About me

My name is Christiana and I am originally from Monterey, California. I am a singer, actress, and teacher! I grew up in a very musical family who traveled all along the west coast and the midwest for work. My mom is from Illinois and my Dad is from Texas. They were a musical duo who traveled and ministered together. Eventually, my parents became senior pastors at a small inner-city church in California. I began helping out in the nursery at the age of 10 and began babysitting at the age of 12 after taking a 2-week babysitting course at our local hospital. I would always volunteer to help in Sunday School and Vacation Bible school. Because I loved working with the kids, singing silly songs, and putting on Puppet shows. I would babysit on the weekends during middle school, high school, and college. I have 18 years of babysitting experience. I have always loved working with kids. I believe kids are magical with their creative minds and kind hearts. I love being reminded of what the world looks like through their eyes.

I went to The Boston Conservatory for both my Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance 2014 and Master's degree in Opera Performance 2016. I have sung 12 different languages. My favorite language is German. I have 3 years of experience with American Sign Language. I studied in Graz, Austria for 8 weeks at the American Institute of Music. I took German and Opera courses every single day. During my graduate studies, I was a member of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus as a Soprano. I had the honor of singing with The Boston Pops, The Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Tanglewood Festival. I played Servant 3 in Strauss’ Elektra at Carnegie Hall with The Boston Symphony Orchestra. I have had the privilege of singing at Carnegie Hall three times and Avery Fisher Hall under the direction of Eric Whitacre. Other Conductors I have had the honor of working with include John Williams, Keith Lockhart, John Oliver and Andris Nelsons.

During my graduate studies (2014-2016), I looked after 3 boys all under the age of 10 on the weekends and on-call during the weeknights. Duties included pick up, playtime at the park, Kosher Meals, light housework, laundry, and putting the kids to bed. I spent my summers as an Actor at The Monterey Bay Aquarium. I performed family-based shows that involved puppets, historical reenactments, music, dancing, magic tricks, costumes that all promoted Conservation of the Ocean. I have a lot of random knowledge when it comes to marine biology thanks to working at the aquarium. My favorite part about working as an actor was there were the kids. Each year we would have a little fan club that would keep coming back and for the shows for pictures and hugs. I’m an animal lover especially when it comes to dogs. I long to have my own dog someday! My favorite movie growing up was 101 Dalmations.

After graduate school, I moved back to my hometown and rediscovered my Musical theater roots. I started performing in various Regional Theater productions and started teaching music and drama at 5 different schools on the Monterey Peninsula. I even played Gloria the Hippo in Madagascar Live the musical where the entire ensemble of Lemurs were kids. I have 5 years of teaching experience. I created my own Intro to Musical Class for ages 3-6 years old and taught it at a private, public, charter, and after-school program. I have experience teaching Basic Acting, Comedy Improv, Audition Techniques, Glee Club, and Choir. I have experience teaching for ages 6 months - 18 years old. I was a Music and Performing Arts Teacher for a Middle School before moving to Manhattan. I have a lot of experience with Children's Theater and Museum Theater. I also have experience with private voice lessons and acting coaching for kids 5 and up. When I wasn’t teaching I would babysit for various families (ages 3-7). Duties included meal prep, tutoring, homework, and bedtime.

I have been living here in Manhattan for 3 years. I have always wanted to live in New York City since my first trip at the age of 14. I’ll never forget thinking “I’m going to live here someday.” I have my high school choir and drama teacher to thank for that. They both encouraged me and opened my eyes to the many possibilities this city could offer me. With that being said, it takes a village to help mold our future generation. I love to help and encourage others. From singing to coloring in the lines.

Before the pandemic, I was working for the Off-Broadway Show called Pip's Island as their Education Coordinator. I was nicknamed their "Child Whisperer.” I would help explain to the children that the show was just pretending. The kids were a part of the story and helped save Pip’s Island from the Evil Jules Volter. I also guided special needs children through the show. It was one of the most rewarding jobs of my life. I had a nonverbal special needs child return to the show 5 times. By the 5th show, she began speaking for the first time. I will always hold that moment close to my heart. I also created the Employee handbook for Pip’s Island and babysat for the creator of the show. I looked after her two kids, ages 8 and 10. I would help with their homework, dinner, and bedtime during the weeknights. I also ended up making my Off-Broadway debut with Pip’s Island because I learned the script so well. In 2019, I babysat for a family where they had me include a little singing lesson (ages 6 and 8).

During the pandemic, I went back to California for part of the Fall and Winter months in 2020 to help my best friend with her toddler and newborn baby. She and her husband were working from home and needed an extra hand with the toddler. This last year, I became a teacher for a Mommy and Me class for ages 6 months - 8 years. Classes included ballet, scarves, shakers, singing, instruments, and American Sign Language. From that class, I began babysitting for several families that I met through the program (ages 2-6). I have experience working with kids whose parents are going through a divorce or are newly married.

I was a member of a Neil Diamond Cover band, I have experience with Radio work and background vocals for indie and rock bands. I love the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Queen, and Dolly Parton. I love to play my Ukulele, sing and make others smile. I have a lot of fun musical playlists and I enjoy letting kids' imaginations soar. I am a bubbly and patient person who loves to connect with folks of all ages and all walks of life. I love being outdoors and among nature. I love to organize and problem solve. I am also a tv/movie buff. I love sitcom television and my favorite movie is Star Wars IV The Empire Strikes Back. May the force be with you.