Staff

Michelle Porraro
Owner, Director

Michelle, proud mother of two, is a member of SAG/AFTRA and has worked as a professional actress in film, television and theatre for over a decade. She completed professional acting training in New York City at The Neighborhood Playhouse, HB Studios and with professional acting coaches from the Actor’s Studio. She has also worked with children at the YMCA of Ridgewood, YMCA of Madison, and YMCA of Hoboken.

In recent years, she has worked in the pharmaceutical industry as a regional Sales Trainer helping staff develop strong presentation skills. Michelle has a B.S. Degree from Ramapo College and pursued an M.E. at Stevens Institute of Technology on a scholarship from the Army Corps of Engineers. When she found a program that was focused on building confidence and speaking and acting skills in children, Michelle knew it was the perfect match for her talents. “I took my own acting training and experience and applied it successfully to the business world and I want to help other children do the same!”

Mary Elizabeth Gismonde
Drama Teacher

Mary is a Theatre Arts graduate of Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts and a proud alumna of the historic Douglass Women’s College. She is thrilled to have joined the staff of Drama Kids of Greater Morristown! As a professional actress and teaching artist, she has 10+ years of experience working with children in the arts. She has also trained with Very Special Arts NJ and Theatre in Motion LLC as a creative drama therapist, helping children with intellectual and physical differences. Mary enjoys the process of helping her students discover their creativity and watching them grow into active, social, confident young people with wonderful imaginations.

Celine Dirkes
Drama Teacher

Celine is excited to join Drama Kids of Greater Morristown. Celine graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in Theatre Arts and English. At Rutgers they also acquired certificates in Creative Writing, Drama and Performance Studies, and a certificate in Women’s Leadership from historic Douglass Residential College. As a performer, they prioritize creative approaches to  Shakespeare and new works that highlight local storytelling. Celine has experience teaching drama to students of all ages, from pre-K to 12th grade, and loves to facilitate the growth of both technical skills and creativity!

Samantha Kelly
Drama Teacher

Samantha (Sam) is so excited to be a teacher for Drama Kids! Sam has been a theater lover her entire life, but fell in love with performing in elementary school while participating in a production of Annie. She currently helps run a theater group in the New Brunswick area and performs whenever she gets the chance! She believes that theater can help kids express emotions and develop self-confidence and she’s excited to be a part of that with Drama Kids!

Tiffany Grossfeld
Drama Teacher

Tiffany is an actor, writer, & teaching artist based in New Jersey. A lifelong actor, Tiffany has been performing professionally since her childhood. She holds a B.F.A. in Performing Arts from SCAD: Savannah College of Art & Design and continues to work in film & theatre as well as arts education. She believes firmly in the power of creative expression & is grateful to make arts education accessible to a wide array of students & young artists.