Our Teaching Artists
Jason Callaghan
Band Teacher Jason Callaghan is a Southern California based composer, trumpet player, and educator. He has a Master of Music in Composition from Mannes School of Music at the New School and a Bachelor of Music with a focus in Composition from California State University, Fullerton. As a composer, Jason has enjoyed multiple premieres of his pieces by collegiate players and ensembles. As a trumpet player, Jason has played for the Disneyland Resort, multiple churches, and more. He is experienced in classical, contemporary, and pop, among other genres. Currently, Jason is part of the adjunct faculty at California State University Fullerton, teaching Music Theory and Composition, as well as an after school band leader for elementary musicians through Arts & Learning Conservatory.
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Fred Canada
Strings Teacher Fred is an experienced music coach and educator with a rich background in string performance and teaching. He holds a Master's degree in Music Performance (Viola) from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from California State University, Long Beach. Currently, Fred serves as a Music Coach at Marina High School and Las Flores Middle School, where he specializes in coaching the viola section and occasionally the entire string section on ensemble techniques. Since October 2022, he has also been a Music Teacher at the Arts & Learning Conservatory in Fountain Valley, California, teaching children aged seven to eleven, ranging from basic to intermediate music techniques. Fred has also been a Music Coach at Tesoro High School since September 2022, where he works with the viola section of the school's string orchestras. Previously, he taught violin and viola at the Irvine Art and Music Center, catering to students from beginner to advanced levels and ages four to eighteen. His experience includes a role as a Music Librarian at Louisiana State University, and he has also taught violin, viola, and piano at the Huntington Beach School of Music. Fred began his teaching career at East Whittier Middle School, coaching the viola section of the intermediate-level string orchestra. Fred is dedicated to sharing his love for music with his students and helping them develop their skills, whether they are beginners or advanced musicians. His extensive experience and passion for teaching make him a valuable asset to any music program.
Rachel DeCock
Theatre Rachel, a native of Los Angeles County, California, relocated to Orange County to pursue her education at Southern California College (now Vanguard University). Her musical journey began in her teenage years, when she began singing and playing the keyboard and piano for churches. In addition to teaching piano lessons, Rachel has conducted vocal workshops and directed youth choirs, church music teams, and various bands. Currently, she performs weekly with a group at Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos.
Ryan Fredericks
Director Ryan Fredericks has spent the past six years directing and teaching across Orange County. His directing credits include productions such as Addams Family, High School Musical Jr., Alice Jr., and Singing in the Rain Jr., as well as Shrek, which he directed this past spring and early summer. In addition to his directing prowess, Ryan is a seasoned performer with over 75 credits to his name. A graduate of AMDA LA with a Bachelor's Degree in Acting, Ryan has developed a deep passion for directing and teaching. He thrives on helping people of all ages discover a love for acting and guiding them to find and portray their characters authentically and truthfully. Ryan is thrilled to be a part of ALC and eagerly anticipates the exciting journey ahead.
Cynthia Hamidi
Theatre Cynthia Hamidi is a talented Moroccan and Native American actress and acting coach from the East Coast. Her passion for theater began in high school, where she performed in plays such as "RENT" at Cushing Academy, playing the role of Mimi. She went on to graduate from Loyola Marymount University with a BA in Theatre Arts. Cynthia's dedication to her craft led her to Russia, where she performed Chekhov plays and studied Stanislavski's method at the prestigious Moscow Art Theatre School. She also performed in "Virago Alala" while studying acting in Germany. Her television credits include a guest-starring role as Amira Zidan on CBS's "FBI." In film, she had a supporting role as the Native American superhero Dawnstar in DC's "Legion of Super-Heroes." Cynthia loves teaching and sharing her passion for acting with the next generation of artists. In her free time, she enjoys figure skating, watching A24 films, taking long walks in nature, and spending time with her two labradoodles, friends, and family.
Elizabeth Hayashi
Director Elizabeth Hayashi is an actor and director who recently graduated from the Vanguard University Theatre Department. Her passion for theatre was ignited in childhood, and she has since acted in several short films and theatre roles. Elizabeth loves sharing her enthusiasm for theatre with young students and is a strong advocate for laughter, creative thinking, and pursuing impossible dreams. Excited to partner with the Arts and Learning Conservatory, Elizabeth is eager to bring theatre to the schools of Orange County, ensuring that the magic of the stage continues to inspire and delight.
