HEART MENTORS
Sisi began volunteering for HEART as we got ready for the Piccolo run of STAR, helping us with the sound and lighting design. It didn’t take long for Sisi to fall in love with HEART and, of course, all of our HEARTists. She joined HEART as Executive Director in February 2020.
Sisi has worked in the Charleston theater scene since moving here in 2005, receiving her B.A. in Theatre Performance in 2009 from the College of Charleston. She hopes to continue working on her graduate certificate in Arts and Cultural Management from the College. She also serves as the Company Stage Manager and sound designer for the Village Repertory Co., and is an actor in the Village Rep Ensemble. Sisi is absolutely thrilled to be working with HEART!
Sierra “Sisi”
Garland
Executive Director
Rae Weekes
Artistic Director
Rae was working with a group of adults with disabilities where HEART’s Founder, Farrah, volunteered teaching yoga and joined her in creating HEART. Rae wears many hats at HEART including managing the daily activities, visual arts and volunteers.
Rae received her BA in Studio Art from the College of Charleston in 2012. She quickly realized that HEART was where she wanted to grow and share her talents and love. She believes whole-heartedly in the necessity of the arts for a thriving, inclusive community. “I see HEART as a place where we all feel loved and respected for being our true, authentic selves. I’ve never felt anything like it. It’s a beautiful family of unique creatives and feels like home.”
Mel started volunteering with HEART in 2017 and was instantly taken with this creative, genuine and inclusive community. She was hired on as the Performing Arts Director in 2018.
Mel studied Vocal Performance and Business at West Chester University and has always loved exploring new musical techniques and genres. While she teaches privately and performs around Charleston, any stage she shares with HEART is her favorite one to be on.
Photo Cred: Frankie Gilmore
Mel Walker
Performing Arts Director
Ryner Burg
Activities Facilitator
Ryner spent many years volunteering with HEART before swooping in to keep us all chugging along during the pandemic. Whenever a mentor couldn’t make it to the Studio, Ryner was there to save the day. Now, we’re grateful to have Ryner with us always, lending a guiding hand in activities, being our all-around support system, and the liaison between home and the HEART Studio.
A native Charlestonian, Ryner is an expert at finding the fun and new adventures in our area. Lucky for us!
Wait, is that everybody?
Yup! That’s all of our staff. We’re grateful to have some wonderful volunteers who come by to create with us. But the every day is run by the four of us. So reach out to us whenever you need us!
