I was born in Hue, Vietnam and grew up in Saigon until I emigrated to the U.S. in 1975. My flight left the airport on April 28, 1975, a couple of hours prior to the breakout of fighting. After two years in Pittsburgh, PA, I moved to Brookline, Massachusetts with my family. I attended Brookline High School. I tried taking up acting in high school but because my command of English was limited, I switched to dance the following year. I tried to be practical and studied fashion retailing, then moved to N.Y. and acquired an MBA in Human Resource Management.
Shortly thereafter, I gained a masters degree in educational psychology. I did not go back to acting until my daughter was in first grade. After a year, I had the confidence to audition for local theaters and independent films around New York City. I was a member of Love Creek Theatre Production.
I am also a member of the Isadora Duncan International Institute. This training in modern dance from Dr. Jeanne Bresciani is helpful in adapting to the physical aspects of theatrical acting. I also acquired the title of "Artist - In- Residence" from the Institute where I also sit on the Board of Advisers. I also enjoy belly dancing at Serena's Studio. I had first started to learn belly dancing in college for a short time and recently went back to it.
In 2017, I obtained a doctorate in Counseling Psychology. My doctoral thesis was based on a play called "Flowers: A Thorny Romance" in which I performed a role in a production a few years ago, it is about domestic violence.I am also a trained volunteer for one of the domestic violence organizations in New York City. I am hoping one day to be able to get involved in the public/global health area.
I study with my wonderful and beautiful acting coach, Lenore Harris, whose teaching extends beyond the world of theater. Lenore's own training was influenced by Stanislavski. I consider myself fortunate to have worked with some wonderful people on various productions.
A loving bond has been formed that is like that within a family.
I seek fulfillment by being accessible and receptive to various creative influences. Being able to perform in dance, theater, or film and being with my loved ones - these are the things that make me feel as if I have truly achieved my American dream.
