Type: Meet Our Neighbors

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television. 

As a child, I was always fascinated with characters and the worlds they lived in. This stemmed from TV and movies (Pokémon and Studio Ghibli) as well as computer games I played when I was elementary school age. That quickly evolved into an interest for the voices behind some of my favorite characters in video games — generally Japanese influenced. One voice actor in particular who I highly respected was Charles Martinet (Super Mario). You could say he is an early catalyst for my interest in performing as he brought so much life to a beloved character to so many. Naturally being so drawn to characters and needing an outlet as I was left to my own devices after school, I reconnected with the Muppets again as a middle schooler. I eventually branched out and taught myself how to build and perform with puppets. I started to post YouTube videos of my own puppet content (2011-2015), which were seen by my current friend and colleague, Tau Bennett. Over the years he and I, among several other friends, became a close-knit troupe that would work together. Due to this link, when we were much older (2019) David Rudman [Co-Founder, Spiffy Pictures and Co-Creator/Executive Producer, Donkey Hodie] asked Tau if he knew of any Chicago puppeteers, and I was one of the first names to come to mind. 

Describe your role(s) on Donkey Hodie. 

 My roles on Donkey Hodie include: puppet wrangling (dressing, styling, and rigging all the puppet characters), puppeteering (usually assist puppeteering, right hands, puppeteering musical instruments, or doubling as characters), costume building (build costumes for the characters), puppet building (build smaller scale, background and one-off puppets), and just recently I’ve made a few simple props. 

Do you have a favorite Donkey Hodie episode? 

My favorite episode of Donkey Hodie (so far) is the "Return of the Golden Crunchdoodles." It was our last shoot day of Season 1 and such an amazing shoot day at that. The sound effects, music, visuals, the 360° table rotation effect… it’s all so amazing. And the characters finally get what they have been looking for!   

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? 

One of my favorite films growing up (I didn’t have access to much TV) was My Neighbor Totoro. This movie opened up my mind to anime and the rest of the fabulous Studio Ghibli films. I owe a lot of my own personal puppet designs to the Ghibli look. 

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

When I am not working, I love to work on my own puppetry projects, cosplay, and enjoy indie video games. 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Describe your role at Fred Rogers Productions.

As Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Engagement, it’s my responsibility to provide the vision, strategy, and oversight for all marketing, communications, and outreach functions for Fred Rogers Productions. This includes everything from the direction of the company’s brand strategy, public relations, content marketing, and identity and visual strategy to implementing marketing campaigns, media planning, digital marketing, social media, and community engagement efforts for both the company and the series that we produce.

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to children’s television.

After I graduated from college, I dreamed that one day I’d be an editor at Gourmet magazine to combine my love of writing, editing, and food. So, I worked for a few years in catering and the food service industry to get a grounding in the culinary industry, but eventually I pivoted to corporate communications. Did that for a while and then moved over to foundation development/grant writing and major gifts when I joined WETA, the flagship PBS station in Washington, DC. While there, I discovered the exciting world of station relations, which is essentially marketing ongoing series and specials to PBS stations across the country. I finally wheedled my way into that department, and one of my first projects was to launch Clifford The Big Red Dog (the series that premiered in 2000), which meant we were convincing stations to air the series on the PBS feed, keeping them updated on new episodes and promotional priorities, and also working with station engagement teams around the country on outreach initiatives and events.

While it was incredible to promote Ken Burns’s documentaries, In Performance at the White House, and cooking series like Martha Stewart’s Cooking School and Sara’s Weeknight Meals, it was the kids’ series that we represented that brought me the most joy. In addition to Clifford, our portfolio included shows like It’s a Big Big World, Super WHY!, Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies, and Maya & Miguel. The Fred Rogers Company (now Fred Rogers Productions) hired WETA in 2011 to launch Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and that exhilarating day eventually led to me being hired by FRP as its first director of marketing and communications in 2015.

What do you like most about working at Fred Rogers Productions?

My favorite thing about working at a company like FRP is when I’m at a community event where you can see just how much what we do has an impact on children. Whenever I see a child’s eyes light up when she spies Daniel Tiger or a kid experiences the thrill of solving a problem that’s inspired by Odd Squad, I know that I’m at the right place and this is what I’m meant to be doing.

