Meet the Team
Creating Accessible Theater For All
Administrative Team
Disability & Neurodiversity Consultant
Mary Stone
Mary Stone, M.S., ECSE is the founder and president of Stepping Stones Educational Services. The mission of Stepping Stones Educational Services is to educate, train, and inspire nonprofit organizations, Arts organizations, businesses, schools, and community partners to learn about and embrace Neurodiversity, Autism and Disability awareness, understanding, and acceptance. Mary believes that inclusive communities are created together and together anything is possible!
Headmistress
Shaqita Crockett
Shaqita Crockett (she/her/Queen) was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. She is a proud mother of two Kings and a lover of plants. She's worked for many years in non-profit administration and builds community in every part of the city.
Executive Director & Founder
Katie Cummings
Katie Cummings has dedicated over twenty years as a theater artist, educator and advocate for inclusion and diversity in theater. A Wisconsin native, Katie graduated from Cardinal Stritch University with a BA in Theater and Business. Her resume includes First Stage, Bunny Gumbo, UW-Milwaukee, Chamber Theater and St. Joseph High School. Katie believes that theater has the power to develop empathy, create meaningful connections and engage community.
Program Manager, Teaching Artist
Rebekah Farr
Rebekah Farr (she/her) has been working in Milwaukee as an actor, educator, and director since 2018. Her main values are accessibility and community. She is grateful to have worked with companies such as Skylight, First Stage, Optimist, Mad Rogues, Sunstone, and Milwaukee Chamber. Rebekah is also an Associate Artist with The Constructivists. A great big thank you to Katie Cummings for that first cup of coffee and for welcoming her under the umbrella immediately. Rebekah is so lucky to be doing exactly what she loves everyday with Pink Umbrella.
Office Manager
Chloe Wong
Chloe Wong (she/her/hers) is the Senior Assistant Director for Student Engagement at Santa Clara University and Production Manager at Original Cream Puffs, in addition to working at Pink Umbrella. While Chloe aims to be a forensic anthropologist, she is grateful to Katie for providing the opportunity to work with Pink from afar. In her free time, she plays and teaches chess, builds Legos, watches Formula One racing, reads, and explores the outdoors.
2024 - 2025 Teaching Team
Teaching Artist
Adam Qutaishat
Adam Qutaishat is a theatre artist, teacher, and advocate based in Chicago. Adam holds a degree in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and taught in the public schools before pursuing a career in theatre. Adam has performed professionally across the world including acclaimed runs in the regional theatre premiere of The Band's Visit (TheatreSquared/Writers Theatre) and The Lord of the Rings - A Musical Tale (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre/Civic Theatre - Auckland). Adam is the founder and creator of Button Podcasts, an audio fiction podcast company. adamqutaishat.com
Teaching Artist
Alexis Cimoch
Alexis Cimoch is delighted to work with Pink Umbrella! Alexis holds a B.A. in Musical Theatre and Communication from UW-La Crosse and has been working professionally in Milwaukee onstage as a performer, teaching artist, and marketing expert at Skylight Music Theatre. Alexis is so grateful to do what she loves every day and believes theatre has the power to connect, inspire, and change lives.
Teaching Artist, Porch Play
Alejandra Anastas
Alejandra Anastas is based in Milwaukee, where she made her home with her husband, two stepchildren, her eccentric dog, and two cats. Rooted in the heart of the city, Alejandra is driven by a mission to make Milwaukee more equitable for its youth. With a background in education, performance arts, fund development, and career development, she actively works to provide opportunities and enhance the quality of life for its residents. As an individual with lived experiences as an undocumented youth, Alejandra brings a personal touch to her commitment to building a promising future for Milwaukee’s youth and emerging professionals.
Artistic Ally
Ali Meisinger
This is Ali’s third year working as a Artstic Ally for Pink Umbrella Theater Company!! Her previous work with Pink Umbrella was playing the role of Yara in Kaleidoscope and Pen in Portraits. Outside of Theater Ali likes to sing and hang out with her friends! Ali hopes to create more memories with Pink Umbrella! And create more accessible theater for all people.
