Faculty and Staff
Executive Director
Marketing & Website Team
Finance & Operations
Artistic & Education Team
Technical Team
Development
Dr. James RamseyJames Ramsey is Executive Director for the Performing Arts Academy and Director of Music and Arts at St. Luke's UMC. Previous engagements include college instruction positions at the University of Colorado, University of Denver, and Whitman College in Washington. Additionally, Ramsey has also served as Artistic Director for the Wesley Choral Festival and Assistant Conductor of the Grammy award-winning San Francisco Symphony Chorus.
James earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Literature and Performance at the University of Colorado, Boulder, a Master of Music degree in Conducting at the Eastman School of Music, and a Bachelor of Music Education at Middle Tennessee State University. Mentors and teachers include Raphael Bundage, Joan Conlon, Vance George, Donald Neuen, Alfred Mann, and Samuel Adler. Ramsey has served as the American Choral Directors Association’s Repertoire and Standards Chair for Community Choirs for both Colorado and the Southwest Region. James resides in Littleton with his wife, Leigh, and their sons, Jack and Luke.
Contact Jim at drjim@paacolorado.org or 303-900-7041 ex.1.
Gena DiMuroGena DiMuro comes to PAA with an accomplished advertising and marketing background. She has worked with boutique and corporate advertising agencies, nonprofits, SaaS, home builders, and multiple small businesses. Her unique background blends creative excellence with strategic account management. She values both the big-picture strategy and the finer details that make marketing efforts stand out. Her marketing journey began at the University of Kansas where she earned a BS in Journalism and Strategic Communications.
Gena is a Colorado native and cannot imagine living without four seasons. Her family includes her husband, two daughters, and their golden retriever (Bo). Gena has first-hand experience with PAA as her oldest daughter has been a PAA participant since 2017. She is thrilled to use her professional skills to highlight PAA’s strong foundation in creating community, building character, and inspiring excellence.
Marisa VerSteeghSocial Media Specialist
Marisa is an experienced Social Media Specialist with a proven track record of supporting various theatre and entertainment companies across Colorado. She is excited to bring her expertise in social media to PAA! In addition to her work in social media, Marisa is a talented choreographer and director who works at PAA and several other youth theatre organizations in the region. A passionate member of the Denver theatre community, she actively performs whenever possible and remains engaged in the local arts scene. With a deep passion for both the digital and performing arts, Marisa is dedicated to amplifying the voices of the theatre community both online and on stage.
Heather BauerWebmaster
Heather is a skilled Webmaster with over 15 years of experience in marketing, graphic design, and website development across diverse industries. With a background in graphic design and a love for all things WordPress, she creates websites that look amazing and work even better. Passionate about creativity and innovation, Heather thrives on tackling marketing challenges and helping businesses level up their brand and online presence.
Having participated in many theatre productions in her youth, Heather is devoted to providing all children with the opportunity to experience performing arts.
Heather lives in Highlands Ranch with her husband and two daughters.
Samantha LeahySamantha is the Registrar and Site Manager at PAA and serves as the Director of Community and Early Childhood Ministry at St. Luke's UMC. Samantha's 35 years of personal and professional experience, coupled with her genuine love of children and strong integrity has allowed her to develop her passion for the care and tutelage of children. Samantha brings strong relational skills with the ability to focus on others' strengths as a way to stimulate personal and group excellence at PAA. She is grateful to be part of the PAA staff team for the last 10 years, as she knows the impact creative outlets have on transforming the lives of children. Samantha holds a degree in Business Management and is thrilled to support PAA's creative vision.
You can contact Sam at 303-900-7041 ex.0 or registrar@paacolorado.org
Taletha PoggeTaletha Pogge has been an accountant for over ten years, specializing in accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll. She graduated from Walla Walla University with a degree in accounting. She volunteers in her community for a variety of non-profit organizations and has served on the PTO board at her children's school. Taletha's hobbies include hiking in Colorado's great outdoors, sewing, and knitting. She and her husband have lived in Colorado for 7 years with their two wonderful and energetic boys. She enjoys being active and participating in the community.
You can contact Taletha at 303-900-7041 ex.2.
A proud mother of two bright children. Kay is humble, empathetic, and approachable. With extensive experience in clerical and administrative roles, she excels at organization, problem-solving, and supporting others. Rooted in her African heritage, she is passionate about serving her church, community, giving back, and helping children thrive. Creativity and lifelong learning guide her pursuits, from exploring new ideas to attending theater and live performances. She enjoys traveling, cooking, playing sports, and spending time with family. Dedicated to connection and positive impact, Kay embraces every opportunity to inspire, create, and contribute meaningfully to those around her.
Jessica SheltonAssistant Finance and Operations Coordinator
Jessica Shelton has worked in various accounting and finance support roles throughout her career, specifically focused on payroll, benefits, and budgets. For the past six years, she has worked part-time for St. Luke as the Finance Assistant. Also, during the past ten years, she has been focused on Human Resources and pursued her PHR (Professional Human Resource Certification). Jessica is originally from Chicago, but has lived all over the country. Jessica, her husband, and two daughters moved to Colorado twelve years ago and loved it so much that they have decided to call it home for the foreseeable future. Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, attending concerts (especially Dave Matthew Band), and playing trivia.
Barb MaxwellFacilities Manager
After 31 years in the Washington School District, I thought it was time to retire, but I realized I was missing work, especially around kids. I am back at work with kids who are talented in shows, artists at work. I traded Washington’s weather for Colorado sunshine and to be with my daughter’s family. I hang out with my granddaughter a lot and, of course, my dog. Retirement is overrated for me. I enjoy working out at the gym and plenty of dog walks. I really enjoy PAA!!
