Meet our Teaching Artists
Our current roster features over 150 artists and presents 165 programs in creative writing, dance, drama, music, and the visual arts. These programs include performances, workshops, and professional development seminars for teachers.
Interested in becoming a KCYA teaching artist? Learn more here.
Miana Abramson was born and raised in Los Angeles California where she studied commercial and classical dance for 12 years
Miana Abramson
Erika Lynnette Baker is a local teacher, actress and puppeteer...
Erika Lynnette Baker
Born and Raised in Brazil, Luis Felipe Ninja Pinto moved to the US in January 2000...
Brasicultura
Lindsay Brunk began her life with ballet at age 3, and continued through her upbringing, studying at the Kansas City Ballet while also competing with a local studio. 
Lindsay Brunk
Carla Buchheit earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wichita State University. She has studied weaving and fiber art in Finland... 
Carla Buchheit
Janie Next Door® is also known as accordionist, singer, songwriter, Jane Christison...
Jane Christison
Karen Engebretson, a Kansas City native, holds a Master of Music degree in Organ Performance and has spent over 40 years as a director of music, organist, pianist, vocalist and accompanist...
Karen Engebretson
Bird Fleming developed his interest in music and drumming in his fifth grade band class. Since his parents could not afford a drum set, he played the bongos...
Bird Fleming
Since 1987, Vanessa Gibbs has taught West African dance. Working with Bird Fleming, she helped found The Traditional Music Society...
Vanessa & Rodney Gibbs
Born and raised in Kansas City, Holly Hangauer has been a teaching artist since 2012...
Holly Hangauer
Dazzling and dynamic, Lisa Henry represents the best of Kansas City’s current Jazz era...
Lisa Henry
LaTeesha McDonald Jackson performs throughout the region in musical theater, cabaret and opera...
LaTeesha Jackson
The Kansas Settlers Band consists of Diane Bulan, Franci Witte, Chris Hudson, and Sam Wright...
Kansas Settlers Band
Ziggy Livnat is an independent, multiple international award winning filmmaker, presenter, conservationist and educator...
Ziggy Livnat
G. Leayn Losh is presently the Director of Choral & Debate at Rosedale MS...
Leayn Losh
Committed to the authentic performance practice and spirit of the marimba heard throughout Mesoamerica...
Marimba Sol de Chiapas
Myrna Minnis has been inspiring children through classes in clay...
Myrna Minnis
New World Connections is a trio made up of: Tom Aber, Gregg Briggs, Mark Cohick, Ron Hathorn, and Pat Conway...
New World Connnections
Whether he's counting monsters, fixing spaceships or swimming in peanut butter, Dino's interactive songs and tall tales engage curiosity and inspire the imagination...
Dinosaur O'Dell
Cynthia Pederson is an experienced writer, researcher, and teacher. She takes great joy in passing along knowledge through the many workshops and presentations she leads
Cynthia Pederson
Roger Pitts is a native Kansan, attending school in the greater Kansas City area...
Roger Pitts
Kim Ratliff has been a performer and educator for over 14 years...
Kim Ratliff
Brady Reed is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University and currently teaches elementary full-time.
Brady Reed
Growing up in a talented and creative family, Jamie was encouraged to express her artistic tendencies in paint and sculpture...
Jamie Root
Brad Shaw, a graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute, is considered a “Renaissance Man” in the theater world
Brad Shaw
I began performing as an artist in residence in public schools in 1985...
Lem Sheppard
Logan Stacer is an interdisciplinary arts advocate. his creative practice centers social justice in its storytelling and
Logan Stacer
Make learning more meaningful by integrating the arts into your curriculum! The STEAM DREAM TEAM will share their combined 65 years of teaching experience with you and your students and help you transform their learning. 
STEAM Dream Team
Street Styles Academy (SSA) is a vibrant hub for Kansas City's youth. Our mission is to inspire and empower,
Street Styles Academy
not just through street dance but also by nurturing confidence, creativity, and a healthy lifestyle.
Franci Talamantez-Witte is originally from Wichita, where she was fortunate to perform with theatre companies such as The Crown Uptown and Music Theatre Wichita. 
Franci Talamantez-Witte
The Vodvill Entertainment Company was born in 1988 as a way to promote the lively art of circus skills and street performing...
Vodvill Entertainment
Pippa White turned to solo performing in 1994. Previously she had an extensive career in theatre and television on the West Coast...
Pippa White
Demarco Williams was born and raised in Kansas City, MO. He has been dancing practically his entire life.
Demarco Williams
On Christmas Day, 1979, Mike received a copy of How To Draw Comics the Marvel Way...
Mike Worley
Born in the heart of Kansas, Sam Wright was raised in Washington, D.C. where he was steeped in the great myths of America. Returning to central KS in high school, 
Sam Wright
