Support Staff / Collaborating Artists

Listed in alphabetical order:

John Angeles | Choreographer
John first joined the Express Yourself performance in 2015 as part of the collaboration with STOMP. John has performed with various percussion groups and bands, and has toured the world doing performances and clinics.

Jim Bridges | Musician
Jim, a guitarist and vocalist, is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He has performed and worked with EXYO youth in every show since 1995. As a musician he has performed throughout Europe and the U.S., including appearances at the Newport Jazz Festival, the Village Vanguard, Berlin Jazz Festival, Barcelona JazzFest, Sevilla Jazz Festival, and many other venues.

Bobbie Bush | Photographer
Since 1999, she has been documenting Express Yourself youth in performance and has been creating photo collages for our non-profit organization. As a professional photographer for the past 17 years, she specializes in portraits, which genuinely capture the natural expressions of her subjects.

Mike Dean | Photographer
Mike Dean, an editorial photographer and videographer based north of Boston, first photographed the Express Yourself performance in 2014. Mike’s work has been recognized by the Associated Press, the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), the New England Newspaper Association (NENA), and Sportsshooter.com.

Roger Farrington | Communications Consultant, Publicity Photographer
Specializing in public relations strategies for non-profit organizations, Roger Farrington has worked with Express Yourself since 1995. Farrington has generated extensive media coverage for the annual productions at Boch Center – Wang and Shubert Theatres. His work appears regularly in The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, Boston Magazine, Boston Common and all Greater Boston print and online media.

Kara Fili | Choreographer
In 2004, Kara Fili joined the Express Yourself team as an Endicott Intern, later taught dance and returned yearly as a guest artist. She loves using movement to empower individuals and communities locally and currently teaches our youth in an inpatient setting. Currently, she is a company member of Benkadi Drum and Dance, Danza Orgánica, and other troupes.

Cammie Griffin | Choreographer
Cammie first joined the Express Yourself performance in 2009 as part of the collaboration with STOMP. Since then, she has returned each year for artist residencies and performance participation as a guest artist. Cammie is an International performer, Guest Choreographer, and Dancer with STOMP Tour.

Wannetta Jackson | Musician
Since 2006, Wannetta Jackson has been a mainstay for Express Yourself performances and at special fundraising events where she is a favorite. A jazz and gospel singer, Wannetta attended Berklee College of Music and has performed and led workshops for Express Yourself youth at the studio.

Matt Jenson | Musician
Matt holds a master’s degree in jazz composition and performance from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston and street training in a variety of music styles including blues, jazz, and Afro-Cuban styles. He joined EXYO in 2006 and has been a mainstay at performances and fundraisers. Currently he teaches at Berklee College of Music in the piano department.

Shayla Kaufmann | Visual Arts, Collaborating Artist
Since 2004, Shayla has participated with Express Yourself as teacher and as artist collaborator in outside settings. She spearheaded the Peabody Essex Museum collaboration with EXYO youth and recently completed her master’s degree at Boston University, examining the impact of art museum experiences on youth from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Barbara Keiter | Visual Artist
Since 2000, Barbara served as the visual arts director, collaborating with the visual arts team to create the set design.  The set design incorporates the work of all the Express Yourself youth, teaching, and guest artists. With a BFA from Syracuse University, Barbara has also worked as an illustrator and decorative painter. Barbara was involved in teaching, inspiring and creating the spectacular set each year for Express Yourself’s performances.  In May 2017, Barbara announced her retirement and will continue to help transition the visual arts team.

Richard P. King | Storyteller
Richard is a graduate of Salem State University with a degree in theatre/education, and he earned an MFA in theater for youth from Arizona State University. He is thrilled to return for his 16th year working with the Express Yourself team. He has taught theater for over 20 years and currently serves as fine arts curriculum coordinator for the Newton Public Schools.

Lorraine LeBlanc | Choreographer
Lorraine pioneered the STOMP collaboration with Express Yourself in 2002, and has since inspired other STOMPers from London and the National Tour to join our performances each year. She is a choreographer, teacher, and performer who has appeared internationally in musicals and dance companies including STOMP and Lost and Found Orchestra, and she has choreographed for films, video. and various productions.

James Maroney | Videography
James is an Emmy Award-winning videographer who has been shooting and editing for more than 30 years.  He has been with Express Yourself since 1996, producing and creating the videos that document our process and performance. In addition, James produces videos for business websites, historical documentaries, and various non-profit educational programs.

Syd Smart | Musician
Syd is a percussionist and has performed in all 20 Express Yourself performances at the Boch Center. He also serves as a board member. Syd uses music to create community locally and abroad and was a co-founder of the Annual John Coltrane Memorial Concert Series. He is one of the original Express Yourself cast members.

Neil Wilkins | Visual Arts, Collaborating Artist
Neil holds a BFA from Montserrat College of Art, and a master’s in special education and a master’s in fine art from Salem State College. In 1988, Neil taught visual arts at Express Yourself and has returned each year as a guest artist. Neil is a practicing visual artist inspired by his experience with Express Yourself youth, and he has been teaching in the Haverhill Public Schools alternative program since 2002.

Wesley Wirth | Musician
Since 2003,Wes has been performing with Express Yourself youth. He works professionally as a music educator/performer/composer while also running a thriving landscape architectural design firm. He holds an undergraduate degree in performance and composition from the New England Conservatory as well as two master’s degrees from Harvard University in landscape architecture and planning. Currently he is on the faculty of the New England Conservatory and continues to support Express Yourself in events and in the studio.