Mission

She implements policies set by the Board of Directors and oversees the financial, programmatic, philanthropic and administrative management of the organization. Kimberly began playing the piano as a small child and remains an avid pianist with a particular interest in jazz. She found the arts to be a catalyst for change in her own life and is passionate about making the same opportunities available for all children.

Joined the CAP team in 2002

Expertise:

• Executive leadership
• Strategic growth
• Mission alignment
• Board engagement

He is responsible for executive office management, board of directors relations, and administration, including assisting with employee onboarding and coordinating third-party events in the CAP offices. David has been involved with the arts for most of his life. He grew up attending Broadway touring productions with his family, took AP Arts and Theatre in high school and attended a liberal arts college before beginning a career in the music industry.

Joined the CAP team in 2022

Expertise:

• Relationship building
• Communication
• Time management
• Reliability

She convenes the Any Given Child Jacksonville collaborative, builds relationships with CAP alumni and families, and fosters a network of stakeholders to maximize the impact of advocacy for equity and access to arts education. Lucy began playing piano at age 3 and has continued ever since, performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City, St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London, and the Spring of Shanghai Concert Series. 

Joined the CAP team in 2021 

Expertise: 

• Community building 
• Advocacy 
• Strategic partnerships 
• Student enrollment and retention 

She expands CAP’s reach by engaging the online community through social media and shares meaningful programmatic experiences to effectively advocate for arts education. Elise grew up playing the guitar, flute and piccolo and has a lifelong appreciation for the visual and performing arts.

Joined the CAP team in 2015

Expertise:

• Digital media strategy & implementation
• Event & project management
• Relationship building
• Advocacy

He manages the organization’s finance strategies and activities, including leading efforts to plan, update, monitor and implement the annual budget. Lyndle grew to appreciate the arts when he played the clarinet throughout middle school and into high school. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. Area, he frequented art museums on the National Mall, admiring artwork from the U.S and around the world.

Joined the CAP team in 2022

Expertise:

• Asset management
• Strategic planning
• Financial management
• Human resources

Heather manages CAP’s bookkeeping functions, including maintenance of the accounting database, financial and vendor documentation, and other organizational records. She assists with employee onboarding, payroll, human resource matters and is the lead contact for the organization’s operations. Heather grew up with a love of the arts, taking dance classes since she was a toddler and ultimately earning a degree in art history with a minor in visual arts.

Joined the CAP team in 2018

Expertise:

• Bookkeeping
• Employee onboarding
• Vendor relations
• Office management

Jennifer’s love for the arts began early in life, taking piano lessons from age 5, dancing throughout elementary and middle school, and singing since she could talk. She was a member of the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus and has performed with the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus, as well as in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Joined the CAP team in 2013

Expertise:

• Content creation
• Brand management
• Writing & copy editing
• Production & timeline management

She expands CAP’s reach by engaging the online community through social media and shares meaningful programmatic experiences to effectively advocate for arts education. Elise grew up playing the guitar, flute and piccolo and has a lifelong appreciation for the visual and performing arts.

Joined the CAP team in 2015

Expertise:

• Digital media strategy & implementation
• Event & project management
• Relationship building
• Advocacy

She leads the Development Team in retaining and increasing revenue through corporate, foundation and individual giving and grants, and manages all campaign efforts. DeAnn has been involved in the visual and performing arts since high school, including painting, sketching and textile arts; saxophone, piano and vocals; and stage management and set design.  

Joined the CAP team in 2023 

Expertise: 

• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) 
• Strategic planning 
• Relationship building 
• Connections with Northeast Florida community 

He works collaboratively with CAP’s grant writer and other team members to provide project management for grants and program service contracts. He also plans and analyzes annual giving efforts to increase donor retention and acquisition. Colin began playing percussion in elementary school and performed in ensembles throughout middle and high school. He ultimately earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music, as well as a second master’s degree in arts leadership and cultural management.

Joined the CAP team in 2022

Expertise:

• Database management
• Analytics
• Prospect research
• Moves management

He leads the Philanthropy Team in retaining and increasing revenue through corporate, foundation and individual giving and grants, and manages all campaign efforts. Doug began an intense love of the arts as a child, playing piano from a young age and earning an undergraduate degree in music. He performed professionally as a young adult while also teaching choral music and art history. 

