Type: Meet Our Neighbors

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." 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

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

I have always loved performing. When I was young, I’d read books out loud to myself in my bedroom, giving different voices to all of the characters as if it was a one-woman show. I’d sing on my backyard swing set. I did a lot of theatre in high school, but the idea of making a living as a performer was not seen as realistic by the people in my life at the time. I became a radio/TV/film major in college, but I also performed in student films, was in an improv troupe, sang in various groups, wrote comic essays, and also took courses in storytelling, creative drama, and children’s theatre. 

I’d always been a fan of “Sesame Street” when I was little but it wasn’t until I watched it between classes in college that I saw the Muppet style of TV puppetry as a way to combine all the things I loved (character acting, singing, improv, writing, storytelling, TV production), and a medium in which I could play many, many different characters of any type without it mattering what I looked like. Once I had this epiphany, I spent most of my time building odd-looking puppets and teaching myself TV puppetry… and took to it immediately. It’s a complicated but incredibly freeing way to perform. 

The thing about TV puppetry of this kind is that most of the programs that use it are in children’s television, but all those children’s theatre, creative drama, and storytelling courses gave me an incredible knowledge base in that area, and they still inform the work I do, even as children’s television continues to evolve. 

Describe your role(s) on Donkey Hodie. 

I have many roles on Donkey Hodie: I play Duck Duck, Harriett Elizabeth Cow, Mama Panda, Doc Skunk, and a few other surprise characters coming up in Season 2… and when I’m on set and my characters aren’t in the scene, I sometimes assist the other puppeteers by manipulating their character’s arms or feet or helping them handle certain props. 

I’ve also written a handful of episodes, including “Growing the Ungrowdenia,” “Panda Hodie,” “Good Dog School,” and “Being Bob Dog.” 

It’s fun to get to do so many different things on the show on any given day. And I really love it when two of my characters are in a scene together. I’ll perform one character the way I usually do—by doing the voice and physical manipulation simultaneously, and then I’ll also perform the voice of the other character while someone else (usually Mel Campbell) puppeteers it, matching the lip-sync to my vocals. It’s a tricky challenge but I always enjoy it. 

I love playing all of these characters, even though each puppet has its own unique challenges in terms of manipulation, but Duck Duck is officially my favorite puppet character that I have ever played in my 30-year career. 

Did you watch Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood growing up? If so, how does it feel to work on Donkey Hodie now? 

I definitely watched Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and not just because I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, where Fred Rogers is our hometown hero. That show was very important to me growing up, and according to my family, I had a crush on Mister Rogers as a toddler. Apparently I would hold my baby bottle up to the TV and “feed” him. Even at an early age, I knew that food is how Italians show love. 

Working on Donkey Hodie is extra special for me because we shoot it in Chicago, which is where my alma mater, Northwestern University, is. It was at Northwestern that I realized I wanted to pursue puppetry as a career, and it was a puppet project I produced with my dorm-mate friends that led me to meeting David Rudman, who recommended me to audition for The Jim Henson Company. 

After years of working on Sesame Street with David and Adam Rudman, I was so lucky to be invited into the Spiffy Pictures universe and get to work on projects like Jack’s Big Music Show and Nature Cat. Spiffy was the first company to let me write for them, and it was my first Donkey Hodie script that got me my Writers Guild card. 

At first I was a little unnerved by the idea of playing a legacy character like Harriett Elizabeth Cow, but when I saw how she was being redesigned with that fabulous hot pink hair, and reimagined as a boldly confident artist and inventor, rather than the prim schoolmarm I grew up watching, I was inspired to honor her past — as well as my Pittsburgh roots — by giving her a Pittsburgh dialect. This was also inspired by rewatching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood as an adult and being struck by how thick Chef Brockett’s “Yinzer” dialect really was. I have a KDKA “Pittsburgh: Someplace Special” T-shirt from 3 Rivers Retro that I like to wear on days when I perform Harriett. (I recently got another “Pittsburgh: Someplace Special” Bicentennial shirt from Yinzylvania that I’ve worn on set as well.) 

I also show my Northwestern purple pride on set every day. My microphone is mounted on a modified Northwestern ball cap. I happen to stay near the Northwestern campus when we’re in production, and I love taking walks on my old stomping grounds when I can. And even though I honestly didn’t think about Northwestern purple when I first played her, it just felt right to give Mama Panda a big Midwest heart. 

Donkey Hodie is already an incredibly wonderful show to work on because of all the fun we have bringing these characters to life, and especially because of our glorious cast and crew, but having these personal connections to the show makes it truly special. 

Do you have a favorite episode of Donkey Hodie? 

If there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s that I don’t have one favorite of anything… I tend to have multiple favorites of things, and in terms of Donkey Hodie episodes, I really love “Art Show Today,” “Lavender Lights,” “Swoop-a-rino,” and “Bye Bye, Book.” But there are so many great episodes coming up in Season 2 that are in the running to become my new favorites! 

