Rachel Ribeiro
Executive Director
Rachel was named Executive Director of New Mexico Young Actors in December of 2022, and has worked for NMYA since 2015. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English from Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts, and a Master’s degree in Teaching English from New Mexico State University.
As a teacher of reading, writing, and theater, Rachel has worked with children for over two decades, and her work has always focused on “the three Rs”: Relationships, Rigor, and Relevance. Her own passion for the performing arts was first nurtured as a child with church, school, and community theater productions. As an adult, she has performed comedy improv with The Sweaty-Toothed Madmen (Wenham, MA) and community theater with the No Strings Theatre Company (Las Cruces, NM). When she first began directing youth theater in 2010, she instantly recognized it as uniquely satisfying and engaging work. It combines her love of working with children with her belief in the importance of being fully present in the moment.
Under her leadership, NMYA has shown remarkable growth and vitality: In June of 2023, she launched the NMYA Summer Shakespeare Fest, with the third 3rd festival in the works for the summer of 2025. In the fall of 2024, NMYA expanded its age range to include classes for younger children, with a play-based program for 5-8 year olds. Annual student enrollment in NMYA has increased by 33% since 2022, allowing us to add two additional touring productions each school year. She continues to focus on growing NMYA’s impact as a local leader in arts education, and aspires to lead NMYA with an emphasis on excellence in everything we do.
In her free time, Rachel loves to read fiction, sing in church, bike in the Rio Grande bosque, snorkel the Caribbean, hike in the Sandias and Manzanos, and cook good food for her family. As Executive Director of New Mexico Young Actors, her door is always open. The very best part of the job, she says, is growing relationships with all of the young actors and their families.
Shirley Panek
Teaching Artist
A recent transplant to Albuquerque from Maryland, Shirley is excited to be part of the New Mexico Young Actors family. While in Maryland, she was primarily involved with the Colonial Players of Annapolis; treading the boards and serving on the Board of Directors for 8 years as HR Director and then President. Backstage credits include: Lighting Designer, Stage Manager, Producer, Assistant Director, and Director. Favorite onstage roles include: Lucia Amory (Black Coffee), Kaye (Dog Logic), Laura Warwick (The Unexpected Guest), and Margie Walsh (Good People).
She loves working with NMYA’s young actors and helping bring the best of themselves to stage.
Cash Martinez
Teaching Artist
Cash is thrilled to be working with NMYA—the very place where his love for theater first began at age 9. Passionate about teaching and inspiring the next generation of artists, Cash brings a strong foundation in both performance and direction.
As a local ABQ performer, he has appeared in Next to Normal as Gabe (The Desert Rose Playhouse), CLUE: On Stage as Wadsworth (Hold the Applause Productions), and Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley as Arthur (The Adobe Theater).
Beyond acting, Cash has music directed Mary Poppins JR with Hold the Applause Productions and directed one-acts including Dinner with the MacGuffins.
He is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration at the University of New Mexico. Outside of school and theater, Cash works as a barista at Starbucks and enjoys singing, cooking, playing piano, and spending time with loved ones.
Lisa Fenstermacher
Teaching Artist
Inspired by her experiences as a child performer with Albuquerque Children’s Theatre, Lisa earned a BFA in Theatre Education with a Minor in Special Education from UNM. As an actor, she has performed with the Vortex Theatre, Desert Rose Playhouse, Aux Dog Theatre, Fusion Theatre Company, Musical Theatre Southwest, as well as film acting with Siren 13 Media.
She has collaborated as a teaching artist in the Albuquerque community for 30 years including UNM Children’s Theatre Program, Play Conservatory, The Growing Stage, Aux Dog Children’s Theatre Company, but most notably with NMYA founder Rick Nickerson who hired her to house manage the KiMo Theatre, which she has been cheerfully doing for 20 years.
She is currently the Director of the Drama Department for Cottonwood School in Corrales. Lisa has formed a magical approach to children’s theater involving her rich roots in storytelling, puppetry, and creative movement, ensuring that every child experiences the joy of self-expression with an emphasis on the importance of play. She encourages children to discover that we all have stories to tell, and Storybook Theater or Young Players is the perfect place to begin
Carlos Antonio Baca
Resident Music Director
Carlos rejoined the NMYA team as Music Director in the Fall 2024. He has been teaching in New Mexico schools for five years and has been directing music in churches for over a decade. While teaching he has taught almost every kind of music class out there from elementary music to conducting full fledged performances at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, South Broadway Cultural Center, and the KiMo Theater.
Carlos has taken pride in developing programs of all kinds and sometimes tripling their size in just a few years’ time. Carlos studied Music Education at the University of New Mexico (2015-2019). He has wanted to do nothing more than to bring music to life on stage and to have others join him for the journey.
Carlos’s mission is to bring unparalleled music education and vocal development within these young actors for many years to come.
