Nieya Amezquita
Development Specialist
In her Development role, Nieya assists in planning and executing fundraising plans to support Lundstrum’s mission. On any given day, you will find her planning donor events, tracking gifts, thanking donors, writing grant proposals to corporations, foundations and government agencies, and assisting Lundstrum volunteers in widening its circle of friends and supporters. A native of Georgia with a BFA in Dance and a BS in Psychology, Nieya is also a professional dancer with Threads Dance Project, Rhythmically Speaking, and other local creative projects. Nieya believes in the Lundstrum mission and is thrilled to be a part of the team.
Ashley Bradford
Facilities and Program Administrative
Ashley Bradford’s roots run deep in the Minneapolis community. In her role as Facilities and Production Administrative, she supports the Lundstrum mission through events and program administration, as well as rentals and on-site performances. Ashley worked previously at the Powderhorn Neighborhood Association and has a passion for supporting local talent and fostering artistic expression. Her interest in artist management and stage engagement stems from a genuine desire to cultivate meaningful connections between performers and audiences. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for bringing creative visions to life, Ashley is committed to making a significant impact on Lundstrum's community of students, faculty and artists.
Susan Casserly-Kosel
Director of Vocal Program
Susan serves as Director of Vocal Program at Lundstrum Performing Arts, building on her interest in working with children and developing adolescent voices. She teaches private and group voice lessons, vocal performance and stage movement for singers.
Kerry Casserly Carter
Artistic Director
As Artistic Director, Kerry is on Lundstrum faculty and guides the overall vision of Lundstrum Performing Arts’ musical theater training programs and performances. She coaches individual performers to hone their triple threat skills as well as choreographing and directing multiple productions.
Amy Casserly Ellis
Executive Director
Amy is the Executive Director for Lundstrum Performing Arts, passionately leading the strategic vision with overall responsibility for program excellence and mission-driven partnerships. She is part of the artistic team as well, directing, casting and choreographing Lundstrum professional productions.
Shane Ellis
Education and Community Engagement Coordinator
Shane Ellis is an artist, entrepreneur and community organizer who believes that North Minneapolis is a global center of talent. As Education and Community Engagement Coordinator at Lundstrum, Shane works directly with schools and area youth on arts programming, and partners with peer organizations and individuals in North Minneapolis and beyond. Shane is a former Lundstrum student who has performed professionally at the Guthrie, Chanhassen Dinner Theater and others. He also has an extensive career as a percussionist, performing for 10+ years in area bands, with his music featured on MTV and VH1. When not at Lundstrum, Shane writes and records music, and expands his knowledge through self-study.
Joan Grathwol Olson
Managing Director
Joan is a veteran fundraiser and administrator in the Twin Cities’ nonprofit community and has been working directly with Lundstrum since 2008 as a board member, consultant and now full-time Managing Director. Prior to Lundstrum, Joan worked in staff and consulting roles with nonprofits ranging from Minnesota Public Radio and VocalEssence to the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia), where she led the team that raised $100 Million for Mia’s 2009 expansion. She also has a long-time interest in working within organizations to recruit and mentor the next generation of diverse talent for the nonprofit sector. Joan is excited to amplify and extend Lundstrum’s mission and joyful culture.
Tyron Heavens
Executive Assistant to the Executive Director and Managing Director
Tyron provides scheduling and administrative support to Lundstrum’s Executive Team, and assists with community relations and customer service. Originally from St. Louis, MO, Tyron attended college in Chicago. He has worked in the Customer Service/Management industry as well as the event planning industry. Tyron attends North Minneapolis’ New Salem Missionary Baptist Church where he directs the Young Adult Choir and sings on the Praise Team. He loves supporting Lundstrum’s mission and helping to expand its impact.
Nicole Johnson
Marketing Coordinator and Communications
Nicole Johnson is the Marketing Coordinator. She is creative and detail-oriented and enjoys working on projects that utilize both those qualities. Her expertise in social media, website design, copywriting, and photography helps Lundstrum Performing Arts meet their goals. After attending Winona State University, she received a master’s in creative writing from University College Cork. Prior to joining Lundstrum, she worked as a marketing specialist at West Academic. Nicole being outdoors; she has hiked every state park in Minnesota. She enjoys walking her dog around trails in local parks and going with friends to craft breweries and distilleries in the Twin Cities. She loves learning new things, and especially loves photography.
David Walters
Director of Operations and Finance
David manages Lundstrum’s administrative operations, including finance, personnel and building operations. Joining the Lundstrum staff in May 2023, David is excited to combine his passion for the arts with his extensive business background. His experience includes retail and commercial property management, as well as founding and running the award-winning Minneapolis restaurant HauteDish from 2009-2017. David grew up in Northern Minnesota where his family owned and operated a fishing resort on Leech Lake. David loves food, travel, music, art and most of all friends, family and community.
Penne Post
Registrar
In her role as Registrar, Penne is a the first point of contact for Lundstrum classes, working with current and prospective students throughout all aspects of the registration process, from online inquiry to follow-up survey. After 20 years in educational book publishing, she is excited to have transitioned her skills to the nonprofit arts sector, while maintaining her commitment to the arts and education. Penne has a B.A. in Mass Communications from the University of Minnesota, and is excited to work with parents and students each session.
Jane Casserly McMonagle
Director of Dance
Jane serves as Director of Dance at Lundstrum Performing Arts, teaching ballet and musical theatre repertoire in the Conservatory program.
Christine Meyer
Director of Development
Christine Meyer is thrilled to join Lundstrum Performing Arts as Director of Development. Christine has extensive experience in non-profit leadership, fundraising, and program development in the Twin Cities, most recently as Founder of She Climbs Mountains, a local organization serving motherless daughters. As a former Lundstrum parent, Christine has experienced firsthand the impact of Lundstrum’s outstanding programming, and is excited to help further its mission and reach in North Minneapolis and across the Twin Cities.
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