Ana Treuil

Ana Treuil is a professional photographer in the Lafayette area. She has been servicing our community for 14 years. She is excited to share her knowledge and gifts with the students of CYT and looks forward to helping them build a foundation on the basic tools of photography.

Ashtyn Raxsdale

My name is Ashtyn Raxsdale, and I’m a 20 year old sophomore at UL majoring in Speech Pathology with a minor in Linguistics. I was in CYT for 8 years, and performed in 14 shows with both Lafayette and Vermillion. I’ve recently been in Mamma Mia and Hunchback with CCT. I’m so excited to teach my first class!

Celia Theriot

Celia Theriot is a CYT alum who is super thrilled to be a CYT teacher! Along with being in over 20 CYT shows, she recently was the co-choreographer for CYT’s G2K Cinderella, the stage manager for Matilda, co-choreographer for High School Musical and choreographer for Mary Poppins. Celia is also a dance graduate of 15 years at Delarue Dance Centre! She loves sharing her love for dance and theater with this generation of kids, and can’t wait to see them grow in their love of theatre!

Cheryl Sam Shelton

Cheryl Sam Shelton is a Theatre Instructor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette She received her BFA from UL and completed her studies with an MA in Theatre from Regent University. She is a professional actress with credits in film, television, and theatre. After graduating from UL, she worked as an acting coach giving lessons to both kids and adults. She also worked as an educator, teaching at various schools in Lafayette and Iberia Parishes. While a student at UL, Cheryl portrayed the roles of Snug in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Cassandra in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. She performed in community theatre as well, portraying Lena "Mama" Younger in A Raisin in the Sun and Granny and Cinderella's mother in Into the Woods. In 2020 she returned to UL as a Theatre alumna to perform the role of Beartrice Albans in The House that Will Not Stand. She's received several awards ranging from academic achievements to an IPAL Essie Award (Best Actress in a Dramatic Play for her work on A Raisin in the Sun) and a Rosie Award.

Christy Taylor

I have 23 years of teaching experience from elementary to middle school. My goal as an educator has always been to bring arts and movement into the classroom. Dance, movement, and visual arts make learning fun and come alive for children of all ages. I have trained at the Bernstein Arts Academy and also worked as an individual arts teacher for children. I work closely with community programs like ACA through their many PACE artist programs and grant programs. My son Christopher has recently begun attending CYT for his theater classes and has participated in the play Frozen as Sven and currently in The Addams Family Quarantined as Fester. We love CYT and the safe Christ-centered community it gives to our youth. I am excited to teach my first class this Spring Semester.

Derrick Millard

Derrick Lionel Millard II, graduated from Temple University with a BA in Theatre with a concentration in acting. He most recently performed in Theatre Horizon’s Philadelphia Regional Premiere of THE COLOR PURPLE, appearing as the PREACHER, BUSTER, GRADY, AND BOBBY amongst other ensemble roles which won a Barrymore Award for best ensemble. He has also been privileged to perform in several Philadelphia regional productions including “Death of a Salesman: at EgoPo Classic theatre, Moses: A Musical Retelling at John Graves Productions, and How to Kill A Child And A Demon by Donja R. Love. He is the founder of Dream L.ive Movement, a performing arts company that creates theatrical discourse on biblical and societal topics. His company’s productions include “The Visionary’s Journal”, “The Affirmation of Love” and The Fabric From Which We’ve Come. From 2016-2020 he was the Artistic Production Director at Spirit Of Faith Christian Center creating productions for more than 5,000 weekly attendees. Now he is the Creative/Worship Director for Lift City Church in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Isaiah Alexander

I am originally from Georgia. Graduated with a Bachelor's in Music Education from Shorter University in Rome, GA. I have had the pleasure in performing in a few productions in my college year such as Showboat, Death Takes a Holiday, Patience (The Duke of Dunstable), Tuck Everlasting, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (Schroeder), and Cinderella (Prince). I am super excited to get back into the theater and also excited to join this awesome team!

Jannah Gaspard

This is my fist session teaching with CYT, but I have 15 years of dance experience where I studied many different styles of dance such as Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, ect. I have choreographed multiple dances for Kaplan High's annual spring musicals, along with being head choreographer for Kaplan High's Theater Camp. I'm super excited to begin my CYT journey and share my craft with others.

Joni Hebert

Joni Milliman Hebert was born and raised in Erath, Louisiana. She still lives in her hometown with her husband Scott, daughter (Knoah), and their morkie puppy (Kash). Her daughter Kelbi and son-in-law Hayden are expecting twin boys in the spring. Joni is in her 17th year of teaching and has her Masters in Educational Leadership. Her involvement in CYT started 6 years ago as a volunteer when she registered her daughter for classes. Joni has been involved with theatre groups through her life in many different roles (Vermilion Players, Iberia Performing Arts League, Abbey Players, Cite de Arts, and CYT Vermilion). She is passionate about the arts and loves to see the growth in the students.

