How many years have you worked in the Movie Theatre Industry and how did you first become involved?
I’ll celebrate 16 years in the UltraStar Corporate Office this June; however, my first job with the UltraStar team was as a box office cashier and concession cast member at their first new theater build---then called Nickelodeon—in November 1991. I worked through my senior year of high school and while attending college I would come back and intern in the marketing department during Summer vacations. After receiving my BA in Communication from UCSB I worked in Los Angeles for a number of years outside of the industry, but eventually made my way back to the theater business as I have always loved the movies. |
What’s the best part of your Job? Do you have any memorable experiences that you would like to share?
One of the favorite parts of my job is working with local non-profit groups and sharing my passion for the movies. Every year The Seany Foundation, an organization that funds projects to enhance the lives of kids, teens, and young adults affected by cancer, rents out auditoriums for a large tent-pole film and the theater is filled with kids and families dealing with cancer. It’s great to see these families escape for a few hours and get lost in the magic on the big screen. It always brings a huge smile to my face to see how Hollywood Movie Magic can bring pure joy to people. |
What is your fondest movie theatre memory? When I was little Mattel would sponsor early morning kid shows at our theater in Del Mar and hand out Barbie dolls after the movie. It was the coolest thing ever to see a movie and then get a doll! |
How old were you when you went to your first movie? Do you remember the theatre and the city? The first movie I remember seeing at the theater was The Incredible Shrinking Woman when I was 6, in Del Mar, CA at the Flower Hill Cinema. |
What is your favorite movie of all time? What is it about this movie that stands out for you? My all-time favorite movie is Splendor in the Grass starring Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty. It was the first film I remember watching where I actually yelled at the screen---I was so bothered that these two young lovers were separated by their families because of class differences and how it affected their entire lives. I remember absolutely hating the father, played by Pat Hingle; which meant he was a great actor! |
Do you have any industry related hobbies or experiences? Please explain. I’m a mom of three and I LOVE taking my kids to the movies. We see at least 2 movies a month as a family and sharing my joy of films with them, and knowing that they will have memories to cherish for a lifetime, fills my heart. It’s also fun being known as the “cool mom” when I take my kids’ friends with us and load them up with popcorn, candy, nachos & soda. |
Do you have any special interests that you would like to share? I am an avid runner and just completed my 21st half marathon last month. I’ll be running my first full marathon this November in Richmond, Virginia. |
What does being a member of NATO of CA/NV mean to you? |
Of all the resources that the Association offers (seminars, scholarships, email advisories, etc.) which is most useful for you? |
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