Counselors

Acting

Aubrey Miller

Acting Liaison
Edmond, Oklahoma

Aubrey attended OSAI as an Acting student in 2018 and is currently pursuing a BFA in Acting at the University of Oklahoma. She loves to travel and is looking forward to a trip to Ireland before she serves as a counselor at OSAI. When she's not on stage, you can find her reading poetry, cooking, or doing pilates. 

She is excited to facilitate the growth of young artists and create an atmosphere where they feel safe to take artistic risks.

Chorus

Taylor Rodgers

Chorus Liaison
Atlanta, Georgia

Taylor Rodgers is the Director of Choral Activities at Dunwoody High School in beautiful Dunwoody, GA. He conducts the Capital City Opera Company Madrigal Singers and teaches a private piano studio. This summer marks Taylor's eighth return to OSAI. He attended as a choral student from 2007-2009. When Taylor isn't teaching, he can be found practicing, sleeping, or eating. This year, Taylor is training to run in the Hood-to-Coast 200-Mile Relay from the top of Mount Hood to the coast of Oregon.  

“The Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute was life-changing for me as a student, and I cannot wait to share the magic with all of you this summer!”

Alec Warn

Alec Warn

Chorus Liaison
Edmond, Oklahoma

Alec Warn is so excited to be returning for his third summer as a choral liaison! Attending OSAI in high school is what inspired Alec to become a choir teacher. He will be entering his seventh year in teaching next year at St. Andrew's Episcopal School in Austin, TX. When Alec is not leading choirs or directing musicals, he loves to run, spend time at the lake, and travel!

Alec is excited to watch incredible artists create and grow in a beautiful environment. It is always a lot of work, but the Quartz magic is always worth it!

Creative Writing

Kylee Harzman

Creative Writing Liaison
Alva, OK

Kylee Harzman is a full-time student and recent graduate of Northwestern Oklahoma State University from Alva, Oklahoma. She had the honor of attending OSAI for Creative Writing in 2018, and again in 2019 and 2020 for Acting. Her written works will be published for the first time in the upcoming spring issue of Outrageous Fortune literary magazine. Kylee lives in a renovated school bus with her dog, Kenai. 

"As a former student at OSAI, I have always wanted to return and help provide the same incredible, life-changing experience I had to other students. I can't wait to not only be in such a welcoming, creative, and inspiring environment again but also to be a part of its creation."

Dance

Kaylan Roach

Dance Liaison
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

In her role as curatorial assistant, Kaylan Roach provided support to Oklahoma Contemporary's curatorial staff, including assisting with research, editing exhibition-related texts, preparing exhibition proposals, presentations, texts and exhibitions, as well as assisting with installation and public programs. Prior to joining Oklahoma Contemporary, she interned at Studio Gallery DC in Washington, D.C., and at ARTSPACE at Untitled in Oklahoma City, filling administrative roles and performing curatorial and archival-related tasks. She also served as front of house and programs manager at the 2021 Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute, where she assisted in organizing programs and events and served as housing counselor for a group of young aspiring artists.
Kaylan occasionally works as a server and a bartender at Fassler Hall and Dust Bowl, where she enjoys contributing to the growing restaurant and entertainment industry of Midtown. She earned her bachelor’s degree in art history and classics from Sarah Lawrence College, N.Y., and is in the final months of her master’s degree in art history and museum studies at the City College of New York.

After splitting her time between Oklahoma and New York from 2016-2020, Kaylan realized that her passion lies in the tight-knit arts community of Oklahoma City. She is thrilled to be working in Oklahoma where she can fulfill her passion for helping the arts community in her hometown flourish.

“OSAI was the single most important experience for me as a young artist just beginning to imagine the possibilities that my artistic practice could manifest in terms of a career. As an adult, I still think back to my experience as a student at OSAI when I imagine the future that my life could inhabit as an adult working in the arts community in Oklahoma.”

Drawing & Painting

Mercedes Smith

Drawing & Painting Liaison
McLoud, OK

Mercedes is a pink-loving artist that loves graphic novels, and binge-watching TV. She is a middle school art teacher who recently graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma. This will be her second year being a counselor OSAI! She is super excited to help the drawing and painting students develop. And even more excited to develop her own art practice with them! 

"I am excited about OSAI this year for three main reasons: 
1. It's my second year so I am excited to know what to expect/ pack! 
2. To spend time with my fellow counselors! 
3. PAINTING!"

Film & Video

Mary McLain

Film & Video Liaison
Los Angeles, California

Mary McLain is a filmmaker and writer living in Los Angeles. She loves movies and hiking in the LA sunshine and is a huge fan of every dog and sandwich she's ever met. When she is not working as an OSAI counselor you can find her working in a restaurant or tucked behind her laptop in a coffee shop. 

"I can't wait to meet everyone this year and see what kind of magic and art appear!"

Lily Tucker

Film & Video Liaison
Oklahoma City, OK

Lily will be a senior at Oklahoma City University pursing a degree in Film Production and Mass Communication. She's a sorority girl, on the OCU Pom Squad, and is a Sagittarius!

"I'm excited for OSAI because I get to share my passion for film with students eager to learn!"

