MEET OUR TEAM
Artistic Director & Head of Corporate Partnerships
Rachael is a Chicago-based actor and teacher. She is passionate about utilizing the power of the arts to enact meaningful societal change, and has been on the leadership team of The Outer Loop since its inception.
Rachael holds an MFA in Acting from Northern Illinois University, a BA in Theater from SUNY Brockport, and is a graduate of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting Conservatory program in New York City. Rachael also partners with large organizations as a Facilitator for Leadership Development programming, in which she utilizes applied theater techniques to drive meaningful organizational culture change. She is a proud member of Actor's Equity Association & represented by Big Mouth Talent.
Secretly Rachael wishes she was a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.
Director of Marketing & Inner Enso Facilitator
Melissa is a DC-based actress and creator. She recently graduated from Eastern Washington University with her B.A. in Musical Theater and is looking forward to pursuing acting post-college. Melissa is excited for how working with The Outer Loop will build her knowledge around new play development and marketing in a theater setting.
Melissa's favorite sushi roll is called The Kyle and she enjoys finding new competitors for it as often as possible.
Tiffani is a New York-based performer, playwright, and director. She has been in love with the performing arts since before she could walk.
Tiffani holds a B.S. in Advertising & Marketing Communications from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and is a graduate of the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City.
If napping was an Olympic sport, she would be a repeat gold medalist.
Artistic Associate & MoonCatcher Liaison
Founder & Managing Director
Michael is a Chicago-based director, playwright and teacher. He loves nothing more than watching a new play come to life, while increasing access to the arts.
Michael studied Architecture at The Cooper Union, holds undergraduate degrees in Theater and English from The State University of New York at Brockport, and an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University.
Music is the answer.
Humanity Project Director, Tanzania Operations
Samwel is the Founder and CEO of Supreme Tanzania Safaris, one of the top tour organizers and safari companies in Tanzania.
In addition to being a guide himself, Samwel also runs the day to day operations of STS, as well as all Tanzania-based Humanity Project operations.
You will not find a kinder and more generous human anywhere.
Director of Education, Tanzania Operations
Jackson Kain Kibona is a Tanzanian actor, screenwriter, and film producer. He holds advanced certificates in acting for film and scriptwriting from The Tanzania Film Training Center. Jackson is also a huge fan of movies, music, and soccer.
His hobbies include reading and listening.
Humanity Project Manager, Zanzibar & Italy Operations
In addition to managing The Outer Loop's Humanity Project operations in Tanzania, Jackie is also the Founder and CEO of Timiza Designs, a Tanzanian brand based in Zanzibar. She also holds a certificate in filmmaking and costume design from TaSuBa College of Art.
Jackie's passions include acting, directing and being a mom.
Humanity Project Manager, Tanzania Operations
Patrick is a civil engineer and an agriculturist in Mloka, Tanzania. He is also the project manager for all Outer Loop and Humanity Project activities in the Selous Region.
In addition to handling all of The Outer Loop's Tanzania-based projects, Patrick can show you some pretty amazing card tricks.
President: michael herman
Vice President: rachael yoder
Secretary: Brian Zorn
Treasurer: Karen Herman
Board Member: Elizabeth Berl
Board Member: Sandra Mantione
Board Member: Lea-Beth Shapiro
Board Member: Rob Radest
Board Member: Maura Duff
Board Member: Diane Lent
Board Member: Mary Anne Buckley
Board Member: Denise Hubler
Board Member: Ian Durham
Honorary Board Member: Asha Dibuga
Honorary Board Member: Patrick Santa