Staff | CYT Phoenix

Current Staff Members:

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 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 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 8 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 18 years. She is a homeschool mom, and loves to quilt and tend to her rosebushes.

Our Board of Directors:

Board President

CYT became part of Stephanie Carpenter’s life in 2010 when her son took his first class. All three of the Carpenter kids took countless classes and performed collectively in over 60 shows. Husband Jeff built numerous sets and at least one tree. In 2017 Stephanie moved from CYT mom and volunteer to Artistic Director. She proudly served in that role for six years. Currently she serves as Board President and is blessed to continue to have a front row seat to God’s work through CYT in Valley families for their good and His glory.

Board Member

Julie Morelock is a CYT alumni mum who has been involved with CYT Phoenix for over ten years. Her involvement in almost every committee, stage left tech being her favorite, gave Julie the opportunity to pour into the lives of the cast and families. When asked to join the CYT Board, Julie didn't hesitate as this was another way to cultivate a culture for Christ in the Arts. Julie is the Senior Events Manager at Arizona

Board Member

Paul is an Assurance Senior Manager for RSM US LLP and a Certified Public Accountant. Paul has practiced public accounting for twelve years while based in Phoenix, Shanghai, and now Los Angeles, having previously spent several years with a public company in Las Vegas.Paul has significant experience providing audit, tax, and consulting services to nonprofit organizations, including providing recommendations on financial oversight, risk management, regulatory compliance, and board governance.Paul was introduced to CYT Phoenix in 2017 by his wife Alexandra, who has spent many years working with CYT Phoenix as a choreographer, director and dance teacher. While serving as board president from 2018 to 2024, and currently as a board member, Paul has been blessed to be able to combine his background in finance and nonprofit governance with his passion for the performing arts.

Board Member

From 2006 to 2012, the CYT Phoenix stage was Cory’s second home (with better lighting of course). Those years sparked his love for storytelling and eventually led him to USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, where he graduated in 2017 with a degree in Cinema & Media Studies. The next day, he moved back to Phoenix to start his career as a director/cinematographer, and a month later married his high-school sweetheart. Cory loves serving on the CYT board and supporting CYT’s mission to bring families and communities together while reflecting Jesus. When he’s not behind the camera, he’s with his wife and two dogs or out on the pickleball courts (getting beat by everyone, but having a blast anyway).

Board Member

Ryan is an alumnus of CYT Phoenix, having participated in numerous productions during his high school years. Among his memorable roles, Cogsworth in “Beauty and the Beast” stands out as one of his favorite. Today, he is a proud husband and father to an incredible 2-year-old boy. Ryan now directs his passion for excellence into his career as an investment advisor, specializing in investment management, and assisting clients to achieve their long-term financial goals.

Board Member

ANDY IS A GRADUATE OF ARIZONA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY, RECEIVING A B.A IN MUSIC EDUCATION AND B.A IN MODERN WORSHIP. He is the full time worship and creative arts pastor at Crossroads Church of the Nazarene in Chandler. HIS OTHER ADVENTURES INCLUDE teaching, MUSIC DIRECTING 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.