Counselors

Acting

Sean Smith, Liaison

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Sean Smith is the drama teacher at Harding Fine Arts Academy High School in Oklahoma City, the school from where he just so happened to graduate. Following high school, Sean attended the University of Oklahoma where he received a B.A. in Political Science. He then attended Oklahoma City University in Los Angeles and the University of London, Goldsmiths where he received an M.F.A and M.A. in Screen Acting (respectively). Since returning to Oklahoma, Sean has enjoyed teaching, making films, watching the Thunder, and playing the guitar and golf—though not at the same time. He is very excited for the summer and looking forward to his first ever OSAI experience.

"I'm so excited to be going to Quartz Mountain and to experience OSAI for the very first time this summer. Not only am I looking forward to working with the students in my discipline, but I'm also very excited to get to see all of the other disciplines perform and showcase their art at camp."

Chorus

Kaytlyn Eagleton, Liaison

Inola, Oklahoma

Kaytlyn Eagleton recently graduated from Oklahoma City University with her degrees in Musical Theatre and Vocal Performance. She loves songwriting, making new friends, reading, and learning Italian. She also an OSAI chorus alumna and attended as a student from 2020-2022!

"I am thrilled to be back on the mountain this summer! I can't wait to be surrounded by endless creativity and wonderful people."

 

Avery Hamlin, Liaison

Edmond, Oklahoma

Avery Hamlin is from Edmond, Oklahoma, and is currently pursuing a Vocal Performance degree from the University of Arkansas. She is thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful and caring staff as an OSAI alumna who knows the long-lasting impact of those two weeks at the mountain! Most of Avery's free time is spent outside hiking at her favorite local Arkansas spots or indoors with her cat, Winston, and a good book. She is very fortunate that her degree and future career are also her favorite hobby! Avery most enjoys singing in operas and gospel/spirituals in the University of Arkansas’ Inspirational Chorale. She can’t wait to be back where the magic happens at Quartz Mountain! 

"I am looking forward to forming meaningful connections with the students and staff, and helping create the same supportive and fun environment that meant so much to me as a former chorus member!"

Creative Writing

Kylee Harzman, Liaison

Alva, Oklahoma

Kylee Harzman is a client services representative at a pet resort and is set to graduate with her Masters degree in General Psychology from UCO this winter. She previously attended OSAI as a student in both creative writing (2018) and acting (2019, 2020). Poetry and performance are very much still a part of her life, and she hopes to bring that creativity into the mental health services field.

"I am really looking forward to working with Dave Lucas and the creative writing students again! They give me just the kind of magical inspiration only OSAI can bring."

Dance

Gray Blevins, Liaison

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Gray Blevins is a drawing and painting OSAI alum. They are currently pursuing a B.F.A. in Dance Performance from the University of Central Oklahoma. They teach at Aspiring Attitudes Dance Studio, where they are passionate about creating a safe space for others to play through dance. When not teaching, choreographing, or performing, Gray loves to spend time outside, play with their cats, and be an arts-and-crafts jack of all trades.

"I’m really looking forward to seeing the friendships that students create over the two weeks! I’m also looking forward to spending time in the beautiful nature of Quartz Mountain."

Drawing & Painting

Mercedes Smith, Liaison

Chicago, Illinois

Mercedes Smith (Pink Pigeon) is an artist and educator. She recently moved from Oklahoma to Chicago, IL. Her goal is to share the art of creating with students, as well as creating things of her own in her free time. Mercedes is passionate about four things: creating, teaching others to create, animals, and the color pink.

"I'm excited to help these students to create silly stuff. I'm even more excited to just be silly!"

Film & Video

Lily Tucker, Liaison

Los Angeles, California

Lily Tucker is a narrative fiction and experimental filmmaker from Oklahoma City. She received her B.F.A. in Film Production from Oklahoma City University in 2024 right after creating the Okie Women Film Festival. Lily is currently pursuing her M.F.A. in Film and Television Production from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.

