OUR TEACHING ARTISTS

Miana Abramson was born and raised in Los Angeles, California where she studied commercial and classical dance for 12 years.

Paige Ahlenius is a teaching artist in the Kansas City area who focuses on blending visual art with education. For the past 15 years she has worked with the Kansas City Chapter of Young Audiences, offering her arts integrated programs for schools including Construction Physics, The Magic of Science, Playground Art, Class Murals, and Galimotos. Paige also teaches numerous classes and camps for KCYA. Paige was instrumental in the development of KCYA’s Steam project which worked with teachers one on one to integrate the arts into Project Lead the Way curriculum. In 2020, she won the Lighton Prize for Teaching Artist Excellence. Paige received her BFA in theater and history with a minor in illustration. She was co-founder and scenic designer for Barking Dog Theater in Atlanta, GA in the 1990s and had the honor of designing Jim Grimsley’s world premiere production of THE BORDERLANDS. 

INSYNC DANCE

For Swarupa, dance is the way to express and feel alive. Born and raised in Mumbai India, Swarupa came to Ames, Iowa, where she joined Penny Ferguson at Gateway Dance Theatre in early 2008. She relocated to Olathe, Kansas with her family in 2019 and since then pursued performing and teaching in the Kansas City area with various arts and local cultural organizations.

Swarupa started dancing at 4 years old and is trained in Bharatnatyam, an ancient form of Indian Classical dance, various folk dances of India and the Tabla, a percussion instrument. She has performed extensively all over India, Iowa and Kansas.

She has a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Mumbai University, India and an MBA - Marketing from Iowa State University.

MOVING MATTERS

With over 40 years of experience in arts integration, Harlan Brownlee leads K–12 student workshops and residencies, professional development sessions for teachers, and national trainings for teaching artists.

A National Teaching Artist with the Kennedy Center since 2002 and Focus 5 since 2019, he is known for integrating dance and creative movement with STEM education. He has presented at Project Lead the Way’s national conferences, highlighting the power of movement to deepen learning.

Harlan holds a BFA in Dance, specializing in performance and choreography, and an MA in Educational Research and Psychology.

Lindsay Brunk began her life with ballet at age three, and continued through her upbringing, studying at the Kansas City Ballet while also competing with a local studio.

KANSAS SETTLERS BAND

Diane Bulan has been a KCYA actor and teaching artist since 1997. She has performed in several plays and puppet shows, and has taught various workshops and residencies involving acting, improvisation, and STEM.

"My mission is to create a safe nurturing space for learners, and to encourage students to use their imagination and creativity. It is most fulfilling to see students gain confidence in self-expression through theatre."

Susan is a vocal technician, performance coach, and passionate educator with decades of experience in Chicago, D.C., and now Kansas City. Holding master’s degrees in both vocal and piano performance, she has performed across genres including opera, jazz, pop, and musical theatre. She trained at the Lee Strasberg Institute (NYC), Second City (Chicago), and The Lovetri Institute of Somatic Voicework™. After overcoming her own vocal challenges, Susan is committed to helping students unlock their potential—empowering them with technique, confidence, and a sense of joy in their artistic growth.

JANIE NEXT DOOR (R) - MUSIC FOR KIDS!

Jane Christison loves performing fun and educational music for kids as children's musician, Janie Next Door(R). She plays at preschools, elementary school concerts, festivals, libraries, birthday parties, and other special occasions using an instrument kids don't get to see very often - an accordion!

Children, students, teachers, and parents are encouraged to sing along, march, clap hands in time to the music, dance, have fun, and feel as if they are part of a live musical performance.

Award-winning kid rocker, Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Crosgrove has been bringing communities together through music since 1998.

Bird Fleming leads the Traditional Music Society, and developed his interest in music and drumming in his fifth grade band class. Since his parents could not afford a drum set, he played the bongos.

Vanessa and Rodney Gibbs are a husband-and-wife duo who have been teaching and performing West African drum and dance throughout the Kansas City area for over 20 years. Since relocating to Kansas City in 1987, they have immersed themselves in the art form. Vanessa has traveled to West Africa, Barbados, and across the U.S. to study and share her craft, while Rodney has trained with master drummers from West Africa, Barbados, and the States. Their work reflects a deep cultural commitment and passion for preserving West African traditions through music and movement.

Larry Greer is a theatre teaching artist who has worked as an actor, director, and instructor in the Kansas City area since 1987. He has performed on every professional stage in Kansas City, including K. C. Rep, Unicorn, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, and New Theatre.

Larry joined KCYA in 1993 with The Living Abe Lincoln and served as Director of Arts Education (2003-2012). He expanded his arts integration experience with STEAM residencies as well as PD workshops for pre-service and continuing education teachers. Larry is the 2019 recipient of the Lighton Prize for Teaching Artist Excellence.

Brie (like the cheese) is a professional actress of stage, screen, radio, and livestream social media. Born and raised here, she has had the opportunity to study at the Groundlings in Los Angeles and has had her one woman show, Poops I Did It Again produced locally and also in Los Angeles and at the New York City International Fringe.

