Cordie Nelson is a playwright and director based in Chicago with a deep-rooted passion for Meisner Technique and over a decade of teaching experience. She received her BA from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2012, where she assistant taught both graduate and undergraduate Meisner classes under Professor Sean Boyd, who trained under Steve Rapella and Bill Esper at UTA. After graduation, she led independent Meisner training in Chicago, preparing students to move beyond intro levels in many local storefront studios.

In 2014, Cordie began her training as both a student and instructor at Green Shirt Studio, studying under Sommer Austin and Andrew Gallant, whose lineage traces back to Larry Silverberg. She has since taught every course level at Green Shirt—from intro to advanced scene study—and continues to bring her sharp eye and empathetic approach to each class. Her additional role as a Quality and Assurance Market Trainer for La Colombe in Chicago and Texas speaks to her strength in developing others, and her belief in the “see one, do one, teach one” method fuels her work. Cordie now serves as the Director of Teacher Development at Green Shirt Studio, a role that not only allows her to shape the next generation of teachers, but also deepens her own practice. She cares deeply about her students and knows that, with dedication, this technique can transform them into powerful, truthful artists.

Rachael Yoder is a professional actor, facilitator, and educator who has been collaborating with Jack Schultz since 2023 and completed Green Shirt Studio’s Teacher Training Program in 2025. She is thrilled to join the instructional team at Green Shirt and share her deep passion for the Meisner technique, which has played a pivotal role in her own artistic evolution.

Rachael holds an MFA in Acting from Northern Illinois University, where she completed intensive three-year training in Meisner, Williamson, and Fitzmaurice techniques. She also earned a BA in Theater from SUNY Brockport, graduated from the Stella Adler Studio of Acting’s 2-Year Conservatory, and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. She brings over 15 years of professional acting experience to the studio.

Alongside her acting career, Rachael serves as the Founder & Principal Consultant of Human(ity) Resources LLC, where she applies theater-based methods to design and facilitate simulation-driven leadership development programs for corporate clients. She is a DDI Certified Facilitator and is currently pursuing accreditation as a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation. Rachael also serves on the leadership team of The Outer Loop Theater Experience, where she helps lead arts-for-social-change initiatives, including community-driven development projects in Tanzania.

Rachael brings a thoughtful blend of creative curiosity, practical insight, and a deep commitment to human development to everything she does. She lives in Chicago with her husband and speaks conversational Swahili. For more: www.humanity-resources.com, www.rachaelyoder.com, www.outerlooptheater.org