Katie Grace Hennen
Theatre Katie Grace Hennen is an educator and actor who has performed on stages across the country since early childhood. She studied acting at Drake University and earned her degree in English Literature with an emphasis on Elizabethan theatre from Augsburg University in her hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota. In addition to her acting career, Katie Grace is a trained singer and dancer, and she has produced and directed several stage productions. Katie Grace has also served as Assistant Executive Director and marketing and recruitment coordinator for various international nonprofit organizations. Teaching is her greatest passion, and she is thrilled to be bringing the arts to students in Newport Mesa schools.
Mary Lieblang
Strings Instructor Mary Lieblang has been playing the violin since the age of nine and recently graduated from Chapman University’s Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance, earning departmental honors. As a Musco Scholar, she had the privilege of studying violin with Professor William Fitzpatrick and viola with Professor Robert Becker. Through the Musishare Young Artist Program, directed by Professor Fitzpatrick, and Chapman University, Mary has played in masterclasses with renowned musicians such as Ronald Copes, Paul Kantor, Cho-Liang Lin, Kurt Sassmannshaus, Cornelia Heard, Bettina Mussumeli, Nicholas Mann, Dennis Kim, Harvey de Souza, and Phillip Setzer. Mary recently had the pleasure of studying privately with Professor Robert Becker at the Cremona International Music Festival. In the summer of 2018, she attended the Aspen Music Festival and School, where she studied privately with Cornelia Heard and received chamber music coaching from Renata Arado. Additionally, she has participated in several chamber music festivals in Southern California. Mary lives in Huntington Beach, California. Her hobbies include reading and rollerblading.
Tommy Linehan
Theatre Tommy Linehan is thrilled to join the Arts & Learning Conservatory as an Assistant Performing Arts Teacher. He has performed in over 30 shows across the Orange County area, with notable roles including Shrek in "Shrek the Musical," Joseph in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," and Ren McCormack in "Footloose the Musical." In addition to his performance experience, Tommy has assistant directed four shows and has led the acting out of Bible stories during Vacation Bible School (VBS) at his church for many years. Tommy loves performing and excels at combining fun and hard work in every lesson he teaches. He enjoys working with kids, believing they bring joy to everything and aiming to help them become stars on stage.
Edwin Lovo
Band Teacher Edwin, born and raised in Orange County, California, began playing the trumpet at the age of 12 and quickly developed a deep passion for the instrument. He pursued a degree in music performance and music education at California State University, Fullerton, where he studied under Barry Perkins, the principal trumpet player of the Pacific Symphony. During his time at Cal State Fullerton, Edwin won the Rodger Vaughn Award, an annual accolade given to the best musician, which includes a scholarship. He has played in the La Mirada Community Orchestra and participated in the Tournament of Roses Parade for nine consecutive years. Edwin was featured on KTLA morning news several times, playing the herald trumpet for Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, where he worked part-time for 11 years. He also had the honor of unveiling the "Welcome to Orange County" sign off the 5 Freeway with a trumpet fanfare for the OC Register. With over seven years of teaching experience, Edwin currently teaches music at the Waldorf School of Orange County at the middle school and high school levels. He has also coached brass for high school marching bands and conducted trumpet ensemble classes. In addition to his teaching roles, Edwin plays in a cumbia/salsa band in Orange and LA County, performing on a weekly to semi-weekly basis. He is excited to bring his expertise and enthusiasm to the Arts & Learning Conservatory.
Tatiana Martinez
Theatre Tatiana is a recent graduate of California State University, Fullerton, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. She is passionate about theatre, music, and dance education, and hopes to inspire a love for the arts in her students, just as her teachers did for her. Tatiana is trained in dancing, singing, and acting, and is also a musician. Some of her favorite performance credits include Ado Annie in "Oklahoma!," Little Red in "Into the Woods," and River in "In Pieces." In addition to performing and teaching, Tatiana works as a director, choreographer, and stage manager for local community theaters. Her favorite creative team credits include "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "Moana Jr.," and "Frozen Jr." Tatiana is a strong advocate for making the arts accessible to all and is excited to bring the magic of theatre into classrooms.
