CAP’s mission is to empower every child’s creative spirit, elevate arts educators in their field and advocate for access and equity in arts education.
Vision
Arts education for every child.
CAP’s vision is for Northeast Florida to lead the nation in providing essential and accessible arts education that recognizes, grows and amplifies every child’s unique skills and strengths.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The arts have the power to inspire, unite and create change.
At CAP we embrace collaboration and strive to grow and diversify our partnerships to provide equitable access to arts education that impacts children for the rest of their lives.
We respect and value all identities and differences. We encourage authentic self-expression and are committed to fostering and maintaining an inclusive, supportive and safe environment for all.
We proactively pursue, engage and seek to understand diverse perspectives, because when everyone is empowered, creativity and innovation thrive.
We are stronger together.
History
CAP was launched in 1993 by a small group of individuals from St. John’s Cathedral in Jacksonville, FL. What began as one dance class for 10 students has now reached more than 33,000 children in Northeast Florida and beyond.
CAP is pleased to share its Annual Report for fiscal year 2021-2022.The generous support of our donors made it possible for CAP to continue its programs to inspire, nurture and challenge young minds through the arts.
Kimberly is responsible for the strategic and executive leadership of CAP, making decisions with conviction, adapting proactively and delivering reliably.
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
David Anderlik
Executive Assistant to the President & CEO
David provides support to empower the President & CEO to advance initiatives and focus on higher-level leadership activities.
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
LaRhonda Britton, RMHCI
Clinical Creative Art Counselor
LaRhonda leads CAP’s sensory art and art counseling programs at multiple schools and community sites throughout the year.
She also provides mentoring and support to other CAP teaching artists who may have moderate to little experience working with students with varying exceptionalities. LaRhondaearned 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
Peyton Bryant
Program Coordinator
Peyton provides support for CAP’s direct service programs by ensuring teaching artists and students receive the resources and support they need.
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
Dr. Lucy Chen
Vice President of Advocacy & Community Engagement
Lucy develops and executes CAP’s advocacy agenda and leverages external relationships in the community to advance CAP’s mission.
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
Jennifer Clements
Director of Marketing & Communications
Jennifer ensures CAP’s mission and vision are consistently communicated. She serves as CAP’s media liaison, helps plan and implement all marketing campaigns and manages the production of printed collateral.
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
Ashlee Collins
Petway Teaching Artist Fellow in Visual Arts
Ashlee provides visual arts instruction at multiple schools and community sites throughout the year.
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
DeAnn Collins Dockery, CFRE
Interim Vice President of Development
DeAnn is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and implementation of CAP's philanthropic efforts, supporting the development efforts of the President & CEO and Board of Directors, and managing a portfolio of select donors.
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
Dr. Shaneka Ferrell
Director of Programs
Shaneka is responsible for student data analysis, arts education impact research and teaching artist support.
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
Cobus Gomes
Theatre Teaching Artist Fellow
Cobus provides theatre instruction to multiple schools and sites throughout the year.
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
Melanie Hammer
Vice President of Strategy & Operations
Melanie leads the development of the annual operations plan, facilitates and supports cross-departmental collaboration and works to ensure all decisions are made through the prism of CAP’s core values and strategic imperatives.
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
Elise Johnson
Director of Advocacy & Community Engagement
Elise advocates for CAP and arts education through digital media and special events, including management of the organization’s website and logistics of all events.
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
Lyndle Lindow
Vice President of Finance & Administration
Lyndle is responsible for CAP’s financial reporting, accounting and bookkeeping, as well as compliance and risk management.
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
Jaqueline Peterson
Dance Teaching Artist Fellow
Jackie provides dance instruction at multiple schools and community sites throughout the year.
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 Reis
Vice President of Programs
Luisa is responsible for the administration of CAP’s visual and performing arts programs. She supervises all fellows, teaching artists and classroom assistants, and is the primary staff liaison for program site administrators.
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
Heather Sloan
Director of Administration
Heather manages CAP’s bookkeeping functions, including maintenance of the accounting database, financial and vendor documentation, and other organizational records.
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
Joshua Stone
String Teaching Artist Fellow
Joshua provides string instruction at multiple schools and sites throughout the year.
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
Colin Walker
Manager of Development Operations & Annual Giving
Colin supports CAP’s development activities by maintaining the donor database, recording donations, creating fundraising plans and reports, and executing mailings.
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
Doug Walker
Vice President of Philanthropy
Doug is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and implementation of CAP’s philanthropic efforts, supporting the development efforts of the President & CEO and Board of Directors, and managing a portfolio of select donors.