She sees herself as a comedienne and believes laughter is the best medicine. After battling ulcerative colitis and now diabetes, she has produced three comedic shows laughing in the face of the impossible and hopes to encourage others to do the same.

Chris Hudson received his Bachelor of Music in 1996 from the UMKC Conservatory of Music. He has given solo performances in various concert series.

THE RECIPE POETRY GUILD

Many hats one focus: creative edutainment.

As a poet, actor, playwright, director, stage manager, producer, entrepreneur, and educator, Priest has been fortunate enough to tour the US performing at Times Square, New York City. He has taught elementary, college, and adult students at the University of Missouri Kansas City, Avila, Donnelly, the University of New Mexico and various other institutions.

Creation of a safe space to cultivate creative thinkers in written, recited, and performed expression that instills the tools necessary for success, as seen in the light of their eyes, is his greatest joy.

Jay and Leslie Cady have been full-time performance artists since 1980. They have given over 6,000 performances in 34 states and seven countries.

In my three decades of teaching English Language Arts to students of all ages in the Kansas City area, my favorite moments are always the ones in which writers and thinkers convert from "I can't" or "I don't know what to write" to "I can," "I did," and "I feel good about this."

I employ excellent books and artwork, humor, and loads of encouragement to engage students in creative activities that show them how wonderful, powerful, and fun their brains -- and words -- are. Most of my sessions end with stickers (because, well, stickers!) and a group call to "write on!"

G. Leayn Losh is a veteran fine arts educator with over 35 years of experience teaching piano, voice, choir, and theater. She currently teaches through KC Piano and KCYA under her studio, GLL Studios, and recently retired from Rosedale Middle School in the KCKPS District. Leayn holds degrees in music and elementary education from MWSU and a master’s in integrated fine arts from Rockhurst University. She is active in professional organizations, directs community musicals, and produces recordings through GLL Studios & Productions. Leayn also sings with Encore KC and serves in music ministry at Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church.

Led by John Currey, Marimba Sol de Chiapas is committed to the authentic performance, practice and spirit of the marimba heard throughout Mesoamerica.

Jenni McSpadden has been teaching in one capacity or another for 25 years. Ms. Jenni has taught students everything from how to use a library catalog to how to thread a needle. At KCYA you will find Ms. Jenni in the Creativity Lab teaching fine art, fiber arts and theatre design. She believes in giving children the tools and confidence they need to find their creative spark and letting it catch fire.

John Mulvey is a professional actor, comedian, and arts educator in the Kansas City area.

Dr. Thomas Aber is the founder of New World Music Connections. He’s a Kansas City native and an accomplished bass clarinetist. His studies took him to Juilliard and to Amsterdam, where he trained with Harry Sparnaay on a Fulbright-Hays grant. A prizewinner in the Gaudeamus International Competition, he has premiered numerous contemporary works. From 1990 to 2021, he served as Bass Clarinetist with the Omaha Symphony. He also co-founded Kansas City’s New Ear ensemble and the Myth-Science Ensemble. His research on early bass clarinet repertoire is published through the International Center for Bass Clarinet Research.

Dinosaur O’Dell is musician, storyteller, author and educator Kevin Dolan. A former preschool and elementary music teacher, Dino utilizes music and stories for interaction and education. While most often a preschool and elementary assembly performer, he is also a skilled workshop facilitator for both children and teachers.

For the last ten years Dino has served early childhood facilities teaching an accredited workshop about integrating music and stories into the early childhood classroom. In 2014 Dino won the Lighton Prize for Teaching Artist Excellence.

His CDs and books have been honored by NAPPA (National Parenting Publications), Parent’s Choice, and Story Monster Books.

Roger Pitts is a native Kansan, attending school in the greater Kansas City area.

Originally from Bari, Southern Italy, Alberto Racanati (alias Alber) is a musician and creator established inKansas City, MO. Coming from a classical background, he began experimenting by combining his trumpet with synthesizers. He released his first self-titled album, Alber, in 2020, followed by his second album, Journey, released in 2021.

Alberto’s music is a blend of nostalgic synthwave sounds, jazz idioms, and Dilla inspired beats. His work has been described as “consummate chill-out music for the cool kids of today and the old-school smooth jazz fans”.

As an educator, Alberto teaches at Harmony Project KC and runs his own private music studio.

Kim Ratliff loves helping kids discover their creativity through drama and storytelling. Her sessions specialize in blending Social Emotional Learning with great children's literature and creative dramatics.

"Mrs. R." has the unique qualifications of having been a classroom teacher as well as a teaching artist for decades. In 2024, Kim was awarded KCYA's Lighton Prize for Teaching Excellence. Kim has also lead professional development sessions across the country and done theater and commercial work in Los Angeles.

Helping students learn, have fun, and reach their potential is what motivates Kim in all of her teaching.