Susan Mattoon
Vocal Director Susan Mattoon has been the Choir Director for Buena Terra Elementary for 16 years, leading a show-style choir. She also served as an instructor for the Centralia Education Foundation Choral Program for three years and has been teaching “Vocals for Kids” classes with the Kids College Program at Cypress College for the past five years. Additionally, Susan is a private voice and piano instructor throughout Orange County. With over 15 years of experience as a private voice and piano instructor, Susan has taught vocals with the Arts & Learning Conservatory (ALC) in Costa Mesa, California, and conducted vocal classes at various schools across Orange County. She has served as music director for several musical productions at ALC and is the Glee Instructor at Buena Terra Elementary School in Buena Park, California. There, she works with an 80-member group, staging two “show choir” style performances each year. When not volunteering at Poppy Life Care, Susan continues to share her passion for music with students of all ages.
Savannah May
Theatre Savannah May is a dedicated theater teacher at the Arts & Learning Conservatory (ALC), passionate about inspiring others to embrace the magical world of theater. She recently completed work as a Production Assistant on The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity at The Chance Theater. Savannah is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater. Her experience includes serving as the assistant director for Jane Austen’s Lady Susan, working alongside Jim Taulli at The Hallberg Theater, CSUF. Additionally, she was the assistant director with Stacy Castiglione for the 2019-2020 season at the Performing Arts Center (PAC), Los Alamitos High School, where she received The Show Must Go On Jrays award. Savannah is excited to bring her expertise and passion for theater to her students at ALC.
Namiah Miller
Strings Instructor Namiah Miller is a student at CSU Long Beach, where he performs in the symphony orchestra, baroque ensemble, and a string quartet. Outside of school, he is a member of the American Youth Symphony and Symphony Irvine. Namiah has been teaching string students both privately and in group settings for over three years. Currently, Namiah teaches string classes in the Fountain Valley School District, works as a string coach for the Prelude Youth String Ensembles, and is a private violin, viola, and piano teacher at the Belmont Music Studio in Long Beach. He is passionate about sharing his love for music with his students and helping them develop their skills.
Maddy Nickless
Director/Vocals Maddy Nickless is thrilled to join the Arts and Learning team as the director of their summer production of Frozen Kids! A senior at Vanguard University, she will soon be graduating with a minor in directing, stage managing, and production design for the stage. Maddy is excited to share her love of theater and teaching with the students and is looking forward to providing a fun and memorable experience "In Summer" with everyone!
Toni Pelayo
Theatre Toni Pelayo is a wife of 25 years, a mother of three, and a longtime lover of the arts. As a young adult, she enjoyed performing and participating in theater productions and continues to express her passion for performance through karaoke. Currently, Toni is a leader in the Long Beach faith community, serving in pastoral support, as a speaker, and as a leader in Women's and Youth ministries. She also has experience educating and caring for special needs children, both as a mother and a teacher. In all her roles, Toni works to build inclusive communities filled with compassion, laughter, and learning.
Avi Spitzer
Theatre Avi has been performing since he was very young and loves everything that involves the arts. He graduated with a Theatre Degree from Cal State Fullerton in the spring of 2022 and is currently working towards his teaching credential in elementary education. He began working for the Arts & Learning Conservatory this past fall semester and looks forward to bringing the magic of theatre back to the after-school programs. In his spare time, Avi enjoys writing scripts, singing, and running.
Carson Rodriguez
Theatre Carson began his career performing at the age of 6, eventually finding his love for teaching. He received early dance training in jazz, tap, and ballet from CF Dance Academy, served as dance captain and assistant in choreography for the Grand National Champions LosAl Sound FX, and has received multiple Best Dancer awards from Los Alamitos High School. After graduating high school, he began teaching and choreographing at schools, after school programs, and community theaters across Southern California ranging from kindergarten to high school level.
Casey Morris
Theatre Casey Morris, originally from Cincinnati, OH, received his BA in Drama from UNC Asheville followed by his MFA in Acting from DePaul University. He studied improv at Second City and has performed in many productions in Chicago, including: The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Mother of the Maid, The Grapes of Wrath, & Hamlet. Since moving to LA, he has been in commercials including a Carvana Super Bowl spot, a Little Caesars national, and a few others. His television credits include: Players (Paramount +), The Rehearsal (HBO Max), Snowfall (FX), The Company You Keep (ABC), and Tacoma FD (TruTV).
Elian Chan
Theatre Elian is a theater technician from Hong Kong specializing in backstage work. Elian, who is currently studying psychology at Loyola Marymount University, worked on many of the productions, ensuring the performances were seamless. With a passion for storytelling and a strong ability to collaborate, they are proud to support the magic behind the scenes.
