The Human Behind the Voice
Thanks for being curious about who I am. I could tell you about how I’m an established voice actor but you already have an inkling of that. I could also tell you about my path from teaching, to the software industry, to the recording booth since 2005 but…
I believe what matters is who I am today — the person you're thinking about collaborating with.
So I built this About page a little differently. Think of it as one of those old-school “What’s Behind The Flap?” books. Follow what pulls you in. Skip what doesn’t.
However you move through it, I’m glad you’re here.
One is filled with gumballs for the neighborhood kids.
The other is filled with dog treats for the neighborhood dogs.
When the door opens, we never know who’s going to run in first so we like to be prepared.
My dad was raised during the Depression and carried a work ethic that never left him.
My mom was one of twelve kids and lost her father when she was nine.
If there’s one thing I inherited from them, it’s grit — and the belief that you show up, you work hard, and you take care of your people.
Nicole means “victory of the people.”
Lu means “road” or “journey.”
So my name means Victory Road.
I’m not entirely sure if my name fits who I was born to be, or if I’ve spent my life nurturing my path to live up to the honor of it.
Either way, it feels like a good road to be on.
One is my mellow.
One is my fire.
Together they’re the two halves that make me whole.
And I don’t take it lightly that I brought two white men into the world.
That reality comes with responsibility.
My job as their mom is to make sure they understand that power isn’t something you use to get ahead of others — it’s something you use to lift people up.
One of the things I love about living here is that I can be on a trailhead twenty minutes after leaving my front door.
Nature is where I reset.
The ocean and the trees remind me of something simple:
My body is the one vehicle I have for my soul, and I try to take care of it inside and out.
I love gathering people together to break bread, share stories, and enjoy the beautiful chaos that happens when good humans sit down in the same room.
Our door and our arms are open to anyone who wants to pull up a chair and be part of it.
The only real rule in our house is the sign people see when they walk in:
"Be Nice Or Leave – Thank You."
I’m including that here because it’s both absurd and completely true.
I’m surrounded by kids, close to my mother (nod to my pop who has passed), show up for the older generations and am tight with my peers.
I take it all seriously.
Regardless of age, I treat people with the same level of respect. I want them to feel heard because it’s an honor to hear their stories.
Where I stand in that multi-generational perspective has shown me what matters to people and how to say things in a way that feels real to them, regardless of age.
My dad gave everyone nicknames formed from his own mysterious logic.
My brother was “Eater” (short for Pumpkin Eater, which was shortened from “Peter Peter,” rhyme although his name is Mark).
My mum was “Leone” (short for Mama Leone… which is nowhere near her name.)
My sister was Pooh. (No explanation. Told ya—he did his own thing.)
Mine? Pants. Stick with me....
“Nikki” turned into “Knickerbocker.” (Exhibit A on the right.)
“Knickerbocker” turned into “Knicker Pants.”
“Knicker Pants” turned into “Nickers.”
And eventually, he dropped any resemblance to my actual name, and it was streamlined to “Pants.”
When someone yells “Pants!” and I answer without question, it makes perfect sense (in my world).
Now if someone was called “Shoe” we’d either need to have a serious talk or become best friends.
I’ve taught everything from pre-K kids curious about bat hibernation in the woods…
to adults working to improve their lives through evening literacy classes.
In between, I’ve worn a few other teaching hats—New Hampshire K–8 certified teacher, voiceover coach, mentor, software trainer, accountability lead, and marketing presenter.
Through the years, I’ve learned that if you want people to actually hear you, you have to listen first and meet them where they are. It gives them a reason to lean in.
People are people—regardless of age. But I have a feeling you already know that. 🙂
Cars, Yeti mugs, our basketball hoop. Ya get the idea.
I hand them out to teenagers heading into the world.
It’s a grounding line and reminds us that, when in doubt, choose the path that makes a great story.
Shine your light bright and you’ll attract your people.
And when someone misses the mark, lead with empathy first but also know when it’s time to step back.
Being a creative can be hard. Beautiful, but hard.
It’s vulnerable, and it can test your confidence—and your bottom line.
I give a presentation during creative conferences and online groups called “How to Keep Your Glorious Sh*t Together” because some days feel like your climbing Bear Mountain in Sedona with all of its false peaks. Others feel like you’ve caught a wave and are riding a success surfboard, high-fiving seagulls. And some days have you staring at the wall, not knowing…errr….anything.
When I first started presenting this talk, my goal was to hand over a toolbox filled with logic, love, and a little humor to help others feel lighter, more grounded, more inspired, and a little clearer.
And today? Yep. That’s still my goal.
Justice matters to me. A lot.
I believe in the core principles of human rights.
I believe people should have the right to make decisions about their own bodies.
I believe no one should have to struggle just to receive healthcare.
When I see injustice, I feel it in my bones. And I march.
And I’m fierce and fiery when it matters.
Some people are Woo Woo. Others might be straight-up nerd. Me?
I'm...
One Woo: I believe in visualization, energy, and intention.
One Science: But I also believe in data, discipline, and hustling to do the hard work.
✻ What you do makes a difference so be intentional on what kind of difference that will be.
✻ You either win or you learn. (Thanks for the words, Nelson Mandela!)
✻ Life is meant to be used up for something that matters.
✻ And no matter what storm rolls through…
You are the sky. Everything else is just the weather.
So that’s me.
☆ A woman.
☆ A mom.
☆ A friend.
☆ A community builder.
☆ A believer in purpose.
And a human who just happens to make a living behind a microphone.