Type: Meet Our Neighbors

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television.  

I was studying film production at Columbia College Chicago when I secured an internship at a company known for creating commercials that featured “kids being kids.” I had always wanted to work with children in some capacity, and this was the perfect environment for me to develop skills that combined both film production and working with kids. It feels like a career in children’s television was a natural progression. 

Describe your role(s) on Donkey Hodie.  

My job title on Donkey Hodie is Associate Director, a position which is sometimes difficult to describe. My role as the AD is essentially keeping all the various departments on the same page and moving forward to “make our day” or stay on schedule. Each episode starts the same way; once the script and storyboards are finalized, I break them down and build a shot list. I then collaborate with the department heads and create a shooting schedule — that’s the easy part. The most challenging aspect of my job occurs when we begin shooting. Things change at the last minute or don’t always work out as expected — which is the nature of production. It’s my job to communicate with the crew and find solutions that will keep the show on schedule.  

Do you have a favorite Donkey Hodie episode?  

I don’t have a favorite episode, per se, but there are scenes that are close to my heart. In “Chili Jamboree,” Bob Dog sings a number called “The So Hard Waiting to Chew the Chili Blues,” about how waiting for something can be difficult. Another stand-out is when King Friday makes an appearance in the episode “Royal Sandcastle Builders,” which brought me back a childhood memory seeing King Friday on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. I think a favorite moment for everyone on the crew, myself included, was in the episode “Bobbly Ball” where Uncle Panda sings the iconic Mister Rogers song, “I’m Proud of You.”   

Do you have a favorite moment while working on the set?  

My favorite moments on set are when crew members bring their families to visit. The look of amazement when anyone walks the stage and sees all the incredible sets and the army of puppets, the creativity, the detail, and the execution makes me so proud to be a part of Donkey Hodie. Everyone, especially the puppeteers, take time out of their day to engage with guests and make them feel special.  

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?  

One of my favorite childhood memories is watching The Muppet Show with my family. The show aired later in the evening, and I remember my siblings and I would put on our pajamas, bring our pillows and blankets down to the TV room, and my dad would make a big bowl of popcorn. Watching The Muppet Show was an event at my house.  

What do you like to do when you’re not working?  

On the days I’m not working, I enjoy not having a schedule to follow. I like to spend time with my girlfriend and our dog, take a weekend road trip, or get together with friends to enjoy a good meal. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how you got involved with Odd Squad.
When I was at Sesame Workshop, I was lucky enough to work with Tim and Adam (co-creators of OS) on The Electric Company. Often, in the world of kids’ media, there is a clear line between the "education people" and the "creatives.” With Tim and Adam, that line really wasn't there. I had my world of expertise, and they had theirs, but there was a lot of collaborative exploration that went on, which made for the most fun job ever. When they got the green light for Odd Squad, they hired me as the education director, and I moved to LA for a few months for the start of the writer's room for the show. It was really significant to be an integral part of the show from the early stages, and I definitely think it helped the team to craft hilarious and bizarre stories with math authentically "baked-in.”   

Describe your role on Odd Squad over the years. 

I was the education director and consulting producer for Season 1 of the show and then an educational consultant for Seasons 2 and 4. At the beginning, my job was to choose and articulate the curricular goals for the show, fleshing out the math in language that would be easy for writers to access when pitching and writing stories. After we got into pre-production, my role was reviewing outlines, scripts, and initial edits of the show to ensure they successfully delivered on the learning (while maintaining the oddness and fun!) In addition to the show, I also advised on the suite of games that live on PBS KIDS and a "Be the Agent" outreach experience for camps and afterschool programs. 

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? 

TOUGH question. Most likely a four-way tie: The Smurfs, The Jetsons, Family Ties, and Benson. 

Do you have a favorite episode of Odd Squad? 

“Dance Like Nobody's Watching” Season 1, Episode 18. I am Soundcheck's #1 fan.  

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Crossword puzzles. Play with my 8-year-old. Organize stuff in my house. Walk around Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Make things out of other things. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how you got started in children’s media.
I was a magazine editor for many years. But I always did a lot of improv and comedy on the side and dreamed of being a comedy writer. I had all these funny stories I wanted to write, inspired by my culture and family. So in 2020, I went to The Second City Film School and focused on screenwriting. That led to fellowships at Sesame Workshop and Fred Rogers Productions, which helped me land my first freelance scripts in children's media.