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

Most of the things I like to do are directly related to my career in some way, so sometimes it’s hard to tell when I’m not working! But I do enjoy playing the New York Times word games on my phone, relaxing at home in New York City with my husband, Craig Shemin, while we watch mostly classic TV and movies, and taking long walks that usually culminate in some sort of delicious meal or treat (preferably ice cream)! 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Describe your role at Fred Rogers Productions.

I have the privilege of managing FRP Writers’ Neighborhood, a career development and mentoring program for emerging BIPOC writers. I oversee the daily logistics – the application and selection process, organizing the in-person and virtual workshops, and the implementation of the program. I love helping coach the writers and seeing them grow as a result of going through the fellowship.

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

I’m a native of Pittsburgh and an identical twin. I’ve always loved the arts, culture, and entertainment sector, which led me to study music business/management as an undergraduate and arts, entertainment, and media management in graduate school – I want to run the show instead of being the show. I like helping talented, creative people shine. I’ve worked in digital production in the music industry, managed front of house at various performing arts centers, and ran an arts internship program at an Ivy League college before boomeranging back to my hometown to work at FRP. Children’s media is a new world for me, but I was so excited at the opportunity to expand my knowledge and manage a pilot program that I hope will ultimately make a positive impact on kids and families. Plus, I like launching new initiatives.

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

Growing up I liked watching TV more than reading. I loved learning life lessons and exploring how other people lived through TV programs. While I enjoyed watching Sesame Street (I had a cousin who made a guest appearance on the show), I also liked watching Spider-Man after school, Saturday morning cartoons, and TGIF shows such as Family Matters, Full House, and Boy Meets World.

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

I like working with smart, kind people. It’s great to work in a collaborative, team-focused environment.

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

I enjoy hanging out with my twin sister and family. I like listening to music, watching TV, going to the movies, taking long walks and bike rides (when it’s warm outside), and traveling. I’ve been to 32 states but want to check all 50 states off my list. Also, I really want to explore Europe and Australia.

Favorite summertime activity?

I love going to free outdoor concerts and good ice cream.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

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

I am a Puerto Rican musician and composer based in Boston, MA. My main instrument is the cuatro, a five-double string guitar traditional to Puerto Rico. The cuatro has led me to some amazing opportunities: attending Berklee College of Music and graduating as the first Puerto Rican cuatrista; performing nationally and internationally with my original music project; doing workshops and residencies with organizations such as the Met, Chicago Philharmonic, Boston Landmarks Orchestra, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and many others; and recently, having the amazing honor writing music for children's television. It all started because of Alma's Way and their desire to honor and showcase the traditional sounds of Puerto Rico as part of the soundtrack of the series, which has then led to other writing opportunities.

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

One of my favorite TV shows growing up was Sesame Street.

Describe your role on Alma’s Way.

My role on Alma's Way is to compose the music of the series alongside Asher Lenz and Stephen Skratt. I also support the production as a consultant, giving feedback and context on Puerto Rican traditions, culture, slang, and music. Additionally, I work with the digital team on creating some of the music for the video games on pbskids.org.

What is your favorite episode of Alma’s Way? 

My favorite episode of Alma's Way is "Alma's Nochebuena" because we got to showcase so many of the traditions I grew up celebrating, especially parrandas!

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

When I'm not working, I love to be around nature: going to the park with my dog, hiking, and paddleboarding.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

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

I am originally from England and moved to Toronto, Canada five years ago. Since childhood, I've loved drawing and copying my favorite cartoon characters. I remember telling a teacher when I was only five that I wanted to be an animator and so when it came to choosing a university, I didn't have too many doubts. When I graduated in 2010, the world was going through an economic recession and prospects for getting into animation looked slim. I spent quite a few years in various jobs, from theme parks to retail to bar jobs. One day I realized unless I broke free of that cycle I wouldn't ever get to where I wanted to be. I took a risk and quit my jobs and spent a year trying to improve my skills and take commissions where I could. My family and friends were so supportive, and it is because of them that I was able to refocus. I was offered a position as assistant art director at a studio opening up in Manchester, and I have been working on different projects ever since.

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

It is hard to pick a favorite, but I always watched Dumbo on repeat when I was little. Something about the simple story and the appealing characters meant it was on loop when I was a toddler. I also loved shows with animals, like the animated series The Animals of Farthing Wood, which follows a group of creatures that are displaced from their forest as the humans move in.

Describe your role on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. What is your favorite episode?

As art director, I am lucky to work with amazing artists every day, which is a treat. I help guide the look of the show and make sketches and concepts of new characters and locations. What is fun about this role is getting to see every stage from visualizing the script all the way to animation where I help guide any lighting and effects in post. Collaborating with all the different departments is what I like about art direction.

I think one of my favorite episodes is 604A, "Daniel Goes to Day Camp." I appreciate how the characters slow down to interact with the insects they find along the nature trail and how Daniel imagines being the size of the grasshopper. I think it has a message for adults and children alike about being mindful and noticing the world around us.