Teaching Artist
Amanda Satchell
Amanda Satchell is a dedicated music and theater educator with over 20 years of experience. She serves as the Master Music Teacher for Seton Catholic Schools, teaching at both Mary Queen of Saints and St. Thomas Aquinas Academy. Amanda holds a BFA from the University of Michigan's Musical Theater program and has performed at various venues across the country, with Milwaukee being her cherished home base.
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In the local theater community, Amanda has collaborated with Outskirts Theater, Bombshell Theater, Skylight Music Theater, and Lake Country Playhouse. She is passionate about her work with Pink Umbrella, sharing her love for musical theater with everyone eager to learn.
Artistic Ally
Ashleigh Shields
I’m a proud mother of two who loves volunteering and teaching. Art has always been a passion of mine, no matter the form or medium. When I was asked to volunteer or be a part of The Pink Umbrella of course my answer was, “YES!” I am beyond grateful to be a part of such a wonderful team that helps so many individuals across southeast Wisconsin expresses themselves through theatre and play!
Teaching Artist, Artistic Ally
Beth Lewinski
Beth Lewinski is a performer, director, playwright and instructor. A Milwaukee native with a degree in Film, Television and Theatre from the University of Notre Dame, she's taught improv for ComedySportz Milwaukee and First Stage Children's Theatre, among others, and worked with Radio WHT, Sketch 22, the Milwaukee Comedy Festival, Schmitz 'n' Giggles, V-Core productions, Milwaukee Metro Voices, Dinner Detective Milwaukee, All In Productions, and many more. She is a founding member of and performer with a number of local improv groups.
Teaching Assistant
Debbie Das
Debbie Das is a Clinical Fellow Speech Language Pathologist. She holds an M.A. from University of Pittsburgh and a B.S. from Purdue University in Speech Pathology and minors in Theater and Critical Disability Studies. She currently works at a private special education school, helping her students communicate everyday. She also served a 900-hour Americorps term with Camp Easterseals. A nature and dog lover, she is eager to bring a smile to so many faces. Debbie is thrilled to continue enriching the lives of people with all abilities through Pink!
Teaching Artist
Emily Lange
Emily is a director, choreographer, and teaching artist who recently relocated to Detroit, MI. She holds her B.A. in Directing and minor in Dance from Illinois State University. Emily has been working in theatre education since 2020. She believes in the inclusivity of theatre and its power to start conversation and change lives. Emily is very excited to continue her work with the Pink Umbrella team!
Artistic Ally
Ivonna Gentry
Ivonna Gentry, born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a full-time
student at Alverno College. She is majoring in psychology and minoring
in dance. Ivonna has a passion for volunteerism, children, and the
arts. She plans to further her education in the psychology field and
become a licensed professional counselor to continue helping others.
Teaching Artist
Kayla Tillisch
Kayla Tillisch is honored to be working with Pink Umbrella Theater Company. She has a deep passion for this line of work and has been inspired primarily from her sisters Morgan and Kasey. Her theater experience includes both acting and directing with a particular love of Shakespeare. She is a proud First Stage Alumni, yogi, artist, and coffee connoisseur.
Teaching Artist
Leah Thomas
Leah Thomas (She/Her) is in her 15th year as a creative teaching artist. She specializes in acting, event programming & planning, comedy, and storytelling. She acquired her BA in Acting from North Greenville University (Tigerville, SC), and her MFA in Theatre from the University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL). While at UCF, Leah earned a graduate certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders and partnered with UCF to pilot an all-female social skills program. She's so excited to be partnering with Pink Umbrella Theater Company to pilot programming here in Lexington, KY. Her love of comedy and performance runs almost as deep as her love for working with people on owning their presence on and off the stage.