Joined the CAP team in 2023 

Expertise: 

• Values-centered leadership development
• Constituent and organizational philanthropy 
• Community engagement 
• Donor advocacy 

She also provides mentoring and support to other CAP teaching artists who may have moderate to little experience working with students with varying exceptionalities. LaRhonda earned a master’s degree in mental health counseling and works with children in the form of art and play to provide healing from various mental health symptoms. As a child she moved often, and art provided for her a sense of peace, connection to the world and freedom of expression. 

Joined the CAP team in 2023

Expertise:

• Relationship building 
• Mental health counseling 
• Identifying and understanding needs 
• Providing creative solutions 

She manages the student database, coordinates logistics for field trips and guest artists, and leads the planning of the annual Visual & Performing Arts Showcases. Peyton has a long-held passion for the arts, but after interning for a professional photographer in college she found a new passion for capturing life’s beautiful moments through a lens. 

Joined the CAP team in 2023 

Expertise: 

• Effective Communication 
• Organization 
• Attention to Detail 
• Project Management 

In addition to leading students in the classroom, she is also responsible for planning and supervising class field trips, guest artist visits and exhibition opportunities at CAP sites and throughout the Jacksonville community. Ashlee grew up participating in the performing arts, eventually finding her way to visual arts in high school and earning a college degree in arts education and visual arts. 

Joined the CAP team in 2023 

Expertise: 

• Relationship building 
• Primary/secondary education 
• Classroom management 
• Florida Standards for visual arts 

She supports recruitment, retention and evaluation for CAP’s part-time teaching artists and assistants and monitors programs to assess markers of quality. Shaneka spent eight years as a school counselor at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, where she developed a strong appreciation for the arts. She now regularly attends local exhibitions and performances throughout the community and is passionate about engaging in arts education research to promote access and equity. 

Joined the CAP team in 2023 

Expertise: 

• Data collection & analysis
• Student impact
• Program management 
• Arts education advocacy

In addition to leading students in the classroom, he is responsible for planning and supervising class field trips, guest artist visits and exhibition opportunities at CAP sites and throughout the Jacksonville community. Cobus was introduced to the arts through a program similar to CAP, which opened a whole new world of possibilities and opportunities. He graduated from Oxford University and has traveled the world for the last 20 years directing, producing and performing.  

Joined the CAP team in 2023 

Expertise: 

• Advocacy 
• Relationship building 
• Theatre acting, directing and choreography 
• Film and television production 

In addition to leading students in the classroom, she is also responsible for planning and supervising class field trips, guest artist visits and performance opportunities at CAP sites and throughout the Jacksonville community. Jacqueline has taught dance for more than 20 years and is the owner and director of C&J Performing Arts which offers instruction in ballet, hip hop, jazz, modern and tap for participants of all ages.

Joined the CAP team in 2022

Expertise:

• Production management
• In-school education
• Arts education advocacy
• Dance technique

Luisa holds a master’s degree in educational leadership for urban schools and has worked as a classroom assistant, teacher, administrator and principal. She grew up with an appreciation for the arts, surrounded by a family of visual and performing artists, and shares her love of theatre with her daughters.

Joined the CAP team in 2022

Expertise:

• Program development
• Culture leadership
• Strategic planning
• Policy and procedure creation

In addition to teaching string courses, he provides administrative support to the Program Team and leads the CAP String Orchestra. Joshua began playing violin in middle school and has performed and participated in masterclasses with many of today’s leading artists and ensembles. His goal is to offer all children equal opportunities to play string instruments, no matter their background or location.

Joined the CAP team in 2019

Expertise:

• Performance
• Classroom management
• Conducting
• Multi-instrumentalist

She drives the organization to build strategic partnerships that advance its mission and works with local and regional school leaders to explore innovative ways of strengthening partnerships. Melanie took dance lessons from age 3 through high school. Her entire 19+ year career in education has been in arts magnet schools, where she saw firsthand the impact of the arts on children. 

Joined the CAP team in 2021 

Expertise: 

• Strategic planning 
• Educational leadership 
• Goal development and execution 
• Organizational positioning

Priscilla Allen has spent more than 10 years as a language arts teacher and substitute teacher for Duval County Public Schools. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Georgia Southern University and is ESOL/ELA certified. Priscilla was a member of the United States Marine Corps for more than 10 years and volunteers extensively in the community. She is honored to combine her two passions – service and creating – as a CAP teaching artist and is committed to ensuring every student gains and maintains confidence, self-discipline and a love for creating.

