Staff
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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.
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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).
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Born and raised in Orlando, Brandon began taking lessons in voice and piano at age 6. His first choral experience was as a member of the Bach Festival Children’s Choir, and by age 15, he was directing his first choir. At the University of Central Florida, he studied vocal performance and music education, along with Hospitality Management, which lead to a career in Entertainment at the Walt Disney World Resort. In 2010, Brandon became a founding member of CFCArts and has served as a rehearsal director, senior team member, choral show director, and voice teacher for the organization. He currently serves as the Director of Choral programs, overseeing all aspects of the choral programs across the organization.
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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.
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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).
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After winning a job as the Chief Magic Official, a spokesperson for Disney Parks during “The Year of a Million Dreams,” he relocated to Central Florida to begin a 13-year adventure working for the Walt Disney Company. During his tenure, Justin was a Stage Manager for some of the most popular shows, was a part of christening two new cruise ships, was a Project Manager for live concerts, fireworks spectaculars, and more, was an Entertainment Proprietor during the opening of two new lands at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, led the entertainment teams for Epcot’s many festivals, developed tours and team building programs for Disney Institute, and served as a Production Manager for Disney Cruise Line.
He has been with CFCArts as a music director and conductor since the beginning of the organization, helping to grow CFCArts to include 2 of the largest ensembles in the country along with nationally recognized programming for children, youth, older adults, exceptional learners, and more. Justin has found great joy in designing programming and conducting the 250-member Symphony Orchestra, leading the Big Band, and creating and supporting numerous supplemental ensembles and he is now thrilled to expand his work to lead the overall creative direction and production efforts across all of CFCArts.
Focused on both the full member and full patron experience, Justin guides artistic choices, programming decisions, marketing and communications, and long-term strategic planning to make sure CFCArts stays true to its mission to build and serve community – while also producing thrilling, quality, and unforgettable experiences for our performers and our audiences.
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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!
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Leah, originally from Columbus, Ohio, discovered her passion for theatre at a very young age and pursued it at Ohio Wesleyan University, earning a Bachelor of Arts and teaching certification in Theatre Education and Directing. Following her studies, Leah completed a prestigious Theatre Education apprenticeship at the Tony Award-winning Cleveland Play House, where she met her husband, Jason. Following her apprenticeship, Leah relocated to Florida as the Director of Education at the regional theatre Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples, where she established several theatre education programs that are still successfully running nearly a decade later. Her theatre education experience spans all grade levels in both public and private schools and theatres, emphasizing the transformative power of theatre education.
With a dedication to fostering a love for theatre in young performers, Leah has spent the past seven years contributing to the vibrant arts community here at CFCArts. She is a proud member of the Florida Association of Theatre Educators and the Educational Theatre Association, reflecting her commitment to professional growth and collaboration within the field. Now an integral part of the CFCArts family, Leah continues to invest in a new generation of theatre artists. In addition to their work in the Central Florida theatre community, Leah and her husband Jason enjoy being supporters of Orlando City Soccer, passholders at Walt Disney World, members of Lake Baldwin Church, and loving parents to their son Marcelo.
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William Tayek is a Teaching Artist with Central Florida Community Arts and has been the Director of the UpBeat! Theater Troupe since 2020. William has acquired diverse experiences working with students of all ages and abilities through his work with the Advance Learning Academy, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida, Orange County School System, and Universal Orlando Resort. William has a lifetime of experience performing as both an actor and vocalist in elite chamber ensembles and a cappella groups. Additionally, his passion for teaching has led to a variety of experiences ranging from guided historical tours to teaching STEAM workshops for under-resourced communities. He is most passionate about working with the UpBeat! Theater Troupe: a performance group for students with varying abilities which was awarded the 2020 International Hamilton Arts & Innovation Award. In addition to directing, William has written multiple scripts, composed music, edited videos, choreographed, and designed entire shows for multiple programs for students with varying abilities. William’s main passion in life is spending time with his wife, daughter, and close friends.
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Kristin, who grew up in Orlando, Florida, has been deeply immersed in music and arts from a young age. Her passion for these disciplines led her to pursue a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Florida State University. Currently, she is advancing her expertise by working towards a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Central Florida.