What was it like being a Writers’ Neighborhood Fellow?
The Writers’ Neighborhood program felt like joining a super supportive children’s media family! It was such an incredible experience, from bonding with the other fellows in Pittsburgh to meeting so many wonderful mentors. The fellowship focuses on how to have a career freelancing for children’s media, and it was exactly what I needed to kickstart my freelance screenwriting career. I had freelanced one script prior to the fellowship and, in the year following the fellowship, I freelanced 13 scripts for kids’ TV and YouTube series!

Describe your role on Alma’s Way.
I’m a staff writer on Alma’s Way, and my job includes writing episodes, brainstorming ideas with the writing team, proofing scripts, collecting and distributing script notes, and working closely with the Head Writer and Story Editor. I love working on a series that’s so full of heart and humor with so, so many amazing characters. It's a comedy writer's dream!

Do you have any advice for other freelance writers looking to get into the industry?
Write script samples that you really love and highlight your unique voice. Keep entering and applying for fellowships, pitch contests, script competitions—you never know where these things will lead. Join an industry organization like the Children's Media Association— they have tons of great events. And I'm a big fan of improv as a way to get more comfy with pitching, finding your voice as a writer, and meeting other creative friends—it's the best kind of networking! 

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?
DuckTales—I loved any show with funny siblings and treasure. I still do!

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I perform improv and stand-up, and I continue my lifelong search for the most almond-y almond croissant in New York City.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television. 

I’ve always been drawn to technology. In high school, I would spend time at a friend’s family-owned television production company, experimenting with their gear. I thought TV might be a fun career, so I enrolled in the Media Arts program at Sheridan College. After graduation, I spent eight years with the Toronto Police Video Services Unit, producing training videos and providing investigative support. Wanting to explore something more creative, I began freelancing as an editor with a local production company, which led to a full-time role. We produced several commercials for a major toy company, sparking my interest in children's television. Over time, I transitioned into visual effects, taking on roles at various studios and gaining experience on increasingly challenging projects. In 2014, I met Matt Bishop from Sinking Ship Entertainment and started working with them on an effects-heavy children’s show, which would become Odd Squad. Since then, I’ve collaborated with them on several children’s series, including Annedroids, Dino Dana, Ghostwriter, and Endlings. In 2022, our team won an Emmy for Outstanding Visual Effects for a Live Action Program at the Children's & Family Emmy Awards. I’m still a kid at heart, and working in children's television has been some of the most rewarding and meaningful work of my career. 

 What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?  

Sesame Street had a big impact on me. Growing up in a new, predominantly Caucasian neighborhood, it was my first real exposure to multiculturalism. Teaching me that despite what might seem to set us apart, we are all fundamentally the same. I was also fascinated by puppets and model trains, which made Mister Rogers' Neighborhood a favorite as well. 

 Describe your role on Odd Squad. 

As the visual effects supervisor and producer on Odd Squad, I work with the director and showrunners to develop a creative brief for the CG characters, gadget zaps, and other 'Oddness' effects in each episode. I then lead the artistic teams through each phase of production, ensuring we stay within scope, on schedule, and on budget. Odd Squad holds a special place for me as I've been involved since the very first episode, representing 10 years of my career. 

 What is your favorite episode of Odd Squad? 

It's hard to choose just one, but I'd say season 1, episode 8 “A Case of the Sing-Alongs" is a standout. Sean Cullen was brilliant as Mayor Macklemore, and the Chili Cook-off scene still cracks me up. On a more personal note, season 2, episode 1 “First Day” holds a special place in my heart because my two sons had the chance to appear as background agents. Odd Squad was their favorite show, and they couldn't believe they got to be part of it. Having them on set with me was an unforgettable experience. 

 What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

In my free time I enjoy axe throwing, off-roading in my Jeep, cooking, live music, and spending quality time with my family. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Describe your role at Fred Rogers Productions.  

I’m a producer on the animated series Alma’s Way. In my role, I support all aspects of the series, including, reviewing and giving feedback on scripting, design, casting, music, and animation, facilitating communication with partners and collaborators, and working with the team to fulfill the overall creative vision for the series. I also review the design of ancillary materials in relation to the show such as posters and promotional materials, parade balloons, costumes, and the recent Alma’s Way museum exhibit. Alma’s Way is an ah-may-zing show, and I’m so happy to be a part of it! 

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television.  