Joined CAP in 2021

Taylor Baines began dancing at the age of 3 at Jacksonville Centre of the Arts. She attended Lavilla School of the Arts, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, went on to the State University of New York at Purchase College and ultimately earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance from Jacksonville University. Taylor has worked with professional dancers and choreographers including Mia Michaels, Arturo Fernandez, Jennifer Archibald and many more. She has taught at Jacksonville Centre of the Arts and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and is a current member of the Roar of the Jaguars Cheerleaders.

Joined CAP in 2023

Lindsay Bowyer is a long-time resident of Jacksonville with a bachelor’s degree in Art and Art History from the University of North Florida. She is pursuing a post-baccalaureate degree with the ultimate goal of attaining a master’s degree. Art has been Lindsay’s passion since childhood. She has visited over 20 art museums around the country and internationally and worked at MOCA Jacksonville for five years. When she’s not making or learning about art, she enjoys working in her garden and spending time with family. 

Joined CAP in 2022

Denise Clodfelter holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Florida, with a concentration was in painting, drawing and printmaking. She has also studied ceramics, papermaking and sculpture. Before attending UNF, she was a student at Florida State College at Jacksonville where she earned an Excellence in Printmaking award. Denise is a long–time Jacksonville resident and was a founding member of the Riverside Arts Market. She loves sharing her joy of art with her class and enjoys seeing the love of art bloom in her students!

Joined the CAP team in 2022

Patti Cowgill has been the Exceptional Student Education Department Chair at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts since 2013. She has been a teacher in Duval County for over 20 years, working with all levels of special education ranging from Pre-K to young adults. Patti holds a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Vocal Performance from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. She is an active supporter of the arts community in Jacksonville. 

Joined CAP in 2022

Marielle Erskine is a Jacksonville local who is proud to continue her work with CAP. She holds a BFA in performance, studying many techniques ranging from musical theatre to film to improvisation. Recently she has performed in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and Aristophanes’ Lysistrata. Marielle strives to empower young people with creative processes that enhance their perspective and quality of life. The arts can strengthen a community and she has made it her mission to contribute to that by working with many other nonprofits including the Art League of Jacksonville, Figment Project and the Boys and Girls Club of America.

Joined CAP in 2021

Moses Evans is a native of Columbus, GA and a first-generation high school and college graduate. In 2006, he graduated from Edward Waters University with a degree in music performance and taught middle and high school across the U.S. for the next 14 years. He returned to Jacksonville and in 2020, in addition to graduating from the University of North Florida with a master’s in music education, Moses won the inaugural Jacksonville Image Award for music. He obtained his second master’s degree in instrumental conducting and is working toward a Doctorate in Music Education from Liberty University. Moses finds great joy in teaching, helping students find their purpose with the discipline and structure band offers.

Joined CAP in 2022

Sommer Farhat has been teaching for 17 years and is currently teaching third grade at Mandarin Oaks Elementary School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of North Florida and is certified to teach theatre for grades K-12. Sommer created and has run an afterschool drama club at Mandarin Oaks for the past 10 years. She has performed extensively at Jacksonville’s community theatres and acted in many films for local film festivals. Sommer is excited to share her love of acting with children.

Joined CAP in 2021

Leanne Gullo is a veteran elementary music teacher and performer. A graduate of Jacksonville University, Leanne has worked for Duval County Public Schools for 10 years and was awarded Teacher of the Year at Venetia Elementary School during the 2017-2018 school year. She is the co-director of Camp Theatre Jacksonville and has performed on many community theatre stages around the Jacksonville area. She is excited to share her love of musical theatre with her students.

Joined CAP in 2023

Di’Asia is a graduate of Edward Waters University where she eared a Bachelor of Science in biology. Beyond her academic pursuits, dance has been a significant passion in her life. Di’Asia devoted three years to the art of majorette dance, which has allowed her to express herself through movement while also teaching her valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance and self-expression. She teaches science at Springfield Middle School where she inspires her students to reach for the stars in the classroom and on the dance floor. 

