The founder of inCahoots

Roben is a passionate performing artist and educator who believes in the transformative power of the arts—both on and off the stage. With a career spanning performance, teaching, and medical communication simulation, she applies the principles of theater to unlock creativity, collaboration, and innovation in every setting.

Her perspective is deeply shaped by lived caregiving experience, which gives her work in healthcare education unique authenticity and heart. By blending artistry with empathy, she helps teams not just learn new skills, but also rediscover the humanity at the core of their work.

The practice of working inCahoots—coming together toward a common goal—perfectly captures Roben’s mission: to make a lasting impact and prove that when we unite, incredible things are possible.

When she’s not on stage, leading a workshop, or creating memorable performances, Roben loves traveling, exploring the arts, and spending time with her family—ideally all three at once.

Our story is one of growth, creativity, and collaboration—spanning theater, education, and healthcare.

1997 - Founded Kaleidoscope Productions (later renamed Visionary Productions), performing sketch comedy, live stage plays, and puppet shows at private venues, churches, and schools throughout the greater St. Louis, MO area.

1998 - -Became a volunteer leader in church youth group, leading event planning and production and youth drama team.

2008 - Began classroom teaching (K–8), designing original curriculum in Theatre and Language Arts.

2012 - Expanded into healthcare education, developing simulations to train physicians, nurses, and other professionals in difficult conversations. Presented on family-centered rounds at the International Conference on Patient-Centered Care.

2019 - Launched murder mystery dinner theater, performing two-actor shows at venues and private parties throughout the Midwest. Also facilitated communication simulations with the Children’s Advocacy Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

2020 - Published “Destination Connections” and launched the Destination Connections podcast. Expanded educational entertainment into science and visual arts programs with Mad Science St. Louis and Crayola Imagine Arts Academy.

2022 - Elected as Alderperson for Byrnes Mill, MO. Began teaching applied improv workshops.

2024 - completed Train-the-Trainer Medical Improv at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Teaching Artist for The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and selected as a Community Arts Training Institute Fellow by the Regional Arts Commission.

My work is rooted in decades of experience—as a performing artist, educator, community leader, public servant, and medical-communication simulation facilitator. Added to that is my personal history of caregiving for loved ones through serious illness. This blend gives me a rare perspective grounded in empathy, real-world care, and theatrical creativity. I bring compassion, clarity, and heart to every room.

From puppet stages to medical improv, from classrooms to dinner theaters, every chapter of my journey has shaped inCahoots’ mission: to create engaging, interactive experiences that spark connection, build skills, and celebrate the joy of learning and performing together.

When I’m not performing or leading a workshop, I love exploring the arts, traveling, and spending time with my family. I believe deeply that connection—between people and through story—helps us heal, grow, and serve better.