Teaching Artist, Porch Play
Logan Milway
Logan is a Milwaukee-based Actor, an Associate Artist for The Constructivists, and a Teaching Artist with the Milwaukee Repertory Theater in addition to Pink Umbrella. A graduate of Carthage College with a BFA in Theater (Directing) and Communication, he has performed around the Greater Milwaukee area and Central Ohio. Logan began his work in Theater Education with Katie Cummings when they worked at First Stage Children’s Theater and is honored to officially be under the umbrella with Pink’s incredible team! Outside of work, Logan enjoys writing and playing Dungeons & Dragons, dancing, and hiking.
Teaching Artist, Porch Play
OJ Jardas
OJ is a thespian, scientist, and life-long learner. She has her B.A. in Theater Arts, B.S. in Biological Sciences, and M.A. in Teaching. OJ has directed and designed productions all around the Milwaukee suburbs. When OJ isn't teaching, she is at home playing the Sims, reading, or playing with her two cats: Luci and Ham.
Artistic Ally
Ryan Walters
Ryan is a Wisconsin native who grew up in Milwaukee and attended a Montessori school. He has autism and is passionate about advocacy and education. Ryan believes in treating everyone with dignity and respect. He loves animals, sports, music, hanging out with friends, and writing poetry. Ryan discovered Pink Umbrella at an Autism Society presentation and joined in the summer of 2022. He thoroughly enjoys his time here and looks forward to every class.
Teaching Assistant
Anthony Munar
I have been volunteering with Pink Umbrella even since it started 5 years ago. In that time, I've been performing theatre shows at Sunset Playhouse for 6 years and been living in West Allis for 6 years. I'm a huge sports fan and love musical theatre and can't wait to get started.
Teaching Artist
Becky Cofta
Becky is thrilled to be teaching with Pink Umbrella! She has been teaching and assisting theater and dance classes since high school. Theatrically, she has worked with Skylight Music Theatre, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, First Stage, Schmitz & Giggles and more. Endless thanks to her family and friends for their unconditional love and support.
Teaching Artist
Brian Cummings
Brian has spent his career in IT working over two decades in Financial Services. He loves to laugh, make jokes, and volunteer his time. When not teaching or working he enjoys learning more about technology, reading and spending time outdoors with his wife and phenomenally precocious pooch!
Artistic Ally
Drea McAlister
Drea McAlister is an Artist and Poet based in Milwaukee, WI. Influenced by her experiences as a young black woman, she creates pieces that tell the story of her life and those around her. She currently attends Alverno College as a Thea Bowman Scholar pursuing a degree in Art Therapy with a Minor in Community Engagement and Activism.
Teaching Assistant
Eugene Strei
Eugene Strei (he/him) is an actor and playwright based in Milwaukee, WI. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee with a BFA in musical theater and a minor in dance. Eugene has previously taught with TBEY in Milwaukee and currently works as part of Skylight's Enlighten Education program. One of Eugene's passions in theater is being able to tell stories about the LGBTQ+ community, particularly the trans community. Through his work as an actor and playwright, he hopes to create more roles for gender-expansive actors and tell stories of trans joy onstage. Eugene is incredibly grateful to Pink Umbrella for offering him this opportunity to teach!
Teaching Artist
Jess Martin
Jess (they/them) is a Chicagoland area teaching artist. They have been a proud member of MOMENTA Dance Company for over a decade. They trained at the Academy of Movement and Music, Dancing Wheels, Axis Dance Company, and more! Jess is trained in several techniques, including Graham, Humphrey, ballet, Laban technique, and Body-Mind Centering. They choreographed their first piece with MOMENTA in 2011, and produced 3 full length concerts with Links Hall. In 2017, they started their own dance company, called EXPLORATION: An Evening of Dance, Discovery, Creativity, and Fun.
Teaching Assistant
Lauryn Jones
Hello, my name is Lauryn! I’m a current student at Milwaukee Area Technical College studying Political Science/ Social Work, and I currently work as a special education aide at a middle school. Although I have a bunch of different interests, performance and musical theatre will always be my first love. Growing up in Church, I used to perform during our Church plays and also sing in the choir. I loved every second of those experiences and I am so happy and grateful to be able to help others find their passions as well.