Joined CAP in 2023

Christopher Hicks is an educator and artist native to Jacksonville. In 2012 he received his BFA in drawing, painting and printmaking from the University of North Florida, and in 2017 he earned his MFA in visual art from Jacksonville University. He has taught both secondary and higher education and is currently the instructor for drawing and foundations of art at The Bolles School. Christopher’s work varies in media including drawing, ceramics and printmaking.

Joined CAP in 2023

Callie Honeysuckle is an experienced art teacher with nearly 20 years of experience in Duval County and 12 years as a part-time teaching artist with the Cathedral Arts Project. After being a stay-at-home mom for a few years, her journey has come full circle as she returns to her passion of teaching young artists. Callie’s commitment to nurturing young artists has impacted many students throughout her career and she is grateful to continue sharing her creative spirit to help guide and inspire the next generation of artists. 

Re-joined CAP in 2023

Jenna Horan is a passionate music teacher specializing in strings. She studied music education and violin performance at the University of North Florida and is currently pursuing a Master of Music Education. Jenna’s teaching experience spans elementary, middle and high school, as well as her private studio, and she remains an active violin performer at UNF and within the local music community. Her teaching philosophy aims to inspire creativity, compassion, motivation, perseverance and a lifelong love for music in her students.

Joined the CAP team in 2023

Sarah Morrell began her music studies in elementary school, including violin, cello, voice and piano. She continued her music studies at Samford University in Birmingham, AL, where she earned her Bachelor of Music Education. Sarah is certified to teach music for grades K-12 and has given private piano lessons for 36 years. She has led children, youth and adult choirs, directed numerous musical productions, and led children’s music camps for more than 16 years. Sarah has worked at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts since 2013 and was named Adjunct Teacher of the Year in 2020-2021.

Joined CAP in 2023

Jonathan Parr is a passionate music educator who specializes in helping children discover their voice through music. He currently teaches elementary music and uses an Orff approach in his classroom. He will graduate with his Master of Music Education from the University of North Florida in Fall 2023 and has research interests in culturally relevant and responsive music education, teacher self-efficacy and wellbeing, and musical processing. Jonathan has worked as an adjunct instructor at UNF and leads the UNF Sound of the Sky pep band. Before his time in Jacksonville, he was a band director in Mississippi and earned his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Joined CAP in 2023.

Olesya Shvets immigrated to the United States from Kazakhstan with her family when she was 9 years old. From a young age, she was surrounded by music; her father playing the accordion while her mother sang. It didn’t take long for her passion to become her career as she went on to pursue vocal pedagogy and music education at the University of North Florida. Olesya received her Bachelor of Music Education and has experience teaching at every level from VPK to high school. She currently teaches upper school chorus and music at Cornerstone Classical Academy. 

Joined CAP in 2023

Tony Rodrigues is a North Florida-based artist working in a variety of mediums. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Atlanta College of Art, where he studied painting, printmaking and photography. Tony has exhibited widely for over 20 years in many galleries and institutions, including the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville and the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. He joined CAP as a part-time teaching artist in 2014 and leads CAP’s Arts for Justice Involved Youth program at the John E. Goode Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

Joined CAP in 2014

Aquila Tamaseu began playing the piano at the age of 4 and has performed as a soloist and accompanist for schools, churches and organizations. She has worked as an organist, pianist, choir director and administrative director and serves as a piano adjudicator for the Florida Federation of Music Clubs. Aquila earned a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Southern California and received her Orff Instructor Certification for levels I, II and III. She has taught elementary school music in Jacksonville since 2007.

Joined CAP in 2013

Michelle Taylor has been teaching music for more than 20 years. She is a certified Orff instructor with a Master of Education degree and is certified in both elementary education and music education. Michelle has been a music teacher at Hyde Park Elementary School since 2009. She previously taught music at a private school in Gainesville, as well as voice lessons at her music studio. Michelle has taught choir, ukulele, world drums and general music classes for summer and school year programs.

Joined CAP in 2011

Milton Threadcraft is a Jacksonville native and local educator. A product of Stanton College Preparatory School, he continued his studies and earned a BS in Biochemistry from Florida State University in 2003 and a BA in Music at Jacksonville University in 2009. Milton is currently the music teacher at Abess Park Elementary School, where for the last nine years he has sponsored both the band and chorus programs. Having been a science and math teacher previously, he understands the value of having a strong academic core but has become a champion of the value of music in education. 

Joined CAP in 2023