MEET THE PEOPLE
BEHIND BEAM+
BEAM+ 2023-2024 STAFF LINE UP
-
MIAH YAGER
CO-FOUNDER
Miah (she/her), a white individual with IDD, played a pivotal role in the founding of Beam+ more than 5 years ago. Her unwavering passion for dance has shaped her artistic journey, where she effortlessly balances multiple creative pursuits. Whether mesmerizing audiences through Centre Stage Theatre Company or crafting her own soul-stirring melodies, Miah's artistic versatility knows no bounds. In addition to her artistic endeavors, her deep love for fashion fuels her unwavering dedication in every endeavor she undertakes. Miah's infectious enthusiasm for Beam+ and its vibrant community, combined with her tireless commitment and unwavering presence, have been integral to the continuous growth and resounding success of every project we have embarked upon since the very beginning. Her remarkable contributions have left an indelible impact on the ongoing evolution of Beam+. -
BRIDGET HEDDENS
CO-FOUNDER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Bridget (she/they), a white, queer, and neurodivergent individual, is a dedicated advocate for building inclusive communities. As the co-founder and executive director of BEAM+, they embarked on this journey alongside their friend, Miah. Bridget's diverse experiences, from therapeutic recreation to accessibility coordination, and their current pursuit of a graduate degree in occupational therapy, have exposed the lack of inclusive opportunities for adults with IDD to fully engage in their communities and pursue their passions authentically. Guided by the principles of mutual aid, Bridget leads BEAM+ with a commitment to equity, fostering a safe and welcoming environment for individuals from all walks of life. They approach their work with cultural humility, trauma-informed practices, and a strengths-based perspective, recognizing the profound value of learning from those whose experiences differ from our own. -
ALEX GUARDIA
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Alex (she/they), a talented, multi-disciplined, bilingual creative hailing from Peru, has dedicated 7 years to the fields of Creative Direction and Storytelling. Their impactful works transcend various industries, ranging from real estate and hospitality to art non-profits like The New World Symphony, MIT Lab, Knight Foundation, and equitable spaces. Notably, they have also served on national boards such as the AIGA. Alex's diverse portfolio exemplifies their commitment to illuminating the talents of others through their own skills. Over the past 3 years, Alex has assumed leadership across all facets of the BEAM+ brand, overseeing film production, social media strategies, design initiatives, and a wide array of creative projects. Their invaluable contributions have played an integral role in shaping the overall success and vision of BEAM+. -
ROBERT ACUNA
EDITOR
Robert (he/him), a skilled visual effects and motion graphics animator, takes pride in his Latino heritage and his roots in the picturesque city of Miami. With 4 years of experience as the Lead Video Editor at BEAM+, he continues to excel remotely. Robert's exceptional talents shine through in diverse BEAM+ projects, such as short films, music videos, our thought-provoking docu-series titled "BEAM+You," and our captivating social media video marketing campaigns. His remarkable work has also gained recognition in film festivals and garnered attention from film blogs, further showcasing his talent and creativity. -
VI BRIGHT
TEACHING ARTIST
Vi (They/She), black and queer, is one of our 2023 teaching artists helping cultivate safe spaces in our community. Hailing from the vibrant Far North East Neighborhood of Montbello in Denver, Vi's background in mental health and birth work has guided them towards a path of community building through wellness education, group movement, and art. With a natural talent for humor, Vi can always deliver a well-timed joke when they grab the microphone. Currently, Vi leads our workshops on sexuality and healthy relationships, empowering adults to make fulfilling and positive choices. By embracing their personal values and inner wisdom, participants embark on a lifelong journey of cultivating healthy relationships with themselves and others. -
FAITH VIDRINE
TEACHING ARTIST
Faith (She/Her), an accomplished dancer and artist, is one of our esteemed teaching artists with IDD, proudly representing Denver, Colorado. This year, we've had the privilege of collaborating with Faith through our partnership with REVEL, where we've jointly conducted classes. From being an artist at BEAM+ to becoming a teaching artist, Faith's journey is a testament to their growth and dedication. They actively contribute to our movement workshops, offering valuable assistance and leadership. Faith's exceptional talents have been showcased in various BEAM+ dance and film projects, celebrating their artistic prowess within our community.