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/they) 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.
Social Media & Marketing Manager
Ash Mulholland
Ash (she/her) has been part of Pink Umbrella Theater since 2019. She is mostly recognized for her involvement in Pink Umbrella's productions including SHINE/Remount (Pickle), Kaleidoscope (Ruthie), and Portraits (Ellen). When she's not on-stage performing, Ash takes pleasure in costume designing during the Annual Pink Party, and most recently in Pink Umbrella's adaptation of A Christmas Carol and the Summer Staged Reading of It's About Time Summer in 2025. Ash has been involved in the social media platform since SHINE/Remount (2023) so more of our favorite humans can see more of Pink's productions and awesome events. She would like to thank Katie and Rebekah for allowing her to expand her creativity and helping spread the word of the wonderful things about Pink Umbrella Theater.
Office Manager
Chloe Wong
Chloe Wong (she/her/hers) is the Senior Assistant Director for Student Engagement at Santa Clara University and Production & Human Resources 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, bakes, and explores the outdoors.
2025 - 2026 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 Band's Visit (TheatreSquared/Writers Theatre) and The Lord of the Rings (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre/Civic Theatre - Auckland), and Come From Away (Paramount Theatre). Adam is the founder and creator of Button Podcasts, an audio fiction podcast company. adamqutaishat.com
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.
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
Chris Reibel
Chris has been a student for a number of years with Pink Umbrella, and he is excited to step into the Teaching Assistant role.
Artistic Ally
Ajah McAlister
Ajah McAlister is a creative and compassionate 17-year-old with a love for expression and connection. She finds joy in watching musicals, where storytelling meets song, and often unwinds by listening to music that inspires her. Artistic at heart, she enjoys arts and crafts, using her hands and imagination to bring ideas to life. Beyond her creative pursuits, Ajah has a genuine passion for helping others, always striving to make a positive difference in the lives of those around her. With a kind spirit and artistic soul, Ajah is ready to shape a better future for all.
Artistic Ally
Ali Meisinger
This fall marks Ali’s 4th year working with PInk Umbrella Theater! Some of her past performances at Pink Umbrella include "Kaleidoscope" (2023) as Yara, "Portraits" (2024) as Pen, and "It's About Time" (2025) as Abbie, and "In the Spotlight" (2025) as part of Pink Umbrella's inaugural Disability Theater Cohort. Ali is a current student at Edgewood University studying Theater Arts Education. She can’t wait for more fabulous opportunities at Pink!! And to continue creating accessible theater for all people!
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
Emily Burhani
Emily is super excited for her first year joining Pink Umbrella! She is a proud Kenosha Wisconsin based actor and filmmaker. During the week she is an assistant professor at the Matthias Academy, an adult day program based in Bristol. She graduated from the University of Nebraska Wesleyan in 2021 with a BFA in acting.
Teaching Artist
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 Skylight Music Theatre as a member of their education team. 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, Artistic Ally
Giana Bultman
Giana Bultman is a director, choreographer and teaching artist from Orlando, FL. As a Theatre for Young Audiences professional and advocate for all voices, Giana strives to empower students through theatre that challenges them artistically, fosters justice and inclusion, and cultivates artistic agency. Giana holds an MFA in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities from The University of Texas at Austin. She has worked professionally for Children's Theater of Madison, Pink Umbrella Theater Company, ZACH Theater, First Stage and the Orlando Family Stage. She is excited to be back under the umbrella!
Teaching Assistant
Jonathan Neustifter
Jonathan Neustifter is filled with gratitude to be a part of Pink Umbrella as part of its teaching staff! Having performed in various shows at First Stage Children’s Theater, Racine Theater Guild, and most recently at the Bristol Renaissance Faire, Jonathan brings a wealth of experience to their teaching, alongside a consistent enthusiasm to work with those who are eager to learn and thrive in a theatrical setting. Having been a member of Pink Umbrella for roughly four years already, Jonathan hopes to work with Pink for many years to come!
Teaching Assistant
Kaitlyn Kropidlowski
Kaitlyn is coming in for her first year at Pink Umbrella! She has been a performer for almost 20 years in various community theatre productions, both onstage and backstage. She is a board member for Washington County Theatre Works. She also has a passion for working with persons with disabilities, working both as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and currently as a Job Coach! She is excited to meld her two biggest passions together with Pink Umbrella!
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 Artist, Artistic Ally
Lizzy Strange
Lizzy Strange (she/her) is a teaching artist based in Milwaukee, WI, and has had the privilege of being part of the Pink Umbrella team since 2023. She is a graduate of UW-Milwaukee with a degree in Theatre Education and has the incredible opportunity to work with various theaters around the Milwaukee area. When she is not teaching, Lizzy enjoys visiting with her friends and family, taking care of her plants, and dancing to her favorite music.
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
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 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!
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.
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.
Artistic Ally
Tyler Coffey
Tyler (He/Him) is a theatre artist with a special interest in acting and directing, but always desires to learn something new and has filled many roles. He is a UW-Parkside alumni with a B.A. in Theatre Arts and B.S. in Psychology. Outside of theatre, he has experience in a variety of caregiver roles and would rather be called “Cheerleader” because encouraging others to pursue their goals and be themselves is his favorite task. Thankful to be back with Pink Umbrella, he continues the pursuit of creating beautiful art where no story is left untold.
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 graduated in May with an MA in English at James Madison University and is currently getting her teaching license. 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.
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.
Recent Teaching Team (2024-2025)
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
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.
Teaching Assistant
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 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
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!
Teaching Artist
Amanda Marquadt
Amanda Marquadt 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 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 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!
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 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
James Fletcher
Fletcher is a theatre artist that has worn many different hats over the years: actor, director, playwright, producer, teacher, and fight choreographer. He's pleased to be rejoining Pink Umbrella and supporting their venture.
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. Jess is also a proud recipient of the 2024 Dance Chance award and is co-producing another EXPLORATION show in 2025.
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.
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.
Artistic Ally
Morgan Tillisch
Morgan Tillisch (any pronouns) is so excited to be working alongside all the wonderful people at Pink Umbrella! She is an illustrator and published author of the social story “I Can Share My Toys.”
They love working with theater and being an advocate for the disabled community. When she is not drawing or painting, Morgan can be found reading, biking, or petting her cats.
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 Artist
Thomas Cauley
Thom is thrilled and honored to be welcomed into the Pink Umbrella Family. He has had to opportunity to stretch his craft in many directions. From performing everything from Musical theatre to Classics, to the experimental with so many wonderful companies (Forte, Bombshell, Outskirts, Quasimondo, Skylight, Present Music just to name a few). Being a dance educator with organizations like Danceworks as well as working as a choreographer. He revels in the chance to help others even a little bit in their creative/performance journey with a group such as Pink Umbrella.