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

When I'm not working, you will probably find me in the woods or by a stream taking photos of birds. In Toronto, we live on a great migration route for birds so any chance I get I am outside cycling with a camera to see what I can see. I love discovering the world and the nature we have on our doorstep.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

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

I'm from Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. Watching television was a big part of my childhood. Fred Penner, Mr. Dressup, Under the Umbrella Tree, and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood were a few of my favorites when I was younger. I continued to love television as I grew up, and, after studying accounting, I decided I wanted to work in television. I went to school for broadcast and film at Centennial College, which led me to children's television, and I've loved it ever since.

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

My favorite tv show when I was growing up was Exosquad. I enjoyed the sci-fi experience and futuristic look, but the greatest part of the show was that it didn't talk down to kids. It taught me that people can grow, change, and accept others.

Describe your role on Odd Squad.

I am the Post Production Supervisor at Sinking Ship Entertainment, the production partner for Odd Squad. My job begins from production and goes right through to delivery. I'm responsible for ensuring that filming, editing, vfx, audio, and delivery go smoothly. It's a great position because I get to work with people from every stage of the series' progress. I work with amazing teams of people who all love what they do, and we all want the best show for our audience.

What is your favorite episode of Odd Squad?

My favorite episode of Odd Squad is from Season 3, "Music of Sound." I enjoyed getting to work with the Soundcheck team and the idea of getting the band back together. The documentary style of the episode was also a lot of fun.

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

When I'm not working, I enjoy writing, hiking, watching my favorite shows, keeping up with friends, and playing board games.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Describe your role at Fred Rogers Productions.

I identify potential funders, primarily foundations, and help them understand how meaningful it can be to support FRP, how together we can make a huge difference in the lives of children and families. Internally, I get to help colleagues dream big about what we want to accomplish and how we’re going to get there.

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

I grew up in Pittsburgh, majored in English at Berkeley, and then held a mish-mash of jobs including not only teaching preschool but also driving a recycling truck, waiting tables in a jazz club, and freelance-writing for newspapers and magazines. I began doing education-focused fundraising as a grant-writer at Carnegie Mellon, but Fred Rogers’ values have always meant the world to me, so I jumped at the chance to join FRP and focus again on young children.

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

I love getting to work with such an amazing group of people. Creative, hard-working, caring, and really funny. We’re committed to our work and to each other.

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

Growing up with two significantly older brothers messed with my taste in TV. When I should have been watching Mister Rogers and Sesame Street, I think my favorites were Batman and Speed Racer. Also, we lived in a strange spot between hills where there was no ABC reception, and it took my parents forever to get cable. I still need to watch The Love Boat and Fantasy Island.

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

I seem to hang out a lot with my wife, Jen, in our kitchen, wondering what we should make for dinner. Apart from that, I love spending time with our two daughters, Ally and Emma, and our dog, Milo. I also love dancing (a lot of salsa and bachata lately), playing piano, biking, yoga, and reading (mostly as cover for taking a nap).

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to working in game design?

I’m a goofy, nerdy senior digital project manager at Curious Media, one of Fred Rogers Productions’ partners. After going to school for marketing and advertising management, I began my career working as a video and audio producer for advertising agencies in Portland, OR. Later I transitioned into an ever-expanding role at a production and post house where I did many things, but mostly video production for clients like Freightliner, Providence Health System, Kaiser Permanente, and Oregon Lottery. Eventually I moved to Boise, Idaho and got my current position at Curious in 2019. I am very passionate about making edutainment games for kids and the vast number of kids that I get to help teach basic skills to in my job.

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

When I was growing up, I truly was a PBS kid! Starting at age 3, my dad would pick me up after school and take me to his company. I would sit under a desk with a 5” black and white TV and watch Sesame Street, Electric Company, and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood while waiting for him to wrap up his work.

What goes into your role in the creation of digital content for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood?

Since partnering with Fred Rogers Productions, I’ve had the pleasure of working on a Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood app, Donkey Hodie’s award-winning website, six games for Donkey Hodie, and just completing a Daniel Tiger goes to the dentist game. In so doing, I work with the fantastic producers at FRP and PBS KIDS, and our creative director at Curious to understand the curriculum and focus, and design a game around it that meets the needs of all and will be fun and replayable for the target aged users. Once we have a concept, I write up a game design document and present that to both FRP/PBS and our internal teams. We do a kickoff meeting (we do one for each milestone internally), and one of our designers will make the first round of wireframes, which I will share with the client. We then incorporate their changes and make another round. Once we have the flow nailed down, we move on to designs, of which there are three rounds with client feedback. Then we move on to development, where Curious will make an Alpha, Beta, QA, bug fix verification build, then a Gold Master Candidate. Throughout all this, my role is to liaise with the client, making sure we’re fulfilling their vision while watching scope, budget, and timeline; in addition to directing those in Curious’ various departments (Illustration, Design, Animation, Development, Sound) with clear direction on what they need to do to deliver the best product on time and on budget.

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

When I’m not working, I have a myriad of activities. I love spending time with my (almost adult now) kidlet, playing VR, or reading Norse mythology by the fire. I have a wonderful friend group here where we do all kinds of activities like game nights, trivia, gallivanting around our great city. I also love to cook for people and read—mostly Star Wars books and fantasy.