Meet our cast of characters.
Leadership coaches collaborate with gifted actors to create a unique production: we are the “cast” but you and your team are the real focus.
Our Team
Tom Kaiser
Co-Founder and FacilitatorTom has led thousands of leaders from around the country through growth journeys often described as transformative or life-changing. A former school principal and Chief Talent Officer, Tom co-founded Authentic Leaders in 2018. Tom is based in Providence.
Crystal Barcelo
FacilitatorDriven by a passion for talent development and the power of genuine community, Crystal has led within the nonprofit sector for more than 20 years. Her work centers on advancing inclusive workplace cultures, particularly during times of growth and change. Crystal is based in Queens.
Kevin Anderle
Co-Founder and DirectorA former elementary school teacher, middle school principal and high school superintendent, Kevin witnessed firsthand how radical honesty dramatically impacted team culture and performance. He co-founded Authentic Leaders in 2018. Kevin is based in Atlanta, GA.
Veronica Harris
FacilitatorVeronica is an ICF-certified coach and consultant who draws on over 20 years across education, nonprofit, and corporate settings to help leaders strengthen team culture, build equitable systems, and navigate organizational change. Veronica is based in New Jersey.
Amy Romero
ActorAmy has been acting with Authentic Leaders since 2022. Her theatre credits include West Side Story, On Your Feet!, the Legally Blonde National Tour, and The Wiz. She currently tours internationally with R&B icon Lisa Lisa. Amy is based in New Jersey.
Anisha Adusumilli
ActorAnisha has been acting with Authentic Leaders since 2021. She has appeared in numerous TV shows (NCIS, Magnum PI, Grey’s Anatomy), films, and live theatrical productions. She is also a passionate practitioner of breathwork. Anisha is based in Los Angeles.
Dexter McKinney
ActorDexter McKinney has been acting with Authentic Leaders since 2021. His acting credits include acclaimed television (When They See Us, Mrs. America, Law & Order, City on a Hill), Broadway (Skeleton Crew), and film. He is also the creator and star of the viral series Judge Judy Be Sounding Like a Mob Boss. Dexter is based in New York City.
Dolores Avery Pereira
ActorDolores has been acting with Authentic Leaders since 2019. She is an artivist and producer (Melanin Madness, Step Kids The Musical, Genetic Memory: A Journey with the Ancestors, 48 Hours in El Bronx) as well as co-owner of Loud & Lyfted LLC. She is passionate about using theater as a community-building and social justice tool. Dolores is based in New York City.
Donnell Smith
ActorDonnell has been acting with Authentic Leaders since 2020. His credits span theater (Too Heavy for Your Pocket, A Raisin in the Sun, Spades, Kill Move Paradise) and television (The Kalief Browder Story, Sprout House). When he's not engaging in the transformational work of leadership development, Donnell navigates the world as a global citizen.
Eric Lockley
ActorEric has been acting with Authentic Leaders since 2019. He is an artist and facilitator with over a decade of experience leading conversations about Leadership and Inclusion. He is a founder and producer with two OBIE-award organizations focused on creating spaces for artists of color (The Movement Theatre Company and Harlem9). Eric is based in New York City.
Joleen Wilkinson
ActorJoleen has been acting with Authentic Leaders since 2021. She is an actor (The Path, Laura and the Sea), singer and arts educator, and has maintained a private voice studio for almost twenty years. She is continually honored to witness and be of service in each participant’s journey through an Authentic Leaders intensive. Joleen is based in New York City.
Katie Hartke
ActorKatie has been acting with Authentic Leaders since 2020. She has worked extensively in theater (Winter’s Tale, Twelfth Night), TV (Succession, FBI: Most Wanted, Boardwalk Empire) and film (Lost Nation). She is delighted to be a part of the thoughtful and caring Authentic Leaders team. Katie is based in New York City.
Kayah Alexandra Bullock
ActorKayah has been acting with Authentic Leaders since 2021. She is an actor, dancer and director whose credits include traditional and immersive theatre (Westside Story, Tale of the Lion King) national commercial campaigns, as well as film and television roles (SWAT: Exiles, Beyond the Trees). She serves as a director for Starbound National Talent Competition. Kayah is based in Los Angeles.
Shilpa Das
ActorShilpa has been acting with Authentic Leaders since 2020. She has been an actor/writer in the Quick & Funny Musical company at Upright Citizens Brigade since 2018. She is also the producer and co-host of LA's largest South Asian variety comedy show (South Asian AF) and has performed stand up at The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, and Flapper's. Shilpa is based in Los Angeles.