KCYA Staff

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(816) 531-4022, ext 1012

Janice Crews joined KCYA in August 2026 and brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in arts education, nonprofit management, higher education, and community engagement to her role as Executive Director. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Arts Education and Community Engagement at The Peace Center in Greenville, South Carolina. She previously served as Executive Director of the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University.

Throughout her career, Dr. Crews has focused on expanding access to the arts, building strong community partnerships, and creating meaningful opportunities for young people. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in oboe performance from Louisiana State University, a Master of Music, and a Bachelor of Music in music education from the University of Georgia. She is passionate about the power of the arts to inspire creativity and help young people thrive.

COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS MANAGER
(816) 531-4022, ext 1011

Anna Ryan has officially landed in Kansas City, MO, and she’s ready to make some artsy magic! In March 2025, she became the new Community School of the Arts Manager at KCYA - basically her dream gig. Since 1997, Anna has been singing, acting, teaching, directing, and generally living her best theatre-and-music life across the region. A proud Emporia State University grad, she’s excited to keep performing and creating in “The City.” Anna thrives on collaboration and loves teaming up with anyone who believes “EVERY child deserves the transformational spark the arts ignite!”

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
(816) 531-4022, ext 1004

Ellen joined the KCYA team in 2024. She manages everything from events to grant writing to database management and more. As a KC native, she loves being a part of the arts community in our city and connecting with both new and longtime supporters of KCYA. Ellen will always be a “theatre kid” at heart. She is a graduate of St. Olaf College and brings over a decade of nonprofit fundraising experience to her role. When she’s not working, you’ll find her enjoying local theatre, cheering on all the KC sports teams, or reading.

If you’d like to learn more about how to support KCYA, Ellen would be delighted to connect with you.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
(816) 531-4022, ext 1002

Brian joined KCYA in the summer of 2025, handling all of the administrative duties for the office. It is extremely important and satisfying for him to be associated with an organization that has such a long history with the arts in Kansas City. Working as an office admin at several legal offices across the city, he is happy to have finally found his home. Outside of the office, he is also a writer, actor, and filmmaker that runs his own production company (Ghost Theatre Productions).

CSA PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
(816) 531-4022, ext 1008

Andi joined the KCYA team in Spring 2025. With a professional background in early childhood education and personal experience in music, dance, and visual art, they bring both expertise and passion to their role as Programs Coordinator. Andi’s focus is on building strong connections with families and students while fostering a safe, supportive space for creativity and community to thrive. If you’re curious about whether KCYA is the right fit for your student, Andi is always happy to help.

SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
(816) 499-8055

Madeline Friesen is a Kansas City native who is passionate about connecting students and communities with meaningful arts experiences. In her role, she works with schools and organizations throughout the region to coordinate arts education and arts integration opportunities. Madeline earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of North Texas and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. A dedicated performer, she spent two seasons as an Apprentice Artist with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and continues to sing in the Lyric’s chorus. She loves sharing her passion for the arts with audiences of all ages!