About the Author:
Valery Ortiz
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Valery stars as Dina, Gabby’s caring and career-driven mom in Disney Channel's unique live action comedy series "Gabby Duran & the Unsittables."
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ortiz grew up in Orlando, Florida with an early love of dancing and performing that led to roles in local theater productions. After moving to Los Angeles, she continued her acting career playing characters on both the big and small screens, including “Date Movie”, “South of Nowhere”, “Hit The Floor”, “Switched at Birth,” “NCIS,” “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Two and a Half Men,” “Melissa & Joey,” and “Cold Case.” In addition, Ortiz previously hosted the “ABC Family Lounge” for the series “Pretty Little Liars,” and was the host of “American Latino TV.”
Ortiz is also currently pursuing another lifelong dream of publishing her literary works including a collection of poems and a bilingual children’s book series called “Hola! Hello!”.
When not working, Ortiz lends her time to organizations like the Los Angeles Mission, Special Needs Network, Inc. for Autistic Kids, and Best Friends Animal Society.
About the Illustrator:
Adrienne Lovette
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Adrienne Lovette is an award-winning New York based director, actor, and writer. She was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and grew up in Orlando, Florida. In Florida, she was a director for the Orlando Youth Theatre and academy where she directed children from ages 3-18 in various musicals and plays. After moving to New York City, Adrienne created her own indie company called The Garage Productions, which focuses on people who are diverse and underrepresented and has produced several films.
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As an actor, Adrienne has played opposite Naomi Watts, Aziz Ansari, Joaquin Phoenix, Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams . A few of Adrienne’s favorite TV roles include RAY DONOVAN (Showtime), FOSSE/VERDON (FX), THE DEUCE (HBO), THE SINNER (USA), MASTER OF NONE (NETFLIX), MR. ROBOT (USA), and GOTHAM (FOX). She is also known for her role in SUNLIGHT JR. (Tribeca Film Festival 2013) playing opposite Naomi Watts.
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Adrienne is currently working on several films and pilots. For more information on her acting and directing, visit her at www.AdrienneLovette.com, www.AnAdrienneLovetteFilm.com,