Emily Boliver
Theatre Emily is an Orange County-based actor and stage manager. Their work spans stage and screen, including an Artistic Residency as Company Stage Manager with The Larking House Theatre Co. Favorite roles include Miss Prism in The Importance of Being Earnest, Eunice in A Streetcar Named Desire, and Fran in Lifetune. Emily wants to thank Anderson Elementary School, Think Together and Arts & Learning Conservatory for their unwavering support!
Emmanuel Madera
Theatre Emmanuel Madera is a multifaceted theater artist, working as a director, actor, fight choreographer, and production manager. He is a recent CSU, Long Beach graduate where he received a BFA in Acting. Emmanuel has collaborated with The Larking House, CSU’s Long Beach’s Cal Rep, Threshold, Fullerton College, and the Chance Theatre. He has spent the past two years teaching musical theatre to kids across OC and LA and is a thrilled to be working on his first production as a Technical Theater teacher with Arts & Learning.
Gabrielle Gutierrez
Teacher Gabrielle Gutierrez is a local actress and singer. She's excited to be with ALC and Think Together this school semester. She comes from a long line of teachers and has always had an affinity for working with kids. It's a joy to see children grow and learn confidence when performing on stage. When she's not acting or teaching, Gabrielle volunteers her time and energy fostering cats and dogs with local shelters. She hopes all the parents and guardians enjoy the show!
Gavin Antonio Duran
Theatre Gavin Duran is a stage and screen actor and an Irene Ryan Award Nominee with over ten years of experience in Southern California. He holds a BA in Theatre Arts and Comedic Arts from California Baptist University. Gavin's recent theatrical credits include Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident of a Dog in the Night-Time, Grover/Mr. D in The Lightning Thief, and the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz.
Daisy Swanson
Teacher Ms. Gennie is so excited for you to see these students shine! She holds a BFA in Acting from California State University, Fullerton and is a Resident Artist in The Larking House Theatre Company. When she's not in a play or musical, she's probably making mac and cheese, watching The X Files, or thrifting. Thanks to Coleman, Josie, Mom, and Dad, and special thanks to roommate Michael for letting her teach him Nants' Ingonyama at 1am as practice.
Kyle Mac
Teacher Kyle is a graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts. He has been a professional actor for fifteen years. Working on stages in Los Angeles, Toronto, Vancouver and New York City. He has had numerous series regular and guest star roles on Netflix, Amazon Prime & Apple TV
Lauren Velasco
Theatre (actor/ playwrite/ director/ teacher) has a Master’s from the University of Glasgow in Playwriting and Dramaturgy. She is ecstatic to be directing for Arts & Learning’s production of The Jungle Book Lauren’s directing experience includes A Christmas Carol, Emma, A Woman of No Importance, and a reading of Greetings! She also assistant directed Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Othello, Cymbeline, and Moana Jr. She is grateful for this wonderful opportunity.
Michael Williams
Teacher Michael is a director, actor writer & poet extraordinaire. He has created and directed 29 plays, and is currently venturing in film & television. With his love of theater he plans to take over the world through song and dance, oh and some stage life!
Naya Ramsey-Clarke
Teacher Naya Ramsey-Clarke is so proud and excited to be under the sea with Whittier Elementary. She graduated from Cal State University Fullerton with her BFA in Musical Theatre and has loved putting it to use with these kids. She is currently playing the role of Johanna in Phantom Projects Theatre's production of Sweeney Todd. She hopes you find this cast as amazing as she does!
Olivia Saarela
Teacher Olivia is a lifelong actor with both a BA and an MA in Theatre & Performing Arts. She has lived and performed in San Francisco, Chicago, NYC, and London before the pandemic threw her back home to Southern California. During that time, she started nannying and realized her love of working with children. This summer at Arts & Learning has been an effort to blend her two passions, and she is excited to be continuing on this journey of theatre education.
Shaun Carmer
Music Teacher
Vega Sherman-Seitz
Teacher Vega Sherman-Seitz is a graduate of Whittier College with a bachelor's degree in technical theater as well as performance. She has worked in different areas of theater education for over five years. In addition she has primarily worked as a Stage Manager in various locations some of which include Bridges Auditorium and the Palos Verde Performing Arts Center. In addition to stage management, she spends lots of her time designing and building sets. She also has worked in art department in various film and Tv productions. Some of which include The Pentatonic Holiday Series.