“All the explanation you need to know is in her face and body language.” FILM THREAT

“Affirming and harrowing at the same time…Oliva’s incredibly affecting performance, a rich, intense and moving short film which is impossible to tear your eyes away from… well-crafted gem…ferocity and nurturing tenderness shines through every frame.” UK FILM REVIEW

“Oliva beautifully portrays the hunted wariness and demeanor of a woman grappling with abuse, but she also has the resolute determination and fierce love of a parent doing everything in her power to safeguard her child's safety and innocence.” OMELETO

Provocative. Tender. Ruthless.

Her favorite roles have been those with edge, daring and boldness. She approaches her work with unbridled guts, vitality and courage, getting gritty and messy while embracing vulnerability and awkwardness; all with heart and (sometimes vulgar) wit.

She received critical acclaim for the short film “Lioness”, which she wrote, produced and acted in. She was awarded Best Actress at the Georgia Shorts Film Festival, and nominated for Best Performance by the SOHO International Film Festival and First Glance Philadelphia Film Festival.

“Lioness” has been an Official Selection and screened at over 60 festivals, including Academy Award®, BAFTA, BIFA and Canadian Screen Qualifying.

Onstage, she has garnered critical acclaim for her performance in the World Premiere of The People Downstairs at American Stage, with her performance being heralded as “divine…unforgettable….deeply affecting…played to perfection.”

Her performances in both A View From The Bridge and Top Girls were named “Best of the Year - Critics’ Pick”, and she was awarded Best Leading Actress (Drama) and Best Featured Actress (Comedy) by The Orlando Sentinel.

Chicago credits include Northlight Theater, Mary-Arrchie Theater, Lifeline Theater, The Artistic Home, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and many others. In New York she performed the role of Sicinius in Shakespeare in the Parking Lot's Coriolanus ( NY Times Critics Pick. ) Regionally, she have performed at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, GableStage, American Stage, The Berkshire Theater Group, Orlando Shakespeare Theater (Playfest), Orlando International Fringe Festival, and many others

She received her MFA in Acting from Brandeis University, where the focus was in the Suzuki Martial-Arts Actor Training.