Meet Anessa
As Written by Anessa
“Hi! I grew up in a rural town in West Virginia as the middle child in a very close-knit family. We lived near much of our extended family, and holidays and birthdays were opportunities to gather everyone together — aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents — and spend meaningful time with one another. I also grew up spending a great deal of time with my great-grandparents until they passed when I was a young adult.
My great-grandfather and my mother passed along their love of music to me. I grew up learning to play the piano, performing both in church and as a classical pianist in competitions. I fell in love with theatre in high school when I began performing in school musicals. These experiences were deeply formative, and the discipline and self-awareness I developed through my art helped shape the person I became as I moved into adulthood.
I attended college, studying music and theatre, and after graduating, I accepted a management position at a bank and remained in West Virginia for five years. In 2014, I made the decision to move to New York City to pursue a career as a music director and musician.
After relocating to New York City, I worked as a waiter while building connections in the theatre community, and over the course of eight years, steadily worked my way forward. I now work as a music director and musician on Broadway and have been a full-time professional musician for the past five years.
Passing on my love and knowledge of the arts is also very important to me. I regularly work with children, teaching music fundamentals, and I offer private piano and voice lessons as well. I have volunteered with the New York City public school system as a teaching artist, taught music classes at summer theatre camps for children of all ages, and enjoy partnering with organizations that promote access to arts education.
Building a life with my husband Jared has been one of the most grounding and rewarding parts of my journey. He brings warmth, humor, and steadiness into our home, and I deeply value the way we support one another as partners and parents. Watching our family grow together has been both meaningful and affirming.
One of my greatest joys is being Lily’s stepmother. Before meeting her, I always hoped to become a mom, and she has added so much to my life since I met Jared a few years ago. I’ve loved watching our relationship grow, and I’m grateful for the trust and connection we share. Seeing her step into her teenage years has been a joy, and she’s genuinely excited about the idea of becoming a big sister.”
“Anessa is eternally loving and nurturing. With the energy of a zany band teacher, she makes our home full of laughter and love. She is a wonderful partner and parent.” –Jared
“My stepmom is a very kind and nice person. She will make sure she writes at least two songs about her kids.” –Lily