General Operations and Office

Burnie Conner

Store Assistant/Town Runner
Edmond, Oklahoma

Raised in Edmond, Oklahoma, Burnie originally attended OSAI as a creative writing student in 2016, and again as a counselor in 2021 and 2022. They have a wild passion for art, dabbling in crafts such as analog/digital collaging, making chainmail, and writing nonsensical think pieces that will never see the light of day. When they're not creating something, you can find Burnie working behind the counter at their family's taproom. Or, even more likely, you'll find them at a random concert venue in Oklahoma City, supporting all the local bands.

“Attending OSAI as a student was one of the most fulfilling moments I had as a developing artist; it's an incredible place to be, and I cannot wait to be immersed in such a creative environment again!”

Jenna Dooling

Performance Videographer/Town Runner
Broken Arrow, OK

Jenna is a photographer & videographer from Tulsa, OK. She attended OSAI in 2019 and 2020 and is beyond excited to return as a counselor this summer! Besides creating visual art, she is passionate about nutrition, reading, hiking, & baking. 

"I'm so excited to return to OSAI because the magic is there for everyone! I can't wait to meet all the students and see the vibrant energies of Oklahoma's most talented young artists. I'm also looking forward to meeting all of my fellow counselors!"

Marc McGhee

Front of House/Site & Stage Crew
Lemoore, CA

Marc McGhee is a distinguished fifth-year director of the choral department at a high school in the San Joaquin Valley located in California. Alongside his expertise in conducting choirs, he also instructs AVID courses tailored for freshmen and juniors and serves as a coordinator for the prestigious Western Region honor choirs. During his leisure time, Marc indulges in physical fitness activities at the gym and enjoys socializing with his loved ones.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in OSAI this year, where I can collaborate with both students and professionals to craft awe-inspiring performances that will captivate audiences.”

Kyle Shaw

Office & Operations Assistant/Programs Coordinator
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Kyle is an alum of the OSAI orchestra ('08, '09, '10), but wasn't quite sure about pursuing a degree in music. So now to support his obsession with engaging in dozens of hours of free rehearsals and performances every month, he works as a speech-language pathologist, helping elementary students figure out how to communicate well. He got to meet and sing with Voces8 this year, so things seem to have worked out okay.

“This will be my eighth year as a counselor, and I feel like this has to be some kind of record, so that's exciting. But otherwise, I am always excited to come back and be reinvigorated by two weeks straight of incredible artistry all around me.”

Danny Valdez

Danny Valdez

Office & Operations Assistant/Store Assistant
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

For most of the year, he is an elementary school music teacher in Norman, Oklahoma. He has been singing in choirs throughout most of his life and had the opportunity to attend OSAI as a choral student in 2012. He enjoys board games, competition shows, and escape rooms.

“There is a palpable creative energy that is prevalent throughout the grounds of the camp. It is inspiring and infectious.”

Orchestra

Gloria Atoyebi

Percussion Liaison
Yukon, Oklahoma

Gloria Atoyebi is a percussionist who is currently earning a Bachelor of Musical Arts degree with a minor in Computer Science at the University of Oklahoma. Gloria attended OSAI in the orchestra discipline in 2018 and 2019. In her free time, Gloria likes to play video games and make percussion arrangements of video game music.

“OSAI is a great place where you can not only learn more about your own discipline, but also learn a lot of cool new things about the other disciplines too. I can't wait to see what OSAI has in store for everyone this year!”

Raquel Coleman

Orchestra Liaison
Edmond, Oklahoma

Raquel Coleman is a professional harpist and graduate student at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. Living in Chicago, IL, Raquel freelance performs, teaches, and spends her free time enjoying everything the city has to offer. Raquel has one dog, Jasper, who loves to join her on jogs around Lake Michigan and chase frisbees. Raquel credits her time at OSAI with helping her find her passion to pursue the harp as a career. She attended in summers '18 and '19, and studied with acclaimed harpist, Anne Eisfeller.

“There is nothing like Quartz Mountain Magic! I can't wait to meet our new students and see what they create together.”

Rachel Diaz

Orchestra Liaison
Yukon, OK

Rachel is an OSAI alum of the chorus from the years 2017 and 2018. She currently teaches private piano & voice lessons and will be teaching choir at Mustang North Middle School in the fall. She loves collecting percussion instruments and hopes to have a Jacob Collier-inspired “music room” one day. Rachel enjoys listening to video game soundtrack compilations while working or relaxing, doing crossword puzzles, and loves getting to know new names and faces! 

"I’m excited to meet with all the staff soon and collaborate to make this year’s OSAI come together like a well-oiled machine. The Quartz Mountain sunrises are hard to beat, too!"

Riley Payton

Orchestra Liaison
Stillwater, Oklahoma

Oklahoma native and former OSAI clarinetist Riley Payton is a musician and artist with a passion for anything creative. His musical interests cover a wide range, and he has worked playing many genres including jazz, funk, hip-hop, pop, country and classical music. Equally comfortable on flute, clarinet and saxophone, he is excited to get to work with young musicians in an orchestral setting. When not playing music, Riley can usually be found painting and enjoying his collection of low-budget, independent films.