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?

It’s impossible to list just one. When I was a kid, watching cartoons on Saturday mornings was a major event, so a few favorites were Josie and the Pussycats, Shazam!, Schoolhouse Rock, Scooby Doo, and Speed Racer. I also loved Banana Splits and H.R. Pufnstuf, and on WQED (the PBS station in Pittsburgh), I couldn’t miss Electric Company or Zoom. My friends and I mastered Ubbi Dubbi, the secret language on Zoom!

Do you have a favorite PBS program you’re watching now?

Again, it’s tough to pick one favorite. I’ve watched Masterpiece and Mystery! since my middle school years. I read a lot of mysteries and classic literature, so it’s exciting to see adaptations of great works come to life. Genealogy fascinates me, so I try not to miss Skip Gates’s Finding Your Roots. There’s so much drama and suspense at play when delving into a family’s history, and I’m inevitably left astonished by what Dr. Gates unearths from his research. Judging by the celebs’ reactions, they are, too!

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

Music is such an important part of my life, and I’ve been singing with Belle Voci, a community choir comprised of treble voices, since I moved back to Pittsburgh. I love to travel, and Belle Voci has sponsored concert trips every few years, so I’ve been lucky enough to have performed in Vienna, Prague, Slovenia, Cuba, and San Sebastián, Spain. I’m also a big supporter of the arts, and I spend much of my free time going to the theater, the movies, and concerts.

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television.  

While in high school, I talked my way onto set as a production assistant on different low-budget television spots for local businesses (including a night shoot for a crematorium, which was fun). I was hungry to learn as much as I could about all aspects of production, so I soaked in every opportunity sent my way. While continuing to work as a PA, I obtained my bachelor's of fine arts degree in screenwriting from York University in Toronto and my master's degree in screenwriting from Columbia University in New York City. While in NY, I interned on various film and television productions in a slew of different departments. My desire to learn more only grew stronger as the years and jobs came and went. Once I graduated, I moved back to Toronto, started a family, and continued to freelance and build my portfolio. Patience has never been my strong suit, but it was necessary in this case, as I was on the lookout for a position that was more stable. Eventually, a chance opening at Brown Bag Films came my way, and I was granted an opportunity I just couldn't pass up.  While I didn't exactly work in children's television by the time I joined the team, my experience in working with different demographics and styles throughout the years definitely made it easier for me to adapt quickly to what was expected of me. 

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? 

I would have to say Tales from the Crypt. I was (and still am) a big horror loving kid and a lot of those stories and gruesome make-up effects have haunted me over the years. Having read reprints of the original EC comics growing up, the show easily dug its claws into my imagination and inspired me creatively in more ways than I can even count. I've always admired the fact that the horror genre, when at its best, can simultaneously frighten and enlighten. 

Describe your role on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. 

As production manager on Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, it's my responsibility (with the help of our production coordinator) to make sure every aspect of the production runs as smoothly as possible, from the beginning to the end of the pipeline. It involves a lot juggling in terms of schedules, personalities, and expectations, but every day is a thrill and a fun challenge. Since I started my career in the early 2000s (not to age myself AT ALL), I would jump from department to department. Being a PM on Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood removes the vagabond-like nature of constantly moving locales and allows me to comfortably shift from one department to another while staying put on the same production. The biggest and most fruitful lesson I've learned on the show is the people management aspect of the role. While some days are harder than others, it's incredibly fulfilling when I'm able to understand and help a member of our crew by working together to reach the best possible solution. It also doesn't hurt that DTN has the absolute best crew I've ever had the opportunity to work with, so in that regard I consider myself very lucky. 

What is your favorite episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood? 

My favorite episode of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood has to be “Daniel's New Friend Max.” I think it's a beautiful episode which tackles the subject of Autism in a way that both parents and children can understand and apply to daily life. It's an episode I find myself constantly going back to, as it's deceptively powerful in its simple execution. Truly a standout among MANY standout episodes throughout its run thus far. 

