TYKE O’BRIEN lives at the intersection of education, design, and cultural innovation. With a PhD in literature, gender, and cultural studies, she brings decades of experience connecting books, fashion, art, music, and film. Tyke spent 20+ years as a lit and film teacher and Department Chair, leading curricular and social impact program development designed to foster individual and community growth. During that time she loved teaching senior courses and independent studies on everything from: ghost stories to gender studies, from the cinematic history of Los Angeles to the history of cults and a survey of masculinity in fashion, and from pop culture shockwaves to five decades of lyrics to traditions in global folklore.

From an early decade in the hip hop, rock, and alternative music industry — starting in her teen years and evolving into later (even recent) contributions to music and film projects — to ten summers designing interiors with her own design firm, Tyke always blends artistry with strategy. With deep ties to local creative communities and a long-standing commitment to independent designers, artists, educators, and nonprofits, Tyke immerses herself in these worlds-both as a facilitator and dedicated enthusiast.

Born and raised in Chicago, and with stints in New York, England, and Topanga Canyon, Tyke (along with her husband, her PUSD high school junior son and 3 cats) has loved living on the Arroyo in Pasadena since 2011. Tonight she will be streaming a folk horror film from the 70s and probably falling asleep during it whether she wants to or not.