Current Staff Members:
Dawn Simmons
Executive Managing Director
Our family found CYT upon moving to the area in Fall 2021. From day one, we felt welcomed. What struck us first was the friendliness of the kids and families. Our teenage son was cast in a show, immediately made friends, and we’ve been involved ever since. We witnessed the CYT mission and values at work and the impact CYT has on the community.
My background is in performing arts and business. At the University of Colorado, I was a double major in Music Voice Performance and Business Marketing. Upon graduation, contracts on cruise ships and Equity musical tours led to around the world travel. Upon return to land, the entertainment world collided with my love for business and I became a long time Fortune 500 Corporate speaker, and entrepreneur —starting a personal real estate investment company and inventing a holiday product which was successfully sold to a US Corporation in 2019.
Theater and business are passions, but what I love most is people. CYT people are awesome! I’m honored for the opportunity to serve in this position.
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.
Paul Swofford
Education Coordinator
There are moments in our lives that will forever change us and, for me, that is the theatre. I first began my theatre journey in 1997 taking my love for actors such as Doris Day and Danny Kaye and channeling that into my first high school production of The Lion the Witch and Wardrobe. As the Centaur I proudly glued hair to my body and proclaimed my single line, “Aslan has come!” My time on the stage was love at first tap shoe and though I was never a frontrunner, I have passionately worked as a supporter and advocate for the arts for over 25 years.
I received my degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Literacy where I specialize in working with emergent readers and students with disabilities. I am also the author of the children's book series, “The Misadventures of Basil Brownfoot.” Among my many different roles as a local educator I have taught theatre in middle school, served as a mentor for local productions offering support as needed and have been a regular judge for district and state drama in the CDA school district. I was also a co-founder of Kootenai County’s first improv team.
As an educator I believe that true learning comes from cultivating an environment of support, communication and compassion. I am honored to be a part of the CYT family and can’t wait to meet all of our amazing students and families.
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.
Jinny Turnbull
Office Administrator/Registrar/Box Office Manager
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 there was still a small child 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, are still involved together as Co-Production Team members for Hair and Makeup.
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.