I’ve always loved children, animation, and storytelling, so working in children’s media is a very natural fit for me. When I first started college, I was planning to be an elementary school teacher, but I found myself drawn to the film and television field, so I switched my major to communications media with a double minor in theater and English. Along with the productions I worked on, I took a series of courses which led me to write and animate a short episode for a children’s series and which really grounded my appreciation for the field. 

After graduating, I worked for a non-profit where I managed independent film initiatives designed to foster filmmakers and stimulate creative projects in Pittsburgh. As luck would have it, that company was across the hall from Fred Rogers Productions, so over the course of a few years I did freelance work with FRP, and then eventually came to work at FRP full time to aid the creation of the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood website. After that, I worked on a few development projects for FRP, one of which was Alma’s Way. 

What do you like most about working at Fred Rogers Productions?  

Fred Rogers Productions is an absolutely wonderful place to work. The people here are so kind, genuine, and passionate about creating valuable content for kids and families.  Through my work at FRP, I’m proud to be a part of creating something meaningful that kids are able to connect to, learn from, and grow with. 

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? 

There were lots of shows and movies that I enjoyed throughout different times in my childhood. A lot of the PBS shows like Bill Nye, The Magic School Bus, Arthur, and Reading Rainbow were staples for me, but also I distinctly remember loving the animation style of the Disney films; looking at movies like The Lion King and appreciating how detailed and beautiful the backgrounds were, and at the time wondering if it would be possible to make the animated characters just as detailed! At one point, along with a childhood friend, we hosted “24-Hour Disney Movie Night,” where the rule was at least one of us was supposed to be awake and watching the all-day/night movie marathon! 

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my husband and daughter, baking, having picnics, and doing artistic endeavors!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television. 

While I was in university for political science and African studies, I simultaneously pursued my lifetime interest in creating music and entertainment. I began to produce music for local hip-hop artists. This created a love for a combination of being creative and entrepreneurial. This experience led me to an audio production program after completing my university studies, where I developed a strong desire to create sound for picture. After working in live sound on movie sets, an opportunity came up for me to work on sound for animation. I developed a lot of experience in this area and then opened my own business focusing on audio postproduction. While I have worked on a variety of projects, including TV series, films, music videos and advertising, my primary focus and love remains in children’s television and animation. In this time, I have accumulated over 1000 credits working on children’s animation. 

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? 

My favorite tv shows as a young child were Sesame Street and the Electric Company. I loved the inclusivity and chaotic and fun feel of these shows.  I also enjoyed the full slate of Saturday morning cartoons that used to air when I was a kid.  

Describe your role on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. 

On Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, I am the re-recording mixer and sound designer. I designed the original set of sound effects for the series, I assemble all of the audio elements for each episode, including music from the composers and music editor, dialogue and sound effects, and mix them together to present to the production. Then, I work together with the producers and directors to create the final soundscape for each episode. I am proud to say I have done this for every episode of Daniel since the pilot episode in 2011. 

What is your favorite episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood? 

It is very difficult to pick just one, there are many episodes close to my heart, and many which have helped me as a parent, as my son was born at the same time the series began.  I think if I had to pick just one, it would be Season 1, episode 11, “Daniel Goes to the Potty.”  It was a unique and brilliant way to help parents and kids with a tricky learning experience that every child needs. 

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

In my free time I enjoy making music, cooking, traveling and reading, as well as being physically active, cycling, and working out as much as I can! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television. 

As a child, I was always fascinated with characters and the worlds they lived in. This stemmed from TV and movies (Pokémon and Studio Ghibli) as well as computer games I played when I was elementary school age. That quickly evolved into an interest for the voices behind some of my favorite characters in video games — generally Japanese influenced. One voice actor in particular who I highly respected was Charles Martinet (Super Mario). You could say he is an early catalyst for my interest in performing as he brought so much life to a beloved character to so many. Naturally being so drawn to characters and needing an outlet as I was left to my own devices after school, I reconnected with the Muppets again as a middle schooler. I eventually branched out and taught myself how to build and perform with puppets. I started to post YouTube videos of my own puppet content (2011-2015), which were seen by my current friend and colleague, Tau Bennett. Over the years he and I, among several other friends, became a close-knit troupe that would work together. Due to this link, when we were much older (2019) David Rudman [Co-Founder, Spiffy Pictures and Co-Creator/Executive Producer, Donkey Hodie] asked Tau if he knew of any Chicago puppeteers, and I was one of the first names to come to mind. 

Describe your role(s) on Donkey Hodie. 