Joy Broussard

Mrs. Joy Broussard a native of Imperial PA, has lived in Louisiana for seventeen years. She has a Music Degree from Kentucky Christian University, and is currently teaching at Acadiana Christian School. Previously, she had been at Harvest Time Christian Academy for 16 years. She is a member of LMEA, ACDA, President of District III Sr. High Honor Choir activities, and the Fine Arts Cordinator for ACEL-Association of Christian Educators of Louisiana. She is the Area Coordinator for CYT Vermilion, and loves being a part of the CYT family

Kaedron Hall

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Kaedron moved to Lafayette in August of 2015. He is the Middle School vocal teacher at Ascension Episcopal School and a private vocal coach. Kaedron earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He went on to complete a Master of Music in conducting at Georgia State University. Kaedron is a passionate musician and educator, and loves being a member of the CYT family!

Kailey Wilkerson

My name is Kailey Wilkerson, I graduated from Cosmetology Training Center as a licensed cosmetologist. I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to teach this class! I have been wanting to teach a class since the day I graduated from CYT! I did the talented program for about 5 years, and I did CYT for about 4 years! Some of the shows that I was a part of include The HunchBack of NotreDame, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, Into the Woods, Newsies, Matilda and High school Musical! I’m excited to be a part of this organization! I can’t say thank you enough for giving me the chance to teach your kids to love the art of comedy and improv!

Lauren Keating

Lauren Keating is so excited to be back and teaching for the Spring Session! Lauren has been with the CYT family for 8 years teaching and helping with various productions and activities. Lauren began her CYT journey teaching both the Wiggles and Our Gang Classes for several years. She has previously directed Elf Jr., The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and most recently The Wizard of Oz. Lauren is an elementary school teacher and an active member and volunteer at her church the Bayou. Lauren loves teaching kids in any capacity and cannot wait to meet her new friends!!

Lydia Young

Born and raised in Acadiana, Lydia Young is a performer, teacher and choreographer. She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2016 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - dance concentration. During her college career, she was a member of Chi Tau Epsilon Dance Honor Society and Infinity Dance Group where she held a position as head choreographer for 2 years. Lydia’s training consists of ballet(Cecchetti & Vaganova), jazz, hip-hop, contemporary and modern(Horton, Duncan, Graham, Dunham, etc). She participated in a Horton Teacher Workshop by way of The Ailey School and is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique for junior, senior and advanced programs. In 2018 she started a dance business, In Motion Dance, that offers training and performance opportunities for community dancers. In Motion’s first professional concert made its debut in Spring 2021 showcasing several transdisciplinary artists. Lydia’s professional resume includes Beyoncé’s Lemonade Project, Walt Disney World, Essence Festival, and many more. Recently, she choreographed two pieces,Mustard SeedsandTwo Busy, for UL’s Spring 2022 concert, An Evening of Dance, and is contracted as a guest choreographer for the Fall 2022 concert, State of La Danse. Lydia is a master's student at Wilson College where she will earn an MFA in Dance Choreography in Fall 2024. In the future, Lydia plans to become a certified Dunham technique instructor and open a performing arts center that will cater to children and adults.

Maria Kimball

My name is Maria Kimball and I have been involved with CYT for 5 years through my daughter who began with ‪the Wiggles‬ at 5 years old. I have been a teacher in St. Landry Parish for 24 years with the last 15 years in Pre-K. I am looking forward to fostering the development of a lifelong love of music, theatre, and the arts through this class!

Maria Williams

Maria was born in Lafayette Louisiana, she has always had a love for the dramatics. She has been teaching for CYT for the last 9 years and has loved it more than anything else she has ever been a part of. Maria is a graduate from ULL with a bachelors degree in Spanish and Criminal justice. In 2017 she started a non profit to fight against human trafficking. She has been a music teacher for the last 19 years. She feels it is a beautiful opportunity to be able to teach children instruments and vocals, and then to watch them as they grow and develop in their skill.

Melissa Guest

Melissa Guest, a Georgia native, has been working with CYT Lafayette on shows and classes for the past 3 years. A graduate from ULL with a bachelor’s in General Studies, Melissa has always had a passion for the arts and loves getting to share this passion with so many talented kids and adults. She has been the CYT Lafayette improv coach since 2017, bringing a team of kids to compete at the CYT Improvathon, held during the CYT National Expo in San Diego; she’s optimistic that this year’s 2020 team, will be the best year yet! Melissa has been a part of several artistic teams including assistant director for Elf Jr., Shrek the Musical and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, director for Peter Pan: Broadway’s Timeless Musical, assistant for CCT’s Little Shop of Horrors, stage manager for Cinderella Jr, and director of CCT’s Mamma Mia. She has also made several stage appearances with CCT Lafayette in The Fantasticks, West Side Story, and Singing in the Rain as Miss Lina Lamont. Melissa is so excited to take on the task of bringing another CYT Lafayette improv team to Improvathon‬!

Mia Lucas

My name is Mia Lucas and I am a 20 year old Junior at UL Lafayette majoring In Biology. I have been performing on stage since the 6th grade and have been a part of over 25 productions with multiple companies including CYT, Abbey Players, KPAC, and The Looking Glass. I was involved in CYT for 6 years as a student and most of the time I couldn’t wait to teach a class of my own one day. I can’t wait to share what I know with my students!

