Current Staff Members:
Elise Palma - Artistic Director
Elise Palma is a passionate and dedicated artistic director, driven by her love for God and her desire to inspire and empower young individuals. With a diverse background in the performing arts, including a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Performance, Elise has garnered recognition as a nominated director, actor, and wig/makeup designer. Her creative journey has taken her to various locations across the United States, including New York City, Florida, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, and Wyoming. Combining her faith and her passion for youth, Elise finds fulfillment in her role as the artistic director of CYT Phoenix, where she guides and mentors young performers, fostering their artistic talents and instilling strong values. With unwavering commitment and a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of the arts, Elise continues to make an effort to make the next generation feel seen, valued and heard!
Haley Conte - Managing Director
Haley has been a staff member and teaching artist for CYT Phoenix since 2016. She holds a BS in Entrepreneurial Studies with a Minor in Dance Education, and an MPA in Nonprofit Management from Grand Canyon University. Haley has been teaching dance for 15 years and has served as the choreographer for over 25 dance and musical theater productions. She has a passion for the arts, CYT's mission and the impact it has on the community, and is so excited to serve the organization on staff.
Elizabeth Cook - Technical Director
Elizabeth has a deep passion for Theatre Arts and is proud to be a part of CYT Phoenix. She has a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Theatre Education and taught in the public schools for many years before leaving the profession in 2010 to be a full-time mom. Elizabeth has worked professionally as a stage manager, prop master, set designer, and lighting designer. Since joining CYT, she has become a two time Zoni-nominated lighting designer and rediscovered her love of teaching students all aspects of theatre production. Elizabeth has two beautiful daughters and has been married to her husband for 13 years. She is a homeschool mom, and loves to quilt and tend to her rosebushes.