Empowering Creativity for All
At CreatAbility, our journey began with a vision to create spaces where individuals with disabilities could explore their creativity, build confidence, and connect with others in meaningful ways.
From the very beginning, we focused on community-centered programming, bringing together participants, families, educators, and volunteers to foster collaboration and belonging. Our early programs revealed how transformative creative expression can be: participants discovered new ways to communicate, formed lasting friendships, and gained confidence that extended far beyond the classroom or stage.
Each program reflects our belief that everyone has a story worth sharing, and that arts engagement is a powerful tool for personal growth, social connection, and self-expression.
Through every workshop and performance, we continue to learn from our participants, adapting and evolving to meet their needs. Our history is one of innovation, inclusion, and creativity in action, and it is written by every individual whose life we touch.
Why Improv?
Improvisational theater techniques can be especially powerful for neurodiverse individuals because it combines creativity, communication, movement, emotional expression, and social interaction in a flexible, low-pressure environment.:
Social Communication Skills
Improv encourages:
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Active listening
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Turn-taking
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Conversational flexibility
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Reading social cues
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Collaborative interaction
The foundational improv principle of “Yes, And…” teaches participants to acknowledge others’ ideas and build on them, which supports positive social engagement.
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Confidence & Self-Esteem
Participants often gain:
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Increased self-confidence
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Comfort speaking in groups
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Reduced fear of making mistakes
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Pride in self-expression
Improv celebrates individuality and creativity rather than “perfect” performance, which
can be especially affirming for neurodiverse individuals.
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Emotional Expression & Regulation
Improv creates opportunities to:
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Explore emotions safely
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Practice emotional awareness
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Develop coping and flexibility skills
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Build resilience when plans change unexpectedly
Because scenes are playful and adaptable, participants can practice navigating
uncertainty in a supportive environment.
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Flexibility & Adaptability
Improvisation naturally strengthens:
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Cognitive flexibility
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Problem-solving
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Transition tolerance
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Thinking in the moment
These skills can support daily living, school, work, and relationships.
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Creativity & Imagination
Improv encourages:
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Original thinking
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Storytelling
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Creative risk-taking
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Self-discovery
Participants are empowered to contribute their own ideas and perspectives without rigid
expectations.
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Community & Belonging
Many neurodiverse individuals experience isolation or exclusion. Improv can foster:
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Peer connection
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Acceptance
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Teamwork
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A sense of belonging
The collaborative nature of ensemble theater helps participants feel valued and
included.
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Executive Function Support
Improvisational activities can help strengthen:
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Attention and focus
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Working memory
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Sequencing
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Planning and response initiation
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Sensory & Physical Engagement
Depending on the format, improv may include:
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Movement
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Gesture
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Voice work
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Rhythm and body awareness
This multi-sensory engagement can support learning and expression beyond verbal
communication alone
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Founder and CEO
In 2018, SKIT™ was created by Jody Wood, Director of the JW Actors Studio in New York and Princeton. This improv-based program was designed to help individuals on the Autism Spectrum and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities develop social and communication skills, build confidence, and express creativity.
Today, CreatAbility Inc has evolved from SKIT™, continuing this mission with a bold vision: to empower individuals of all abilities to thrive socially, communicate effectively, and explore their creative potential. By using improvisational techniques tailored to each participant’s needs, CreatAbility fosters confidence, encourages collaboration, and inspires meaningful self-expression in safe, supportive environments.
Recognizing the high unemployment and underemployment rates among young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, CreatAbility focuses on equipping participants with real-world social and communication skills that open doors to personal growth, educational opportunities, and professional success. Through its programs, participants develop stronger connections, form lasting friendships, and gain the confidence to take on new challenges sometimes even performing on local stages or pursuing creative passions they never imagined.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of CreatAbility is composed of experienced professionals and advocates with diverse backgrounds in the arts, education, healthcare, business, and community leadership, providing a well-rounded and strategic perspective to guide the organization. Their collective expertise includes program development, financial oversight, governance, and working with individuals with ASD, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, ADHD, and mental health challenges, ensuring informed and compassionate decision-making.
Chair and interim Secretary
Jack Tatar
Jack Tatar is Managing Partner of Doyle Capital Management, a venture firm focused on investing in early-stage companies in transformative technologies, including crypto, blockchain, and distributed computing. With decades of experience in finance and investment strategy, Jack has become a recognized voice in
digital asset innovation, helping investors understand emerging technologies and the future of decentralized finance.
Treasurer
Daniela Rivera
Daniela Rivera is a nonprofit and education strategist with more than 15 years of experience helping organizations expand their impact through funding strategy, program development, and cross-sector partnerships. She is the CEO of DR Strategic Associates, where she advises nonprofits, schools, and community organizations on
strategic planning, workforce development, and funding strategy.
Board Member
Joseph Wood
Joseph Wood is a licensed architect with over 15 years of experience working in Philadelphia, San Diego, and Princeton. As a senior designer, he has contributed to projects of many scales, from stadiums to hospitals, leading and collaborating with diverse teams to bring ideas to life from early concept through construction. Beyond his professional work, Joseph values strong connections to the community and is proud to call the Princeton area home.
Board Member
Jennifer Overfield
Jennifer Overfield is Executive Director of Evermore Lifestyle Solutions, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and autism. Her career spans executive leadership across New Jersey and North Carolina, including CEO of Golden Heart Advocacy and Director of Day Habilitation at Friends of Cyrus Inc. ennifer holds a Master's in Conflict Management and Resolution and a Bachelor's in Psychology.
Our Instructors
Eric Hammitt
Graduated from the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City in 2016 and has since worked in a variety of roles across the industry, including casting, acting, writing, and production.
Amalea Hammitt
Graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Drama, where she specialized in physical acting and clown. She is a Certified Clown Teacher through The Clown School LA and teaches classes and workshops with several programs and institutions, including the Florida State Thespian Festival.
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Jim Gaven
Jim Gaven's mission is to write songs that make you think of a good time in your life, make you feel good about yourself, and most of all, put a smile on your face. The upbeat singer/ songwriter/ multi-instrumentalist from NJ yearns to make a positive difference in the world.
Stuart Carroll
Associate Professor of Elementary and Early Childhood Education at The College of New Jersey. His interests include storytelling, improv theater, and inclusive education. Stuart is an affiliated faculty member with TCNJ’s Career and Community Studies program, which serves young adults with intellectual disabilities in inclusive settings.
