Meet The Staff

  • Executive Director

    Tamela is responsible for the artistic vision and inclusion for all abilities for OMB programs. She started as a member of OMB's professional acting company in 2008 and led the first expansion project of the organization as the Washington, DC Regional Director. Tamela became the Executive Director of Only Make Believe in 2018 and under her leadership the organization has expanded to 11 new cities. She has more than 25 years of experience as a professional actor, teaching artist and non-profit arts leader. Throughout her career, Tamela has worked with New Victory Theater, New York Public Radio, Brooklyn Academy of Music and Disney Theatrical Productions. Her primary focus for the last decade has been working with OMB to provide more accessible, sensory-friendly, and inclusive theatre experiences to the children OMB serves. She is a two-time presenter at the National Organization of Arts in Health Conference and was recently awarded The James Hammerstein Award for her dedication and commitment to Only Make Believe. Tamela received her BFA from Howard University, and completed the 2- year professional acting program at William Esper Studio in NYC. Tamela is a member of Actors Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA & a DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities Fellow 2015-2022.

  • Director of Programming & Communications

    Chris joined Only Make Believe in 2012. With over fifteen years of experience in the theatre industry, he has worn many hats. As an actor, Chris has performed professionally around the D.C. area. Some theaters include: Ford’s Theatre, The Kennedy Center, Imagination Stage, and Round House Theatre. Chris is also an Arts Educator, Playwright, and Director. His works are often devised, and specifically geared toward empowering Elementary-aged youth. As a Teaching Artist, Chris has worked with Imagination Stage, Jamestown Elementary School, and Elementary/Middle School Special Education classes at Katherine Thomas School. In addition, he is a grant panelist for local arts funders, as well as a judge for The Brandon Victor Dixon Awards (aka The Jimmy Awards) recognizing high school talent in the DMV. Chris holds a degree in Theatre from the University of Maryland at College Park.

  • Operations Director

    Jaime joined Only Make Believe in June 2010. Prior to that Jaime worked for many years with Bear Stearns and was also busy writing and producing his first two music albums under “The Faceless Project”. He graduated with a music degree from Center for the Media Arts.

  • NYC Production Manager

    Anthony, a native New Yorker, joined the OMB staff in 2019. He also divides his time between performing and using "performance" to help diverse communities grow and develop. He holds a B.A., Theatre Arts Management from Lehman College and is the Executive Director of Spectrum Arts Productions, an emerging arts service group.

  • Program Manager

    Sean is a teaching artist and musician from Central New York, who joined Only Make Believe in the early winter of 2020. Sean is an experienced pianist and accompanist, and holds a BS in Music Education from Hartwick College. He has worked for several arts organizations as an administrator and musician including the Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse, NY and Arena Stage in Southwest D.C.

  • Corporate Partnerships Manager

    Gabriella joined Only Make Believe to ensure that her professional work positively impacts her community. She graduated from FIT with a degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications and is now transitioning into the world of cause marketing and social impact. Previously, Gabriella served as an AmeriCorps VISTA with NYC FIRST and has assisted multiple companies in improving their workplace experience and culture. When she isn't working, you can find her adding new hobbies to her growing collection.

  • Production Associate

    Bonnie is a multi-hyphenate theatre maker based in NYC. Prior to joining OMB, she worked at venues including the McKittrick Hotel, the Daryl Roth Theatre, and Theater for the New City. She holds a BFA from The New School. When not working, she can usually be found trying to catch up on her reading list.

  • Program & Marketing Associate

    Megan (she/her) is a DC-based theatre artist whose work has been seen at Arena Stage, Round House Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Olney Theatre Center, Studio Theatre, Virginia Repertory Theatre, Folger Theatre, Mosaic Theater Company, Solas Nua, and others. She has been an OMB company member for 9 years. Education: BFA in Acting, Shenandoah Conservatory.

  • Administrative Assistant

    Sara Gonzalez is a writer born and raised in New York, with a background in Public Relations. She’s always had a passion for children’s media and a love for the arts, including theater and animation. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English: Creative Writing before going on to work at small publishing companies and providing administrative assistance in production of events such as fashion week events and volunteer events.

  • Production Assistant (Part-Time)

    Kayliane (she/her) is an AEA stage manager based in NYC. She has worked for The Public Theater, Bay Street Theater, Florida Studio Theatre, Syracuse Stage, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and Diverging Elements Theatre Co. She grew up in Syracuse, NY and earned her BFA in Stage Management from Syracuse University. When she isn’t working, she enjoys camping and spending time with her nieces and nephews.