Michelle Eiland
Resident Choreographer
Michelle began training in dance at the age of two, holding three cumulative decades of experience. She is trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, Celtic, Latin dance, and character movement. She performs, choreographs, teaches, and assists for many theaters and companies in town.
In addition to performing, Michelle loves both teaching and learning and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Spanish, as well as a Dual License in Special and General Education, K-12. She teaches Spanish to grades 8-12 at The Public Academy for Performing Arts (PAPA). She also has professional and academic experience with Portuguese and American Sign Language. Michelle is dedicated to accessibility and equity of education. She is a childhood cancer survivor and celebrates diversity through her work.
In her spare time, Michelle runs the non-profit “Find Your Light”. She is honored to have roots in such a deeply devoted arts community here in The Land of Enchantment.
Hanna Hawson
Drama I Instructor
Hanna Hawson has been with New Mexico Young Actors since she was 8 years old and has done a total of 12 shows with the company. Her most notable roles include Annie in Annie Jr., Alice in Alice and Wonderland Jr., the Genie in Aladdin Jr., and Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast Jr. In addition to NMYA, Hanna has also had countless community theater as well as professional theater experiences.
When she isn’t performing, Hanna enjoys doing art, playing video games, staying active, and spending time with and taking care of animals.
She is delighted to make her return to NMYA as a Drama I instructor.
Jeff Mocho
Drama I Instructor
Jeff has taught Drama I with NMYA since 2022. An actor by training, he has discovered a love for teaching and directing through his time here at NMYA. He is a driving instructor with McGinnis School of Driving, and enjoys making the roads of Albuquerque safer, one student at a time.
Other passions include skiing, riding bicycles, and learning to play guitar. His first experience on stage was at four years old when he played Sorrow in Madam Butterfly, and theater has remained a part of his life ever since.
He worked as a performing teacher with Interact Story Theater, where he and another actor traveled around the Maryland-DC metro area bringing the joy of theater to grade school audiences through performances and theater-based workshops.
He has been seen on stage as well as TV and film. Favorite theater roles include: Len Hoch (Book of Days), Michael Starkwedder (The Unexpected Guest), and The Reverend (The Foreigner).
Alex Harden
Theater Class Instructor
A passionate drama instructor with a vibrant background in theater and music, Alex has dedicated himself to shaping young minds and nurturing talent. After graduating from the University of New Mexico in 2018 with a degree in Business Administration and a Minor in Music, Alex furthered his commitment to education by earning his teaching license through the Alternative Teacher Licensure Program at CNM in 2022.
Now in his fifth year as a middle school drama teacher with Albuquerque Public Schools, he draws from 16 years of rich acting and singing experience to create an inspiring and dynamic classroom environment.As a drama teacher, his mission is clear: to inspire, guide, and cultivate the next generation of performers, leaving a lasting impact on every student he teaches.
As an accomplished performer, Alex has graced the stages of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, portraying unforgettable characters such as Nigel Bottom in Something Rotten, Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre, and Motel Kamzoil in Fiddler on the Roof. His talents have taken him to prestigious venues like Popejoy Hall, Carnegie Hall, and the Santa Fe Opera.
Beyond the spotlight, Alex actively contributes to the local theater scene, lending his expertise as a music director to productions with Devon Frieder Productions and The Cardboard Playhouse.
Aba Ortiz
Costume Designer
Aba is a New Mexico native and has lived in both Albuquerque and Las Vegas, NM. He started sewing when he was five. He would sit next to his mother while she sewed costumes for their family’s annual Christmas show, sister’s dance recitals, or just making clothes for their family. He currently works at Alterations by Kathy, where he continues to learn the art of tailoring and custom alterations.
Aba joined NMYA in 2023 and loves being part of the NMYA family. In addition to designing the costumes for all of the NMYA musicals, he also spearheads the summer Costume and Prop Design Workshop, training the next generation of textile designers.
Kathy Gomez
Costume Designer
Kathy is an Albuquerque native, and the proprietor of Alterations by Kathy for over 30 years. In addition to tailoring and alterations, she also designs bespoke costumes for several film, production, and theater companies. She is known for her artistry and attention to detail.
Kathy has been designing costumes with NMYA since January of 2023.
Elias Arredondo
Costume Designer
Elias got his start at NMYA as an assistant costume designer. He loves being part of a team that helps bring characters to life on stage through clothing and creativity. Whether it’s sewing on last-minute buttons or researching historical styles, Elias enjoys the behind-the-scenes magic that makes theater happen. He’s excited to keep learning and growing with every show.
Outside of NMYA, he is pursuing a degree in Biochemistry from the University of New Mexico.
Carol Mayberry-Sanchez
Rehearsal Accompanist
Musician
Carol’s world has been filled with music – playing by ear and beginning piano lessons at age three. A Colorado native raised on a dairy farm, she credits her diverse musical tastes to listening to the barn radio as a kid while doing chores and absorbing everything from Hank Williams to Oscar & Hammerstein, with an added dose of classic rock steeped in Beatles, Burt Bacharach and Motown.
