Staff Members

Laura Long
Production and Technical Manager
Laura Long (she/her) is a Twin Cities-based theatrical director, music director and actor. With a background in Technical Theatre, as well as K-12 Education, Laura strives to provide opportunities for students to become leaders and... Read more

Braylon M. Lane
Education & Programming Manager
Braylon is an award-winning director hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and an associate member of the Stage Directors & Choreographers Society (SDC). He has worked on numerous projects at all levels of production. In recent months,... Read more

Lauren Paulson
Teaching Specialist
Lauren is thrilled to serve as the Teaching Specialist at Children’s Performing Arts! She is an actress and teacher from the Twin Cities, holding degrees in both Theatre and Early Childhood Education from the University... Read more
Sharon Hanifl-Lee
Ex Officio Board Member - Operations Manager
Sharon has been involved with CPA since 2011 and started on the board as the fundraising chair in 2013. Originally from the Chicago area where she developed her love for theater, Sharon ventured to Minnesota... Read more
Board Members
- John VanyoBoard Chair
- Shari MelsaVice Chair
- Dawn McArthurTreasurer
- Jeremy StoreleeSecretary
- Kathleen CannonBoard Member
- Laney SpearmanBoard Member
- Carla RatgenBoard Member
- Katie HarvieuxBoard Member
Ex Officio Board Members
- Sharon Hanifl-LeeEx Officio Board Member - Operations Manager
Emeritus Board Members
- Jennifer HallingstadEmeritus Board Member
- Tim MaurerEmeritus Board Member
- Sonja ThorsonEmeritus Board Member
Interested in joining CPA’s Board of Directors? Visit the Work With Us page, to learn how to apply!