MEET THE CAST | Brie's Best Guests

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Our Team

Brie

Director and Founder

I’m a graduate from the University of Southern Maine's undergraduate teaching and history program. During my time there, I was recognized for my research in women's history and the history of those often forgotten. I also hold a masters degree in education for teaching speakers of other languages.

I am often seen on stage performing in theater for young audiences, and when I'm not feeding a dinosaur, I work as a Social Studies Educator for the Osher Map Library.

My educational and professional career has consistently revolved around making learning fun, accessible, and engaging. All of our parties have educational elements for that very reason. Brie's Best Guests started with a mission to spread joy, while being inclusive and sensory-friendly so that friends with different types of needs can have a magical experience.

Grace

Social/Emotional Learning Advisor

I’ve been performing with Brie's Best Guests since 2017 and have evolved from an Ice Queen to a paleontologist. I have a B.A. in Theater Arts from Brandeis University and a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialty in Expressive Arts Therapy from Lesley University, the latter of which I earned while consistently performing with my Best Guest family.

I work full time as a licensed mental health counselor and have a professional background in special education, children’s theater, and childcare. My creative pursuits include acting, dancing, and costume design, although lately you’re most likely to find me goofing around as Dr. Tracey Fossils with Jurassic Jo and the Cretaceous Crew.

When I was a kid, I was very scared of dinosaurs- so scared that I didn’t watch some iconic dinosaur movies until my twenties! One of my favorite things about our team is that we make dinosaur fun and learning accessible to everyone- even kids who feel scared or nervous. Despite my childhood fears, my favorite dinosaur is the sneaky, smart (and sometimes scary) velociraptor.

Joanna

Jurassic Jo!

I’m Jurassic Jo, so come on and say hello!! Many years of experience in theater and customer service led me right to the perfect job. I feel so grateful to be part of this amazing Cretaceous Crew and to help create sensory-friendly and educational Dino entertainment.

I wrote the book of the Jurassic Jo’s Dino Show and it has become such a special part of my working life. It’s an honor to perform this show alongside all of these Maine artists. We’re all looking forward to the future of our fabulous Dino musical.

When I don’t have my Jurassic Jo hat on, I still find many ways to let my creativity flow! I’m a co founder of a local professional theater company in Portland, ME, as well as an actor, director, writer, costume designer, and filmmaker. I never pictured myself becoming a part time archeology enthusiast who asks everyone their favorite dinosaur…but here we are! Wouldn’t have it any other way. Oh! And my favorite dinosaur is a Triceratops.

Sam

Administration Manager

Carrow

Marketing and Social Media Lead

My name is Samantha, and I’m often referred to as the team’s “Stage Manager”. While I’ll become a handle a Dinosaur on occasion, you’re more likely to see me behind the scenes helping with event organization, finances, and upkeep of our Dino pals.

I’m a graduate from the University of Southern Maine with degrees in both psychology and business management, and currently work for Unum.

Believe it or not, “dino wrangler” isn’t the weirdest job I’ve ever had. Though I also work as a children’s librarian, actor, and designer, I’ve been lucky enough to spend the last two decades employed in the worlds of entertainment and education, most notably as a character performer for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

With my BFA in Film and Television Production from the Savannah College of Art and Design, I’ve worked in many aspects of stage and film and have worked for the Savannah Film Festival, Atlanta's aTVfest, and Chanel-Paris, and am a former member of the Board of Directors at Biddeford City Theater.

As a former early childhood educator, I love blending my backgrounds in entertainment and education as I live my childhood dream of teaching people about dinosaurs (no really, ask me about the picture of little Carrow dressed as a paleontologist for Career Day)! Quite a few things might have changed in the years since that picture, but my favorite dinosaur sure hasn't: a parasaurolophus!

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