jovyn recently studied for his Masters in Children’s Literature at Trinity College in Dublin.

Jacob Redmon
Workshop Director

Jacob Redmon was our first employee with autism. He began attending PACT workshops in 2009 and has grown into an outstanding a teacher and actor.

In Jacob’s own words, “I tend to describe myself as average, but that isn’t a bad thing. In fact, I feel it is very great. I felt growing up with some kind of developmental disability like autism would change me in a way that would isolate me more, impair my studies, or affect my career choices, but with the right guidance, I can safely say that is not the case. I recently graduated from California State San Marcos College.

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“I feel that I understand the issues as to why people have troubles with their work, become stressed, and have difficulty communicating their problems, all of which stem from analyzing the conditions of autism and how to express one’s true thoughts.

“Above all, however, I want to be a jovial sight to others and a friendly presence to those I consider friends. A fan of games of all types: video, board, word, and puzzle, I enjoy spending time with others in a setting where we are free to express ourselves. Having a younger sister who has a similar history with ADHD and other conditions has led me to become patient and willing to hear out issues, rather than blow up and force my hand. I much rather prefer the willingness of cooperation over getting my way, and I want people to know that.”

Kalea Cunningham
Workshop Director, Assistant Workshop Director 

In Kalea’s own words: I’ve been attending PACT for three years. When I began I was the only female participant! It was fun to make new friends and express myself through the games we played. I lost my stage fright and no longer fear singing in front of others. Gaining self-confidence has been a game changer. I look forward to guiding others with autism to be the best versions of themselves.”

Ian Chartier
Assistant Workshop Director 

In Ian’s own words: “I was diagnosed with Autism at a very young age. Because of that, I am very familiar with the struggle experienced by many folks on the spectrum to communicate and be understood in the way that they want. PACT provides folks like me not only a place to develop their own social and communication skills, but also the opportunity to be in a constructive social environment where students learn to work on finding common connection. I am an optimist, and despite challenges and setbacks, I hope to work in the technical, engineering or scientific field in the future, while also being honored and excited to be part of the theater.”