CVPA faculty

  • Gabriel Celeste is currently the Graphic Designer for the College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University

  • Victoria Ellison (Tori Ellison) is a mixed-media artist who creates prints, paintings, sculpture, and installation art. A MacDowell Colony, Virginia Center for Creative Arts, Blue Mountain, Women’s Studio Workshop, Jentel and Brushcreek Foundation fellow...

  • Juana Medina is the author and illustrator of multiple children’s books, including the chapter book series Juana & Lucas, winner of the prestigious Pura Belpré Award and two International Latino Book Awards. The New York Times says of Juana & Lucas “Medina’s beautiful, vivid prose conjures the Colombian setting with tactile language… the story itself is a giant hug.”

  • Joshua Emswiller is the Operation Manager and Senior Instructor for the Mason Game & Technology Academy

  • Dr. Kanako Chikami, a native of Japan, is thrilled to be an adjunct percussion faculty member for the Dewberry School of Music of George Mason University.

  • With a Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry from Minnesota State University — Moorhead and a Graduate Certificate in Arts Management from George Mason University, Matt has enjoyed a varied and well-rounded career including dancer, choreographer, dance instructor, booking agent, art gallery sales, marketer, program manager, event coordinator, grant writer and more.

  • Alaina graduated Magna Cum Laude from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater in 2012. Having previously worked with Mason Community Arts Academy as Coordinator of Private Music Lessons, Alaina now joins us as Coordinator of Programs & Registration supporting MCAA’s year-round classes and summer programming.

  • Kaity graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater in 2011 and a Master of Arts in Arts Management in 2019. Kaity has been a part of the Acting for Young People team since 2008, working as a Teaching Artist in after-school, summer camp, and showcase programs, and as the resident stage manager for all of AFYP’s educational and touring productions.

  • Morgan serves as Coordinator of Private Music Lessons at Mason Community Arts Academy. With a background in arts management, music & audio engineering, and arts operations, she has held many diverse roles within the arts.

  • Dr. Samantha Clarke, conductor and flutist, is a Long Island native of East Rockaway, New York. She has a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree in conducting fron George Mason University.