The Sages

  • DAVID ALBINO | HE, HIM

    David, an actor residing in Minneapolis, has struggled with Depression, Anxiety, and ADHD his entire life.

    Early on, he found Theatre and quickly received support, healing, and a way to practice skills that he was not learning in school or at home.

    As an adult, David dedicated a significant portion of his career to the mental health field — working primarily with youth experiencing severe emotional disturbances. After nearly a decade of seeing the harm that Stigma was causing to those with mental illness, David sought to bring about spaces where people could learn and better understand each other.

    And so… the Wildwood manifested itself.

    Aff: Nexus Family Healing

  • BRANDON REGER-JOHNSON | HE, THEY

    Believing that theater could be more than surface level, Brandon was drawn to Wildwood by its mission to destigmatize mental health and mental illness. Recognizing that not all stories end happily, he is passionate about creating art that spawns conversation and wants to push the boundaries of theater.

    By telling the stories that aren’t being told, stories that reflect societal issues, and stories that discuss topics historically viewed as uncomfortable or taboo. They believe that spurring these conversations gives us the opportunity to heal collectively.

    Brandon strives to take wanderers on a journey through the wood, experiencing all it has to offer.

    Affiliations:

    Morris Park Players
    Morris Park Singers
    University of Minnesota Physicians

  • DAN STRITTMATER | HE, HIM

    Drawn to our mission, Dan leaped outside of his comfort zone to become a Sage. Dan is skilled in building financial sustainability and wishes to serve the Wildwood in building momentum by increasing and diversifying revenue streams ensuring stabilization and expansion of our efforts long into the future.

    When not serving the Wildwood, Dan is an avid snowboarder and skateboarder who aspires to one day land a kickflip and have an AARP sponsorship.

    Affiliations:

    Monarch Healthcare Management, VP of Operations

    St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, Practicum Director

  • DARYA GEMMEL | SHE, HER

    A former high school language arts teacher, Darya brings her love of drama and theatre and her commitment to human and civil rights to her role as Sage. She has seen firsthand how the stigma related to mental health and illness are harmful, and she seeks this opportunity to impact the community as a whole, and young people in particular.

    Her former students can attest to her ability to create a positive peer culture Making her skills as an educator instrumental in the further development of our touring education program.

  • LAUREN EDSON | SHE, THEY

    With a background in both psychology and theater, Lauren knows the profound impact of the arts on mental health. They are passionate about diving deep into the human experience and curating immersive worlds for audiences to explore, grow, and heal in. Lauren is dedicated to engaging her community and helping break down barriers to help all people experience the joys of live theater.

    Aff: Children’s Theater Company

  • DIANNA MARTIN | SHE, HER

    Dianna came to Wildwood with an open mind and heart inspired to bring mission-driven theater into new communities. With her strong leadership ability, she plans to leverage her position in the community to bring awareness to the mission and introduce new outlets to people of color.

    Dianna comes from criminal rehabilitation background specializing in Restorative Justice and community reintegration. This perspective gives her a clear picture of the role and impact of corrections systems on mental health issues. Dianna plans to use her perspective and influence to build bridges through the wood for these communities to join the circle.

    Affiliations:

    MN DOC, Transition Advocate
    Northland College Social Justice Bachelors Program, Active Alumna
    Good in the Hood, Volunteer

  • CLAIRE SWAN | SHE, HER

    Claire first arose as a Keeper and was instantly drawn to the compassion and empathy that surrounds the Wildwood. As a recent biomedical engineering student and current clinical research monitor, Claire finds reprieve, peace, and fun in the theater. Because she has experienced theater's positive effect on mental health firsthand, she has a passion for ensuring others have the same experience. Claire is committed to fulfilling Wildwood's mission by helping it become a more artist-focused theatre and always providing a safe space for anyone who may walk through the door.

 Advisory Council

  • Martha McDermott