Staff
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Zac Alfson is a leader in arts marketing and community building, having served as Executive Director of The Milk District, a nationally-recognized Main Street program and Patron Engagement Manager for The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, the oldest continually running organization of its kind in the country.
Zac has a deep passion for the arts and believes that they have the power to bring people together to transform lives and communities. He has dedicated his career to supporting the arts and ensuring that they are accessible to everyone.
A strategic thinker and master communicator, he is known for his ability to build relationships and inspire others to act. He is a creative problem solver and has a proven track record of successfully executing community-centered placekeeping and business development initiatives.
Zac serves on the board of West Lakes Partnership, a community stabilization organization, as a Rock Lake resident, where he has lived with his husband Bryan and dog Roxy since 2020.
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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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Jill Dautzenberg graduated from Millikin University with a Bachelor of Music in Applied Voice and has a Master’s degree from University of Phoenix. She is an experienced vocal coach and piano instructor. Jill has been partnering with Central Florida Community Arts for over 5 years. She is also the director of the CFCArts Adult Cabaret Studio. With her company Jiller music, she performs all over Central Florida as a featured concert vocalist, band vocalist, jazz band vocalist, back-up vocalist, recording artist, and piano bar musician. She is experienced in teaching techniques in Jazz, Blues, Rock, Pop, Musical Theatre and Opera.
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Emerson is the theatre director at Montverde Academy and has been an affiliate director with CFCArts. Roberta received her BFA from the University of Minnesota/Guthrie and her MFA from New York University She brings a wealth of experience from regional theaters around the country, extensive voice over and film work, and has been a teaching artist both in the U.S. and Europe.
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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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Kit joined the CFCArts family in September of 2022 from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, where they managed stewardship and events as their Philanthropy Coordinator. They are honored to serve the Central Florida arts community as CFCArts’ Development Manager, spearheading the organization’s participation in the United Arts Collaborative Campaign and Summer Drive supporting the Katherine Gray Scholarship Fund. In addition to their work managing CFCArts fundraising campaigns, Kit is your guru for community performances, fundraising events, and giving campaigns. A proud member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, their fundraising ethos is informed by their passion for exceptional hospitality and their belief in the healing potential of performance for audiences and artists alike.
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Terrance Hunter (he/him), is an Orlando native, and has spent the past 15 years working in the Non-Profit sector. His career started at the Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando, where he served as an educator, using the history and lessons of the past to create well-rounded, informed citizens of the future.
This trend continued throughout his career, as he worked with the Museum of Contemporary Art in Jacksonville, educating about the art, artists, and ideas of our time and the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida, where he oversaw the Center’s programs, exhibitions, and partnerships.
Since joining Central Florida Community Arts in 2019, Terrance has served the organization as Senior Director of Programs, then Vice President of Operations & Education before being appointed as CEO in September 2022.
A dedicated community servant, Terrance serves on the board of the Hope CommUnity Center, an organization dedicated to serving the immigrant, undocumented, and working poor of Central Florida. He is honored to serve on the National Alliance for Music in Vulnerable Communities board as well as the President of the Central Florida Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
A single focus has threaded his career: the power of an institution to build authentic, impactful relationships with the community, resulting in visible and lasting change. In his free time, he enjoys writing, reading, baking, and visiting zoos, botanical gardens, and aquariums.
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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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Beyond her clinical work, Ashley has embraced various roles, beginning as an Arts in Medicine practicum student in behavioral health during her undergraduate years at UCF and continuing as a community-based counselor for adolescents at Memorial Community Youth Services in South Florida. She also spent four years as a Teaching Artist in New York City, engaging with schools and education centers. Additionally, she has shared her expertise as Adjunct Faculty, teaching undergraduate courses in ‘Beginning Guitar’ and ‘Acting Through Song’ at both Florida State University and the University of Maine.
In her free time, Ashley finds joy in regional performances in film, commercials, theatre, and music, pursuing her passion as a professional actor and musician.
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Coming soon!
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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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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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McQuisha “MK” Smith is an actress and performance artist from Orlando, FL. With over 10 years of experience in theater and as a teaching artist, she has collaborated with community organizations, educators, and performance artists to create diverse programs and workshops for individuals of all backgrounds. She obtained her B.S. degree in Sociology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, FL. At FAMU, she founded the college’s first spoken word poetry organization, Voices Heard, which has been active since 2009.
From 2014 to 2015, she toured with America’s longest-running touring theater company, the National Players. While pursuing her MFA in Performance Arts at Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA, she co-starred in the Amazon limited series Underground Railroad and the PBS documentary Spit on the Broom, which was also exhibited at The Guggenheim Museum in 2019.
McQuisha has performed with local theaters, including Orlando Shakespeare Theater and New Generation Theatrical. In June 2022, she joined CFCArts as a Teaching Artist and is now excited to be a new addition to the staff. McQuisha is a proud product of the Orlando arts community and is excited to be part of the community arts building in this position. When she is not acting or teaching a workshop, she is creating her own tea blends and working on her creative writing projects.
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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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With a degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University, Kaileigh Anne has had diverse experiences working with students of all ages. She has over a decade of experience in music education, in addition to credits in directing, pit conducting, stage-managing, and multi-disciplinary curriculum design. Her passion for the arts began at 2 years old and has translated to a professional career committing to arts equity for all. She has served on the CFCArts full time staff since 2014, and as the Director of the School of Arts & Health since 2019. Prior to CFCArts she worked for the Walt Disney Company in Creative Entertainment, Disney Performing Arts, & Youth Education Series. Kaileigh Anne is most passionate about writing arts curriculum for students with varying abilities. Her most notable achievement is designing the CFCArts’ UpBeat! Program which was awarded the 2020 International Hamilton Arts & Innovation Award through the National Organization for Arts in Health (NOAH). She is a proud advocate on the topic of Arts Accessibility presenting at conferences across the nation including the NOAH Conference (2021), Berklee ABLE Assembly (2022), and Family Cafe (2021-2023). Kaileigh Anne is currently pursuing her Master’s in Arts in Medicine at the University of Florida.
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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.
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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
Maria Diaz Gotay
Youth Theatre 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
AdventHealth, Vice Chair
Jennifer Dixon
Amherst Holdings
Rep. Anna Eskamani
Florida House of Representatives
Scott Evans
Orange County Public Schools
Jack Feivou
Sea World Parks & Entertainment
Kris Gault
Samba Safety
Jessica Guthrie
One Compass Consulting, Chair
Elisabeth Hurckes
Community Leader
Lynette Jackson
JPMorgan Chase & Co, Treasurer
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
Luis Sousa-Lazaballet
Self-Help Credit Union