"Watching students fall in love with film is the most rewarding part of this job and I am so excited to see what creativity, vulnerability, and passion the students bring to their films this year."

General Operations and Office

Juliana Hing, Store Assistant

Edmond, Oklahoma

Juliana Hing is a second-year middle school art teacher based in Edmond, Oklahoma. She collects cute stickers, loves fruit-flavored treats, and her favorite art mediums are paper mache and ceramics. When she is not working as a counselor, she spends a lot of time crocheting and decorating her classroom.

"I am looking forward to seeing the creativity of Oklahoma's most talented high school artists, and being back in the beautiful scenery of Quartz Mountain!"

Danner McGarrah, Office & Operations & Front of House Assistant

Inola, Oklahoma

Danner McGarrah is currently a senior at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma studying vocal music performance. He primarily studies musical theater but also loves to sing opera. When he is not working or going to class, Danner enjoys watching Grey's Anatomy and playing Minecraft! He is also OSAI chorus alumnus from 2022 and 2023.

"I am looking forward to creating an uplifting, supportive, and engaged environment at OSAI! I am thrilled to see all the smiling faces of those returning to the mountain and those seeing it for the first time!"

Kyle Shaw, Office & Operations Assistant & Performance Program Editor

Denver, Colorado

Once a dedicated orchestra student (OSAI '08-'10), Kyle has spent the last ten years exploring the world of a cappella and symphonic choral music. Outside of rehearsal, sometimes he teaches kids how to communicate, sometimes he plays piano, sometimes he walks dogs—but always, he is thinking about spoonerisms. He recently completed one (1) unassisted pull-up, which is significant for him and he should probably be excused from having to raise his arms above his head for the remainder of camp.

"I can't wait to see how much students learn from this year's Community Lab! Being pushed to actively participate in something outside of your own discipline is one of OSAI's best features."

Orchestra

Jake Diaz, Liaison

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Jake is a teacher and musician from Oklahoma City. He attended OSAI in 2018 and 2019 as a student in the Institute Chorus. Writing poetry and walking long distances have become his greatest interests in 2026.

"I’m most looking forward to hikes on the mountain and student performances!"

Cheldon Gatz, Percussion Liaison

Piedmont, Oklahoma

Cheldon Gatz is excited to serve as the Percussion Liaison for 2026. He was a member of the OSAI orchestra percussion in 2020 and 2021. He recently graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Percussion Performance and will be pursuing graduate studies in the future. When he is not practicing, he is cheering for the OKC Thunder, playing games, and working for his dad. Go Pokes and Thunder Up!

"I am thrilled to serve as the Percussion Liaison for the 50th OSAI! The Quartz Magic will be incredibly special for the anniversary and I can't wait to experience it with everyone!"

Lynslie Higgs, Liaison

Greensboro, North Carolina

Lynslie Higgs is a music educator from Greensboro, North Carolina and a fourth-year counselor at the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute. In 2023, she started her OSAI journey as a PR assistant, and in 2024, 2025, and 2026, she had the pleasure of working as an Orchestra Liaison. During the school year, Lynslie teaches music to kindergarten through fifth grade students, and she’s passionate about creating inclusive spaces where young artists feel supported and inspired. Outside of school, she's an avid reality TV binge-watcher, has been (trying to) learn how to knit, enjoys sitting on the porch with her friends, and loves to be Penelope's cat mom.

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

Sydney McLeary, Liaison

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Sydney McLeary is an OSAI orchestra alum from 2020-2022. She is a recent graduate from Oklahoma City University, majoring in Instrumental Music Education. While not at OSAI she is a teacher, a violinist, an avid binge watcher, reads with her cat, Coda, and loves spending time with friends and family!

"I am so excited to be returning to OSAI this year, specially for the 50th anniversary! Every year spent at OSAI is a life changing experience, and I can not wait to see what this year holds!"

