I got my start as a teaching artist at The Omaha Community Playhouse in 1986 and was instantly hooked. From there, I had the privilege of teaching Creative Drama and Movement throughout Los Angeles, CA and Tokyo, Japan.

Before moving back to Omaha in 2021, I worked at Wild Rose School of Creative Arts in Monrovia, CA as a Creative Drama Specialist. Here, I implemented a Creative Drama Integration program for TK-Grade 5, working closely with students and teachers in the classroom. I led Professional Development sessions in Creative Drama Integration for teachers and administrators, as well as an after-school Drama Club.

The pandemic gave me the opportunity to learn new skills and expand my reach as I planned, filmed and edited Creative Drama videos (Drama-O-Rama With Mrs. Combs) which you can find on YouTube.

After moving back to Omaha, I became a WhyArts Teaching Artist. As a WhyArtist, I have taught three Dancing Classrooms residencies, and am currently leading three Golden Ballroom programs in Assisted Living and Memory Support. I am also working as a Project Manager for the WhyArts revival of The Kids On The Block, an educational puppet program that enlightens children on the issues of disability awareness. I also work as a Teaching Artist and Independent Artist at The Omaha Community Playhouse.

I am truly excited to be back in Omaha, and feel so fortunate to be part of this incredible WhyArts family!