The Miracle Project Staff
Elaine Hall, “CoachE!”
The New York Times references Elaine Hall, “CoachE” as the “Child Whisperer,” based on the extraordinary and compelling theater arts program, The Miracle Project which she innovated for children of all abilties. She is the subject of the two time Emmy Award winning HBO documentary Autism:The Musical and has appeared on CNN, CBS News, Oprah Radio and featured in The LA Times, New York Times and Wall Street Journal.
Elaine is also a professional Film and TV Acting Coach. Writer/Director Doug Atchison,(Akeelah and the Bee) says that Elaine must have a “been granted a magical visa into the world of children.”
When traditional therapies did not work for her son, Neal, adopted as a toddler from a Russian Orphanage and diagnosed with autism at age three, Elaine sought out creative people (actors, musicians, writers) to join his isolated autistic world. These methods evolved into the creation of The Miracle Project which has garnered worldwide attention.
Elaine is a keynote speaker and presents workshops throughout the United States and Canada. She has written and directed over 30 children’s plays. Elaine has been honored by Autism Society of Los Angeles, Autism Speaks, Areva Martin’s Special Needs Network, Holly Robinson Peete’s HollyRod Foundation among others. Hall serves on the L.A. Senate Select Task Force on Autism, and spoke at the United Nations. She created and directs an arts enrichment program and a Bar/Bat Mitzvah program for children with autism at Vista Del Mar, in Los Angeles. She lives in Santa Monica, CA, with the two loves of her life, her teenage son, Neal her husband Jeff, a Play Therapist. She is the author of, Now I See the Moon: a mother, a son, a miracle. (HarperCollins).
Diane Isaacs (Co-Founder & Producer)
Diane is a Film & Television Producer with over 20 years of industry experience. As President of Green Moon Productions, a film company she co-founded with Antonio Banderas, Diane produced the Emmy-nominated HBO historical drama And Starring Pancho Villa As Himself, Imagining Argentina with Academy-Award winner Emma Thompson, Antonio Banderas directorial debut Crazy In Alabama, Forever Lulu with Patrick Swayze, Tart starring Mischa Barton, and The Body starring Antonio Banderas.
Her experience in content development, writing, production, music, film, marketing and overall producing is aligned to fulfill The Miracle Project’s diverse platforms. Her experience as a mother of a son with autism directs her heart.
Diane produced the benefit album FLY: INTO AUTISM bringing together the celebrity talents of CHAKA KHAN, JACK BLACK, STEPHEN STILLS, HOLLY ROBINSON PEETE, KENNY ‘BABYFACE” EDMONDS, DAVID LAWRENCE (High School Musical composer), TISHACAMPBELL-MARTIN, TAYLOR PARKS and KYRA SEDGWICK to name a few– with the magical talents of children with autism. She also produced, directed and edited the 7 DVD series UNLCOCKING THE WORLD OF AUTISM 7 KEYS TO BECOMING MIRCLE MINDED, a practical program directed at the medical and dental professional. She is co-authoring with Hall, the book for educational publisher WIley, 7 KEYS TO UNLCOK AUTISM for classroom teachers and parents and will produce and direct the DVD series of the same name. Elaine and diane are the co- founders of MIRACLES 360 – a holisitc approach and program for the entire famly with autism.
DIANE Is a world class athlete, competing in numerous IRONMAN competitions, incluidng her fourht place finsih in Kona’s World championships, for over 20 years. She is also a certified Yoga teacher and balances cardio strength and flexibiltiy in her fitness regimen. She is a nutritionist and raw vegan expert which she incorporates in the whole mind body awareness approach to living and working with autism.
Musical Director Katiana Zimmerman is a two-time ASCAP award-winning composer, educator, writer, speaker and singer. She is committed to making a difference in the lives of families and children, teens, and young adults with special needs. Katiana is an instructor for both Miracle Project classes and instructor trainings and seminars. She is also the music director and instructor for the Vista Del Mar’s Vista Inspire Program and Miracle Theatre, a program based on the principles of The Miracle Project. Katiana also directs the Etta Israel Foundation’s summer music and drama program for teens with special needs.
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Karen Howard (Music Therapist)
Karen holds a degree in music therapy and piano performance from University of the Pacific’s Conservatory of Music, and interned at the Georgia Mental Health Institute in Atlanta. She has been teaching piano privately for over 20 years and has worked extensively with special needs kids, adolescent/adult psychiatrics, and at the country’s Naval Drug Rehabilitation Center in San Diego. Karen is thrilled to be a part of the Miracle Project and looks forward to future productions with its miraculous and inspiring children, staff and volunteers.
Ryan Berman is a rising star in the autism and special needs communities, providing a variety of services, skills and resources to families and children affected by special needs such as autism. With a Masters in Social Work, as well as a B.A. in Theatre and Psychology, he is well-equipped to meet the complex needs of families and children. Ryan is currently an Autism Family Specialist, providing intensive in-home consultations and individualized treatment plans for families of children with autism and other special needs. Ryan also acts as a developmental therapist for Elaine Hall’s son, Neal. Ryan has a special relationship with Vista Del Mar’s Inspire Program (V.I.P.) in Los Angeles. He serves as an instructor for the renowned Nes Gadol Bar and Bat Mitzvah Program for children and teens with special needs, as featured on KABC and in the Jewish Journal. He is also an acting instructor, writer, director and behavioral therapist for V.I.P.’s Miracle Theater, featured on KTTV.