Melanie KirkpatrickMelanie has worked with PAA in various capacities since 2015 and served as producer and director for the Wesley Players since 2013. She has a Bachelors in Theatre from Willamette University in Salem, Ore., and also studied at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. With a strong background in theatre education, administration and corporate event production, Melanie is thrilled to join the team at PAA. Thank you to the amazing Board, staff, parent and student community.
Madeline ShafferMadeline Shaffer grew up teaching and performing in Southern Illinois. She received a BA in Dance from Jacksonville University
and then moved to NYC. She performed on a national tour, choreographed and directed a new musical, performed in front of the UN, and worked with many high schools and children’s programs, choreographing shows and teaching classes. Since moving to Denver in late 2019, she has directed, choreographed, and performed for many theatres, including the Wesley Players, Thin Air Theatre Company, Town Hall Arts Center, and CenterStage Theatre company. She has over 10 years of choreography and teaching experience, and she is thrilled to be working with the fabulous students and staff at PAA as the Director of Dance.
Katie is thrilled to return to her beautiful home state of Colorado after performing and
teaching professionally in NYC and Chicago. Katie holds a BFA in Musical theatre from
The University of Oklahoma. Theatre credits include the National Tours of South Pacific
(Nellie Forbush), 'S Wonderful (Jane), and Annie (Ronnie Boylan). Regional theatre:
Footloose (Vi Moore - Henry Nomination for Best Actor in a Musical), Betty Haynes
(White Christmas) Nunsense (Sister Robert Ann), Last Five Years (Cathy), Marvelous
Wonderettes (Missy), Princess and the Pea (Queen u/s), Land of Forgotten Toys
(Queen), Full Monty (Pam), Ordinary Days (Claire), Broadway: The Big Band Years
(featured singer), Sweeney Todd, and The Who's Tommy. In Chicago, Katie taught and
directed in several performing arts programs, directing/music directing dozens of shows
with ages K - 12, including several pilot productions with MTI and Disney theatricals.
She also worked in events and development at American Theatre Company and as
Production Manager for the award-winning program, BRAVO Performing Arts, in Oak
Park. Katie has also directed professionally at Parker Arts. Katie believes in the
transformative power of theater and loves marrying her professional and educational
experiences at PAA!
Christopher (he/him) has been collaborating at PAA since 2018! His Carrie and Bright Star at FRHS have received Bobby G Awards nominations, Alice by Heart was selected for International Thespian Fest Main Stage, and All Shook Up at Littleton THAC was recognized with an Onstage Colorado Award. In 2025, he will choreograph the pilot production of Kimberly Akimbo and is Rocky Mountain Repertory’s Education Director. It takes a village to nurture the next generation, both artistically and intrinsically - thanks to everyone at PAA for these opportunities! Follow his wall-catching world travels as a Royal Caribbean Vocal Director: @calengerich
Jennifer LillibridgeJennifer is an enthusiastic and versatile theater artist with 10+ years of teaching and over 20+ years of experience in theater arts. She came to Colorado from Los Angeles where she earned her BA in Theater Arts and Directing at Occidental College. After graduating, she was a proud member of Actors Equity and worked throughout the Greater Los Angeles area as an equity stage manager and scenic artist for several prominent theater companies, including McCoy/Rigby Entertainment, The Pasadena Playhouse and The Geffen. In Colorado, Jennifer co-heads the theater program at D’Evelyn Jr/Sr High School where she serves as a director and costume designer for all productions. With a passion for cultivating creativity and helping young people find their niche in the arts, Jennifer is thrilled to be working with the talented community of PAA.
Adam is a passionate theatre artist and technician with 15+ years of experience. He graduated with a BA in theatre Arts from Illinois Wesleyan University, where his focuses were on directing, playwriting, and scenic design. Upon graduation he performed improv with the Impulse theatre group in Denver, before moving to Los Angeles where he became the Technical Director for classical repertory theatre, A Noise Within. He built and designed 20+ shows with ANW and garnered critical accolades with his designs for Noises Off, and Joe Tracz’s, Phenomenon of Decline. During his time in California he also wrote and produced the original play, The Ultimo, with The Actor’s Workout Studio. Adam moved back to his hometown of Denver after six years, where he has worked with D’Evelyn High School’s drama program. He began as the technical director but quickly grew into the head of their drama department. He has worked with D’Evelyn for the last ten years as a producer, director, and technical director. As PAA’s Resident Technical Director, Adam enjoys the challenges and opportunities it presents. He teaches both technical theatre subjects such as set design, and construction, as well as directing and improv. He has also directed and helped to develop PAA’s non-musical play program. Adam loves inspiring creativity in young theatre artists no matter what their chosen medium, and is grateful to be a part of the PAA community!
Cassy MeierCassy is a dedicated professional with a strong background in business administration, management, and marketing, holding a degree from Western State College. Currently, she serves as the Director of Office Administration at St. Luke's, where she has successfully led and organized various fundraising events, showcasing her leadership skills and passion for community engagement.
Residing in Highlands Ranch with her husband and two young children, she enjoys balancing her professional life with family adventures. Her hobbies include camping, crafting, watercolor painting, and traveling with her family, which reflect her creative and adventurous spirit. As PAA's Development Coordinator, she brings a wealth of organizational expertise, creativity, and a commitment to fostering meaningful connections.