Photography

Jenna Dooling, Liaison

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Jenna is a Tulsa-based photographer and artist who attended OSAI in 2019 and 2020, where she strengthened her artistic passion that continues to influence her creative path even today. She has previously served twice as the photography liaison and is excited to return for OSAI’s 50th year. Outside of photography, Jenna studies nursing at TCC, loves to work in her garden, and enjoys experimenting with mixed media art. She is very happy to return to the place that always feels like home, and to support young artists on their creative journey.

"I'm looking forward to being back at the beautiful park surrounded by so many diverse artistic perspectives! I'm also looking forward to the evening faculty presentations because they're my favorite!"

Public Relations

Julieann Coraccio, Photography Assistant

Atlanta, Georgia

Julieann Coraccio is a film production major with a photography minor at Oklahoma City University and will be graduating in 2027! She enjoys all things art, including photography, painting, filmmaking, hip hop dancing, violin-playing, and even theatre! A few fun facts about her are that she has an Associate in Arts degree, her favorite color is purple, and this is her first year at OSAI!

"I am extremely excited I get to provide my talents in support of this wonderful program and getting to support the students!"

Annelise Eggen-McElmurry, Digital Communications Assistant

Troy, New York

Annelise Eggen-McElmurry just completed her fourth year of her undergraduate degree in the Bachelor of Architecture program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. She attended OSAI for dance from 2019-2022, and her favorite memory was performing a surprise dance performance with the chorus her first year. While in school, she currently works as a photographer for RPI's School of Architecture Publications Department and recently interned with the City of Chicago's Department of Planning and Development. Besides architecture, she enjoys traveling, reading, thrifting, and eating her way through new cities.

"As a place that has meant so much for me personally and professionally, I'm extremely excited to be back at Quartz Mountain to meet a new generation of talented students! I look forward to seeing how influential the OSAI experience is for each student."

Site/Stage Crew

Mason Alldredge, Site & Stage Crew

Chickasha, Oklahoma

Mason Alldredge is a collaborative pianist, organist, and baritone based in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Mason is a voice and piano performance major at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. He works as a church organist and collaborative pianist and loves the chance to make music with others. When not behind the keys, Mason loves to run and hike.

"Attending OSAI changed my life, so I am very eager for the opportunity to change the lives of the students attending this summer!"

Jacob Duhon, Site & Stage Crew

Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Jacob is a senior instrumental music education major at the University of Oklahoma. His primary instrument is bassoon, but he marches the baritone with the Pride of Oklahoma. He attended OSAI in 2023 as a bassoonist. Outside of music, he enjoys spending time with friends, reading, or listening to new music!

"I am looking forward to getting to come back and reconnect with OSAI!"

Aztrid Moan, Site & Stage Crew

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Aztrid lives and works in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where she practices as a multidimensional artist exploring a range of creative mediums. Outside of her art, she enjoys reading comics, listening to music, and riding bikes, all of which influence her imaginative and expressive approach to her work.

"I’m excited to work at OSAI this summer because it’s a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience and learn from a team that’s doing meaningful, innovative work. I’m also looking forward to developing my skills, contributing to real projects, and growing both professionally and personally in a supportive environment."

Audrey Morales, Site & Stage Crew

Owasso, Oklahoma

Audrey recently graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Industry. She worked 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, marching band/drum corps, 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."

Danny Valdez, Community Lab Liaison & Front of House Assistant

Norman, Oklahoma

Danny Valdez has always had a passion for the performing arts. He attended OSAI in 2012 for choral music, and has been back the last five years as a counselor. During the school year, he works as an elementary music teacher in Norman Public Schools. When he's not teaching or performing, Danny loves to play board games and Dungeons and Dragons with family and friends.

"I am most excited to connect with people from a variety of cultures, and experience artistic excellence from those backgrounds. It's always fun to connect with young artists and see their passion and artistry become more refined."

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