She has traveled the country performing in rock, R&B, country, and jazz groups and has taught piano, is a church pianist and in two bands in Albuquerque, has many recording sessions under her belt, and has been a pit orchestra player and musical director of theater productions in Colorado and New Mexico. Her passion and intensity for songwriting remains strong.
She is happy to help as rehearsal accompanist and a band musician for NMYA’s musical productions.
David McCreary
Musician
David, born and raised in Albuquerque, started playing trombone in the fourth grade. He picked up the bass guitar at age 19 and has never looked back! In addition to playing guitar in a band and in the NMYA pit, he enjoys the local restaurant scene, hunting for treasures at thrift stores, and spending time in the mountains with friends!
Sean Umstead
Musician
Sean is a musician, educator, and arts administrator with extensive experience in music education and performance. As Program Coordinator for the UNM Music Prep School and Department of Music, he plays a key role in shaping community music education. He has taught in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho Public Schools, the New Mexico Philharmonic’s Young Musician’s Initiative (YMI), Albuquerque Youth Symphony, the UNM Music Prep School, and the Santa Fe Opera.
He currently teaches for YMI as well as the Santa Fe Opera’s Active Learning Through Opera (ALTO) and Opera Storytellers programs.
An active percussionist, Sean performs with the New Mexico Philharmonic, Santa Fe Symphony, musical theatre productions, and various chamber, rock, and jazz ensembles. His passion for teaching and performance enriches both his life and the musical journeys of the students and families he supports.
Maria Bertinetti
Production Assistant
Maria joined NMYA when he was thirteen years old and has performed in six shows with the company. Some of his favorite past roles include Black Beard in Silver’s Secret, Jafar in Aladdin Jr., and Captain Hook in Peter Pan. Aside from theater, Maria enjoys listening to and playing music and having good coffee with good company. He is glad to help where he can as a production assistant, backstage crew member, and Jack-of-all-trades.
John Craig
Production Assistant
John has worked on over fifty productions at seven theater companies in Albuquerque since retiring from The University of New Mexico ten years ago. From deck chief to fly captain, to stage and house manager, John has been involved in all backstage aspects of community theater; he even had a cameo in Landmark Musicals production of The Pirates of Penzance.
John also worked as a crisis intervention counselor for The Trevor Project. Recently elected vice-president of The Albuquerque Theatre Guild and chair of the Youth Programs committee, John now represents youth interests in all aspects of theater across the entire region as the ATG Drama Fairy. New Mexico Young Actors combines his love for children and theater into a magical alchemy.
Jacqueline Chavez
Hair & Makeup Designer
In a career spanning decades, Jacqueline has collaborated with impressive clients such as Vanity Fair, Chanel, National Geographic, Robert Redford and many others. Jacqueline leads a team of 10 talented hair and makeup artists who assist in weddings, film, and theater productions. Her love for theater started in 2013, and she has grown to become the Head of Department for Wigs & Makeup Design for Opera Southwest, NMYA & UNM Opera.
Jacqueline is a native New Mexican. She and her husband have two amazing children, a pup, two turtles and a jumping spider.
Christopher Nelson
Scenic Designer
Chris is a designer, director, and the co-teacher for NMYA’s annual Summer Shakespeare Fest. He has worked in New York City and Los Angeles in theater, film and television. He has been the Technical Director of the Actor’s Studio in New York City and president of the Company of Angels in Los Angeles. Chris is excited to be a part of the NMYA community of fantastic artists, and wonderful young performers.
Vicki Marie Singer
Stage Manager
Vicki received her training from NYC director Gary John LaRosa from 1999-2004. She attended the University of Pittsburgh and studied filmmaking at Carnegie Mellon. She is the president of the Albuquerque Theatre Guild; resident stage manager for the NM Ballet Company who performs The Nutcracker at Popejoy Hall annually with the NM Philharmonic as well as a spring show. She loves stage managing for NMYA’s musicals.
Vicki launched her graphic design firm in 1991 and accepted the position of art director for American Archaeology magazine in 2001. She enjoys agility courses on weekends with her yellow lab, Ladybug.
Clarissa Anello
Company Photographer
Clarissa is a professional portrait photographer specializing in individual portraits, engagement, family, fine art, and weddings. She has worked with a variety of creative artists throughout the state of New Mexico as well as some local galleries. She loves being able to capture emotions, special moments and helping people tell their stories, even if that requires going waist-deep into a river or lying face-down on a sand dune. She has also gotten to surround herself in tea being the staff photographer for the St. James Tearoom.
Clarissa has worked with NMYA since 2013, while she was studying Fine Arts at the University of New Mexico. She has loved getting to grow her skills as a photographer along with the company. She loves getting to work with the students documenting as they bring all their hard work together, and then getting to show off for their final performances.
NMYA Board of Directors
| President | Stephanie Dhonau |
| Vice-President | William McCabe |
| Treasurer | Jerilyn Cheney |
| Secretary | Sarah Gallegos |