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

When I'm not working (or being a dad/husband), I write! In addition to writing film and television scripts, I have written and self-published novels (of all genres, but with a specific reverence for horror, of course). Writing has played a huge role in my career and was my first love, as it was the catalyst for making me want to take the plunge into this wild world of entertainment production. I'd consider it an absolute honor to get the opportunity to write an episode of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood; in the meantime, though, I'll proudly continue playing a key part in contributing to the incredible legacy of Fred Rogers. 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and your role on Alma’s Way.

My name is Anjel Piñero, and I am a native New Yorker who was born in Brooklyn and raised in the Bronx. I interpreted the role of Alma in Alma's Way.

Did you do any research to prepare to be an interpreter for Alma’s Way?

As an actor myself, I always immerse myself in the roles that I am offered so I can fully embody the character as written into the show. Alma's role resonated with me deeply because she and I share many similarities. Both of us are Nuyoricans, born and raised in New York by the 6 train line, among other things.

Is signing for children different from signing for adults?

Oh, definitely. For this show, there is a lot of lingo spoken in Spanish and the New York language. I made sure I was able to interpret that so the kids can have better access to and understanding of those linguistic nuances as well. That was something I wish I had growing up, and now that this is  accessible for the kids, it never ceases to amaze me how their language understanding integrates the lingo into their self-expression.

What’s something you wish everyone knew about ASL?

Just do it. A lot of people are usually scared of making mistakes when learning a language, and I encourage people to jump into it and get involved with the Deaf community. Once you do, you're already on the fast track to becoming proficient in this language and making a difference.

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?

SpongeBob SquarePants, Courage the Cowardly Dog, The Fairly OddParents—any shows from the '90s to the 2010s from Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Disney were my favorites.

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

When I'm not working, I love to travel and am always looking for opportunities to further my acting, modeling, and now pageantry careers so I can continue to make a difference in the ASL community worldwide.

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television. 

I am a 26-year-old creative from a small college town called Bloomington, IL where I still currently live with my wife, Keyarra, and our two kids: Mel (the third) and Meledy. Growing up, I was a very "head in the clouds" kind of kid. I enjoyed drawing a lot because it was a way of getting the various worlds and characters I imagined out of my head. In grade school, I would draw comic books and would even have copies printed so I could sell them around school, church, etc. 

When I was ten years old, I got my hands on a Best of The Muppet Show DVD which sparked my love of puppetry. I think what attracted me was how "real" those characters became to me. It introduced me to an art form that would allow me to bring my own characters to life in a way that they just failed to do on the page. Very shortly after that, I started building my own puppets and practicing puppetry techniques by mimicking the performances I saw on TV. As a kid, I also started the puppet ministry at my church where I would train others in puppetry, write the scripts, create the music, and more. I treated the experience as if I was making a TV show. 

As the years went by, I also networked with other kids that were aspiring puppeteers through social media, and it was actually through these connections that I was put on Spiffy Pictures' radar just as Donkey Hodie was about to go into production. So Donkey is very dear to my heart, in that it's actually the beginning of my career. 

Describe your role(s) on Donkey Hodie. 

On Donkey Hodie, I play Cousin Hodie and Rogers The Fish, as well as a variety of "one-off" and background characters. I am also a writer on the show and a music composer. Performing alone is a dream come true, so I am beyond grateful that I get to dip my hand in other aspects of the show as well. 

Do you have a favorite episode of Donkey Hodie? 

It's hard to pick just one, but an episode I always enjoy is "Hidden Orchestra." The combination of playing hide-’n’-seek while playing music is very "silly," which makes it very Someplace Else. I love the song in that show, "One Step at a Time," and I love that I got to play all the mice musicians in that show. Lots of fun memories there! 

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? 

Once I was bitten by the puppetry bug, shows like The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, and Jack's Big Music Show never left the TV screen. Considering Spiffy Pictures also produced Jack, it makes working on Donkey Hodie that much more of a dream to work on. 

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

I love spending quality time with my family and playing music (bass guitar is my primary instrument). My work is also very much my leisure, even when I'm not on set I'm home building puppets, writing scripts, and working to produce my own content. For me, creating is just so fulfilling. 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television. 

I love to play the cello and bass guitar and have been performing, studying, and recording music ever since I was a kid. I've always enjoyed performing as an actor in plays at school and as a musician. It's actually music that really got me into children's TV.  Music led me to working in recording studios in Toronto, which eventually led to me becoming both a voice actor and voice director. 