Riley is excited to come back to OSAI to interact, educate and collaborate with young creative individuals from all disciplines. He hopes to incorporate some level of improvisation into the student's experience, and is looking forward to seeing what the students can create. 

Photography

Lauren McKuin

Photography Liaison
Skiatook, OK

Lauren is an OSAI alum, she attended in 2007 for photography. From there she went to the Savannah College of Art and Design. While there she studied abroad in France, and started focusing on alternative process photography. Now she and her family are back to Osage county. Lauren runs the Skiatook Arts Center and has been bringing the focus back to the arts in her small town. She’s also a private school art teacher! All in all, this busy mom stays on the go and focuses on bringing a positive spin to the art community around her! 

"I’m excited to share my passion for the arts with the next upcoming generation of artists! I remember my counselor from OSAI, Jen, and the impact she made on me. I just hope I do to the same during my time at OSAI!"

Public Relations

Michael Atoyebi

Performance & Documentary Videographer
Yukon, OK

Michael is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Musical Arts. He's a percussionist, videographer and video editor. He enjoys hanging with family, video games, and music arranging in his spare time. His sister, Gloria, is an alumnus of OSAI and will also be a counselor this summer!

"I'm excited to be a part of a great team and be a part of something that has left a lasting impression on many Oklahomans."

Los Flores

Public Relations & Photography Assistant
Edmond, Oklahoma

Los is a photographer, videographer, and content creator based in Edmond, Oklahoma. He created losfloresmedia at 18 years old to help create a platform for Oklahoman athletes to help them get to the next level. Outside of work, he enjoys having a cup of coffee in the afternoon and sharing how their day went with some friends. It is of the utmost importance to Los that he takes food pictures of EVERY dish made with love!

“I'm thrilled about the opportunity to work with the upcoming generation of talented students and the chance to document and capture a beautiful and creative visual representation of the camp experience that everyone can look back on and cherish for years to come. In collaboration with the campers and staff, it's truly exciting the possibilities a group can have together.”

Jacqueline Gibson

Community Lab Liaison/PR Assistant
Norman, OK

Jacqueline is a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Oklahoma Institute for US-China issues. At the institute she works to promote the Newman Prize for English JueJu, a poetry competition she won in 2022 and has remained passionate about. Her work also includes contributions to the STEEPP research being conducted at the institute focusing on issues relating to security, technology, economics, environment, public health and politics.

"I am most excited for OSAI to be surrounded by an environment dedicated to fostering artistic growth. I hope to facilitate an inclusive community where students can feel comfortable unlocking their creative capacity together."

Lynslie Higgs

Public Relations Assistant
Indian Trail, North Carolina

Lynslie Higgs is a flutist and educator from Indian Trail, North Carolina. She recently graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she received her Bachelor's in Music Education. Besides her love for music, she loves crocheting, watching reality TV, playing with her cat Ponyo, drinking coffee, and spending time with her friends and family. 

“I cannot wait to meet everyone this year and watch artists grow in their disciplines!”

Site/Stage Crew

Jacob Diaz

Site & Stage Crew
Stillwater, OK

Jacob attended OSAI as a chorus member in 2018 and 2019 and is excited to be back again in a counselor role. He will be graduating with his vocal music education degree from Oklahoma State University in December 2023, and is looking forward to teaching in Oklahoma public schools. When he is not teaching or making music, Jacob enjoys reading, cooking, & long walks

"There is nothing in the world quite like two weeks with the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute. I am so excited to be in a beautiful place with creative people!"

Preston Gilpatrick

Site/Stage Crew
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
 
Preston Gilpatrick is a recent graduate from Texas Christian University, where he got his B.A. in Music, with a minor in Arts Leadership and Entrepreneurship. Preston has had an adoration for OAI since he attended from 2016-2018. Some of his favorite hobbies are looking for dogs to adopt, playing chamber music with his friends, learning about students passions, and reading. Fun fact? One of his favorite animals is the frog!
 
“I am excited because I get to go back to the place that inspired me as an artist. I am also excited to see all the renovations completed at Quartz Mountain!”

Daryl Hale

Site & Stage Crew
Austin, TX

Daryl Hale was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She attended the renowned local fine arts academy, McCallum High School, as a theatre and dance student. In her three post graduate years, she has traveled and lived in many different places. Most recently she was living in London attending Emil Dale Academy, a professional vocational school for musical theatre. Before that, she lived in New York City and spent her time training at Broadway Dance Center, and auditioning as much as she could. Now she is back in Texas for the time being after completing her training. A couple fun facts about her are that she lived in Africa for a year when she was young, has an Italian greyhound named Guido, and she loves to spend time outdoors. 

"I’m so excited to meet everyone and make some great memories!"

Casey Shapiro

Site & Stage Crew/Pool Chaperone
Norman, OK

Casey Shapiro is a junior vocal music education major at Oklahoma State University and is in love with all things music. He attended OSAI 2019 in the chorus discipline where he made many friends with whom he still keeps in touch. Other things he is interested in include cooking and ultimate frisbee.

"I am so excited to grow and learn with like-minded people who share the same passion for their disciplines."

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