As we kick off the 2022-23 school year, join Arts For All in welcoming our new Program Manager, Angel Hermosillo!
Get to know a bit about Angel’s native California, her love of theatre and excitement to work with Arts For All in the Q&A below:
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Angel: I am Angel Marie Hermosillo. I am originally from Modesto, California. I also am a proud first-generation college student. I went to Pace University where I obtained my Bachelors in Childhood Education with a concentration in English and Master’s in Special Education. My hobbies include singing, boxing and annoying my cats.
Q: Was moving cross-country from California to New York City an easy adjustment?
Angel: Moving across the country was not an easy adjustment. I am a big family person and my entire family lives in California. So when it came time to move, it was difficult to leave the life that I was so accustomed to. Even to this date, I have moments of homesickness due to my family being so far. However, I’ve always told myself that career-wise NYC is where I need to be to establish the life I want. Ultimately, it also gives me more of a reason to appreciate California when I visit.
Q: Is there anything you miss about California that you can’t get in NYC? (i.e.. food, specific stores, etc.)
Angel: I, of course, really miss In-N-Out! Although I am not the best driver, I also really miss driving and getting coffee at Dutch Bros or chicken tenders from Canes. California is extremely convenient because there’s a new adventure around the corner! Due to this, my family and I are really big on exploring. We used to do weekends at the beach or Lake Tahoe. Sometimes we would even drive around until we stumbled on something that peaked our interest.
Q: Through Pace University’s accelerated program, you earned your Bachelor’s in Childhood Education and Master’s in Special Education. When did you know that you wanted to work with Childhood Education? Was there an “A-ha! This is what I am meant to do” moment?
Angel: I knew I wanted to work with kids when I worked as a mentor with my community theatre company. Through that experience I helped redirect students, taught choreography but more importantly helped guide them past theatrical means. I realized that I liked being a guiding light to students. I became curious as to how I could emulate the same experience in a broader way and that’s when I decided to pursue Childhood Education. The “Ah-ha!” moment came when I was working with a student on the spectrum. This student and I gained a strong relationship of trust. As the year went on, I saw his confidence grow to a point where they didn’t need me in the wings doing the choreography with them. He grew on to make a handful of friends throughout the company and at one point completely didn’t need me. He became fully independent and confident. Fast forward four years later, I was fortunate to watch them walk the stage with my sister at their high school graduation this past May!
Q: Speaking of children, let’s go back to your childhood. How did you enjoy and experience art as a child?
Angel: I partook in my community theatre company and other regional companies. My mom put me in a variety of companies once she saw or rather violently heard me singing throughout the house. I did many productions and my passion for performing really flourished. I had a variety of roles from a tree, broccoli, Cinderella, dancer number 5 and so many more!!
Q: What discipline of art were you drawn to and why?
Angel: I was drawn to musical theatre. I found myself drawn to the form of expression. It was a way to escape whatever stress I was holding onto and transform myself into a variety of characters and settings with just my imagination and some lyrics.
Q: What does art mean to you?
Angel: Art to me is a method of expression, identity and discovery. I’ve always reverted to the arts when I’ve needed to recenter myself and destress.
Q: Do you have a favorite art memory?
Angel: My favorite memory through the arts stems from not physically being onstage or in the act of performing, but the memories and friendships I’ve made along the way. There’s a unique bond with friends like this. For instance, my best friend of 13 years and I still find ourselves doing choreography that we learned when we were 9. Moments exactly like that are my favorite. You take a moment, remember what happened onstage, laugh about it and reminisce on the good days.
Q: The calling to continue the work of bringing arts to all children through school as well as extracurricular activities has led you to working with Arts For All. What inspires you most about AFA?
Angel: I believe that the arts should be accessible to all and AFA does just that! I love that we’re able to provide students access to arts in a way that is inclusive. I have been touched personally through my experience with arts education and it’s important that arts education becomes normalized to be a classroom necessity. The partnerships made through the organization understand the need and benefits of arts education. While the students are having fun with the activities that the teaching artist provide them, they are learning so much about themselves and the world around them!
Q: What are you most excited about for this upcoming school year with AFA?
Angel: I am excited to collaborate with the teaching artists and see their activities in the classroom! They’re all so talented and I am excited to see what they have in store for the students. I know once they send in pictures from their activities and lessons that I’ll be inspired to try the activities for myself!
Q: While working with AFA on an administrative level, you are still an active teaching artist. What is the most important reason you also want to remain in the classroom with children?
Angel: I love teaching and I don’t want to lose that side of me. Being with AFA gives me a balance of being behind the scenes all while actively having a hand in the classroom. This also allows me to stay up to date with teaching methods, and strategies.
