Counselors

Acting

Isabella Shipman

Acting Liaison
Berkeley, California

Isabella is a theatre and music student at UC Berkeley, where she explores everything from experimental performances to classical vocal technique (with plenty of Stephen Sondheim and Dave Malloy in between!). An OSAI alum from 2022, she’s thrilled to return as a counselor and share in the creative magic that first inspired her. When she’s not onstage or composing new pieces, you’ll find her snapping artsy photos, planning themed hangouts with friends, or chasing the perfect iced matcha latte.

"I'm beyond excited to return to OSAI, a place that first ignited my passion for theatre, and to now give back as a mentor and cheerleader for young artists! I can't wait to dive into the creative energy, build meaningful connections, and help students feel empowered in their artistic voices!"

Favorite treats: Iced matchas, kombucha, iced mochas, Dr. Pepper, 7/11 slushies, Arizona teas; French fries, Curry Buns, Nerds, Reese's cups, gummy bears

Chorus

Colin Bannon

Chorus Liaison
Carol Stream, Illinois

Colin Bannon is a Choral Director at Yukon High School in Yukon, Oklahoma. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, he has been singing in choirs since the 6th grade, exploring a variety of vocal styles from classical choral, vocal jazz, a Cappella, musical theatre, and pop/rock. When he is not teaching or singing, he enjoys being at home with his wife, Rachel, and two cats, Mister and Jane.

"I can't wait to see all of the talented and passionate students come together to not only explore their own disciplines in greater depth, but to also be immersed in an arts community that is supportive, caring, uplifting to one another."

Favorite treats: Vanilla latte/iced coffee, peach iced tea, Cheez-Its/Goldfish, popcorn, Almond Joys, Reese's Cups

Taylor Rodgers

Chorus Liaison
Arvada, Colorado

Taylor Rodgers is the Director of Choral Activities at Arvada West High School in Arvada, Colorado. This year, his choirs performed in the Southwestern ACDA Conference with Ola Gjeilo and in London with Voces8. When Taylor isn't making music, you can find him hiking, running, skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, or just napping with his cat Leonardo di Catrio.

"The Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute feels like my home away from home. I can't wait to be back to create, collaborate, and experience the Quartz magic with all of you."

Creative Writing

P.K. Kaya

Creative Writing Liaison
Kingfisher, Oklahoma

P.K. Kaya is thrilled to be returning for their second year as Creative Writing Liaison! After attending OSAI for creative writing and acting, P.K continued on the creative path and is a current playwright, deviser, creative director, and dramaturg. When not in rehearsal or the writer’s room, P.K. enjoys studying foreign languages, acrylic painting, baking, and playing video games.

"I am incredibly excited to return to OSAI and support the young artists of our state once more. Last year, watching the creative writing students gain confidence in their work, experiment with different composition techniques, and take their performances to the stage was so awe-inspiring. I am looking forward to giving back to the program that helped me find my voice."

Favorite treats: Anything gummy, chewy, or with layers. Kit Kats, Reese's, gummy bears, jelly beans—a good textured candy! Dirty Diet Cokes from Swig or Sonic.

Dance

Solei Niusulu

Dance Liaison
Lawton, Oklahoma

Solei Niusulu is thrilled to serve as the Dance Liaison for the 2025 Oklahoma Arts Institute. She recently completed her junior year at Texas Christian University, where she is pursuing a double major in Ballet and Psychology. A former OAI dance student from 2019 to 2022, Solei is excited to return to Quartz Mountain in a new role. Outside of dance, she enjoys practicing Pilates, reading, and shopping.

"I am so excited to see the arts practiced in a beautiful place like Quartz Mountain! There is something so special in being surrounded by other artists not in your discipline that inspires you."

Favorite treats: coffee, Dr. Pepper, Zebra Cakes, Swedish Fish, donuts

Drawing & Painting

Mercedes Smith

Drawing & Painting Liaison
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Mercedes Smith AKA Pink Pigeon Art is an artist/educator. She is inspired by silly animals, comics and animation. She loves to tell everyone about her pet pigeon Pierre! This is Mercedes' 4th year as the drawing and painting liaison and counselor.

