Dr. Donna Stevens Kehl, Ed.D., is a writer, educator, and the founder of H.O.P.E. Theatre, Inc. Donna’s career in education spans 22 years. For the last twelve years, She has taught middle school Drama, English, and Special education.

 Donna developed a love for theatre at a young age and found her niche teaching drama to middle school students. She has directed numerous large-scale theatre productions, such as Little Mermaid, Jr., Aladdin, Jr., Peter Pan, Jr., Beauty and the Beast, and Alice in Wonderland. Donna also enjoys performing in vocal, piano, and community theatre productions.  

In 2021, Donna graduated from the University of La Verne’s Doctor of Organizational Leadership program. Her published Doctoral Dissertation explores how involvement in theatre arts helps to improve social functioning skills in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder in middle school.

Donna’s research led to the founding of H.O.P.E. Theatre, Inc., which stands for Hands-On Performance Educational Theatre. This organization provides a theatre-based educational experience for adolescents and adults. H.O.P.E. focuses on individuals with autism and other special needs and individuals recovering from homelessness, helping them become involved in theatre arts.

Donna shares a message of hope, forgiveness, healing, and transformation through her work as a writer, educator, and director of H.O.P.E. Theatre, Inc. Through her writing, Donna encourages people to find forgiveness, healing, and acceptance that restores families. She strives to create a conversation about homelessness and the healing power of the arts.

In everything she does and everything that she is through her writing and foundational work, Donna seeks to cultivate bodies of work that promote service to humanity and help others achieve their potential.