November Newsletter

News & Stories
from your friends at PHAME Academy

Seeing the Ripples Beyond the Classroom

Smiling white woman wearing a red hat hugs a woman with brown hair seen from behind. — Chrissy hugs a student at PHAME’s Disability Pride Celebration in July.

A note from our Interim Executive Director

Dear PHAME community,

It’s been just over two months since I officially stepped in as Interim Executive Director. I’ve spent this time getting to know our community more deeply and diving under the hood to see the inner workings of this unique organization. As Board Chair, I felt a strong connection with PHAME’s mission and had a high-level understanding of our important work. Now, having the privilege of spending time daily with PHAME students and staff, I have an even stronger appreciation for the dedication to excellence in our community. I see the current that lies beneath the surface: deep and meaningful dedication. I see this dedication in our students, coming to PHAME with a devotion to growing their creativity. I see it in family members, support staff, and donors, who are all committed to creating an environment where our students can thrive. And I see it in our incredible staff, who are the backbone of this organization and who are every day finding ways for us to expand our impact.

There is so much happening at PHAME right now. We’re running our in-person, online, and hybrid classes (27 total this term!). We’re serving more students this fall than ever before—116! We’re prepping for our Winter Concert on December 10 and our upcoming gala on March 9, 2025. We are strengthening our community partnerships and forming new ones, and we are looking ahead as we develop strategies for reaching even more artists experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities.

So much of what we do happens in the classroom, but this fall I’m seeing the ripples that go beyond our school. So far this year, our performance ensembles have booked 8 gigs, traveling as far as Hillsboro and Saint Helens, and were seen by combined audiences exceeding 2200 people. We’re thrilled that one of our students has been cast in an Artist Repertory Theatre mainstage show, Sapience, which will open this March. Over the last year our Playwrighting students have written a play for Portland Revels, which will be produced this coming spring and will include PHAME actors. The work we do inside our school is expanding into the wider community, and bit by bit, our students are changing expectations for what people with disabilities can do.

It is such an honor to have joined this community. There is a lot to do, but every day I feel excited to continue this crucial work. All of us at PHAME are grateful for the support of our community. If we haven’t crossed paths yet, I hope to see you at the Winter Concert on December 10 at Portland Center Stage at The Armory. Find me during the preshow and tap me on the shoulder—I can’t wait to greet you face to face.

With gratitude,

Chrissy McNair
Interim Executive Director

In This Newsletter

A Note from PHAME’s Executive Director
Video of Chameleonica Jamming
Winter Concert & Gala Save the Dates
School Stats
Winter Term Registration
Disability Pride Photos

Check out Chameleonica’s Ambient Grooves!

Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Events

PHAME’s annual Winter Concert is Tuesday, December 10. Tickets are on sale now!

Save the date for PHAME’s annual gala, Sunday March 9!

Fall Term School Stats

• Students enrolled: 116 (most students ever!)

• New students: 11

• Classes: 27

• Tuition assistance awarded: $11,889

Your support makes this work happen. Thank you.

Winter Term Enrollment Starts Soon!

PHAME’s Winter Term will run January 13 - March 20. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a PHAME student, now is a GREAT time to schedule a Prospective Student Interview.

Contact Alex Geffel at ageffel@phamepdx.org or give them a call at (503) 764-9718 ext. 18.