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!
Administrative Manager
Chloe Wong
Chloe Wong (she/her/hers) is a recent graduate of Santa Clara University (SCU) with a major in Anthropology and a minor in Environmental Studies. While she aims to be a forensic anthropologist, Chloe currently serves as the Senior Assistant Director for Student Engagement at SCU and Assistant Production Manager at Original Cream Puffs, in addition to working at Pink Umbrella. Chloe has previously been the Youth Climate Action Team National Chief of Staff, a chess coach, viola tutor, and SCU Community Facilitator.
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.
Teaching Artist, Community Teacher, Porch Play Coordinator
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.
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.
2023-2024 Team
Porch Play Artist
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.
Teaching Artist, Community Teacher
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.
Community Teacher
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.
Artistic Ally
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.
Artistic Ally
Ali Meisinger
This is Ali’s second year working with Pink Umbrella Theater Company! She was previously in Pink Umbrella’s production of Kaleidoscope and she played Yara. Some of her other theater credits include High school musicals, middle school shows, and elementary school shows, plus First Stage! She is extremely grateful for what Pink Umbrella has to offer for her! And hopes to create more awesome memories and create Accessible theater for all people!
Porch Play Artist, 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
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.
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 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!
Porch Play Artist
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.
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!
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.
Community Teacher
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
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
Olivia 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.
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, 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 was a singer and was part of the long-form improv team, Iceberg Improv. Sarah is also an alumna of First Stage and a former Young Performer. Sarah believes that theater has the power to change lives.
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 Assistant
Debbie Das
Debbie Das is a Speech-Language Pathology graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh. She holds a B.S. from Purdue University in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and minors in Theater and Critical Disability Studies. Back home, she works for an agency assisting people with all abilities in recreational activities. She 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
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
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 Artist
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, 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 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 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 First Stage, Danceworks, The Wisconsin Dance Council, The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, The Virginia State Thespian Conference, and more.
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.
Recent Teaching Team (2022-2023)
Teaching Artist
Adam Qutaishat
Adam Qutaishat is a theatre artist, teacher, and advocate based in Milwaukee. 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 Midwest, runs a voice and acting studio, Q Music, serves as Associate Artistic Director for Music Theatre of Madison, Artistic Associate for All In Productions, and as the founder and creator of Button Podcasts, an audio fiction podcast company. adamqutaishat.com
Teaching Assistant
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 Artist
James Fletcher
Fletcher is a theatre professional that has plied his trade in Milwaukee for over thirty years. He is the Artistic Director of The Bunny Gumbo Theatre Co. which he founded in 1999. In addition to acting, he also directs, designs fights for the stage, teaches at all levels and writes plays. Some of his works include Give Until It Hurts, Losers, Blue Stella, The House of Silence, Sweet Dreams and The Four Hamlets. Fletcher is passionate about the fact that theatre, and art in general, has the power to transform.
Teaching Assistant
Phoebe Troeller
Phoebe Troeller is studying Public Health at UW-Milwaukee and hopes to pursue a MPH in epidemiology. Phoebe is a board member of the Public Health Graduate Student Association at the Zilber School of Public Health, and volunteers at the City on a Hill free clinic. Phoebe began acting, dancing, and playing violin in elementary school. She is an alum of First Stage Theater Academy and has experience in multiple styles of dance, including competitive Irish dance. Phoebe enjoys playing with her dogs, cooking, and watching Disney movies.
Teaching Assistant
Sam Mulvey
Sam Mulvey is currently an undergraduate at UW-Milwaukee. He has greatly benefited from theater education throughout his life. Primarily First Stage and several of its programs including its improv group Organized Chaos and Young Company. He has acted in several plays and has had the pleasure of volunteering for First Stage and Pink Umbrella before.
Teaching Artist
Brenna DeGraff
Brenna is delighted to be a contributing teaching artist with Pink Umbrella Theater Company! Brenna is an advocate for accessibility and inclusion, and has experience as a program director, teacher, yoga instructor, and care provider within the Disability Community. She currently serves as Program Administrator for Living Our Visions Inclusively (LOV Inc.), a Wisconsin nonprofit that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to unite and live their best lives. In all of her work, Brenna strives to cultivate clarity, compassion, and connection.
Teaching Assistant
Hannah Kunce
Hannah is a recent graduate from The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a BFA in Musical Theatre and minors in Music and Dance. Some of her past show credits include Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun, Working the Musical, Trish in Bonnie and Clyde, dancer in Summer 2019 Dancemakers, Helen/Sara Klock in Invader I Hardly Know Her, and ensemble and Judy understudy in 9 to 5. Long term, Hannah would like to return to school to study psychology so she can begin a practice of music and theatre therapy.
Teaching Assistant
Kaela Branch
Kaela is a current student at Concordia University Wisconsin for Special Education with a minor in Social Work. Kaela is passionate about serving and creating healthy relationships with children. When Kaela is not working, she is doing self-care or finding new passions. Kaela plans to create an experience for children that is a core memory in their journey in the drama world.
Teaching Assistant
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 Artist
Tyler Coffey
Tyler is a graduate from UW-Parkside, earning a B.A. in Theatre Arts and B.S. in Psychology. Tyler has a passion for both acting and directing; his most recent project was directing A Number by Caryl Churchill at UW-Parkside. He is an advocate for inclusivity and believes theatre is a place of transformation for all. When he’s not in the rehearsal room, Tyler works in a short-term crisis stabilization group home. He plans to gain his professional counseling license and to incorporate drama therapy techniques into his practices.