Nika Renee is a multidisciplinary teaching artist, poet, and cultural facilitator rooted in the transformative power of story. Founder of Soulcentricitea and Village Scribe LLC, she crafts immersive experiences that blend ritual, ancestral wisdom, and poetic expression. As the creator of the Anansi Method of Poetry Writing, Nika leads students through a unique process of reflection, writing, and performance grounded in West African and Caribbean folklore. Her work invites youth to explore identity, creativity, and community through storytelling, somatic meditation, and poetic craft. With over a decade of experience guiding youth and adults in expressive arts, she brings a warm, intentional, and affirming presence to every learning space

Growing up in a talented and creative family, Jamie was encouraged to express her artistic tendencies in painting and sculpture.

Mark Sepulveda is a versatile entertainer with credits in film, musical theatre, television, and opera. He played Johnny Lazia in Nelly Don: The Musical Movie (2023), which continues its theatrical run and has won multiple international film awards. Stage highlights include roles in Carousel, South Pacific, and Man of La Mancha, with performances at Music Theater Heritage and Quality Hill Playhouse. A classically trained tenor, Mark has appeared with Opera in the Ozarks, Landlocked Opera, and Opera UCLA. He holds a BFA from AMDA and a graduate certificate from UMKC, where he studied with Vinson Cole and Dale Morehouse.

Brad Shaw, a graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute, is considered a “Renaissance Man” in the theatre world.

Street Styles Academy (SSA) is a vibrant hub for Kansas City’s youth. Our mission is to inspire and empower.

Franci Talamantez-Witte is a Kansas City-based teaching artist and performer with over 25 years of experience in theatre and dance education. She teaches across the metro area with KCYA, MTKC, and various local organizations. In 2023, she made her Off-Broadway debut in Prejudice and Pride at 59E59 Theaters in NYC. Franci has directed, choreographed, and performed in numerous regional productions, including work with The Coterie, Padgett Productions, and Theatre in the Park. Passionate about inspiring young performers, she stays connected to Broadway trends through regular workshops and training in New York.

Megan Gilchrist Tanner teaches Costume Design and Performance Art at KCYA. She fell in love with her craft as a child sewing costumes for her dog and helping her elementary school drama teacher make costumes. Since graduating from the University of Northern Iowa, highlights from her theatre adventures have included working at the Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre and the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. In addition to her theatre work, Megan runs her alterations business, Peppermint Stitchworks LLC. 

Born in Detroit and raised in Topeka, percussionist Brandon Taylor’s musical journey began at age 3. He has toured globally with legends such as Tina Turner, B.B. King, and Joe Louis Walker, and was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame in 2019. As half of the acclaimed duo Hudspeth & Taylor, he’s earned multiple Blues Music Award nominations. A passionate educator since 1995, he created innovative music programs for youth and received the 2023 Lighton Prize for Teaching Artist Excellence. Taylor is also a National Young Audiences Credentialed Teaching Artist.

Bird Fleming formed The Traditional Music Society, an arts organization devoted to multi-cultural arts education. This organization, composed of musicians and dancers sharing a similar background in folk music, has developed programs that teach students about different cultures through music and dance.

Tri-Percussion is lead by percussionist Mark Lowry, who is timpanist for the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra and is a frequent percussionist with the Kansas City Symphony.

Cori Anne is a Kansas-born artist, writer, teacher, director, and singer/actor with a lifelong passion for storytelling who started performing at age 6.

Directing and teaching musical theatre at KCYA is quite possibly the most fulfilling job she's ever had. When she isn't teaching, you can catch her on stage - usually playing some crazy person in a musical.

Born with a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, she strives to elevate EDS awareness within the medical community and is always advocating to make the arts more safe, inclusive, and accessible for performers with disabilities.

Sam Wright has been acting professionally in Kansas City for over twenty years. After earning a BFA in Theatre Arts from Emporia State University, Sam appeared at The Coterie, The Unicorn, KC Rep, The Living Room, Music Theater Heritage, and New Theatre Restaurant.

As a playwright, his one-man show Crazy Horse: A Dream of Thunder earned a Best of Kansas City award. His folk musical Prejudice & Pride won #1 Best Show at Edinburgh Fringe in 2022, before debuting Off-Broadway in 2023. Playbill named it one of the top 10 Off-Broadway Shows to See that summer. Sam plays banjo in folk trio Gullywasher and in KCYA's Kansas Settlers Band.

Tessa van Dieren is a choreographer, dance instructor, and yoga teacher. She received her training from Dennis and Kathy Landsman at the American Dance Center and studied with the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. Internationally, she trained with Rotterdam Dance Theater in the Netherlands and attended a teacher training program with the National Ballet School of Canada. She danced professionally with Central Dance Theater. As an instructor, she has taught at the American Dance Center, the Kansas City Ballet School, and KCB’s Reach Out and Dance (ROAD) program. Her mission is to inspire a love for dance in students of all ages and talents.

Richard Renner’s Vodvill Entertainment Company was born in 1988 as a way to promote the lively art of circus skills and street performing.