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
The Rev. Kimberly Hyatt
President & CEO
David Anderlik
Executive Assistant to the President & CEO
The Rev. Kimberly Hyatt
President & CEO
Kimberly is responsible for the strategic and executive leadership of CAP, making decisions with conviction, adapting proactively and delivering reliably.
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
David Anderlik
Executive Assistant to the President & CEO
David provides support to empower the President & CEO to advance initiatives and focus on higher-level leadership activities.
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
Dr. Lucy Chen
Vice President of Advocacy & Community Engagement
Elise Johnson
Director of Advocacy & Community Engagement
Dr. Lucy Chen
Vice President of Advocacy & Community Engagement
Lucy develops and executes CAP’s advocacy agenda and leverages external relationships in the community to advance CAP’s mission.
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
Elise Johnson
Director of Advocacy & Community Engagement
Elise advocates for CAP and arts education through digital media and special events, including management of the organization’s website and logistics of all events.
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
Lyndle Lindow
Vice President of Finance & Administration
Heather Sloan
Director of Administration
Lyndle Lindow
Vice President of Finance & Administration
Lyndle is responsible for CAP’s financial reporting, accounting and bookkeeping, as well as compliance and risk management.
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 Sloan
Director of Administration
Heather manages CAP’s bookkeeping functions, including maintenance of the accounting database, financial and vendor documentation, and other organizational records.
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 Clements
Director of Marketing & Communications
Elise Johnson
Director of Advocacy & Community Engagement
Jennifer Clements
Director of Marketing & Communications
Jennifer ensures CAP’s mission and vision are consistently communicated. She serves as CAP’s media liaison, helps plan and implement all marketing campaigns and manages the production of printed collateral.
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
Elise Johnson
Director of Advocacy & Community Engagement
Elise advocates for CAP and arts education through digital media and special events, including management of the organization’s website and logistics of all events.
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
DeAnn Collins Dockery, CFRE
Interim Vice President of Development
Colin Walker
Manager of Development Operations & Annual Giving
Doug Walker
Vice President of Philanthropy
DeAnn Collins Dockery, CFRE
Interim Vice President of Development
DeAnn is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and implementation of CAP's philanthropic efforts, supporting the development efforts of the President & CEO and Board of Directors, and managing a portfolio of select donors.
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
Colin Walker
Manager of Development Operations & Annual Giving
Colin supports CAP’s development activities by maintaining the donor database, recording donations, creating fundraising plans and reports, and executing mailings.
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
Doug Walker
Vice President of Philanthropy
Doug is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and implementation of CAP’s philanthropic efforts, supporting the development efforts of the President & CEO and Board of Directors, and managing a portfolio of select donors.
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
LaRhonda Britton, RMHCI
Clinical Creative Art Counselor
Peyton Bryant
Program Coordinator
Ashlee Collins
Petway Teaching Artist Fellow in Visual Arts
Dr. Shaneka Ferrell
Director of Programs
Cobus Gomes
Theatre Teaching Artist Fellow
Jaqueline Peterson
Dance Teaching Artist Fellow
Luisa Reis
Vice President of Programs
Joshua Stone
String Teaching Artist Fellow
LaRhonda Britton, RMHCI
Clinical Creative Art Counselor
LaRhonda leads CAP’s sensory art and art counseling programs at multiple schools and community sites throughout the year.
She also provides mentoring and support to other CAP teaching artists who may have moderate to little experience working with students with varying exceptionalities. LaRhondaearned 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
Peyton Bryant
Program Coordinator
Peyton provides support for CAP’s direct service programs by ensuring teaching artists and students receive the resources and support they need.
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
Ashlee Collins
Petway Teaching Artist Fellow in Visual Arts
Ashlee provides visual arts instruction at multiple schools and community sites throughout the year.
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
Dr. Shaneka Ferrell
Director of Programs
Shaneka is responsible for student data analysis, arts education impact research and teaching artist support.
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
Cobus Gomes
Theatre Teaching Artist Fellow
Cobus provides theatre instruction to multiple schools and sites throughout the year.
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
Jaqueline Peterson
Dance Teaching Artist Fellow
Jackie provides dance instruction at multiple schools and community sites throughout the year.
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 Reis
Vice President of Programs
Luisa is responsible for the administration of CAP’s visual and performing arts programs. She supervises all fellows, teaching artists and classroom assistants, and is the primary staff liaison for program site administrators.
