Tiara Van Gerpen

Drama Director

Leisure, Youth, and Human Services with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation, University of Northern Iowa
Hometown: Garner, Iowa
Why are you majoring in what you're majoring in? I want to help people with disabilities live the best life they possibly can! I will dedicate my career to helping others see the abilities of these people, not the disabilities. We are more alike than different.

Life mantra or words to live by: No one has ever become poor by giving.
Favorite breakfast item: Cinnamon raisin bagel with strawberry cream cheese
Favorite book: To Kill a Mockingbird
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Maldives
Favorite art genre or artist: Andy Warhol
Favorite movie: Shawshank Redemption
Do you sing or play any musical instruments? Clarinet and Tenor Saxophone

If you could visit any time in history, when and where would you go? 1940's - I would travel all over to see the impact of WWII
Favorite app: Pinterest
Favorite time of the year: Fall or Christmas
Pets: Two dogs - Bubba and Sadie
Music or music artist you like to listen to: Frank Sinatra, Jazz, or country
Is there a musical or play in New York you would like to go see? Wicked!
Favorite dinner item: Spaghetti and meatballs
Favorite sport: Soccer
For a superpower, what would you choose? Ability to speak any language fluently

Favorite color or color combination: Purple
Do you like getting surprised at haunted houses? No
Favorite quote? "A diamond is a chunk of coal that did well under pressure."
Special hobby you love to do: Quilt
Dog person or cat person? Dog person
Something about you that most people would be surprised to learn: I'm an avid quilter, crocheter, and knitter. My friends call me "grandma"
Favorite animal: Elephant
Why did you join the Spectrum Project? I joined Spectrum to make an impact on the children I came into contact with. I want to change the world!!

Message to all Spectrum Project performers and buddies: Spectrum is crazy fun!! You will love every single second.