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ABOUT US

Learn From Professional Working Models and Actors!

  

Our founder, directors and instructors are all working professional models and actors with many years of

experience in the industry.

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Patti Harris   Founder and Executive Director

Official Fashion Sponser

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MacArthur Center

 

  • Professional Model and Actor for over 30 years

  • Talent Agent and Manager background

  • Teacher, Mentor and Coach

  • Runway,Print,Commercial,TV & Film credits. 

     

    Patti’s background as a professional model, actress and teacher has helped give her the vision to develop this unique program. This curriculum is based on both her extensive experience and understanding of the industry standards..

     

    Beauty and self-worth are more than physical attributes.

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Robin Myers   Managing Director

​Robins background in television production at WTKR and WHRO combined with her organizational and marketing skills make her the perfect person to oversee our day to day operations.

Anita Karbo   Curriculum Consultant
  • Masters Degree in Social Work

  • Alternative Learning Strategist

  • Teaching Background

  • Professional Model and Actor Credentials

  • Vocalist / Performer​

Roberta Sparta    Los Angeles Director
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• Professional Model and actress

• Voice Over Artist

• Motivational Speaker

• Commercial Actress

• Modeling Coach/Personal Consultant

Roberta Sparta started her career as a model at the age of 16. She traveled and worked all over Europe and when she settled down in Milan she fell in love with the art of acting. Roberta was accepted at American Academy of Dramatic Arts so she moved to Hollywood. Her numerous credits includes "Things from Another World" directed Francesco Patierno with Diego Abatantuono, national commercial "Caffè Hag" directed by Luke Scott (Ridley Scott son). In the USA she starred in the sci-fi series produced by Morgan Freeman "Through the Wormhole". She was feature in several commercials such as Verizon, Nissan and City Bank. She collaborate with Disney as voice over artist for a new series of short animated cartoon released in October 2013.

 

 

 

Elisse Nielson
Los Angeles Director of style
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     Valerie Todesco   Virginia Director

 

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  • Professional Model over 30 years

  • Professional Make Up Artist over 20 years

  • TV, Film, Print, Commercial and Runway credits

  • Writer, Fine Artist and Professional Singer

 

Valarie Todesco's modeling career spans over 30 years. She started her career at Glamour Modeling with Norma Fox and  not only studied with Norma but also trained models for Glamour. Valarie was the Fashion Editor for Portfolio Magazine and her career includes National television appearances, fashion magazines, countless runaway shows and much more. As a make up artist she has worked with local television stations, numerous commercials, TV and film projects. 

Under Construction
 
  • Fashion Photographer

  • Communication, Marketing and Social Media Guru.

  • Fashion Show Director

  • Actress and Model

  • Fashion is something ​ I ​have always loved and lucky enough to be part of.”

  • MAC trained make-up artist

  • Print and Fashion stylist.

  • Black Belt in Kickboxing, skilled in Knife throwing

  • Print, Runway, TV & Film, Commercial 

Role Model reflects my personal belief that all human beings regardless of appearance, race, national origin, disability or social status are to be appreciated and embraced.

Patti Harris, Founder and Executive Director

Mission Statement

 

Role Model LA has a mission to reach students across all walks of life and teach them how to overcome life’s obstacles through learning to embrace and develop their individuality and uniqueness in order to create their own success and happiness.

 

Objectives

 

Role ModelLA is an organization that is committed to making a positive difference in student’s lives. At Role Model LA our goal is not only to teach the skills to become a professional model, but more importantly assist students in learning good decision making skills and interpersonal tools that can be used throughout life and be a basis for success in any career. Role Model is designed to give students the tools they need to find out who they are and where they want to go in life. Great emphasis is placed on developing self-worth, confidence and satisfaction in oneself. 

 

History

 

Patti Harris (formerly Patti Jordan) has been a professional actress and model for over 20 years. She originally started developing this program in 1989 while she was the manager of Rogers County Playhouse, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The playhouse was primarily funded by the Oklahoma Board of Education to provide arts education to rural Oklahoma students. She started an After School Arts Academy and used modeling and acting classes to build self-esteem, confidence and teach skills students could use throughout their lifetimes. Later she opened her own Modeling and Acting school and connected with JC Penney to sponsor the student’s promotional experience and graduation fashion shows. Several years later she started a similar school in Virginia and was licensed by the Board of Education and recruited Dillard’s as the program sponsor. Moving to Los Angeles in 2006 Patti launched Role Model LA and has had great success in the Los Angles Market.  She is excited to be back in Virginia and offering the programing to Hampton Roads. Patti’s background as a professional model, actress and teacher has helped give her the vision to develop this unique program. This curriculum is based on both her extensive experience and understanding of the industry standards. She also has had the input of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to assist with developing the Role Model Curriculum.

We are not a Talent Agency and do not procure, offer, promise or attempt to procure employment or engagements for an artist

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