Michaela Mallery-Orebeaux

Michelle Flott

I’m a homeschooling mom to 4 kids between the ages of 12 & 7. I’ve been a “CYT mom” for 8 years since my oldest started CYT classes in Lafayette at age 4. I have a bachelor's degree from UL Lafayette in Child & Family Studies and a Children's Ministry degree from Christ for the Nations in Dallas, TX. I'm the owner of Happy Little Trees Acadiana which offers art classes and parties for kids. This will be my 3rd session teaching the 4-7 year olds in Vermilion. I have so much fun with this age group and I'm looking forward to another great session!

Nebu Halliburton

Nebu is a Lafayette native and skilled singer who loves to entertain the masses. She has always had a love for Music even while being very young. Things were put in perspective for her in first grade, when one of her classmates told her while playing on the swings that she sounded just like the radio. She absolutely loved singing but was a bit shy. She later met her mentor and great friend Chiquita Griffin, who introduced her to Choir and harmonizing. Nebu began leading songs and really blossomed as a singer under her mentor's wing. She studied Music Education with a concentration in vocals at ULL. She also studied Theater as well. As an adult she has opened up for acts such as Ginuwine, Avant, Bruh Man and Jon B. She was also a contestant on BET's syndicated singing show "Sunday's Best" and made it to the third round. She can currently be seen around the Louisiana area showcasing her vocal ability with her band The "Heavy Hittaz" and is working on her album titled "Nebula."

Renee Barry

Renee is thrilled to be a new member of the CYT family! Renee recently moved back to her hometown of Lafayette after spending eight years studying comedy in Chicago, IL. While in Chicago, Renee rose through the ranks at the prestigious comedy institution, The Second City. After graduating from their Conservatory program, Renee was added to the Second City HouseCo team Twisty. Renee wrote and performed sketch comedy at The Second City in such productions as Thank You Five, Ready Player: Won, and 1984-Play. She also studied long-form improv comedy at the iO Theater, and performed on the iO Harold Team St. Gen’s. Renee hopes to use her comedy knowledge to teach CYT students how to find their comedic voice, gain confidence in their writing and performing skills, and most importantly HAVE FUN!

Rylie Denais

I am currently taking classes at LSUE, where I will be majoring in Elementary Education! I found my love for teaching at a little dance studio in Maurice, called Dance With Liz. There, I studied and practiced Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Hip Hop for 15 years. And I have been teaching at CYT for five years and haven't looked back since. I have truly been blessed to grow up in CYT and teach my own dance classes, as well as, direct, choreograph, and assistant direct shows at CYT! It's more than younger me could have ever hoped or dreamed for, as a dancer! I am so excited to share my dance experience and journey with others!

Samantha Lasater

My name is Samantha Lasater. I am 21 years old, and I attend UL where I major in Organizational Communications. I have been involved with CYT for 8 years. I used to love going to my acting class at CYT every week. It gave me a safe place to use my emotions to grow in my skills. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to create that same safe space for others to grow.

Theresa Kate Cavell

Theresa Cavell has been a vocal performer since 1st grade, starting in school choir. She also was a part of the St. Francis Xavier show choir from 1st to 5th grade. She has appeared in both Annie and Les Misérables, and Hairspray. She competed with the Louisiana State Interact placing 1st 3 times. Theresa is a part of Our Lady Queen of Angels Church choir. She was a member of the UVA Glee club/show choir, ULL vocal arts camp, and was an active member of the St. Landry Interact Rotary Club, and the St. Landry Youth Leadership Council. She is currently pursuing a BFA in Musical Theater and a minor in English Literature.

Trevor Menard

Trevor is a CYT alumni now teacher/director who has been with the organization for almost 10 years! He has performed in multiple CYT/CCT shows, along with shows at IPAL and AUI! He assistant directed The Lion King Jr and Matilda with CYT, and recently directed Into the Woods. Theater has been Trevor’s passion since he was 5 years old, and he loves that he now gets to share his passion with the next generation of thespians! “Don’t be afraid to be different…be afraid to be just like everyone else.”

Vanessa Lomas

Vanessa is a Board Certified Music Therapist in Lafayette, Louisiana. She owns TheraCare Music Therapy LLC where she engages clients from infants to adults with physical, mental health, emotional, social, and academic needs in music based activities. She graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Music Therapy from William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and a Masters Degree in Music Therapy from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. She serves as secretary on the board of directors for the Autism Society of Acadiana and on the Children's Church Leadership team at Pathway Church.

Wendy Lantz

Wendy has been involved with CYT for the past 4 years through her children. She is the mother of 6 children, whom she has homeschooled, and has over 18 years of teaching experience.  In addition to teaching her children at home, she is a travel planner/consultant, and not only loves helping other families make memories; but enjoys adventuring and exploring through travel with her family.  She has over 30 years of experience sewing, has been helping CYT with costumes for the last few years, and is excited to take on a new adventure teaching all aspects of costuming!