Teaching Assistant
Lizzy Strange
Lizzy Strange is a teaching artist based in Milwaukee, WI, and is so excited to be a part of the Pink Umbrella team! She has previous theatre teaching experience at First Stage Theater Academy and previous classroom experience as an elementary school teacher. Lizzy started at Pink Umbrella in Fall 2023, and cannot wait to continue her journey this semester with Acting!
Porch Play, Artistic Ally
Molly Kiefer
Molly Kiefer (she/her) is a neurodivergent mover, teaching artist, and disability advocate. Her artistic work is informed by disability and investigating seemingly mundane everyday experiences. She has performed with Zeze Schorsch and Wild Space Dance Company and has choreographed for Pink Umbrella Theater Company (SHINE!). Molly is passionate about making artistic spaces more accessible for everyone who enters them.
Teaching Artist
Ryan Cappleman
Ryan Cappleman is a performer, choreographer, musician, and teaching artist in the Milwaukee area. He pursued his love of musical theater at UW-Milwaukee, receiving a BFA in Inter-Arts Musical Theater Performance. He has performed with the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Off Broadway at the Cherry Lane Theatre, Skylight Music Theatre, Danceworks, First Stage, Northern Sky, Forte Theatre, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, and Optimist Theatre. His choreography has earned him three Footlights Awards and numerous Jerry Awards. He has been a teaching artist for UW Parkside, UW Milwaukee, First Stage, Danceworks, The Wisconsin Dance Council, The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, The Virginia State Thespian Conference, and more.
Teaching Artist, Porch Play
Sarah Laszewski
Sarah Laszewski (La-CHEF-ski) absolutely loves working with Pink Umbrella! She has been a teaching artist here since 2023 and an educational committee member since 2021. Outside of Pink Umbrella, Sarah is a special education teacher in an elementary school. She graduated from UW-Madison with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. At UW-Madison, Sarah also studied voice separately from her degree. Currently, Sarah performs with the West Bend Theater Company, in addition to choreographing and performing with the Musical Masquers. Sarah is an alumna of First Stage and a former Young Performer. Sarah believes that theater has the power to change lives.
Teaching Artist, Porch Play
Sarah Mankowski-Lathrum
SARAH M. MANKOWSKI-LATHRUM is an active member of several local theater companies, including Milwaukee Irish Arts, Sunstone Studios, Kith & Kin and, most recently, Theatrical Tendencies. She will also be understudying with Next Act Theatre in 2025. Ms. Mankowski-Lathrum is thrilled to be starting her second season of Spanish-language Porch Plays with ALAS at Independence First, and has proudly represented Pink Umbrella at several public events around the city. She is passionate about helping young people and families discover their diverse abilities “Under the Pink Umbrella,” and looks forward to many exciting performances and workshops to come!
Recent Teaching Team (2023-2024)
Teaching Artist
Amanda Rosmann
Amanda Rosmann is a theatrical producer, director, and educator. She was Education Director at Skylight Music Theatre from 2018-2023 where she led the renowned KidsWrites programs, and reached over 10,000 MPS students annually. Her current full time position is as the Studio Manager for Hi-Five studio, a full service recording studio in Milwaukee, WI where she oversees the studio’s non-profit subsidiary Hi-Five Arts and is developing educational outreach programs. She has been honored to partner with and teach for Pink Umbrella previously and looks forward to continue doing so.
Teaching Artist
Brandi Reed
Brandi Reed is a proud Milwaukee native. With the help of many community arts organizations such as the African American Children’s theater and the Milwaukee Inner-city Arts Council Brandi was introduced to musical theater. Brandi was a part of Black Arts MKE’s 2018 & 2019 production of Black Nativity at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. In addition, she was also in the show, Three Sister’s Named Flo at Skylight’s Cabaret Theater. Brandi is currently a Teaching Artist at Black Arts MKE, First Stage Children’s Theatre and the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
Porch Play
Chris Chan
Chris Chan is an author and educator. He teaches history, information science, political science, and art and culture; at the high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in U.S. History from Marquette University and his MLIS from UW–Milwaukee. He is an “International Goodwill Ambassador” for Agatha Christie Ltd., and he was Agatha Award-nominated for Murder Most Grotesque. He also writes the Funderburke and Kaiming mysteries, including Ghosting My Friend and She Ruined Our Lives, as well as the comedic crime novels Sherlock’s Secretary and Nessie’s Nemesis.
