Tell us a little bit about you and your background.

I was born and raised on Long Island, and after high school, I moved to Orlando to study Computer Animation at Full Sail University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree. I’ve been working in 3D animation for about eight years now, but art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I drew constantly as a kid and spent years as a traditional artist before pivoting into digital and 3D work during college.

Before joining One River, I was working full-time in management in Florida, but I returned to Long Island to spend more time working directly in the arts. I’ve now been with One River for about six months as a Director, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to combine my love for art with a leadership role that supports creativity in others.

Outside of work, I’m a huge animation fan and lifelong lover of comics. Batman is my all-time favorite hero. I also build and modify 3D printers to create superhero cosplay pieces; it’s a way I get to blend technical problem-solving with my creative side. My love for animation was sparked early when my dad introduced me to the Max Fleischer Superman films. The painterly beauty of those shorts blew me away. Later on, The Iron Giant was the first film that truly made me cry, and showed me just how powerful animation can be as a storytelling medium.    

What attracted you to work at One River School?

What really drew me in was the school’s commitment to contemporary art; focusing on the artists creating work today, not just the historical canon. That approach felt refreshing, current, and deeply meaningful.

I was also blown away by the digital art program. One River gives students access to professional-grade XP-Pen tablets and industry-standard software, along with expert instructors to guide them. That kind of hands-on access is incredibly rare for young artists, and I knew I wanted to be part of a place that took digital arts that seriously.

When I first walked into the space, I remember thinking, “I wish this existed when I was a kid.” 

How would you describe your team?

We have a small team, but they’re incredibly passionate. Not just about art, but about our students as well. One of the things I admire most is how intentional everyone is about making students feel like this is their space. There’s a warmth and openness in the studio that doesn’t happen by accident. It’s something the team has really fostered through their kindness, support, and commitment to creating a space where students feel seen and comfortable expressing themselves.

It’s a great balance of talent and heart, and I feel lucky to work alongside people who care this much.

What do you think we do best at One River?

I think One River does an incredible job of making art education feel current, exciting, and relevant. We focus on contemporary artists. People who are actively creating and shaping culture right now, which gives our students a real connection to the world of art as it exists today.

But just as importantly, we create an environment where art feels fun and social. Students aren’t just learning techniques; they’re making friends, collaborating, and building a sense of belonging. I’ve heard from so many parents that their child is genuinely excited to come to class and that they feel comfortable being themselves here. That’s a huge part of what makes this place so special.

Is there a special One River moment that stands out for you?

One moment that really stands out to me is watching one of our adult students, Ron, experienced a wave of well-deserved recognition during our Spring Show. Ron is a humble, soft-spoken person who doesn’t often praise his own work, but his dove painting was an absolute standout. It’s still displayed in our gallery, and we’ve had multiple people ask about it and share how deeply they connected with it.

I don’t think Ron fully realized how talented he was until he saw and heard that response from others. Watching him take that in and seeing his quiet pride grow from genuine appreciation was incredibly rewarding. It was a reminder of how powerful this space can be for helping artists of all ages discover something new about themselves.

Who or what motivates you? 

My students motivate me the most. I want to make sure they’re having the best possible experience every time they walk through our doors. I didn’t have a place like One River growing up, and that’s something I think about a lot. It pushes me to make sure we’re not just teaching art, we’re creating a space where students feel supported, seen, and inspired.

What do you enjoy outside of One River?

Outside of work, I’m usually building something. Whether it’s woodworking, 3D printing, or crafting cosplay pieces. I also try to animate as much as I can in my free time. I love exploring new software and techniques, and lately I’ve been experimenting with recreating different art styles using Blender, one of my favorite 3D tools.

I think that what I value most is time with family. Every Sunday, I cook family dinner at my Nonna’s house. It’s something I look forward to each week. She taught me that food is one of the most powerful ways to connect and show people you care, and I try to carry that same energy into everything I do.