Meet the Team

Rachael Yoder,
Founder & Principal Consultant

Rachael Yoder is a professional actor, facilitator, and Learning and Development consultant who specializes in transforming organizational cultures through applied theater techniques. With an MFA in Acting from Northern Illinois University and extensive experience developing immersive, simulation-based training for multimillion-dollar corporate clients, she helps teams foster inclusive, adaptive cultures and drive meaningful behavioral change.

Rachael has partnered with large organizations across diverse industries—ranging from energy and manufacturing to consumer brands—to build and execute comprehensive training initiatives. Notably, she collaborated with a leading nuclear energy provider to design and deliver a multi-year culture change and leadership development program for front-line supervisors through senior leaders. She has also co-created immersive two-week leadership development cohorts for clients in various sectors. Working closely with HR teams and program owners, Rachael develops tailored course materials, facilitates both in-person and virtual sessions, and evaluates program effectiveness using assessments and feedback to ensure continuous improvement.

In addition to her consulting work, Rachael is the Co-Artistic Director of The Outer Loop Theater Experience, a nonprofit focused on Theater for Social Change and humanitarian projects. Through The Humanity Project, an initiative of The Outer Loop, she has overseen productions that have led to tangible community improvements in Tanzania, including the construction of a maternity clinic, a health center, wells, and a community market. Her passion for equity and social justice informs her corporate work, ensuring leadership programs prioritize empathy, collaboration, and inclusive growth.

Rachael excels at creating psychologically safe learning environments where participants can experiment, learn, and thrive. She is an MBTI Certified Practitioner and is currently working toward her ICF ACC credential, bringing a human-centered, results-driven approach to coaching and leadership development.

Partner Facilitators

  • Melissa Wilson

    FACILITATOR/ACTOR

    Melissa Wilson is a performer, writer, and creative professional based in Washington, D.C. She holds a BA in Musical Theatre from Eastern Washington University and has extensive training in public speaking, communications, and leadership. Melissa is passionate about combining her theater background and communication expertise to teach essential skills like listening and empathy.

  • Michael Herman

    FACILITATOR

    Michael is a Chicago-based arts leader and leadership consultant with over 15 years of global theater and development experience through The Outer Loop Theater Experience in the U.S. and Tanzania. Leveraging his teaching background at NYU, RIT, the University of Rochester, and SUNY Brockport, he specializes in immersive, theater-based learning that fosters empathy, collaboration, and real-time problem-solving. Michael holds undergraduate degrees in Theater and English from SUNY Brockport, and an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. Whether guiding new plays or leading leadership workshops, he is passionate about helping individuals and teams unlock potential and drive transformational change.

  • Sara DiPasquale

    FACILITATOR/ACTOR

    Sara is an energetic actor, singer, and improviser based in Chicago. After training at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, she discovered how theater can transform vivacious energy into powerful growth. Though she began in musical theater, Sara now embraces film, straight theater, and applied theater, sharpening her improv skills at Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB). She also brings a background in and understanding of diverse industries, including hospitality, enabling her to connect with participants from varied professional settings. Drawing on her performance expertise, Sara helps organizations foster creativity, collaboration, and purposeful growth.