Meet Our Executive Committee & Board
Executive Committee
Janice A. Benejan (Founder)
Janice is the founder of BBP, Inc., has a BA in Sociology and Theatre from University of Lynchburg College and an MA in Human Services – Counseling w/ Executive Leadership from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Ms. Benejan has over twenty years of performance and theatre production experience, she began her acting career at the Fine Arts Center in Lynchburg, VA where she performed in numerous productions. She received most of her hands on house managing and production experience as a stage manager at University of Lynchburg College and other local theatres such as the Academy Center of the Arts and Renaissance Theatre Company. She continues to perform, but focuses on building her non-profit through helping youth and her community. Ms. Benejan is the recipient of the 2020 Academy Center of the Arts Lottie Payne Stratton Award for community service in the arts.
Susie Van Blarican
Susie Van Blarican is a resident of Lynchburg City and a native of Virginia. Susie loves all things in nature and the arts. She has spent her adult life helping others as a registered nurse for 30 years; specializing in the pediatric population for the last 12 years. Susie’s love for the theatre brought her back to performing on stage as an adult. Realizing that the theatre can bring so many people of different cultures and backgrounds together; was/is a heartwarming and profound experience for Susie. Becoming a board member for Building Bridges is such an honor and full-circle moment. She is extremely excited and humbled for this opportunity to help serve the youth of our city and bring each other closer to a better world; through the arts. Susie looks forward to the endless possibilities ahead with Building Bridges.
Dave Nardi
Bio coming soon!
Teresa Harris
Teresa is a poet, playwright, and director with a BA in Sociology from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College; now Randolph College. She has written and directed two original stage plays, “From the Valley to the Peak and Still Climbing” and “The Quincy Armstrong Show”. Her theatre experience also includes directing the critically acclaimed original stage play, “An Accident Waiting to Marry.” A published poet, Teresa’s work has appeared in literary magazines and has been performed on stage. She is currently the Artistic Director for the newly-formed theatre production company, The Brickhouse Project. She looks forward to sharing her passion for poetry and writing with young people in the community.
Board Members
Gary Stewart
Gary L. Stewart is a graduate of the Las Angeles Film School with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Digital Film. Gary Stewart is the owner and C.E.O. of G.L. Stewart Productions based out of Lynchburg Va. G.L. Stewart Productions provide many services to Central VA. and the surrounding area such as weddings, music videos, film productions, short documentaries.
The most recent short film produced by Gary Stewart was the Short film, “Does God See Color.”
Gary Stewart is a loving husband, father and grandfather, loves the outdoors, flying drones, camping and just being around friends and family.
Deirdre Serio
Bio coming soon!
Volunteers
Katherine Daniel
[Social Media & Website]
Bio coming soon!