"I am so excited to reunite with everyone! I am also excited to help these students create and learn!"

Favorite treats: Cream cheese danish, creme soda, Twix, pizza

Film & Video

Lily Tucker

Film & Video Liaison
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Lily Tucker is a filmmaker from OKC, where she earned her B.F.A. in Film Production in 2024 from Oklahoma City University. She recently founded the Okie Women Film Festival, which aims to spotlight women filmmakers from Oklahoma and just finished it's successful first season. She has worked with local productions as a Camera Assistant, Director of Photography, and Assistant Director, as well as writing and directing her own short films. She will be moving to Los Angeles this fall to start her M.F.A. in Film and Television Production with an emphasis in Directing at Loyola Marymount University. This is Lily’s 3rd year at OSAI as the Film & Video Liaison, and she cannot be more excited to be back.

"My favorite part of OSAI is getting to witness students fall in love with filmmaking! I'm so excited to help them dive into their passion and express themself through film!"

Favorite treats: Celcius, Pickles, Sour Worms, Skinny Pop

General Operations and Office

Burnie Conner

Store Manager/Town Runner

More information coming soon!

Kyle Shaw

Office & Operations Assistant
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Kyle Shaw (orchestra '08-10) attended OSAI as a violist, but as an adult pulled the classic move of trying out a slightly different art form (choir) and never looking back. He spends his workdays tricking kindergarteners into thinking that therapy is just a fun game of Uno, and debating which Extended IPA symbol to use for a newly-encountered misarticulation. Fun facts: Kyle does not enjoy throwing baby showers; overthinks playlists; and is 90% sure the appendectomy worked. He is also left-handed but tries to be a good person anyway.

"I'm so excited to see students branch out from what they're familiar and comfortable with, where they learn more not just about what they love, but who they are and want to be."

Favorite treats: Kit Kat, Reese's, chocolate covered pretzels, M&Ms; Diet Coke/Diet Pepsi, Diet Cherry Limeade; soy caramel macchiato, hazelnut soy latte - most things as long as there isn't tree nut flavoring (e.g. almond flavor, pecan flavor, walnut flavor, etc.)

Orchestra

Gloria Atoyebi

Percussion Liaison
Edmond, Oklahoma

Gloria Atoyebi is a percussionist who earned a Bachelor of Musical Arts degree with a Minor in Computer Science at the University of Oklahoma. Based in Edmond, Oklahoma, she has performed in many different groups on a variety of instruments, including Resistance Indoor Percussion and the OKC Thunder Drummers. Gloria has also created percussion arrangements of many songs under multiple genres. Gloria was an orchestra student at OSAI in 2018 and 2019.

"Being a counselor for the last two years was a lot of fun, and I can't wait to help students grow in the arts again this year!"

Favorite treats: Pixy Stix, Nerds Rope, Snickers, White Reese's, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, and pretty much any type of coffee that isn't just black coffee.

Caleb Gammill

Orchestra Liaison
Mustang, Oklahoma

Caleb is a passionate musician and trombone player who loves to participate in all kinds of chamber groups and large ensembles. During college he engaged in many, including trombone octets, quartets and wind bands. In his spare time, he loves to spend time with his friends and family, whether that’s relaxing outside in the sun or inside watching some shows.

"I’m so excited to get to know all of the amazing people and students this summer at Quartz Mountain! We don’t often get to come together in such a unique environment, so this summer camp is gonna be a blast!"

Favorite treats: Coffee, candy, Sweet Tart ropes

Lynslie Higgs

Orchestra Liaison
Greensboro, North Carolina

Lynslie Higgs is a flutist and music educator based out of Greensboro, North Carolina. She began her OSAI journey as a PR Assistant in 2023 and has had the pleasure of working as an Orchestra Liaison for both 2024 and 2025! During the school year, Lynslie teaches general music to Pre-K through fifth grade students, and she’s passionate about creating inclusive spaces where young artists feel supported and inspired. Outside of teaching, she’s an avid reality TV binge-watcher, activist, and proud cat mom to Penelope.

