CYT is a one of a kind organization in that it accepts kids just as they are, and not only includes them but builds them up through encouraging them to do things that they never thought they could do – the confidence and self-esteem that this instills in them is priceless.  The topping on the cake to all of this, is it is done through a Christ centered atmosphere.  This is what I really love about CYT – is that it gives all the credit to Christ and makes Jesus and His efforts the central focus.  I don’t think there is another organization in the valley that offers this.  God is blessing CYT and it is an honor to be a part of it. 

Alexandra Biggs

Alexandra Biggs is a Zoni nominated choreographer that is thrilled to be working in her 6th year with CYT! She is a graduate of Grand Canyon University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education, and is a state certified teacher currently working in the Peoria Unified School District, and with Special Olympics Arizona. She is thankful for the 5 wonderful seasons spent with CYT as a teacher, as well as serving as the HYPE coordinator for the past 2 years. She has been dancing since the age of three, and throughout her diverse training has enjoyed multiple professional successes and opportunities. She feels fortunate to have spent time with many teachers over the years that have made a lasting impact on her life and looks forward to continuing the tradition of excellence in dance education she has received to all of her students in the future.

Andres Marrufo

Andy is a graduate of Arizona Christian University, receiving a B.A in Music Education and B.A in Modern Worship. Over the last four years, he has been working at Phoenix Christian Preparatory where he serves as the Fine Arts Department Chair, teaches Choir (K-12), Guitar, Worship and Musical Theatre. His other adventures include music directing summer shows, serving as a music teacher for Hawaii Education of the Arts and, of course, enjoying being a performer himself! He has a great passion in sharing in his experiences and love for the Fine Arts, and helping others to discover their love and passion for the arts as well.

Bertha Alicia Cortes

Bertha Alicia Cortes received her Bachelor's in Theatre Education from Grand Canyon University in 2015. She is currently teaching theatre at The Academies at South Mountain in Phoenix. Previously she taught grades Pre-K through 6th at Black Mountain Elementary School in Cave Creek. Bertha has been the improv coach for CYT Phoenix for two years.

Caitlen Spencer

Caitlen Spencer moved to Arizona in December of 2020. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from West Texas A&M University and has years of experience in creative ministry, youth theatre, as well as performing in local and professional venues. She has a passion for developing young singers, giving them an understanding of music, and helping promote healthy voice practices. Caitlen now lives in Tempe with her husband and loves everything creative, including taking care of her small garden. During the day Caitlen is a School Services Rep with Music & Arts, helping provide instruments and supplies for over 150 school music programs across the Valley.

Elise Palma

Hello! My name is Elise Palma. I am an actress and teaching artist. I am teaching HS Drama at Phoenix Christian Preparatory, while pursuing my own artistic projects. I hold a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Florida. I am certified in Unarmed, Rapier, and Dagger Stage Combat. ​I am currently starting my own LLC production company, and pursuing the arts here on the West cost. I love these kids with everything in me and look forward to pouring into them on and off stage!

Elizabeth Cook

Marie Tucker

This is Marie's first year at CYT and she is so excited to be making her CYT debut by stage managing the show Matilda! Marie is a graduate of Arizona State University and has a BA in theatre with her focus being in stage management. Some of her favorite shows to have worked on are Legally Blonde, Newsies, and Mary Poppins. She also works as a scorekeeper and pro-shop attendant in the hockey industry. She is a mom to two cats named Sirius and Lucy.

Stephanie Carpenter

Stephanie has been with CYT Phoenix since 2010 when her children became involved in the program. Over the next seven seasons she worked on almost every facet of the program–from publicity and marketing to backstage and production design before becoming Artistic Director. She has three children with her husband of over 20 years and the whole family is involved in CYT. She has a BFA in graphic design and professional experience in both 2-D and 3-D design. As a CYT Mom, she has a heart for the families that are the center of everything CYT does. As an artist, she has a passion for excellence in all of CYT Phoenix's creative endeavors.