I’m a musician, comic, magician, and voice actor. Born in California, I attended San Diego’s School of Creative and Performing Arts. I survived child abuse that triggered mental illnesses and homelessness; I now use my talents to help prevent others from experiencing the same thing.

In 2017, I told my story via music, magic, and comedy in the show RISE. Put on at the Pullo Center, it raised $2,500 for our chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

In 2018 I was in the Seattle International Comedy Competition.

Last year I was chosen for a songwriters’ retreat hosted by Ben Folds.

This year, I announced on my social media pages that until further notice, 10% of all money I earn as a performer will go to Voices of Children, which is helping kids living through the war in Ukraine.

My current project is an EP of original songs performed by my duo West & Ward. Two of the songs focus on mental health issues; our plan after recording the song is to partner with other artists/organizations in and around our area in an effort to lead a conversation that fights the stigma surrounding these issues, especially in the Black community, where research has shown a disproportionally high rate of resistance to mental health treatment/services. As a Black artist living with depression and anxiety, I aim to lead by example, showing nothing is wrong with expressing a need for help when it comes to one’s mental health.

I also write nostalgic NES-styled music as CipherKid.