Jennifer Ostrega
FOUNDER
Jennifer holds a New Jersey state K-12 public school teaching license in English to Speakers of Other Languages and is an adjunct Professor at Kean University. She earned her B.A. in Theater Arts at Rutgers University and a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Hunter College. The concept of Kind Hearts Theater was created based on the teachings of Patricia Sternberg, a founder of Sociodrama and certified Drama Therapist who believed in the healing power of theatre. Sociodrama: Who's in Your Shoes? and Theatre for Conflict Resolution: In the Classroom and Beyond, inform Jennifer’s teaching philosophy. Jennifer is also an actor and writer. Her play, “The Responsibility Challenge” has been adapted for all ages, and most recently Jennifer directed the Kind Hearts theater players in a live production at the Maplewood Children’s Library. In addition to teaching, she has worked in television at Sesame Street as a child acting coach and Pfizer Inc. as a facilitator of improvisational theater workshops for the administrative support staff. Jennifer is a Volunteer Sandy Hook Promise Leader.
Kate Rohan
ASsistant Teacher
Kate is a rising Senior in High School. She enjoys mentoring kids and has worked with the Achieve Foundation in SOMA since she was a Freshman. Her future aspirations include owning a small business and studying Psychology. She has loved growing up in SOMA and some of her favorite achievements include Captain of her Varsity soccer team and co-creator of the MAPSO Chapter of Letters for Rose.