 My roles on Donkey Hodie include: puppet wrangling (dressing, styling, and rigging all the puppet characters), puppeteering (usually assist puppeteering, right hands, puppeteering musical instruments, or doubling as characters), costume building (build costumes for the characters), puppet building (build smaller scale, background and one-off puppets), and just recently I’ve made a few simple props. 

Do you have a favorite Donkey Hodie episode? 

My favorite episode of Donkey Hodie (so far) is the "Return of the Golden Crunchdoodles." It was our last shoot day of Season 1 and such an amazing shoot day at that. The sound effects, music, visuals, the 360° table rotation effect… it’s all so amazing. And the characters finally get what they have been looking for!   

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? 

One of my favorite films growing up (I didn’t have access to much TV) was My Neighbor Totoro. This movie opened up my mind to anime and the rest of the fabulous Studio Ghibli films. I owe a lot of my own personal puppet designs to the Ghibli look. 

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

When I am not working, I love to work on my own puppetry projects, cosplay, and enjoy indie video games. 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Describe your role at Fred Rogers Productions.

As Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Engagement, it’s my responsibility to provide the vision, strategy, and oversight for all marketing, communications, and outreach functions for Fred Rogers Productions. This includes everything from the direction of the company’s brand strategy, public relations, content marketing, and identity and visual strategy to implementing marketing campaigns, media planning, digital marketing, social media, and community engagement efforts for both the company and the series that we produce.

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to children’s television.

After I graduated from college, I dreamed that one day I’d be an editor at Gourmet magazine to combine my love of writing, editing, and food. So, I worked for a few years in catering and the food service industry to get a grounding in the culinary industry, but eventually I pivoted to corporate communications. Did that for a while and then moved over to foundation development/grant writing and major gifts when I joined WETA, the flagship PBS station in Washington, DC. While there, I discovered the exciting world of station relations, which is essentially marketing ongoing series and specials to PBS stations across the country. I finally wheedled my way into that department, and one of my first projects was to launch Clifford The Big Red Dog (the series that premiered in 2000), which meant we were convincing stations to air the series on the PBS feed, keeping them updated on new episodes and promotional priorities, and also working with station engagement teams around the country on outreach initiatives and events.

While it was incredible to promote Ken Burns’s documentaries, In Performance at the White House, and cooking series like Martha Stewart’s Cooking School and Sara’s Weeknight Meals, it was the kids’ series that we represented that brought me the most joy. In addition to Clifford, our portfolio included shows like It’s a Big Big World, Super WHY!, Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies, and Maya & Miguel. The Fred Rogers Company (now Fred Rogers Productions) hired WETA in 2011 to launch Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and that exhilarating day eventually led to me being hired by FRP as its first director of marketing and communications in 2015.

What do you like most about working at Fred Rogers Productions?

My favorite thing about working at a company like FRP is when I’m at a community event where you can see just how much what we do has an impact on children. Whenever I see a child’s eyes light up when she spies Daniel Tiger or a kid experiences the thrill of solving a problem that’s inspired by Odd Squad, I know that I’m at the right place and this is what I’m meant to be doing.

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?

It’s impossible to list just one. When I was a kid, watching cartoons on Saturday mornings was a major event, so a few favorites were Josie and the Pussycats, Shazam!, Schoolhouse Rock, Scooby Doo, and Speed Racer. I also loved Banana Splits and H.R. Pufnstuf, and on WQED (the PBS station in Pittsburgh), I couldn’t miss Electric Company or Zoom. My friends and I mastered Ubbi Dubbi, the secret language on Zoom!

Do you have a favorite PBS program you’re watching now?

Again, it’s tough to pick one favorite. I’ve watched Masterpiece and Mystery! since my middle school years. I read a lot of mysteries and classic literature, so it’s exciting to see adaptations of great works come to life. Genealogy fascinates me, so I try not to miss Skip Gates’s Finding Your Roots. There’s so much drama and suspense at play when delving into a family’s history, and I’m inevitably left astonished by what Dr. Gates unearths from his research. Judging by the celebs’ reactions, they are, too!

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

Music is such an important part of my life, and I’ve been singing with Belle Voci, a community choir comprised of treble voices, since I moved back to Pittsburgh. I love to travel, and Belle Voci has sponsored concert trips every few years, so I’ve been lucky enough to have performed in Vienna, Prague, Slovenia, Cuba, and San Sebastián, Spain. I’m also a big supporter of the arts, and I spend much of my free time going to the theater, the movies, and concerts.

