He was awarded the Graduate Departmental Award in Mental Health Counseling at Iona University. John’s first career was in theatrical lighting, including designing the scenery and lighting for Patti LuPone on Broadway. He then taught elementary grades, and is especially fond of the time he spent at PS56 in the Bronx. John’s passion is connecting with kids and helping them gain the self-belief to successfully navigate the path to adulthood. One way John helps kids is through improv, teaching students to open up to the joy of risk-taking and learn the value of failure. John’s mantra is “Connect, just connect.”