KCYA Staff

INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(816) 531-4022, ext 1012

Julie Warm, Ph.D., joined Kansas City Young Audiences in April 2025 as Interim Executive Director. She holds a doctorate in nonprofit management and brings experience in helping nonprofits strategically navigate times of transition. Most recently, Dr. Warm served as Interim Executive Director of Friends of Arrow Rock, where she helped the organization stabilize its finances, implement effective policies and practices, and strengthen the Board of Trustees’ capacity for leadership.

Deeply connected to Kansas City and a supporter of our city’s vibrant arts community, Dr. Warm is dedicated to guiding KCYA through this period of growth and change. Beyond her professional work, she is a volunteer and advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities. She believes in the power of the arts to bring people together: “Never have the arts been more important to creating community and enriching our youth.”

DIRECTOR OF ARTS EDUCATION
(816) 531-4022, ext 1005

Carmen joined the KCYA team in August 2023 and currently serves as the Director of Arts Education. In this role, she oversees all KCYA programs that reach schools and communities across the region. Originally from Lima, Peru, Carmen is deeply committed to expanding access to arts education and is thrilled to help bring creative experiences to thousands of students each year. She holds a Master’s in International Education Policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, a Master’s in Music from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, and a Bachelor’s Degree from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.

COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS MANAGER
(816) 531-4022, ext 1011

Anna Ryan has officially landed in Kansas City, MO, and she’s ready to make some artsy magic! In March 2025, she became the new Community School of the Arts Manager at KCYA - basically her dream gig. Since 1997, Anna has been singing, acting, teaching, directing, and generally living her best theatre-and-music life across the region. A proud Emporia State University grad, she’s excited to keep performing and creating in “The City.” Anna thrives on collaboration and loves teaming up with anyone who believes “EVERY child deserves the transformational spark the arts ignite!”

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
(816) 531-4022, ext 1004

Ellen joined the KCYA team in 2024. She manages everything from events to grant writing to database management and more. As a KC native, she loves being a part of the arts community in our city and connecting with both new and longtime supporters of KCYA. Ellen is a graduate of St. Olaf College and brings over a decade of nonprofit fundraising experience to her role. When she’s not working, you’ll find her enjoying theatre, cheering on all the KC sports teams, or reading.

If you’d like to learn more about how to support KCYA, Ellen would be delighted to connect with you.

SCP PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
(816) 531-4022, ext 1008

Nick started at KCYA as School and Community Programs Coordinator in the summer of 2022. In his role, he works to book arts programming in schools, libraries, LINC after school programs, and other institutions in the KC metro area and beyond. The mission of KCYA is the most important part of the job to Nick. As a KC area native, he developed a deep love and appreciation for the arts and works to pass that along to the children of his hometown. A proud Kansas Jayhawk, he is a passionate fan of KU’s sports teams in addition to local KC area sports teams. He also enjoys listening to a wide variety of music genres and artists and exploring all of the rich arts and culture Kansas City has to offer.

If you have questions about KCYA’s programs or would like to book something, please reach out to Nick!

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
(816) 531-4022, ext 1002

Brian joined KCYA in the summer of 2025, handling all of the administrative duties for the office. It is extremely important and satisfying for him to be associated with an organization that has such a long history with the arts in Kansas City. Working as an office admin at several legal offices across the city, he is happy to have finally found his home. Outside of the office, he is also a writer, actor, and filmmaker that runs his own production company (Ghost Theatre Productions).

CSA PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
(816) 531-4022, ext 1008

Andi joined the KCYA team in Spring 2025. With a professional background in early childhood education and personal experience in music, dance, and visual art, they bring both expertise and passion to their role as Programs Coordinator. Andi’s focus is on building strong connections with families and students while fostering a safe, supportive space for creativity and community to thrive. If you’re curious about whether KCYA is the right fit for your student, Andi is always happy to help.

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT
(816) 531-4022, ext 1015

DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
(816) 531-4022, ext 1015

Hillary is the Development Coordinator at KCYA, where she manages marketing campaigns, supports events, and helps keep the office humming. KCYA’s newest addition has already started designing content, coordinating social media, and adding her voice to KCYA’s outreach. A William Jewell College graduate, Hillary brings branding experience from both luxury wine & spirits and biotech startups, proving she’s fluent in both sparkle and science. Known for her cheerful presence and calm-in-the-chaos energy, she’s the kind of teammate who color-codes a spreadsheet and names the tabs. She looks forward to creating joyful, community-rooted campaigns that help more families discover the creativity waiting at KCYA.