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. 

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.

Cait Deely

Diane Haviland

Tap dancing is my passion and I’m excited to join the CYT staff. I have extensive dance training in Tap, Ballet and Jazz and have been teaching and performing for over 25 years. I’m a graduate of Western Michigan University where I majored in Dance Performance and was a soloist in the University’s Ballet Company. A few of my accomplishments include: Dance Professor, Dance team coach and choreographer for the Musical Theatre Department for Southwest State University in MN, NBA Dancer for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the privilege of tap dancing with Gregory Hines for the promotional tour of his move ‘Tap’. Looking forward to tapping with you! P.S. I’m Blair’s Mom :)

Elizabeth Cook

Haley Gadbery

Haley Gadbery graduated from Grand Canyon University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship and minored in Dance Education. In addition to studying dance techniques and teaching principles, she had the opportunity to perform in GCU’s Ethington Dance Ensemble in works by both faculty and guest artists. Before attending GCU, Haley enjoyed dancing competitively and then furthering her training at Walkerdance Ballet Theater’s conservatory style program in North Carolina. She is trained in ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, and tap and has had the privilege of studying under master teachers at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts’ Festival of Dance, and Broadway Dance Center in New York City. In addition to multiple performance credits, Haley has been teaching dance for over a decade, and has served as choreographer for over 25 dance and musical theatre productions. Haley is excited about teaching the next generation of artists and strives to provide an atmosphere in which her students are challenged to grow in their art form, as well as individuals.

Jason White

Jenny Lynne

Dance to express not impress. The best thing you can be is kind. Expect nothing, be grateful for everything.

Michael Ledner

I'm happily married to Lylah, with two darling daughters and 7 awesome grandkids. I am a Pastor of a Home Church and my wife and I have a small farm called The Simple Farm with some goats and chickens. I write worship music and have had a few songs published - one is still being sung in churches today: You Are My Hiding Place. I have known your Director, Elise, and her mom for many years and am excited about working with young adults who enjoy worshipping our Lord in song. "Sing unto Him a new song, play skillfully with a shout of joy, for the word of the Lord is upright and all His work is done in faithfulness." Psalm 33:3,4

Ryan Ardelt

Ryan Ardelt is thrilled to be teaching at CYT this Fall! Ryan graduated from Grand Canyon University with a BA in Theatre and a minor in dance and has performed all around the valley. Some of his favorite credits include: Rolf in The Sound of Music (The Phoenix Theatre Company), Older Patrick and Ensemble in Mame (Arizona Broadway Theatre), Sammy Splitsole in Tappy the Elf (Tap 24.7), Albert/ Bill in Newsies (Hale Centre Theatre), and Mrs. Bumbrake in Peter and the Starcatcher (GCU). When he is not performing, Ryan also has a passion for teaching, choreographing, and composing. He has taught and choreographed at Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix, Actor's Youth Theatre in Gilbert, Arizona Broadway Theatre in Peoria, and several other studios and theaters. He can't wait to teach your kids and is looking forward to what the season has to bring!

Sydney Meyers

Sydney Meyers is a recent graduate in Vocal Performance from Grand Canyon University who grew up doing CYT. She has been teaching private voice lessons for five years as well as performing around the valley. She is so looking forward to teaching the students and glorifying God through theater! Crowns for Jesus! Sing for the King!