"OSAI is my favorite, most magical part of the year! I am thrilled to work with the orchestra for a second year and cannot wait to witness the incredible talent that each student, counselor, and staff member brings to Quartz Mountain."

Favorite treats: iced coffee/lattes (vanilla, caramel, lavender, mocha, really anything!), Celsius', Alanis, Sour Skittles, dark chocolate, Sour Patch Kids, Reese's cups, salt and vinegar chips, Chex Mix (cheddar or original), buffalo pretzels

Sydney McLeary

Orchestra Liaison

More information coming soon!

Photography

Jenna Dooling

Photography Liaison
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Jenna is a third-year counselor at the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute and a portrait photographer based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She shoots editorial work for local magazines and runways, freelances, and is always working on creative side projects. Jenna was a photography student at OAI in 2019 and 2020, and her experience there still impacts her work and life today. When she's not behind the camera, you can find her in her garden or going on adventures with close friends. She's also a proud cat mom to Hugo, whom she’s raised since he was only a day old.

"I think I might say this every year, but I'm most excited to be surrounded by all the different art forms and to watch everyone grow so much in only a couple weeks!"

Favorite treats: Coffee, grapes, fruit (all kinds), Swedish Fish candy, Takis, pretzels, coconut water.

Public Relations

Kylee Harzman

Public Relations Assistant
Alva, Oklahoma

Kylee Harzman, an OSAI alum in creative writing (2018) and acting (2019-20), is delighted to be back at Quartz Mountain for her third year as a counselor! Since her student days, she’s kept the creative spark alive, performing in eight productions during her time at Northwestern Oklahoma State University and publishing her poetry and creative nonfiction works in Outrageous Fortune (Vol. 13) and Alabaster Echoes (Vol. 1). These days, Kylee is delving into the world of forensic psychology as a graduate student at the University of Central Okahoma, where she is blending her artistic spirit with the world of STEM—and maybe a metaphor or two (or three). She lives in a cozy renovated school bus with her lovable rescue pup, Kenai, who is every bit as curious and energetic as his owner!

"I am beyond stoked to help create that unmistakable Quartz Mountain magic again—the kind where inspiration runs wild, life-long friendships are just a bridge walk away, and someone's always lost their wristband! Every year I count down the days until OSAI, because not only do I have the chance to connect with my own creative nature, but I also have the honor of witnessing the next generation of young Oklahoma creatives blossom through their art, learning more about themselves and growing as artists and as people."

Favorite treats: Ice cold Dr. Pepper or cream soda, Snyder's seasoned pretzel sticks, Goldfish, chips and queso, Andes mints, strawberry cake, popsicles, Neapolitan ice cream—basically ANYTHING sweet!

Georgia Jones

Photography Assistant & Documentary Videographer
Durant, Oklahoma

Georgia Jones is a 2021 OSAI film & video alum who has recently graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Creative Media Production. She will be joining the OSAI 2025 staff as the Photography Assistant and Documentary Videographer. As a producer and senior editor at Gaylord Hall Productions, Georgia has worked on national and regionally recognized projects, such as the "Engineering with Nature" short documentary series in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, multiple award-winning short films, and various profiles on extremely cool people.

"OSAI is a place full of amazing, talented people who share the love of art. I am so excited to be a part of the magical place that helped make me who I am today."

Favorite treats: Beef jerky (any flavor except teriyaki), Red Vines, Naked Juice (Green Machine, Rainbow), and Coca-Cola in a bottle. I also love dark chocolate, homemade masala chai, and cortados.

Fabian Salcedo

Performance & Documentary Videographer
Norman, Oklahoma

Fabian is a filmmaker studying at the University of Oklahoma and an OSAI alumnus from 2022. His hobbies are being mediocre in chess, pickleball, weightlifting, and running.

