If you've visited Noah's Ark, you've seen our next Skirball spotlight's work. Dena has been with us for, in her words, "many beautiful years!" We hope you enjoy this month's interview with the one and only educator and storyteller, Dena Atlantic, here at the Skirball.

Q: Tell us about a past or present exhibition that you enjoyed and why.

A: While it's difficult to choose a favorite, Diane von Furstenberg comes to mind. The timelessness of her fashion designs caught my attention. It had color, flair, fun, and whimsy that stood out in any era. It inspired me to also watch her Hulu special to learn more about her and her legacy. She led/leads an inspirational life. She overcame odds and courageously formed her own path. Being a Jewish woman was not an obstacle, it was her strength, her superpower. She followed her calling and left an impact on the fashion world forever!

Q: Describe a Skirball event you had the opportunity to attend. What made it special for you?

A: Puppet Festivals are always incredibly magical! The energy, beauty, and imagination of the nation's best puppets and puppeteers—including Noah Ark's Chris Green puppets—are pure skyrocketing delight. Everyone gets to be a child again and experience that childlike awe. Hannukah Festivals are so beautiful for me, too. I love seeing families and communities enjoy a time of celebration, culture, and joy.

Q: What's one activity you prioritize outside of the Skirball? How does it interact with the work you do here? 

A: I have a strong attachment to "global family" and Bible study. My strong interest in the Spanish/Portuguese speaking parts of the African Diaspora broadens my horizons. Traveling to those countries and studying those languages helps me connect with guests in an even deeper way. It enriches my connection in storytelling, expression, communication, and bonding with guests of all backgrounds. My dedication to Bible study keeps my heart connected to the foundations of Judaism and my deep Christian faith practice. Again, all deepening my love, connection, closeness to global family. It enables me to bond with all guests on a deeper human level. To me, there's no cultural divide, it's just "family" in the truest, most expansive sense and I love my beautiful, diverse family.

Q: Tell us about a coworker who has gone above and beyond to represent the Skirball in their work.

A: I want to name EVERYONE at Noah's Ark and Education! We are such a cohesive, dedicated, caring ensemble. Rachel Stark's leadership and stewardship. Nina Silver and Dillon Nelson's creativity, direction, and genuine impact in making our team solid. Kelsey Kato's empathetic, compassionate communication style and his masterful puppetry and puppet creation inspire me daily. Jackie Rivera's peaceful nature, problem-solving skills, and bringing us in relationship with many community groups. I literally could list everyone in our department and the very special gifts each one brings that inspires me greatly! Each of them powerfully enriches the work we do as a team. Each one enriches how we serve families and proudly represent the core values of the Skirball. I am extremely proud to work with such intelligent, heart-centered folks.

Q: What are you looking forward to learning more about yourself in the following year?

A: Growing in my target languages, cultural expansion, and creativity. I love transporting, inspiring, uplifting, educating, and even entertaining guests through storytelling. As I say, "Sometimes life be lifin'!" I love that the Skirball is a safe space, a true oasis where folks can escape the rigors and challenges of life and just rest in JOY. The fact that I can impact that joy for them exponentially in many ways and particularly through the power of storytelling is a remarkable gift that I am blessed to share.

Q: Anything else you'd like to share?

A: My grandma is someone I highly revere and love so dearly. She has a saying (out of her many): "Folks say, 'What's love got to do with it?' EVERYTHING! Love's got everything to do with it!" I bring that ideology everyday. I have a saying too that I share with the Noah's Ark crew: "Love the People, spread the Kindness." That's what's up.

Our institution is more than just a workplace—it's a community where each team member plays a vital role in bringing the Skirball's mission and values to life, and creating memorable experiences for all who walk through our doors. As a loving tribute to our original benefactors, Jack and Audrey Skirball, and because of the Skirballs' dedication to education and cultural exchange, we proudly call ourselves "Skirballers."

We regularly spotlight one of these Skirballers, showcasing their unique talents, passions, and contributions to our community. Through these introductions, we invite you to get to know the people who make working here truly something special.