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
Joshua Stone
String Teaching Artist Fellow
Joshua provides string instruction at multiple schools and sites throughout the year.
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
Melanie Hammer
Vice President of Strategy & Operations
Melanie Hammer
Vice President of Strategy & Operations
Melanie leads the development of the annual operations plan, facilitates and supports cross-departmental collaboration and works to ensure all decisions are made through the prism of CAP’s core values and strategic imperatives.
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
Visual Arts Teaching Artist
Taylor Baines
Dance Teaching Artist
Lindsay Bowyer
Visual Arts Teaching Artist
Denise Banks Clodfelter
Visual Arts Teaching Artist
Patti Cowgill
Sensory Arts Teaching Artist
Marielle Erskine
Theatre Teaching Artist
Moses Evans
Music Teaching Artist
Sommer Farhat
Theatre Teaching Artist
Leanne Gullo
Theatre Teaching Artist
Di’Asia Hall
Dance Teaching Artist
Christopher Hicks
Visual Arts Teaching Artist
Callie Honeysuckle
Visual Arts Teaching Artist
Jenna Horan
Music Teaching Artist
Sarah Morrell
Music Teaching Artist
Jonathan Parr
Music Teaching Artist
Olesya Shvets
Theatre Teaching Artist
Tony Rodrigues
Visual Arts Teaching Artist
Aquila Tamaseu
Music Teaching Artist
Michelle Taylor
Music Teaching Artist
Milton Threadcraft
Music Teaching Artist
Priscilla Allen
Visual Arts Teaching Artist
Priscilla teaches visual arts at Mayport Coastal Sciences Elementary School.
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
Dance Teaching Artist
Taylor teaches dance at Chaffee Trail Elementary School.
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 Archibaldand 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
Visual Arts Teaching Artist
Lindsay teaches visual arts at IDEA Bassett
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 Banks Clodfelter
Visual Arts Teaching Artist
Denise teaches visual arts at Abess Park Elementary School.
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. Deniseis 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
Sensory Arts Teaching Artist
Patti teaches sensory arts at Palm Avenue Exceptional Student Center.
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
Theatre Teaching Artist
Marielle teaches theatre at Parkwood Heights Elementary School and IDEA Bassett.
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
Music Teaching Artist
Moses teaches jazz band at Highlands Middle School.
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 andin 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
Theatre Teaching Artist
Sommer teaches theatre at Mandarin Oaks Elementary School.
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
Theatre Teaching Artist
Leanne teaches musical theatre at Venetia Elementary School.
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 Hall
Dance Teaching Artist
Di'Asia teaches dance at Springfield Middle School.
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’Asiadevoted 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
Visual Arts Teaching Artist
Christopher teaches visual arts at Beauclerc Elementary School.
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
Visual Arts Teaching Artist
Callie teaches visual arts at Cornerstone Classical Academy.
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 passionof 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
Music Teaching Artist
Jenna teaches strings at Kings Trail Elementary.
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
Music Teaching Artist
Sarah teaches music at Cornerstone Classical Academy.
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, youthand adult choirs, directed numerousmusical productions, and ledchildren’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
Music Teaching Artist
Jonathan teaches Orff music at Long Branch Elementary School.
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
Theatre Teaching Artist
Olesya teaches musical theatre at Cornerstone Classical Academy.
Olesya Shvets immigrated to the United States from Kazakhstan with her family when she was 9yearsold. 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
Visual Arts Teaching Artist
Tony teaches visual arts at the John E. Goode Pre-Trial Detention Facility.
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
Music Teaching Artist
Aquila teaches chorus at Brookview Elementary.
Aquila Tamaseubegan 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
Music Teaching Artist
Michelle teaches world drums at Hyde Park Elementary School.
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
Music Teaching Artist
Milton teaches chorus at Abess Park Elementary School.
Milton Threadcraft is a Jacksonvillenative 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.
CAP announces the appointment of Doug Walker as Vice President of Philanthropy, expanding its leadership team and positioning the organization for continued strategic growth. CAP also welcomes Jessie Brabender into her new position as Director of Leadership Giving.
CAP welcomes two new staff members. Ashlee Collins is announced as the new Petway Teaching Artist Fellow in Visuals Arts and Peyton Bryant joins the CAP team as Program Coordinator.
CAP announces a new Chair and Chair-Elect, as well as seven new members to its Board of Directors—each of whom will continue to elevate CAP’s mission to empower every child’s creative spirit, elevate arts educators in their field and advocate for access and equity in arts education.
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