"I can't wait to be in nature doing what I love!"

Favorite treats: A nice caffeinated beverage.

Kyleigh Taylor

Public Relations Assistant
Edmond, Oklahoma

Kyleigh Taylor is a poet and artist from Oklahoma. Having attended OSAI for writing in 2019 and 2020, Kyleigh is excited to work at OSAI this Summer as a PR Assistant and Counselor! When not working for OSAI, she can be found playing board games, running TTRPGs, or watching scary movies.

"I'm excited to meet all the students and to help support them in their creativity journeys, however that looks!"

Favorite treats: Iced coffee (with oat milk), sweet tea, chocolate, popcorn, trail mix, or spicy anything, really!

Site/Stage Crew

Jacob Diaz

Site & Stage Crew
Liberal, Kansas

Jacob attended OSAI as a chorus student in '18 and '19 and as a site & stage crew counselor in '23. He has spent the past year as the vocal music director for an Oklahoma middle school. Time outside of school is occupied with music making, as well as reading and taking long walks. He is excited to return to OSAI for another summer of QM magic.

"I cannot wait for student and faculty showcases in the PAC! I learn the most from watching all these talented people perform."

Favorite treats: Coffee (hot, iced, sweet, unsweet), Coke Zero, Gatorade, iced tea; any chocolate, fruit, Slim Jims.

Cheldon Gatz

Site & Stage Crew
Piedmont, Oklahoma

Cheldon Gatz is a recent graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in Percussion Performance. He is a proud alum and was a percussionist of the OSAI orchestra in 2020 and 2021. Outside of everything to do with music, he enjoys gaming, the gym, and the Oklahoma City Thunder (Thunder Up!). He is thrilled to create an unforgettable experience for students at OSAI!

"I am beyond excited to see the actual Quartz Mountain for the first time! My two years within the program in were online and at USAO. Even though they were still both special and incredible experiences, I am excited to see the home of the Quartz Magic!"

Favorite treats: Wild Berry Skittles, Nerds Gummy Clusters, M&Ms; Cool Ranch Doritos, cashews; Powerade, Arnold Palmers; any iced coffee with and vanilla/caramel.

Audrey Morales

Site & Stage Crew
Coweta, Oklahoma

Audrey is a full-time student at Oklahoma State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Music Industry. She works as a stagehand for both the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts and the Greenwood School of Music on OSU’s campus. She specializes in low brass, with tuba as her primary instrument. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, creating EDM music, working with sound and lighting technology, sipping coffee, and taking naps when she can.

"I look forward to getting to know the students and watching them grow as both artists and people."

Favorite treats: Tootsie Rolls, Extra Toasty Cheez-Its, Dr. Pepper, Iced Americano with vanilla syrup and oatmilk

Danny Valdez

Danny Valdez

Community Lab Liaison/Front of House Assistant
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Danny is an Elementary General Music Teacher in Norman. He passionate about singing and was an OSAI Student for Chorus back in 2012. In his free time, Valdez loves playing board games and D&D.

"I am always jumping at the bit every year to come out and help facilitate another amazing year of OSAI. Nothing excites me more than getting another chance to work with the highly talented students and experience the passion of the amazing instructors."

Alisabeth Westfall

Site & Stage Crew
Tulsa, OK

Alisabeth Westfall is excited to come back to OSAI as a counselor on site and stage crew! Alisabeth graduated in December '24 from Oklahoma City University with her B.F.A. in Design and Production and will be joining Florida Studio Theatre as a stage management intern this fall. When she’s not at OSAI Alisabeth loves dancing, watching YouTube, and hanging out with her family.

"I’m excited to meet and spend two weeks making art with all the students and faculty! I love seeing all the growth that happens when you put a bunch of artists together!"

Favorite treats: Dr. Pepper, Crunch bars, cookies, Chex Mix, Goldfish, Reese's cups, and ice cream

Return to top