About Us

Heidi M. Sheridan has more than 20 years of experience in Higher Education and the Arts.  She attended Crafton Hills Community College, the University of California, Riverside, and California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo as she earned her BA and MA in English. She subsequently taught college English, literature, creative writing, and humanities courses.  In 2013, she earned the terminal Master of Fine Arts degree in Poetry at Drew University in New Jersey, and in 2016, was named Dean of Arts and Humanities at Ocean County College and subsequently, named Executive and Artistic Director in the Grunin Center for the Arts. Sheridan is an award-winning poet whose most recent publications are in the Anthology Fire and Rain: Ecopoetry of California.  She received an honorable mention in the Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize by University of Pittsburg Press. Sheridan currently lives in Ocean County with her husband and birdwatching companion, Thomas, and their dog.

Laura’s career has been dedicated to creating inspiring and accessible arts experiences that connect artists and communities. At the Grunin Center, she collaborates with technical staff and the front-of-house team to ensure seamless events for artists, audiences, community groups, and student performers. Previously, Laura was the Associate Educator for Adult & Community Programs at the Brandywine Museum of Art, where she managed artist-led programs and accessibility initiatives for visitors with disabilities and English language learners. Earlier roles include Program Coordinator at Darlington Arts Center and teaching ceramics and community art classes at Main Line Art Center and the YMCA of Delaware. Laura holds a B.A. in Fine Arts from Union University and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Arts Administration at Rowan University. She has published and presented on arts accessibility through the Inclusive Museum Network and the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums. In her free time, she enjoys creative projects, book clubs, and DIY activities.

Jaclyn Wood has spent the past 20 years planning educational and fun field trip experiences for young people, first at Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, then at Tuckerton Seaport & Baymens Museum in Tuckerton, NJ, and since 2017 at the Grunin Center, where she coordinates the Schools n’ Stage school matinee series, the Ocean County Teen Arts Festival, and the Region 3 competition of Poetry Out Loud for students, as well as coordinating group sales for the Center. A graduate of Rutgers University (B.A. English, American Studies) and the State University of New York (M.A. History Museum Studies at the Cooperstown Graduate Program), Jaclyn is a passionate advocate for the arts. In her free time she loves reading as well as playing board games, going to concerts, and visiting museums with her family.

Jessica brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, with a background spanning Residence Life, Student Life, Enrollment Management, and Marketing. For the past decade, she has served as the Assistant Director of Marketing & Sales for the Grunin Center for the Arts. In this role, she oversees marketing strategy for both the Grunin Center and the Novins Planetarium, as well as the Grunin Center’s Box Office operations. She is committed to ensuring her team delivers exceptional customer service to patrons and community partners. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders from Long Island University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Arts Administration from Rowan University. An Ocean County native, she is proud to support and contribute to the arts community that helped shape her into the leader she is today. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys crafting, spending time with her husband and son, and going on as many Disney cruises as her husband will agree to book.

Bryn E. Farace has over 25 years of theater experience in various areas, including Stage Management and Production Management. Venues worked with include Black Box Theatres, Community Theatres, Boardwalk Hall, Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan, Strand Theatre in Lakewood, and AC Casino Entertainment spaces. She has covered intimate plays, large-scale musicals, and large-scale music productions. Bryn has been at OCC since 2004, first as a Stage Manager for the OCC Repertory Theatre Company, then as a technical hand for shows, and has been the Technical Production Manager for the Grunin Center since 2019.

Victoria is a marketing and social media professional passionate about connecting audiences with meaningful arts and science experiences. She has been part of the Grunin Center for the Arts team since 2017, beginning as a part-time Box Office Representative and stepped into her full-time role as Marketing and Sales Coordinator in January 2019. In her current position, Victoria spearheads the Box Office team and is often the friendly voice patrons hear on the phone or see at performances. She also manages social media marketing efforts for the Grunin Center and Novins Planetarium, where she develops strategy, content, and campaign initiatives. Victoria holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from West Chester University and a Master of Science in Arts Administration from Drexel University. Outside of work, she enjoys adventures to Disney World, hiking with her dog, and exploring new places.