Don Laffoon, Founder and Executive Director, received his B.A. in theatre prior to serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Iran . After receiving his M.A. in directing from Purdue University , Mr. Laffoon was invited back to Iran as Artistic Director of the Iran-American Cultural Center where he directed 21 major productions. Commissioned by the Empress of Iran, Mr. Laffoon created the National Children's Theatre of Iran, which he directed for six years.
After returning to the United States , Mr. Laffoon founded STOP-GAP, a theatre company that provides a variety of theatre programs to communities throughout Southern California . Mr. Laffoon is the creator of the STOP-GAP Method, and the artistic voice of STOP-GAP.
Mr. Laffoon is a Registered Drama Therapist and Board Certified Trainer. He is former Chair of the National Coalition of Arts Therapies Associations and has served as President of the National Association for Drama Therapy.
Fionnuala Kenny Artistic Director,
is an experienced actor and educator. Ms. Kenny holds graduate and post-graduate qualifications in English and Drama, and an M.A. in Education. Drawing on her experience as Head of Faculty at West Thames College , London , England , Ms. Kenny is responsible for the development and direction of the Program Department. Ms. Kenny manages the STOP-GAP Company, and works closely with Don Laffoon to ensure that all STOP-GAP programs reflect the spirit and intent of the STOP-GAP Method.
Nadia Babayi Director of Development,
departed from a 23 year long corporate career to follow her passion for fundraising and serving the community. A graduate of the University of Texas , Austin , she also holds a Certificate in Fundraising from the University of California , Irvine . Co-founder of Child Foundation Charity in Southern California , she also serves on the advisory board of the Network of Iranian American Professionals of Orange County. Ms. Babayi joined the STOP-GAP team in November 2003, and is responsible for the management of the development department as well as overseeing all aspects of fundraising and donor relations.
Rhonda Hougard Program Administrator,
builds and maintains relationships with partner schools, helps teachers choose plays that support their curriculum, schedules performances and coordinates the STOP-GAP actors. Ms. Hougard has excelled in this capacity for six years.
Judi Pendley Assistant Touring Play Coordinator
The STOP-GAP Company is an ensemble of twenty-one professional actors and facilitators who have completed intensive training in the STOP-GAP Method. The STOP-GAP ensemble is gender balanced, multi-ethnic, diverse in age, and includes Spanish speaking actors.
