Jen Appel New York
Jen Appel is an artist, educator, filmmaker, and founder based in Locust Valley, New York, with professional roots spanning all five boroughs of New York, including Long Island, New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Her personal history is closely tied to these places, as her father grew up in the Bronx, her mother was from Brooklyn, and she was born in Old Brookville, New York. These early geographic and cultural connections shaped a life centered on creativity, learning, and civic responsibility.
For more than 30 years, she has cultivated a professional path that brings together film, education, branding, and civic media. Her work has extended across theater, film, fine art, and music, while also maintaining a long-standing dedication to teaching advanced humanities courses, including A.P. U.S. History and U.S. Government, as well as Business and Entrepreneurship. Through this balance of creative and academic work, she has focused on thoughtful communication, structure, and public engagement.
In addition to these professional roles, Appel founded Somewhere I Read, a national initiative devoted to renewing America’s civic imagination, and created 16 Paws, a pet lifestyle brand and children’s book rooted in kindness and animal-assisted service. These efforts reflect consistent values of storytelling, service, and ethical responsibility, while also contributing to the broader cultural identity connected with Jen Appel New York.
Early Life and Artistic Formation
Jen Appel’s relationship with the arts began early and developed through curiosity and commitment. During high school, she discovered theater, an experience that became a turning point and helped define her future direction. This discovery led her to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she was awarded a full scholarship for acting and pursued intensive professional training.
While studying at Tisch, she trained in the Experimental Theatre Wing and at Circle in the Square. These programs emphasized collaboration, experimentation, and technical discipline, fostering a grounded and flexible creative approach.
During and after her formal education, Appel worked across acting, directing, music, writing, and fine art. She performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, worked in film, and served as lead singer for several alternative rock bands and multiple music and film projects. Her fine art has been exhibited in galleries in both the Hamptons and New York City, reflecting a sustained commitment to visual expression alongside performance.
Risk Productions and Early Creative Leadership
Jen Appel of New York founded Risk Productions in 1997 as a film, television, theater, and music company dedicated to projects that directly address social and cultural issues. The company was established to support work grounded in integrity, relevance, and responsible storytelling.
Through Risk Productions, she wrote, directed, and produced Yes! Damn It, which played to sold-out audiences at The Producer’s Club in New York City. This project demonstrated her ability to lead creative work from development through performance, engaging audiences with meaningful subject matter.
She later co-produced several films and television projects, including the live-action segment of Blue’s Clues for Nickelodeon, a children’s program recognized for its influence and longevity. Appel expanded her production work through Prinxessa Productions, broadening her focus to include music publishing and multimedia storytelling that integrates sound, narrative, and visual media.
Education as Vocation and Practice
Jen Appel has built a sustained and respected career in education spanning more than 30 years. She earned a Master’s degree in Education and English Literature from Long Island University, graduating as a Merit Fellow and Magna Cum Laude. Her academic preparation reflects a strong foundation in literature, history, and instructional practice.
She completed postgraduate studies, earned United States teaching certification, and holds New York State certifications in Secondary Education and English Language Arts. She is also certified in the Hochman Writing Revolution, underscoring a commitment to structured writing instruction and clarity of expression.
Appel completed advanced studies in differentiation and diversity through Harvard University and participated in programs with the Gilder Lehrman Institute, studying under Professor David Blight of Yale University. She has taught in public, private, and independent schools, including Collegiate, City and Country, Stevenson, Friends Academy, Marymount, Trevor Day School, Buckley Country Day School, Dwight Global, and Fairfax County Public Schools. Her teaching has included A.P. U.S. History, U.S. Government and Politics, English, Honors English, Creative Writing, Business and Entrepreneurship, Fine Art, Performing Art, Speech, and Theater, along with service as a diversity curriculum coordinator, theater director, learning specialist, and private educator.
Somewhere I Read: Media for a Movement
Jen Appel is the founder of Somewhere I Read, her most ambitious civic media project. The initiative was conceived in response to polarization and democratic erosion, to renew America’s civic imagination through thoughtful storytelling and creative engagement.
She serves as founder and chief executive officer of the project, which includes a flagship feature film titled Traitor: A Story of Patriots and a companion concert experience. Together, these elements explore how history, music, and narrative can reconnect individuals to shared civic values.
The film’s trailer was recently featured at a museum in Oyster Bay, Long Island. Through this work, Appel continues to integrate media and historical reflection in ways that encourage dialogue, understanding, and civic awareness.
16 Paws and the Ethics of Care
Jen Appel is the founder and chief executive officer of 16 Paws Luxury Pet Lifestyle Company, launched in 2024. Inspired by her dogs Honeybear, Valentine, Bentley, and Cosette, and based on her children’s book 16 Paws & A Special Kind of Grace, the company reflects a personal commitment to kindness and service.
16 Paws is based on Long Island’s North Shore and draws inspiration from the Long Island Sound, Planting Fields, and the rhythms of daily life. The children’s book tells its story entirely from the dogs’ perspectives and emphasizes service and quiet courage. The accompanying 16 Paws Club offers curated subscription boxes that support artisans and small vendors.
More than a commercial endeavor, 16 Paws is anchored in service and care. Appel conducts monthly animal-assisted service visits with her dog, Cosette, at The Life Enrichment Center in Oyster Bay, serving seniors and teens. She has also assisted with equine therapy programs supporting veterans with PTSD, survivors of domestic abuse, and inner city children encountering horses and barn animals for the first time. She hopes to one day own horses and establish her own care farm. She also enjoys spending time with her dogs at Bailey Arboretum in Locust Valley. The President of the Board has invited her to consider joining the Bailey Arboretum board, a step she is likely to take.
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