As a result of our highly successful Fall 2016 Workshop, Hearts & Noses Hospital Clown Troupe identified several excellent prospects and decided to bring into the fold four new Clowns in Training. One clown, Diane Maraio, is returning to the Troupe. Additionally Katy Bland-Brooks, Sallie Banta and Michaela Murtagh are in various stages of our training process.
Meet Sallie Banta (aka Fidget) – Known to her young friends as Fidget – Sallie met Cheryl in 2014 when she visited her class ‘Clowning for Sociopolitical Change’ at Wheelock College. Sallie reminisces: “That was the day that I began to dream of being a hospital clown. After graduating from Wheelock, I began working with adults with autism, and kept in touch with Cheryl to find out when the next hospital clowning training would be. Working with people with autism has been a passion of mine for over 10 years. I am currently working with college students with autism at Landmark College in Putney, Vermont.”
And here’s Michaela Murtagh (aka YaYa) — Michaela grew up with civic-minded parents. She watched her mom volunteer for several organizations and she expected her kids to give back to the community. In college in Texas, Michaela mentored kids, taught exercise classes to adult women, and worked with the local community for social justice. Last year at an Improv class, she met Hearts & Noses clown Bonnie Greenberg who inspired her to take the Hearts & Noses Fall Workshop. She says, “I was fortunate to be invited to join and now I’m in training and trying to pick a perfect clown name.” Also, I’m studying Spanish via Skype with a Guatemalan teacher – and next month I’m taking my son to meet my teacher and practice what I’ve learned.” Michaela, who lives in Boston with her family, works in sales and marketing.
Introducing Katy Bland-Brooks (aka ‘Bumble’) — There’s nothing ‘bland’ about Katy Bland-Brooks! This former executive assistant who earned her BA in French Literature is a full-time mom to three children from kindergarten to high school — and a part time preschool gymnastics instructor.
“My kids love that I’m a clown and my very supportive spouse keeps me laughing,” Katy says. “Being a hospital clown is such a natural fit. I have enjoyed working and playing with kids, and now watching my own children as they grow. I appreciate children’s natural tendency to accept Clown World.
“Interest in Child Life at Wheelock College brought me to Boston. Meeting and marrying my husband brought me to parenting, which truly showed my silly side. Being able to hold the space for hospitalized children is a dream come true!” Among her other interests are reading, kitchen dance parties, meditation, and arts and crafts projects, especially decorating bird houses.
Katy says, “Working so consistently with children in all areas of my life has brought mindfulness front and center. Since the foundation of being a wonderful clown is being in the present moment, I’m grateful for lots of practice staying centered, and connecting with each child I encounter.”
And Diane Maraio (aka Georgia) — Our Troupe is excited to welcome Diane back after a too-long hiatus. Diane has been a nurse for 30 years and loves what she does. Between clowning, she also loves spending time with Joe, her husband of 38 years, their three sons, Joe, Greg and Mike – and, of course, her five grandchildren — Joey, Nico, Alessia, Michael and Christopher. Among her other loves: reading, cooking and theatre. To learn more about Diane, please see the Clown Spotlight in this newsletter, where Diane is featured.