Staff

Current Staff Members:

Stephanie Orr

Interim Executive Director & Co-Founder of CYT North Idaho
Stephanie began working for CYT in 1999, as an assistant to the Area Coordinator at CYT Spokane.  Through the next twelve years, she worked in varying capacities in the CYT organization – Teacher, Director, Office Manager, and Managing Director.  She was honored to be part of the founding board of CYT North Idaho, where she worked as Managing Director and started directing productions (Tom Sawyer, Annie).  Currently, Stephanie lives in Spokane while working as Artistic Director at a children’s theater in Canada.

Chelsea LeValley

Artistic Director
With over a decade of professional career experience as an actor, director, educator, programs and events manager, Chelsea is thrilled to bring her passion and expertise to CYT North Idaho. Prior to moving to CDA, she completed a 1- year contract on the Broadway National Tour of Come From Away. She has played over 40 professional on-stage roles and along the way found a passion in directing primarily youth-led productions. In addition to her work as a professional actor and director, she developed a dramatic arts program for a Seattle-based research organization, foundry10— growing its impact in the community, cultivating innovative student-led programs, training teachers and teaching artists, developing partnerships with artists and schools, producing and directing shows for the students, and speaking at national and international conferences on the research and impact the programs had on foundry10. She holds a BFA in Music Theater from Elon University with a minor in Leadership Studies. She has earned Certificates from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Seattle Children’s Theater Apprenticeship, and The Washington State Teaching Artist Training Lab. Originally from the Midwest, her work as an actor/director/trainer for Missoula Children’s Theater lead her to the PNW and set the stage for the next fifteen years of professional work that includes nearly ten thousand hours in the classroom as a teaching artist for theaters and groups in the Seattle area. Additional experience includes her work as the Events Manager and Marketing Manager where she worked on highly successful fundraising campaigns. Chelsea is passionate about servant leadership, growth-management, student-voice, fostering authentic connection and relationships in the community, and at the core of it all, helping young artists to develop foundational and transferable skills and characteristics for both theater and life. For more on her professional credits please visit: www.chelsealevalley.com. Jeremiah 29:11.

Julie DuPuis

Show Coordinator
Julie has been involved with CYT since 2008! With a passion for nurturing young talent and fostering a love for performing arts, Julie has played a pivotal role in orchestrating classes and productions that captivate audiences and inspire participants alike. Julie's journey with CYT spans over a decade, during which she has witnessed the transformative power of theater in the lives of countless individuals, including her own family. Her deep-rooted connection to CYT goes beyond her staff duties; it is a testament to her personal investment in the organization and its mission. As a mother whose children have grown up within the CYT community, Julie understands firsthand the profound impact it can have on young hearts and minds. Julie's love for CYT extends beyond the stage; it encompasses the vibrant network of families and supporters who share her passion for theater and youth development.

Natalie Mangis

Class Coordinator
My children fell in love with CYT at a school day show, and we have been part of this wonderful program ever since. I am a mom of five and live in Post Falls with my family. I have been a teacher for over 20 years and am currently an online educator. I also enjoy sewing and being a member of the costume team for CYT!

Jaelyn Young

Lite Show Coordinator
Jaelyn is a recent graduate from CYT North Idaho. She has been a part of this program since she was 10 years old. CYT has always been a super important part of her life and she has made lifelong friends here! She is so excited to be able to introduce the new generation of CYT to the art of theatre. Jaelyn is currently a full time student at North Idaho College studying dental hygiene. She is so thankful for this opportunity and super excited to get started!

Rachel Jackson

Admin/Outreach Coordinator
Rachel Jackson is excited to be part of the CYT North Idaho team! She recently relocated from San Diego, where she worked as a music teacher and theater director. Rachel grew up immersed in theater and choir, which sparked her enduring passion for the performing arts. CYT also holds a special place in her heart as she performed in her first CYT San Diego show at eight years old and continued participating in theater throughout her school years. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Point Loma Nazarene University, followed by a Master’s Degree in Education and a Teaching Credential from Azusa Pacific University. Rachel then worked as a music teacher at Coastal Academy where she taught students in kindergarten through eighth grade and led the musical theater program. She is thrilled to bring her love for the arts, along with her organizational skills and teaching experience, to support the team at CYT North Idaho. Rachel is honored to contribute to a program that fosters creativity, builds character, and encourages the use of our gifts for God’s glory.

Joy Preston

Community Liaison
Joy's CYT journey began in 2010 when her oldest daughter auditioned for her first show and was cast as a seahorse in The Little Mermaid. Since then, five of her six children have been part of the program, growing both on stage and off through the positive influence of the CYT community. Joy grew up in a musical family and has always enjoyed singing and playing the clarinet, first stepping on stage at the age of two. More recently, she has had the honor of participating in a few local theater productions, including CCT shows, and currently plays with the NIC wind ensemble. To Joy, CYT has always felt like a second family, and she is grateful for the opportunity to now serve on staff, supporting a sense of connection and belonging. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology focused on human services and a certificate in pastoral care, she brings a heart for people to her work. Joy feels deeply blessed by all that CYT has poured into her family and is grateful to give back to a community that has been such an important part of their lives.

Jinny Turnbull

Website/Playbill
Jinny has been a part of CYT since Fall 2011 when her youngest daughter decided to give up her beloved travelling baseball for a “life” on the stage, and has never looked back. At 16, Jinny's oldest daughter took on her parent committee responsibilities since she had her small son at home. Jinny started as the Class Coordinator in Fall 2016 and then on to administrative tasks two years later with that expanding over the years to include a wide range of duties. Her youngest two children have gone through the program with many, many friends made. Her oldest, as well as her youngest daughter, served together as Co-Production Team members for Hair and Makeup and now her youngest daughter has been a camp counselor and teaches Musical Theater classes. When he's not performing, her youngest child (now graduated from CYT) plays percussion for CYT and other local theatre live bands, as well as occassionally joining the cast.

Julie Hunt

Accountant
Julie Hunt began her journey with CYT North Idaho when her daughter wanted to audition for the first show, a tour group of A Christmas Carol. They only had one other boy audition and were worried whether they could actually make this first show a reality. She brought her two boys and CYTNI has been a staple in our community ever since. For two of her kids, the performing bug has never left. Julie was the bookkeeper from 2008 to 2013 and then again beginning in 2017. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting and is a retired CPA. She also is a Certified Biofeedback Specialist and helps people manage stress.