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television.  

While in high school, I talked my way onto set as a production assistant on different low-budget television spots for local businesses (including a night shoot for a crematorium, which was fun). I was hungry to learn as much as I could about all aspects of production, so I soaked in every opportunity sent my way. While continuing to work as a PA, I obtained my bachelor's of fine arts degree in screenwriting from York University in Toronto and my master's degree in screenwriting from Columbia University in New York City. While in NY, I interned on various film and television productions in a slew of different departments. My desire to learn more only grew stronger as the years and jobs came and went. Once I graduated, I moved back to Toronto, started a family, and continued to freelance and build my portfolio. Patience has never been my strong suit, but it was necessary in this case, as I was on the lookout for a position that was more stable. Eventually, a chance opening at Brown Bag Films came my way, and I was granted an opportunity I just couldn't pass up.  While I didn't exactly work in children's television by the time I joined the team, my experience in working with different demographics and styles throughout the years definitely made it easier for me to adapt quickly to what was expected of me. 

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? 

I would have to say Tales from the Crypt. I was (and still am) a big horror loving kid and a lot of those stories and gruesome make-up effects have haunted me over the years. Having read reprints of the original EC comics growing up, the show easily dug its claws into my imagination and inspired me creatively in more ways than I can even count. I've always admired the fact that the horror genre, when at its best, can simultaneously frighten and enlighten. 

Describe your role on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. 

As production manager on Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, it's my responsibility (with the help of our production coordinator) to make sure every aspect of the production runs as smoothly as possible, from the beginning to the end of the pipeline. It involves a lot juggling in terms of schedules, personalities, and expectations, but every day is a thrill and a fun challenge. Since I started my career in the early 2000s (not to age myself AT ALL), I would jump from department to department. Being a PM on Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood removes the vagabond-like nature of constantly moving locales and allows me to comfortably shift from one department to another while staying put on the same production. The biggest and most fruitful lesson I've learned on the show is the people management aspect of the role. While some days are harder than others, it's incredibly fulfilling when I'm able to understand and help a member of our crew by working together to reach the best possible solution. It also doesn't hurt that DTN has the absolute best crew I've ever had the opportunity to work with, so in that regard I consider myself very lucky. 

What is your favorite episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood? 

My favorite episode of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood has to be “Daniel's New Friend Max.” I think it's a beautiful episode which tackles the subject of Autism in a way that both parents and children can understand and apply to daily life. It's an episode I find myself constantly going back to, as it's deceptively powerful in its simple execution. Truly a standout among MANY standout episodes throughout its run thus far. 

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

When I'm not working (or being a dad/husband), I write! In addition to writing film and television scripts, I have written and self-published novels (of all genres, but with a specific reverence for horror, of course). Writing has played a huge role in my career and was my first love, as it was the catalyst for making me want to take the plunge into this wild world of entertainment production. I'd consider it an absolute honor to get the opportunity to write an episode of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood; in the meantime, though, I'll proudly continue playing a key part in contributing to the incredible legacy of Fred Rogers. 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and your role on Alma’s Way.

My name is Anjel Piñero, and I am a native New Yorker who was born in Brooklyn and raised in the Bronx. I interpreted the role of Alma in Alma's Way.

Did you do any research to prepare to be an interpreter for Alma’s Way?

As an actor myself, I always immerse myself in the roles that I am offered so I can fully embody the character as written into the show. Alma's role resonated with me deeply because she and I share many similarities. Both of us are Nuyoricans, born and raised in New York by the 6 train line, among other things.

Is signing for children different from signing for adults?

Oh, definitely. For this show, there is a lot of lingo spoken in Spanish and the New York language. I made sure I was able to interpret that so the kids can have better access to and understanding of those linguistic nuances as well. That was something I wish I had growing up, and now that this is  accessible for the kids, it never ceases to amaze me how their language understanding integrates the lingo into their self-expression.

What’s something you wish everyone knew about ASL?

Just do it. A lot of people are usually scared of making mistakes when learning a language, and I encourage people to jump into it and get involved with the Deaf community. Once you do, you're already on the fast track to becoming proficient in this language and making a difference.

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?

SpongeBob SquarePants, Courage the Cowardly Dog, The Fairly OddParents—any shows from the '90s to the 2010s from Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Disney were my favorites.

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

When I'm not working, I love to travel and am always looking for opportunities to further my acting, modeling, and now pageantry careers so I can continue to make a difference in the ASL community worldwide.