Cindy Badon grew up in youth and community theatre as a child in Shreveport, Louisiana from the age of 8 until 18. Though she dabbled in performing arts as a young adult, she never found the opportunity to rediscover her love of theatre except by channeling her inner thespian in an elementary inclusion classroom.
After her second son was born and diagnosed with a disability, she left the classroom and focused on her son’s therapy and medical needs She also has run a nonprofit focused on the needs of the disability community since moving to Frisco in 2009.
In 2017, that same son was the reason she came to NTPA. Having heard that NTPA felt that everyone deserved time in the spotlight, they attended a workshop production. Her son has thrived in the Starcatchers Troupe, and Cindy is thrilled with the fact that her whole family has become involved with NTPA.
Cindy also participates in both community theatre productions and as a voice actor in Deaf Theatre. She also enjoys show managing for Starcatcher productions. She hopes to find other ways to serve NTPA during her time on the executive board.
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. She is the mother of a young adult with special needs and for several years after moving to Texas in 2007, she was on the board of the Lewisville ISD Special Education PTSA. She also has a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and works part-time in a clinic for school-aged children with special needs. Her son has been involved in the the Starcatchers’ program since 2018. She loves the opportunity this program provides for him to experience the arts, connect with peers, and develop new skills.
Bio and Headshot Coming Soon!
Mandy Dockweiler is a Starcatcher Sibling and Performance Partner Parent. She was first introduced to this troupe in the late 1990’s when her brother performed in his first show, a production of “Wizard of Oz,” and the whole family got hooked. Since then, she has recruited numerous students as well as her own two daughters to be Performance Partners. She has been on the Management Board since its inception in 2017. Professionally, Mandy has been an educator for over 25 years at a prominent high school for students with learning differences (LD) as an Instructor of Visual Art and American Sign Language. She has served as department chair, leadership team member, mentor teacher, and written extensive curriculum in both disciplines, including original annual theatrical performances by her ASL classes for elementary students. She taught baby sign language classes for many years, regularly provides ASL lessons to elementary classes, and leads the music crew for her church’s annual vacation bible school. Her interests include art, music, sports, volunteering, and spending time with her family. She is passionate about the therapeutic benefits of the arts and the beautiful language of ASL, and loves to help others find their inner artist.
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.
Tim Krauss has worked in Information Technology for 30 Years. He and his son Nicholas were invited to a Starcatchers Rockstars show and he wanted to join. Tim volunteered as a show manager and their family has been involved with Starcatchers ever since.
Kirk Schmidt has been trained to care for individual people with cognitive disabilities. He has volunteered with the Starcatchers since 2018.
Debbi Tank has been an active parent volunteer with the Starcatchers Troupe ever since her child discovered the joy and community that NTPA offers. Debbi has volunteered with various Women’s ministries, scout troops, and the Junior League of Collin County over the years. She is an advocate for accessibility for children and adults and for giving every person the opportunity for finding and reaching for their dreams. She is excited to help NTPA and specifically Starcatchers continue to grow and share the news about therapeutic arts and accessible theater.
Bio and Headshot Coming Soon!