I am a lifetime Monrovian, a former Citrus Singer and a graduate of Azusa Pacific University with a degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance. I’m also the founder of Centre Stage, Inc. here in Monrovia, and teach voice in the Citrus College Music Department. I have over 21 years of professional experience in the music and theatre industries. I live here in Monrovia with my husband Ryan Milliken, life long Monrovian, and my two children, Berlynn and Reece.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your origin story. Share a little about your childhood and your family.
As a lifetime Monrovian, I was brought home from the hospital to my parents’ first home on Grand from the hospital, and have lived in nine homes here over my lifetime. I am blessed to have my parents and my brother, Troy Ford, all still living here in Monrovia, and until recently all of my in-laws and their children, too. We are Monrovia through and through.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Since I was a young child, I loved to sing. In High School, I was exposed to musical theatre and went on to pursue voice and a degree in Music Education. Though I loved singing solos and being in musicals, I found such purpose in teaching others around me. While I was only 19, I began musical directing the shows at MHS and other schools in the Valley. Instead of doodling my autograph at a young age, I would doodle my future company name, Centre Stage. I love being able to inspire people through music and give our community a place to call home for the arts.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Diplomat, 38 degrees, Bella Sera, Jake’s
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? Tell us about your favorite memory or experience living in Monrovia.
Since birth! I began teaching voice lessons as a college student in my parents’ living room until I had my first apartment on Duarte Rd. My first musical directing job ever was at MHS for “Into The Woods.” I was so young I can remember being asked to prom by a kid in the hallway since I looked Iike I was still in high school. As far as a favorite memory, it’s hard to narrow that down, but I have such fond memories of growing up on Primrose. We walked everywhere, and my favorite place to walk was to a little store called Pilgrim’s Progress where Sweet Ethan’s is now. I’d get candy, and I loved collecting stickers from there. I could also walk down to the Monrovia Days fair, and in those days the, sidewalk sales. I had a beloved doll that I got from a Monrovia Days sidewalk sale for years.
Q: None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person you’ve met here in our community who helped you get to where you are or inspired you?
My young childhood memory of a person who inspired me was Mr. & Mrs. Debord from the Monrovia First Church of the Nazarene, and Carla Fiore. They all saw a talent in me and had me start singing solos in church as a very small child. The last Sunday of every month, I was supposed to sing, and he would always give me a quarter after I performed and told me “don’t spend it all in one place.” I owe so much to that couple for fostering in me an early love for music. Carla continued that music by adding perfomance opportunites. I was able to sing and perform for many events in our community due to their guidance.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I always love going to New York City. So many of my students or friends from the musical theatre world live there. It fills my soul to go see two shows a day when I am there.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies of all time? Do you have a favorite TV show or shows?
I tend to watch the same movies over and over. Forrest Gump and The Help are my top favorites. And if you are one of my students, you know Law and Order/SVU is my all time favorite TV show.
Q: What advice would you give to people? Do you have a Life Lesson quote?
My students literally have a running list of Keely Quotes. But personally, “You can’t make up for lost time.” Parents ask me how can may child improve? And it’s always the same answer: You have to stick with it and make sacrifices to make anything work – a marrage, a career, your integrity. I am sure my students would quote me as “15 min early is on time, on time is late, and late is unaccceptable” LOL
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To have my own theatre space in Monrovia.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what music to listen to?
Broadway and country.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Christie’s Donuts. So many memories. My dads “cronies,” as we called them, had coffee and donuts there every morning. There was a photo of them in the 70s or 80s on the wall. Those guys even gave me money for my high school graduation. When the new owners took over, we went with all the grandkids and took a photo with my dad, then the owner gave us the photo off the wall. It’s framed and in my home. It’s moments like those that make Monrovia not a place, but a home.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
My former original Centre Stage kids that are now adults. Many still live or visit their parents here in Monrovia. We would probably meet at Jake’s.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
I love how I can go anywhere and know someone. I love driving Old Town. I do it so many times a day. I know there are quicker ways, but it brings me so much joy to drive or walk Myrtle.
Q: Sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you’ve ever made?
Learning how to balance power needs in Library Park!
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have a form of dyslexia called visual processing disorder.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I don’t travel much, but I love going to Cabo.
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My role in so many families lives, including my own children. My son jokes with me that I’m in the Monrovia Mafia, because anywhere we go, someone stops us to talk or give me a hug.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Pepsi
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family. They sacrifice so much so that I can run a non-profit small business here in Monrovia. It’s seven days a week, 16 hours a day. And they never say no.
Q: If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?
Music and theatre experiences for all.
Q: Finally, what three character traits come to mind when you think of your success in life?
Compassion, reliability, drive