Porch Play, Teaching Artist
Beck Menk
Beck Menk is a Milwaukee-based theatre artist and educator with a wide variety of skills and
passions in the space, including playwright, directing, and costume design. They benefited
greatly from access to quality educational theatre as a child and feel access to theatre for both
educational purposes and personal joy is valuable for all who want it. Outside of Pink Umbrella
they spend their free time reading, writing, gardening playing D&D and creating audio theatre
pieces for their podcast, Soundbite Theater.
Teaching Artist
Caleigh Havansek
Caleigh Havansek (She/Hers) is a Chicagoland (and Milwaukee!) Teaching Artist and Theatre Educator who works through the arts to provide students with connection and empowerment; engaging students with powerful lessons to find the creativity in themselves. Her main classes are backstage/design classes, Puppetry, Improv, and classes for neurodivergent folks of all ages. She also teaches with Mudlark Theater, Yachad RKPAP, and Chicago Children’s Theater. When she is not teaching you can find her in a sunlit windowsill with a dog, a big book, and a bigger cup of tea.
Teaching Artist
Katie Lindgren
Katie has her degree in Technical Theater from Cardinal Stritch University, and a Master's in Special Education with certifications as an Autism and Transition Specialist from UW-Whitewater. She has experience in various areas of theater, stage management, scenic design & construction, and everything in between. Currently, she is the resident stage manager for the Milwaukee Fringe Festival and the Program Coordinator of an Adult Day Program serving adults with disabilities. She is passionate about creating accessible opportunities for all and an avid believer in the positive impact theater has on our lives and in the community. Katie loves supporting Pink Umbrella in amplifying the voices and opportunities for everyone under the umbrella.
Teaching Artist
Ky Peters
Ky Peters (they/them) is ecstatic to be a new member of the team. Ky has a BA in Musical Theatre, Music, and Arts Management. Primarily a local stage manager and currently the resident Props Designer at Shorewood High School, they have also worked as an actor, stage manager, director, props designer, marketer, and more. Ky loves every aspect of theater and is honored to bring their eclectic experiences to a new role as Production Manager. You’ll find Ky out-and-about in the Milwaukee Theatre community doing all the things (most likely loudly) so, please, say hi!
Teaching Artist, Community Teacher
Paula Foley Tillen
Paula Foley Tillen has been a professional musician in the Milwaukee area for many years. She has served as music director for hundreds of productions from junior high to professional levels, and has been active at Milwaukee ComedySportz since 1985. Paula’s arrangements and compositions are found in the catalogues of several national publishing houses and has been performed around the country. Paula is certified as a yoga and meditation instructor, and as a Reiki master practitioner. She teaches yoga and meditation at the Wisconsin Athletic Club and Invivo Wellness.
Teaching Assistant, Artistic Ally
Pip Buffington
Peregrine “Pip” Buffington (They/them) is delighted to be working for Pink Umbrella Theater Company beyond the stage. Before working with Pink Umbrella, Pip taught Middle School English for 4 years and is overjoyed to be teaching again! They have a B.A. in English and Masters of Education both from Creighton University. You may recognize them as Ollie from Pink Umbrella’s production of Kaleidoscope. Outside of theater, Pip writes spoken word poetry focused on their identities an autistic parent and transgender person. Through all of their performances, poetry or otherwise, they hope to advocate for their communities.
Teaching Artist
Tiff Polzin
Tiff Polzin is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, with a BFA in music theatre and psychology, dance minor, certificate in childhood and adolescent studies, and an Honors degree. She is currently pursuing an MA in English at James Madison University. She loves theatre because of its ability to build empathy and meaningful community connections, and working at Pink Umbrella allows her to be a part of a fantastic community of creatives! During her free time, Tiff enjoys reading, playing piano, journaling, and spending time with her cat, Juliet.