My vision is compiled of many facets and many people are involved in this circus and I am responsible for every aspect from logos to payroll. Life experience and hard work have brought me to this point. I have been an occupational therapist for 18 years and I love my profession. " Work hard and good things will come" My dad the Mayor of Cuba NM, mailman for the Navajo reservation, tow truck guy and the butcher in a small town leads me to the statement and my dream of being a Mayor myself....Mayor of downtown Burque. The anchor of downtown is the OT Circus. The anchor of a community that is ready to be transformed into different abilities with all the people we come in contact with. Not just in Burque but in all areas of NM and AZ and maybe the circus will be world wide. Even with uncertain times my dedication to my vision is still unwavered.

I recently decided to pursue my passion to help bring my love of art and therapy services together by becoming an active board member of this local non-profit. I currently work for the DD waiver and the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant providing therapy services to many individuals with varying abilities. It has been an honor to serve on the board with the wonderful women and community members to help bring the OT Circus and what we have to offer to everyone in the 505 and surrounding areas. I can’t wait to see what we can do.

Chamizal MacPherson is one of our Board members! Mrs. MacPherson is a native New Mexican who believes that art is an integral part of being human.  She believes that art is inspiring, thought provoking, unifying and therapeutic.  Chamizal has been involved in non-profit art organizations for 15 years as a board member and a volunteer.  She was the producer of the "OFFCenter Folk Art Festival" for 12 years, which provided local artists an economic opportunity to showcase their art.  She brings experience in the management of non-profit organizations and board function, having spent many years involved on the boards of many non- profit organizations.  She is an artist herself as well as a collector of local art.

"Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” -Fred Rogers

A lifetime lover and creator of art, combined with an expertise in bookkeeping, the OT Circus is where I belong. Priding myself in community action and volunteerism, nothing satisfies my soul more than working alongside thoughtful, energetic women who do wonderful things for the people within our local and surrounding communities.

I am a Physical Therapist, I have been a PT for 15 years and I work at a local hospital and also for the state DD Waiver program providing PT services in many rural and underserved areas of the state to adults with cognitive and physical deficits. It brings me great joy to help people achieve their greatest physical abilities to improve their quality of life. I am part of the OT Circus non-profit because I believe in its mission to help people of all abilities find their artistic potential through different art mediums.

Jennifer DeSantis is the OT Circus self proclaimed, “Liaison of Social Activities Extraordinaire!” She is the gallery’s main point of contact, and curates, coordinates, hosts, and facilitates multiple pop up art events each month at the OT Circus gallery, located at 709 Central Ave NW, in the heart of downtown ABQ!

Jennifer’s responsibilities also include general management and upkeep of the gallery, and social media management as well as communications. She is a lady that proudly wears many hats at the Circus!

Her passion for inclusivity and curating a space that erases the bourgeoise commonly associated with art galleries and one that supports the artists has helped put OT Circus on the map. She believes that everyone deserves a chance to showcase their work, and passionately encourages, and motivates artists on their creative path. She loves connecting people. The relationships that have been created at the Circus are priceless. There is a special symbiosis between artists and the non profit gallery that doesn’t exist elsewhere.

Ashley Kincaide is a staff member of OT Circus.  who helps the Albuquerque community access and express artistic expression. She has a strong belief that anyone can create art. 
    Before starting in the art community, she spent 10 years in healthcare. After a successful career helping her community in healthcare, she now assists others in realizing their artistic potential.

Margaret is a theater educator, writer and German speaker. Especially during this time of social distancing, Margaret really wanted to create ways for people to reclaim their community and stay connected to each other, while learning and growing together as artists, performers, and all around creative people. She is excited to launch the new Arts Connection program with OT Circus and provide arts opportunities for people of all abilities!

Melanie is an Occupational Therapy Assistant that has worked with AndMe Therapy for almost 6 years. Melanie has worked on and off with DDW in a variety of different settings since 18. That’s a lot of decades! From live-in care, graveyard, Dayhab, to residential coordinator in 3 different states. With a dash of Special Education Assisting in the public schools. Her greatest accomplishment was working graveyards, while attending school during the day, & graduating on the presidents list. It was with awesome support from husband & kids (Don, Jake, & Erica)she was able to succeed. Mel went to school for the sole purpose to continue to work with the DDW individuals & advocate for their rights to be included & just offer them activities that are meaningful to them. She thinks everyday is a good day for Glitter! She is thrilled to be part of OT Circus Art Connections to help everyone of all abilities remain connected with creativity.