Howdy, I’m Tepper, the heart behind Tepper’s Tots. A musician, artist, and fool living in Greenwood Lake, NY.
Educating and entertaining children has been my livelihood for several years. Leading songwriting workshops, teaching art practices, and discovering ways to kindle kindness, curiosity, and trust in children’s lives. A foundation in creative problem solving, emotional intelligence, and process oriented thinking (found through creative practice) is imperative to our growth, and it’s absolutely necessary to start early.
My story is told in four different states:
California: I was raised in a household filled with art. It was on every wall. It was in every word. Little quotes here and there that bounced my brain to think deeply and wonder, with curiosity, what they meant. "As you ramble on through life, whatever be your goal, keep your eye upon the doughnut and not upon the hole."
Texas: I studied theatre and art in college. I discovered what it meant to be responsible for your life and your learning, what it meant to work hard and devote yourself to a craft. During my time at Texas State University I released an album, a poetry book, dozens of drawings, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. It was a full and fulfilling four years.
West Virginia: With all my classmates in Texas packing their bags to move to New York City, I knew I still needed some time to ferment. I played a game of “pin the tail on the donkey” with a map of the US and found myself in West Virginia, car stuffed with everything I owned. I challenged myself to live a year somewhere I knew absolutely no one. I found home in a trailer park where I devoted my days to writing, playing music, creating art, and making a living through odd jobs around the community (like being the Easter bunny at the mall). Over time I grew bored of the small town trailer park life, traded my car and moved into a van I built into a mobile home. Keeping costs low, I was able to survive traveling the state, writing poems for people on the street and playing music around town. I learned how to be adaptable and adoptable in any situation.
New York: After a year in West Virginia, I packed my van and moved to New York City. The city guided me towards children’s education. I immediately got an acting job with a children’s theatre, which led me to a job writing and performing music for children, which led me to a job creating my own children’s art, music, and life classes, which led me to creating Tepper’s Tots.
I believe in trusting your compass, following your feelings. They will drive you down the road, they will float you along the river. And my friends, that is why I know my life’s devotion is here, with you, now.
I saw a need for a consistent grown up friend in our children’s lives. A role once filled by Mister Rogers, and no one since. Perhaps I will be able to fill that role now, and I’m excited to share this journey with you.
As you ramble on through life, whatever be your goal, keep your eye upon the doughnut and not upon the hole,
Tepper Saffren
howdy@tepperstots.com