Sara’s journey at CFCArts began as an intern in the Theatre program back in 2019, under the leadership of Donald Rupe. Later that year she joined the team as Box Office Manager, and eventually moved over to the School of Arts & Health. Sara is multi-talented, having worked on many productions as a Costumer, Stage Manager, House Manager, Set painter, Light and sound board operator – just about everything but acting and directing.

In her free time, Sara loves to create art. Specifically, she loves to sew – a skill she learned from her mother. She also enjoys spending time with her two cats, Rooster & Robotnik.

Upon graduation, Caroline began working in an Early Intervention program in Boston, MA. Caroline served as a music therapist and service coordinator in this home-visiting program, working with children under the age of three by designing individual-, family-, and group-based music therapy interventions to support the child across developmental domains. Caroline provided these services in both English and Spanish. She became designated as an Early Intervention/Early Childhood specialist during that time.

Since joining the CFCArts team, Caroline continues to work with children (birth-18), both neurotypical and neurodiverse, and has provided services to adolescents and adults in substance abuse recovery, older adults with mild cognitive and physical impairments, and developed a Music Therapy Consultation program for Teaching Artists working with children in our Youth Theatre and SOAH programming. Caroline loves working with the UpBeat! Theatre troupe, and directing UpBeat! Jr.

Caroline developed a Music Therapy practicum program in Fall 2023 through a partnership with St. Mary of the Woods College. She has presented about music therapy at a number of conferences, including the Massachusetts Early Intervention Consortium (2019), The Family Cafe (2023), and Tau Beta Sigma & Kappa Kappa Psi National Convention (2023).

Caroline is trained as a NICU music therapist, Orff-Schulwerk: Level 1, and most recently earned the designation, Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT).

Chris relocated to Orlando from the Chicago area, where she headed up a highly recognized high school theatre program and taught Honors and Advanced Placement English classes. Chris has a bachelor’s degree in Speech/ Theatre from Northern Illinois University and a Masters Degree in Teaching from National Louis University. Chris’ involvement with CFCArts includes teaching the Narrators! class as well as costuming and performing with the theatre, most notably as Ethyl in On Golden Pond and Mae Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie, where she was recognized by the Orlando Sentinel as one of Orlando Theatre’s ‘Best of 2019’ Performers.

Olivia graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in Journalism and English, with an award in data journalism. She moved to Orlando with her husband in 2019, and finding the CFCArts orchestra made Florida feel like home. The arts have always been a part of her life, whether through French horn, ballet, or writing. Olivia’s passion for story led her to complete several short novels in high school, which she is still rewriting. She’s most comfortable with a good book and mug of tea — or on the back of a horse (but has yet to combine the three).

Originally from Cary, NC, Hayden graduated from East Carolina University in 2018 with her BFA in Theatre Arts Education, BFA in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Theatre For Youth, and a minor in vocal music studies. While in college, Hayden was the recipient of an Undergraduate Research in Creative Activities grant and the Outstanding Senior in Theatre Education award. Hayden was also the head drama, musical theatre dance, and acapella counselor for four summers at Keystone Camp for girls in Brevard, NC. Upon her college graduation, she moved down to Florida to participate in the Disney College Program. During her four years of making magic as a cast member, her favorite role was being part of the Animal Science Education team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. She’s thankful that she decided to stay in the sunshine state because, otherwise, she wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to become a part of the amazing CFCArts family!

Coming soon…

A native Orlandoan, Ashley Samuels has been part of Central Florida’s nonprofit arts community for over 15 years. She has a dual B.A. in Art History and English Literature as well as an M.A. in Arts Administration from Florida State University. She earned her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) in 2023, and is a long-time board/committee member and Past President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Central Florida Chapter.

Throughout her career Ashley has overseen various aspects of fundraising for arts organizations with budgets ranging from $1 million to  $9 million and written grant proposals to secure $1,000 up to $10 million. Her most recent full-time fundraising roles were with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra (2016-2019) and Orlando Ballet (2019-2023).

In January 2024, Ashley launched her own consulting business – AHS Nonprofit Consulting LLC – where she works with clients to craft compelling grant proposals, establish mutually beneficial partnerships and sponsorships, and create impactful mission-focused fundraising events with strategies that focus on stewardship and gratitude first. Central Florida Community Arts was her first client in January 2024, and Ashley is honored to continue to manage grant strategy as part of the team.

Ashley lives with her husband (also a nonprofit fundraising professional), two giant dogs, and two cats in Winter Springs, FL.

Juan Torres is thankful to be a part of Central Florida Community Arts serving as their Production Manager for organizational wide programing including Choir, Orchestra, and Youth Programming. Juan is a Production Manager with Disney Parks Live Entertainment, responsible for projects at the Magic Kingdom Park. He was part of the Entertainment Team responsible for 2 Emmy Award-winning Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Productions on ABC. He has also stage managed for several years across the community for various community-driven organizations.