Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television.
While I was in university for political science and African studies, I simultaneously pursued my lifetime interest in creating music and entertainment. I began to produce music for local hip-hop artists. This created a love for a combination of being creative and entrepreneurial. This experience led me to an audio production program after completing my university studies, where I developed a strong desire to create sound for picture. After working in live sound on movie sets, an opportunity came up for me to work on sound for animation. I developed a lot of experience in this area and then opened my own business focusing on audio postproduction. While I have worked on a variety of projects, including TV series, films, music videos and advertising, my primary focus and love remains in children’s television and animation. In this time, I have accumulated over 1000 credits working on children’s animation.
What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?
My favorite tv shows as a young child were Sesame Street and the Electric Company. I loved the inclusivity and chaotic and fun feel of these shows. I also enjoyed the full slate of Saturday morning cartoons that used to air when I was a kid.
Describe your role on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.
On Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, I am the re-recording mixer and sound designer. I designed the original set of sound effects for the series, I assemble all of the audio elements for each episode, including music from the composers and music editor, dialogue and sound effects, and mix them together to present to the production. Then, I work together with the producers and directors to create the final soundscape for each episode. I am proud to say I have done this for every episode of Daniel since the pilot episode in 2011.
What is your favorite episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood?
It is very difficult to pick just one, there are many episodes close to my heart, and many which have helped me as a parent, as my son was born at the same time the series began. I think if I had to pick just one, it would be Season 1, episode 11, “Daniel Goes to the Potty.” It was a unique and brilliant way to help parents and kids with a tricky learning experience that every child needs.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
In my free time I enjoy making music, cooking, traveling and reading, as well as being physically active, cycling, and working out as much as I can!