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? 

The Simpsons was my favorite TV show growing up. I still watch it to this day. I cannot express how much I love all the extremely talented voice actors in the cast. They all have inspired me greatly throughout my career. 

Describe your role on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. 

I am the voice director for Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. I get to direct the voice actors who play all the different characters on Daniel Tiger and make sure the voice recording sessions run smoothly and on time. It is an extremely fun job to have! I still pinch myself sometimes because I think I'm dreaming that I'm a voice director! Growing up, I never thought I would end up with my name on the credits of a TV show. 

What is your favorite episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood? 

My favorite episode is season 3, episode 15, "Daniel Takes His Time" where Daniel learns that patience is a very important character trait. I often find myself going too fast for my own good, so this lesson really hit home for me! Plus it features the Grandpere character, who I just love to watch and listen to. He is such a sweet character, and his voice is so soothing and warm. 

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

In my free time I enjoy playing video games, cooking, and studying Japanese and Italian. 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Describe your role at Fred Rogers Productions.   

As a paralegal, I assist in the preparation and management of the contracts needed by the Legal, Production, and Licensing departments. I also assist with requests for permission to use our intellectual property. 

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television. 

I have an M.A. in audiology and previously worked with patients on both the diagnostic and rehabilitative sides of hearing loss. I chose to focus on my family when one of my children was diagnosed with a disability. When I re-entered the workforce, I went in a totally different direction and started taking paralegal classes with a focus on contracts. 

 What do you like most about working at Fred Rogers Productions? 

It’s wonderful to work with such kind and caring individuals. So much thought goes into the content for every production in order to provide the best possible shows for children. As the parent of a child with a disability, I am especially proud of FRP’s efforts to incorporate characters with disabilities and adding accessibility features to their shows. 

 What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? 

My favorite show growing up was The Brady Bunch. I was very excited to see the recent FRP video that brought together characters from Donkey Hodie, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood in a montage that reminded me of The Brady Bunch! 

 What do you like to do when you’re not working?  

I love traveling with my family. Our most recent trip was to the Azores Islands, which was just beautiful. I enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities like rowing, hiking, skiing, and golfing, but spend most of my time on my newest adventure, which is horseback riding. 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how your role on Alma’s Way. 

I'm the voice director for Alma's Way. My job is to make sure that every actor has a great performance. I listen for the performances that feel true to the moment and most in-tune with our characters. Since our actors record one at a time, it's also my job to make sure their performances will match each other once they're edited together. But most of all, I enjoy the joy – the laughter and creative joy that comes from bringing the words off the page and into the gorgeous voices of our cast. 

Do you have a favorite episode and character on Alma’s Way? 

Having just adopted a rescue dog myself, I'm feeling very partial to the Chaco episodes. I love that he always steals Abuelo's socks! But I simply cannot choose a favorite character – I know them all so well! Alma's neighborhood is very similar to my own Washington Heights area in NYC – we're a short bus ride to the Bronx. So Alma's world is my own home now, and I like hanging out with the whole crew. Let's go get a piragua and see if Frankie Four Feet can spin some tunes for us! 

What inspires you? 

Actors. And laughter. Talented people find joy in what they're doing, and I love watching an actor enjoy a role. Especially since we have such young talent on our show. When a young actor is enjoying a story, laughing and giggling, then I'm really inspired to help shape their performance into something special. 

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?  

Mister Rogers is the whole reason I got into television. His power to connect with kids is still inspirational to me: a reminder that kids mostly need someone to talk to – to hear them and to be heard. I also loved Electric Company and Reading Rainbow (I was a PBS kid for sure). As I got a little older, I fell in love with Little House on the Prairie. There was, evidently, a short while that I asked everyone in my family to call me Halfpint... 

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

I love to be outside walking my dog – every day there's a new way the light filters through the trees or a bird sings into the sky. I also love time with my family (my kids are a hoot!). I love making up recipes. I've made more kinds of muffins than I can remember! A great Saturday for me starts with a dog walk and ends applauding at a Broadway show (and then talking about the show on the subway ride home). Throw some Ethiopian or Greek food in for lunch, too! 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Describe your role at Fred Rogers Productions.