Kristin’s professional journey began with her internship at Easterseals Midwest in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where she provided Music Therapy services to children and adults with Autism. This experience laid a strong foundation for her career, leading her to work extensively with children and adolescents in various settings, including schools, group sessions, and individual therapy. In addition to her practical experience, Kristin furthered her qualifications by earning her Neurologic Music Therapy certification and a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy certificate.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Kristin enjoys engaging in activities such as reading, crocheting, and spending time with her dog, Wesley. Kristin is eager to continue to serve the Central Florida community which has been a significant source of inspiration and support throughout her life.
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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.
Member Ambassadors
Lina Al-Wali
Symphony Orchestra Member Ambassador
Edwin Alvarado
UpBeat! Member Ambassador
Aleta Ashford
Community Choir Member Ambassador
Kerri Byrd
Symphony Orchestra Member Ambassador
Sharon Dentler
Arts in Action, Narrators, Musical Minds Member Ambassador
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Music and art have always been a part of Sharon’s life since growing up in Oregon in a close-knit musical family with an artist father.
She had just retired from the excitement of teaching primary kiddos for 30 years when she and her husband David attended the CFCArts Welcome to the 60s show nine years ago. She was looking for a new avenue to create with others and share the joy and wellness found through involvement in the arts. Immediately, she knew she needed to become a part of the organization in any and every way she could. Beginning with the Community Choir, she became a volunteer with Musical Minds from its first day and has been a member of Narrators since it began as a small acting/improv group.
When she’s not at a CFCArts function, Sharon loves to travel, dabble with watercolor, bake, sew, sing while digging in the dirt, and pull weeds, and she enjoys anything outdoors, quietly alone or actively with friends and family.
Emma Fitzhugh
Youth Orchestra Member Ambassador
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Emma comes from a musical family, where her parents and all of her siblings play instruments. She grew up listening to a variety of instruments in the house. Her sister, who is now a piano major at UCF teaches her to play piano, and she also decided that she wanted to play the saxophone like her mom, who also plays in the CFCArts Symphony Orchestra. Her mom began teaching her to play the sax in the sixth grade. Two years later, she joined the CFCArts Youth Orchestra. She found a home in the CFCArts program that is welcoming, fun, and supportive as she continues to develop her artistic skills.
Emma also studies ballet, hip-hop dance, and taekwondo. She is a homeschooled student in the ninth grade, working hard on her studies with the hope of becoming an Air Force pilot.
Grace Fitzhugh
Youth Orchestra Member Ambassador
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Grace grew up listening to a house full of musicians playing several types of instruments. She and her twin sister are both learning to play piano from their older sister, a piano major at UCF. Grace was also inspired by a sister to learn to play the flute. She started playing flute in the sixth grade and joined CFCArts, where she met her current flute teacher through the CFCArts Academy. One of the most exciting things that she looks forward to is the CFCArts Youth Orchestra concerts.
Grace has a passionate love of music and arts. She also studies drawing, ballet, acrobatics, and taekwondo. She is currently a ninth grade homeschooled student aspiring to become an attorney.
Hannah-Kate Garrett
Youth Theatre Member Ambassador
Dustin Heil
Symphony Orchestra Member Ambassador
Katrina Johnson
Community Choir Member Ambassador
Travis Lefke
Symphony Orchestra Member Ambassador
Lance Powers
Academy Ambassador
Danny Seigler
Community Choir Member Ambassador
Daisy Spann
Academy Member Ambassador
Haylee van Dalen
Big Band Member Ambassador
Beckie Ward
UpBeat! Member Ambassador
Katy Reinsel Willis
Community Choir Member Ambassador
Board of Directors
Dr. Meghan Brand
Community Leader, Vice Chair
Jennifer Dixon
Amherst Holdings
Dr. Glenn Dym
Florida Cardiology, P.A.
Rep. Anna Eskamani
Florida House of Representatives
Chad Faulkenberry
Journey Strategic Wealth, Treasurer
Jack Feivou
Themed Entertainment Executive
Kris Gault
Samba Safety
Elisabeth Hurckes
Community Leader
Lynette Jackson
JPMorgan Chase & Co
Rob A. Lott
Blue Trumpet Creative
Esu Ma'at
Orlando Magic
Jeffrey Moore
University of Central Florida
Gary Moss
Retired / Simon Malls
Sara Osborne
Orlando Health, Secretary
Jed Prest
BakerBarrios Architects