I’m the controller which is part of the fantastic accounting and finance team that maintains FRP’s internal financials, as well as our internal and external financial reporting. Our financials include the daily operations of FRP, each show we produce (both past and present), and each program we host.

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television.

From elementary school through high school, I loved playing the flute and writing, but I wasn’t sure that was the right career path for me. It wasn’t until high school that I had an amazing math teacher and things “clicked.”

I went to college for accounting and had a wonderful internship my senior year that evolved into my first job as a forensic accountant. Our cases ranged from small business owner disputes, to suspected school district embezzlement, and even federal theft where a detective had to be present as we handled financial documents. It was the perfect balance of accounting, report writing, and client interaction, with a dash of high-stakes pressure. I worked there for several years, but after receiving my CPA license the time was right to make a career pivot and move to Pittsburgh where I worked as a financial auditor, mostly for non-profit organizations.

Working with several unique non-profits sparked my interest in the field. I stumbled onto a job posting by FRP and quickly realized it was the perfect opportunity to bring my accounting skills to an organization that shared my love for the arts and supports a greater-good. Six years later that still rings true!

What do you like most about working at Fred Rogers Productions?

Everyone exudes a passion for their craft. It’s inspiring to see not only how hard everyone works, but how much they truly enjoy their work. Plus, seeing FRP’s impact on kids and families across the US and beyond is incredibly rewarding.

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?

I was a total 90s PBS kid. My favorites were Zoom, Zoboomafoo, and Dragon Tales. The Big Comfy Couch gets an honorable mention because my sister and I used to watch that together.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

Every weekend my husband and I try to do something fun with our two-year-old son. That might be a trip to a local bakery, an outing to the pumpkin patch, visiting different parks, or trying a new restaurant (with an escape plan of course – toddlers can get crazy!). Disney World is our guilty pleasure, and we love taking trips to visit the ghosts at Haunted Mansion (my personal favorite) and drink blue milk at Galaxy’s Edge.

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and your role on Alma’s Way.

I had the incredible honor of bringing "Mateo" to life! My roots trace back to Sunset Park, Brooklyn, where I was raised by two remarkable Puerto Rican parents. My journey has been a tapestry of roles: from serving our nation in the Marines to protecting the people of New York with the MTAPD, to lighting up television and stage, and even lending my voice. Yet, my most cherished roles are that of a dad to my amazing sons, Jaiden and Jonah. 

Do you have a favorite episode and character on Alma’s Way?

"Alma Goes to Puerto Rico" holds a special place in my heart. It's a vibrant journey through Puerto Rico, reminiscent of my first visit to my family's roots. Witnessing Alma embrace the island's beauty, sounds, and culture is an invitation for everyone to experience the richness of Puerto Rican heritage. It's about celebrating diversity and the splendor of our beloved island. 

What inspires you?

My wellspring of inspiration flows from the magic of storytelling. It's the profound connection it forges, touching souls on a deep and emotional level. Whether through acting, music, or artistic expression, I'm fueled by the prospect of lifting others up. Moreover, I'm galvanized by the opportunity to champion diversity and inclusivity in entertainment, striving to craft a more embracing world through my craft. 

What else are you working on these days?

I'm embarking on a thrilling new chapter as I pen my very first memoir. It's a journey into my life's adventures, trials, and triumphs - a tale I can't wait to share with the world.

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?

Ah, the '80s were a golden era for TV! I can still feel the excitement of those unforgettable theme songs. Shows like Family Ties, One Day at a Time, The Greatest American Hero, Reading Rainbow, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and The Wonder Years had a profound impact on me. They were more than shows; they were cherished memories. 

What do you like to do when you're not working?

When the spotlight dims, I revel in quality time with my loved ones, cherishing each moment. Music is my soul's language, so I sing my heart out, embracing everything from Latin rhythms to soulful R&B to the magic of Broadway. Staying active and nurturing a healthy lifestyle keeps me invigorated - you might catch me breaking a sweat or savoring outdoor adventures. And, of course, there's no greater joy than immersing myself in a good book or exploring new hobbies. Yet, above all, it's the precious moments with family that truly define the essence of life, echoing Michael J. Fox's wisdom: "Family isn't an important thing, it's everything."